What are the highest and lowest-paid jobs in the UK in 2022?
What are the highest and lowest paid jobs in the UK in 2022?
Introduction.
Following on from the success of our earlier article ‘What are the highest and lowest-paid jobs in the UK?’, we thought it would be interesting to release a new article each year once the latest figures are available from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Where does this data come from?
Every year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) carries out an Annual Survey for Hours and Earnings (ASHE) and the data is published online. The survey is carried out in April and the results/data is released in October that year.
In this article, the survey was carried out in April 2021 and the data was released in October 2021.
Why is the median average used as the main measure of earnings?
There are several methods of calculating an average and the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) focus on the median average, which means the data value at which 50% of data values are above it and 50% of data values are below it. The median value is used because the distribution of earnings is skewed, with more people earning lower salaries than higher salaries.
The mean average is not used as it is highly influenced by the values at the upper end of the distribution and therefore may not be truly representative of the average earnings of a typical person. By taking the middle value of the data after sorting in ascending order, the median avoids this issue and is consequently considered a better indicator of “typical” average earnings.
It boils down to the median average being a more accurate reflection of true average earnings, where the mean average would not be.
Why is this article titled ‘the highest and lowest paid jobs in 2022 when the data is from 2021’?
The very latest data available is from 2021 and, as it is released at the end of the year, it makes sense to carry this data forward into the current year to ensure that it is showcased as being up to date.
What are the highest-paid jobs in the UK in 2022?
By downloading this data we can see that the highest paid job in the UK is a Chief Executive or Senior Official, with median earnings of £90,000. Later on, you will find an interactive chart that shows all roles in the survey and the median earnings.
Chief executives and senior officials: £90,000
Legal professionals: £76,522
Marketing and sales directors: £75,631
Brokers: £66,813
Advertising and public relations directors: £64,641
Medical practitioners: £64,504
Financial managers and directors: £64,384
Information technology and telecommunications directors: £63,810
Senior professionals of educational establishments: £59,841
Train and tram drivers: £59,198
What are the lowest-paid jobs in the UK in 2022?
By downloading this data we can see that the lowest paid job in the UK is a Playworker, with median earnings of £14,345. Later on, you will find an interactive chart that shows all roles in the survey and the median earnings.
Playworkers: £14,345
Beauticians and related occupations: £15,210
Hairdressers and barbers: £15,405
Bar staff: £15,896
Waiters and waitresses: £16,146
Leisure and theme park attendants: £16,194
Kitchen and catering assistants: £16,254
Smiths and forge workers: £16,519
Educational support assistants: £16,721
Launderers, dry cleaners and pressers: £17,295
Interactive jobs and earnings chart.
The interactive chart below allows you to compare earnings across occupations, in terms of annual pay. You can see what the median annual earnings are for any occupation by searching for an occupation from the drop-down list or hovering over one of the dots.
Annual full-time gross pay by occupation.
Which part of the UK has the highest salaries?
By downloading this data we can see that the part of the UK with the highest salary is the City of London, where the median gross weekly earnings are £1,137. Later on, you will find an interactive chart that shows all areas of the UK and the median weekly earnings.
City of London: £1,137.70
Copeland: £943.30
Tower Hamlets: £923.60
Westminster: £851.40
Islington: £824.00
Southwark: £819.10
Runnymede: £802.10
Hammersmith and Fulham: £789.70
Ribble Valley: £784.90
Camden: £781.60
Which part of the UK has the lowest salaries?
By downloading this data we can see that the part of the UK with the lowest salary is South Tyneside, where the median gross weekly earnings are £450.40. Later on, you will find an interactive chart that shows all areas of the UK and the median weekly earnings.
South Tyneside: £450.40
Melton: £454.90
Fenland £463.30
West Devon: £464.70
Burnley: £466.70
Oadby and Wigston: £477.90
Middlesbrough: £484.10
Torridge: £485.70
Wyre: £489.80
East Lindsey: £491.00
Interactive UK median average weekly earnings map.
The interactive chart below allows you to compare median weekly earnings across the UK. You can see what the median weekly earnings are for any area of the UK by searching for an area, selecting from the drop-down list or clicking on the map.
Median gross weekly earnings for full-time employees for all local authorities by place of work.
What’s next?
If you enjoyed this article, you may wish to find out how much you need in your pension pot to retire. Alternatively, if you are looking to increase your income, our article on how a side-hustle could change your life may be of interest.
Wherever you are in the UK, we invite you to book a free initial consultation with one of our experienced financial advisers. Whether you’re concerned about the economic outlook, managing your investments, planning for retirement, or better understanding pensions, we provide expert advice tailored to your needs. Based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, we proudly serve clients nationwide.
Locally, we serve clients across Kent, including Ashford, Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge. In East Sussex, we have clients in Bexhill, Crowborough, Eastbourne, Hastings, Heathfield and Uckfield.
Don't forget, this article offers general financial information and should not be taken as personal advice. Remember that investments and pensions can go up and down in value, so you could get back less than you put in. Tax rules can change and will depend on your individual circumstances.