Whether you’re planning your next career move, entering the job market for the first time, or reassessing your value in your current role, one question consistently comes up: what should you be earning? Understanding the average UK salary 2026 by profession is key to setting realistic expectations and approaching salary discussions with confidence.
As the UK job market continues to evolve, knowing the typical pay for your role puts you in a stronger negotiating position. It allows you to benchmark your skills accurately, prepare for employer conversations, and avoid undervaluing yourself or pricing yourself out of opportunities.
To help guide your decisions, we’ve compiled the latest average UK salary 2026 data for full-time roles, using trusted sources such as payscale.com. While salaries can vary depending on location, experience, and employer, this guide provides a useful benchmark to help you plan your next career step with confidence.
Accountancy offers clear salary progression as experience grows. An entry-level accountant with less than one year of experience earns an average total compensation of £24,700, including salary, bonuses, and profit-sharing. This increases to around £29,800 after 1–4 years and £34,000 for professionals with 5–9 years’ experience. Accountants with over 10 years in the field earn an average of £42,500.
Location plays a significant role in earnings, with accountants based in London earning approximately 33% more than the national average, highlighting the impact of regional demand on the average UK salary 2026 figures.
Office Administrators in the UK earn an average annual salary of £22,100. Salary growth within the role is relatively limited, with even experienced administrators typically earning around £23,000.
However, progressing into an Office Manager position can significantly improve earning potential. Office Managers earn an average salary of £29,200, with total compensation — including bonuses and profit-sharing — ranging from £21,000 to £39,000 annually.
Marketing salaries tend to rise steadily with responsibility. Marketing Coordinators earn an average salary of £25,100, while progression to a Marketing Executive role brings a modest increase to £26,000.
A more substantial jump is seen at management level. Marketing Managers earn an average salary of £38,600, with total annual compensation ranging from £27,000 to £60,000 when bonuses or profit-sharing are included. These figures reflect the broad earning potential within marketing roles in the average UK salary 2026 landscape.
Buyers in the UK earn an average salary of £31,000, with top earners reaching up to £45,000 depending on experience and responsibility. Purchasing Managers command higher pay, with an average salary of £37,000.
In addition to base pay, Purchasing Managers may receive bonuses or profit-sharing of up to £10,000, which can significantly increase total earnings and place the role above the overall average UK salary 2026 benchmark.
Sales roles continue to offer strong earning potential, particularly for professionals who perform well against targets. The average base salary in sales is £28,000, increasing with experience and seniority.
One of the main advantages of sales careers is commission, with UK sales professionals reportedly earning up to £19,000 per year in additional commission. Area Sales Managers earn an average salary of £38,900 in 2026, with total pay — including bonuses — ranging from £28,000 to £66,000.
At the top end, Sales Directors earn an average salary of £70,000. High-performing professionals can earn up to £108,000, plus commission that can reach £40,000, making sales one of the highest-earning sectors compared to the average UK salary 2026.
Warehouse Managers earn an average annual salary of £29,800 in the UK for 2026. Salaries typically range between £23,000 and £42,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the operation.
Accounts: Salaries range from £24,700 at entry level to £42,500 with over 10 years’ experience, with London salaries around 33% higher than average.
Administration: Office Administrators earn around £22,100, while Office Managers average £29,200 with scope for bonuses.
Marketing: Salaries start at £25,100 for Coordinators and rise to £38,600 for Marketing Managers, with total pay reaching £60,000.
Purchasing / Buyer: Buyers earn an average of £31,000, while Purchasing Managers average £37,000 plus bonuses of up to £10,000.
Sales: Average base salaries start at £28,000, with senior roles such as Sales Director earning £70,000+ plus high commission potential.
Warehouse: Warehouse Managers earn an average of £29,800, with salaries ranging from £23,000 to £42,000.
Statistics from Payscale.com and correct as of 9th February 2026
For more general UK salary figures you can also take a look at office for national statistics data.
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