How Does Your Income Compare?
Most people have a rough sense of whether their salary is “good” or “average,” but few know exactly where they sit in the UK income distribution. Our income percentile calculator gives you a clear answer — enter your annual income and instantly see what percentage of the UK population earns less than you.
Understanding your income percentile can help with salary negotiations, financial planning, and putting your earnings into context against the wider UK population.
UK Income at a Glance
According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS):
- Median gross annual salary (full-time employees): approximately £35,000
- Mean gross annual salary (full-time employees): approximately £42,000
- Median household disposable income: approximately £33,000
The mean is significantly higher than the median because a relatively small number of very high earners pull the average upward. The median is generally considered the more useful measure of what a “typical” earner takes home.
UK Income Percentile Table
The following table shows approximate gross annual salary thresholds for selected income percentiles among full-time UK employees:
| Percentile | Approximate Gross Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | £21,000 |
| 20th | £24,500 |
| 25th | £26,500 |
| 30th | £28,000 |
| 40th | £31,000 |
| 50th (Median) | £35,000 |
| 60th | £39,000 |
| 70th | £44,500 |
| 75th | £48,000 |
| 80th | £53,000 |
| 90th | £70,000 |
| 95th | £92,000 |
| 99th | £200,000+ |
Figures are approximate and based on the latest available ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings data. Individual results may vary by region, sector, and employment type.
How Percentiles Work
Income percentiles divide the UK earning population into 100 equal groups. If your income places you at the 60th percentile, you earn more than 60% of the population and less than 40%. The key thresholds to note:
- 25th percentile — lower quartile. One in four earners earns less than this.
- 50th percentile — the median. Half the population earns more, half earns less.
- 75th percentile — upper quartile. Only one in four earners earns more.
- 90th percentile and above — the top 10% of earners.
Before Tax vs After Tax
Your gross salary and your take-home pay tell quite different stories. UK income tax, National Insurance contributions, student loan repayments, and pension contributions all reduce your gross income before it reaches your bank account.
For example, a gross salary of £50,000 results in approximate take-home pay of around £37,500 (depending on pension contributions and student loan status). Understanding both your gross and net income is important for making meaningful comparisons.
Regional Variations
Income distribution varies significantly across the UK:
- London and the South East have the highest median salaries, with London’s median approximately 25–30% above the national figure.
- Wales, the North East, and Northern Ireland tend to have lower median earnings.
- Scotland sits close to the national median.
Regional cost of living also plays a significant role. A salary in the 60th percentile nationally may stretch much further in the North of England than in central London.
What Affects Your Income Percentile
Several factors influence where you sit in the distribution:
- Industry and sector — finance, technology, and professional services typically pay above the median; hospitality, retail, and care work tend to sit below
- Experience and qualifications — earnings generally increase with years of experience and higher-level qualifications
- Location — as noted, London salaries are considerably higher on average
- Employment type — full-time employees typically earn more than part-time workers in absolute terms
- Age — earnings tend to peak between ages 40 and 55
Using Your Percentile Wisely
Knowing your income percentile is useful context, but avoid making it a source of anxiety. A few practical uses:
- Salary negotiations — understanding your market position strengthens your case when asking for a raise.
- Financial planning — knowing where you sit helps you set realistic savings and investment targets. Our ISA calculator can show how regular saving grows over time.
- Mortgage applications — lenders assess affordability based on your income. Our mortgage affordability calculator helps you estimate what you could borrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common income percentile questions are provided in the FAQ section above. For the most current income statistics, visit the ONS website.