This UK income percentile calculator shows how your earnings compare to others across the country. Enter your gross (pre-tax) salary to instantly see your income percentile, based on the latest official ONS data.
What Is an Income Percentile?
An income percentile is a way to see how your earnings stack up against everyone else in the country. It tells you the percentage of people who earn less than you do. For example, if you’re in the 80th percentile, you earn more than 80% of people in the UK, and only 20% earn more than you.
Percentiles are a useful tool for:
- Understanding your financial position relative to others
- Setting realistic salary or savings goals
- Benchmarking your progress as your career develops
Example: How Percentiles Work
Suppose the 50th percentile (the median) income is £34,000. If you earn £40,000, you might be in the 65th percentile—meaning you earn more than 65% of people. If you earn £100,000, you’re in the top 4% of earners (the 96th percentile).
Percentiles can also be broken down by age, region, or occupation, giving you even more context for your earnings. This helps you see whether you’re ahead, behind, or right on track for your circumstances.
Knowing your income percentile can be empowering. It gives you a clearer picture of where you stand, helps you negotiate pay, and can motivate you to reach the next milestone.
What Does It Take to Be in the Top 1%?
Reaching the top 1% is a significant milestone and places you among the highest earners in the country. It’s important to remember that these figures represent gross income before tax and do not account for regional cost-of-living differences or personal circumstances. While the top 1% threshold is high, many people use these benchmarks as motivation for career growth, financial planning, or simply to understand the broader landscape of income distribution in the UK.
- To join the top 1% of earners in the UK, you need a pre-tax annual income of at least £199,000.
- The threshold for the top 2% is £137,000.
- Earning a six-figure salary (£100,000+) puts you in the top 4% of earners.
- To reach the top 5%, you need to make £87,400 or more per year (pre-tax).
Median Income by Age in the UK
Income in the UK changes significantly as people move through different stages of their careers. Younger workers often start with lower salaries as they gain experience, while earnings typically peak in the 40s and 50s before tapering off as people approach retirement. These figures represent the median—meaning half of people in each age group earn more, and half earn less.
Understanding how your income compares to others in your age group can help you set realistic expectations and goals. It’s also useful for identifying whether you’re ahead, behind, or right on track for your career stage.
Here’s what the average person earns in each age group (median values):
| Age | Median Annual Salary | Weekly Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 18-21 | £24,440 | £470 |
| 22-29 | £32,292 | £621 |
| 30-39 | £39,988 | £769 |
| 40-49 | £42,796 | £823 |
| 50-59 | £40,456 | £778 |
| 60+ | £36,036 | £693 |
As you can see, salaries tend to rise quickly in the early years of a career, level off in midlife, and may decrease slightly as people transition to part-time work or retirement. Factors like education, industry, and location can also have a big impact on earnings at every age.
Source: ONS Annual Survey
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your gross (pre-tax) annual salary.
- Instantly see your income percentile and how you compare to the rest of the UK.
- Use the results to benchmark your earnings, negotiate pay, or set financial goals.
Why Use an Income Percentile Calculator?
Knowing your income percentile can be eye-opening. It gives you a clearer sense of your financial standing, not just in isolation but compared to the wider population. Whether you’re curious about how your salary stacks up, preparing for a pay review, or planning your next career move, understanding your percentile can help you make more informed decisions.
- Self-awareness: Understand where you stand financially.
- Salary negotiation: Use percentile data to support your case for a raise.
- Goal setting: Set realistic targets for career and income growth.
- Financial planning: See how your income compares to others in your age group or region.
UK Income Distribution: Key Facts
Understanding the bigger picture of income distribution in the UK can help put your own earnings in context. The figures below highlight just how wide the range of salaries is across the country, and how factors like region, occupation, and gender can play a role. These key facts offer a snapshot of the current landscape and can help you see where you fit in.
- The median full-time salary in the UK is around £34,000 (as of 2024).
- The top 10% of earners make over £62,000 per year.
- The bottom 10% earn less than £18,000 per year.
- Income inequality exists, with significant differences by region, gender, and occupation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this calculator based on the latest data?
Yes, it uses the most recent ONS (Office for National Statistics) data available.
Does it include bonuses or just base salary?
It’s best to enter your total gross income, including bonuses and commissions, for the most accurate comparison.
Is my data private?
Absolutely. The calculator does not store or share your information.
How does income vary by region?
London and the South East tend to have higher average incomes, while other regions may be lower. For a more detailed breakdown, see the ONS regional income statistics.
Related Tools & Resources
Ready to see where you stand? Enter your salary above and discover your UK income percentile now!