The Average Salary in the UK for International Job Seekers in 2023

Salary is not a commonly discussed topic in the UK, as Brits like to keep it private. This means many people don’t know if they are earning above or below the average salary in the UK. For international job applicants, it is important to understand how much they will be earning to determine whether it is a sensible idea to move to the UK.

The average salary in the UK in 2023 is £31,772. This is an increase of 2.5% from the average salary in 2022. The average salary varies depending on the industry, occupation, and level of experience. For example, the average salary for a software engineer is £50,000, while the average salary for a nurse is £25,000.

Average Salary in Top Industries for International Job Applicants

The following table shows the average salary in the UK by industry:

Industry	Average Annual Salary
Financial services	£50,000
Information and communication	£45,000
Professional, scientific and technical services	£40,000
Education and health	£35,000
Administrative and support services	£30,000
Sales and customer service	£25,000

 

As you can see, the financial services industry has the highest average salary in the UK. This is due to the high demand for skilled workers in this industry. The information and communication industry also has a high average salary due to the growing demand for technology workers.

Average Salary in Popular Occupations for International Job Applicants

The following table shows the average salary in the UK by occupation:

Occupation	Average Annual Salary
Software engineer	£50,000
Nurse	£25,000
Teacher	£30,000
Sales representative	£25,000
Customer service representative	£20,000

 

As you can see, software engineers have the highest average salary in the UK. This is due to the high demand for skilled software engineers in the UK. Nurses also have a relatively high average salary compared to many other countries. However, there has been a debate in the UK about whether nurses are being underpaid despite the importance of their work and the shortage of nurses in the UK.

Salary Requirements for Skilled Worker or Health and Care Visa

In order to qualify for a Skilled Worker or Health and Care visa, you must meet certain salary requirements. The salary requirements vary depending on the occupation and level of experience. For example, the minimum salary requirement for a software engineer is £26,200, while the minimum salary requirement for a nurse is £20,960. How much you should be paid to be eligible for a visa is often determined by the going rate of that role. If the going rate for a senior engineer role is £60,000, but you will be paid £50,000, you will not meet the visa requirements. There are some exemptions to it based on the level and industry.

If you look at the visa-sponsored jobs posted on UK Visa Jobs, you will notice that all eligible roles meet the minimum requirement for visa sponsorship. Due to being a lower-paid occupation, many customer service roles do not offer visa sponsorship.

You can find more information about the salary requirements for Skilled Worker or Health and Care visas on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Additional Factors:

In addition to the average salary, there are a number of other factors that can affect your salary in the UK. These factors include your level of experience, your education, your skills, and the location of your job.

If you are a recent graduate, you can expect to earn a lower salary than someone with more experience. However, your salary is likely to increase as you gain more experience and develop your skills. The average graduate starting salary in the UK is £25,000 per year in 2023.

If you have a degree, you can expect to earn a higher salary than someone without a degree. This is because employers value the skills and knowledge that you have gained through your education.

If you have specific skills that are in demand, you can expect to earn a higher salary. This is because employers are willing to pay more for workers who have the skills they need.

The location of your job can also affect your salary. In general, salaries are higher in London and other major cities than in smaller towns and rural areas.

The average salary in the UK has been increasing steadily in recent years. This is due to a number of factors, including the strong economy and the growing demand for skilled workers. If you are considering moving to the UK, it is important to research the average salary in your industry and occupation. This will help you make an informed decision about your salary expectations. On UK Visa Jobs, we also provide salary references to most vacancies to help you set your expectations right.