UK Regional Earnings Breakdown: How Does Your Salary Compare?

The UK’s workforce experiences significant pay disparities depending on location, with some regions earning substantially more than others. We analyze the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data to reveal where workers earn the most – and where wages are growing fastest.

The UK’s Earnings Landscape: Key Findings
London Leads With Substantial Pay Premium
Weekly average: £853 (~£44,356 annually)

Advantage over national average: £10,000+ per year

Key drivers: Financial sector dominance, high living costs, and prevalent “London weighting” salary supplements

According to ONS data, London’s earnings outpace all other regions by a wide margin, reflecting its status as a global financial hub. As noted by BBC Economics, this premium partially offsets the capital’s notoriously high housing costs.

South East England: The Commuter Belt Advantage
Weekly average: £779 (~£40,508 annually)

Proximity benefit: Easy access to London jobs while offering relatively lower living costs

Local economic strengths: Thriving cities like Oxford (tech) and Southampton (shipping)

East of England: The Rising Contender
Weekly average: £764 (~£39,728 annually)

Growth factors: Expanding tech corridors and improved transport links to London