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Average Salary in Scotland 2024

How much money does a person working in Scotland make?


Average Yearly Salary
99,900 GBP
( 8,330 GBP monthly)

LOW
25,200
GBP
AVERAGE
99,900
GBP
HIGH
445,000
GBP
All salary figures displayed here are per year except when noted otherwise.
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

A person working in Scotland typically earns around 99,900 GBP. Salaries range from 25,200 GBP (lowest average) to 445,000 GBP (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).


Salary Variance

This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries in Scotland vary drastically between different careers. If you are interested in the salary of a particular job, see below for salaries for specific job titles.



Pay Scale and Salaries in Scotland

Median and salary distribution Scotland yearly
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Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison

5% of people earn
191,000 GBP or more
10% of people earn
149,000 to 191,000 GBP
20% of people earn
58,200 GBP or less
65% of people earn
58,200 to 149,000 GBP
Minimum Salary
25,200 GBP
Median
87,800 GBP
Maximum
445,000 GBP




Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range

All salary figures displayed here are per year except when noted otherwise.
  • Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary

    Salaries in Scotland range from 25,200 GBP (starting salary) to 445,000 GBP (maximum average salary, actual maximum is higher). This is not the minimum wage as per the law, only the lowest reported number in the salary survey that had thousands of participants and professionals from all over the country.

  • Median Salary

    The median salary is 87,800 GBP, which means that 50% of the population in Scotland earns less than that while the other half earns more. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.

  • Percentiles and Salary Scale

    Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of the population in Scotland earn less than 63,400 GBP while 75% of them earn more. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population earn less than 133,000 GBP while 25% earn more than that.

  • Pay Scale Structure

    We grouped the most common and recurring salaries into brackets to give more insight into what salary to expect. This method is more accurate than just the average salary and gives more insights into how salaries are actually distributed in Scotland. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 58,200 GBP to 149,000 GBP. Approximately 20% fall under the 58,200 GBP cap. Ten percent of wages are from 149,000 GBP to 191,000 GBP. Only 5% of people grossed 191,000 GBP or more.

Salary Comparison by Years of Experience

How does a person's salary progress over time?

Salary Comparison By Experience Level
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Salary is primarily determined by the level of experience one possesses, with higher levels of experience resulting in higher wages.

In Scotland, employees with two to five years of experience typically earn an average of 32% more than entry-level and junior workers in all industries and fields.

Individuals with more than five years of experience tend to earn an average of 36% more than those with less than five years of experience.

After ten years of work, salaries increase by 21%, with an additional 14% increase for those who have worked for over 15 years.

These figures should be used as rough estimates, as considering individual job titles can lead to more accurate assessments.


Change in salary based on experience varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of many different jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.
On average, a person's salary doubles their starting salary by the time they cross the 10 years* experience mark.
* Based on the average change in salary over time. Salary variations differ from person to person.

Salary Comparison By Education

How does the education level affect your salary?

Salary Comparison By Education
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Change in salary based on education varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of multiple jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.

The correlation between higher education and higher salary is widely acknowledged, but how much of an income increase can one expect from obtaining a degree?

We conducted a study in Scotland comparing the salaries of professionals with different levels of college degrees who held similar positions in various industries.

Our results showed that individuals with a certificate or diploma earned an average of 17% more than those who only completed high school.

Those who obtained a Bachelor's Degree earned 24% more than their counterparts with a certificate or diploma.

Professionals with a Master's Degree earned 29% more than those with a Bachelor's Degree.

Finally, those who held a PhD earned an average of 23% more than those with a Master's Degree while performing the same job.


Is investing in a Master's degree or an MBA worth it? Is pursuing higher education worth the investment?

Earning a Master's degree or any post-graduate qualification in United Kingdom is a substantial financial commitment, with tuition fees ranging from 29,700 GBP to 89,100 GBP and a duration of around two years. It's important to note that during this period, any salary increases are unlikely, assuming ongoing employment. Salary reviews are typically conducted after completing the program and obtaining the degree.

Many individuals pursue advanced education as a means of transitioning to higher-paying positions, and the statistics indicate that this is an effective strategy. On average, individuals who change jobs after earning a higher degree receive a salary increase of about 10% more than the typical annual raise.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to pursue advanced education depends on a variety of factors, including the personal situation and experience. However, if one can afford the financial costs of obtaining a higher degree, the return on investment is likely to be worthwhile, with the ability to recoup the costs in approximately a year.



Salary and Compensation Comparison By Gender / Scotland

Salary comparison by gender United Kingdom yearly
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Though gender should not have an effect on pay, in reality, it does. So who gets paid more: men or women? In United Kingdom, the average difference between the salary of male and female employees is 4% across all career fields.

Male
72,900 GBP
Female-4%
69,700 GBP
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value


Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Scotland

How much are annual salary increments in Scotland? How often do employees get salary raises?

United Kingdom

Employees in United Kingdom are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 9% every 15 months.

Annual Salary Increment Rate United Kingdom
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The figures provided here are averages of numbers. Those figures should be taken as general guidelines. Salary increments will vary from person to person and depend on many factors, but your performance and contribution to the success of the organization remain the most important factors in determining how much and how often you will be granted a raise.

The term Annual Salary Increase usually refers to the increase in 12 calendar month period, but because it is rare that people get their salaries reviewed exactly on the one-year mark, it is more meaningful to know the frequency and the rate at the time of the increase.

How to calculate the salary increment percentage?

The annual salary Increase in a calendar year (12 months) can be easily calculated as follows: Annual Salary Increase = Increase Rate x 12 / Increase Frequency

The average salary increase in one year (12 months) in United Kingdom is 7%.

Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs

World Average Annual Salary Increment
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Salary Packages and Schemes

Not all compensation increases are reflected directly in the salary. Some companies offer upgraded packages to their staff instead of cash money. The figures displayed here account only for direct increments to the base salary.



Bonus and Incentive Rates in United Kingdom

How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?Annual Salary Bonus Rate United Kingdom
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100% of surveyed staff in United Kingdom reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while % said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.

Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from % to % of their annual salary.

Received Bonus
%
No Bonus
100%

Types of Bonuses Considered

Individual Performance-Based Bonuses

The most standard form of bonus, where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.

Company Performance Bonuses

Occasionally, some companies like to celebrate excess earnings and profits with their staff collectively in the form of bonuses that are granted to everyone. The amount of the bonus will probably be different from person to person depending on their role within the organization.

Goal-Based Bonuses

Granted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.

Holiday / End of Year Bonuses

These types of bonuses are given without a reason and usually resemble an appreciation token.

Bonuses Are Not Commissions!

People tend to confuse bonuses with commissions. A commission is a prefixed rate at which someone gets paid for items sold or deals completed while a bonus is in most cases arbitrary and unplanned.


Bonus Rates Comparison by Career Field

Finance
High
Architecture
High
Sales
High
Business Development
High
Marketing / Advertising
High
Information Technology
Moderate
Healthcare
Moderate
Insurance
Moderate
Customer Service
Moderate
Human Resources
Moderate
Construction
Low
Transport
Low
Hospitality
Low

What makes a position worthy of good bonuses and a high salary?

The main two types of jobs

Revenue GeneratorsSupporting Cast

Employees that are directly involved in generating revenue or profit for the organization. Their field of expertise usually matches the type of business.

Employees that support and facilitate the work of revenue generators. Their expertise is usually different from that of the core business operations.

Example:
A graphics designer working for a graphics designing company.

Example:
A graphic designer in the marketing department of a hospital.


Revenue generators usually get more and higher bonuses, higher salaries, and more frequent salary increments. The reason is quite simple: it is easier to quantify your value to the company in monetary terms when you participate in revenue generation.

Try to work for companies where your skills can generate revenue. We can't all generate revenue and that's perfectly fine.

Bonus Comparison by Seniority Level

Top management personnel and senior employees naturally exhibit higher bonus rates and frequencies than juniors. This is very predictable due to the inherent responsibilities of being higher in the hierarchy. People in top positions can easily get double or triple bonus rates than employees down the pyramid.

Salaries for popular jobs. Salaries by occupations.

Job TitleAverage Salary
Accounting and Finance
Accountant68,900 GBP
Accounting Assistant55,500 GBP
Accounting Manager148,000 GBP
Bookkeeper46,400 GBP
Chartered Accountant88,000 GBP
Corporate Treasurer139,000 GBP
Financial Analyst134,000 GBP
Financial Manager192,000 GBP
Internal Auditor98,100 GBP

Administration / Reception / Secretarial
Administrative Assistant55,000 GBP
Office Manager90,300 GBP
Receptionist49,400 GBP
Secretary43,100 GBP

Advertising / Graphic Design / Events
Art Director101,000 GBP
Creative Director102,000 GBP
Graphic Designer61,600 GBP
Photographer57,600 GBP

Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense
Aerospace Engineer130,000 GBP
Air Traffic Controller115,000 GBP
Flight Attendant69,600 GBP
Pilot165,000 GBP

Architecture
Architect125,000 GBP
CAD Drafter48,800 GBP

Automotive
Mechanic38,600 GBP
Service Advisor68,200 GBP

Banking
Bank Branch Manager174,000 GBP
Teller38,900 GBP

Bilingual
Teacher79,900 GBP
Translator88,000 GBP

Business Planning
Business Analyst123,000 GBP
Business Development Manager162,000 GBP
Project Manager122,000 GBP

Care Giving and Child Care
Nanny40,200 GBP
Nursery Teacher38,200 GBP

Construction / Building / Installation
Civil Engineer90,000 GBP
Construction Project Manager170,000 GBP
Health and Safety Officer43,100 GBP

Customer Service and Call Center
Call Center Representative38,200 GBP
Customer Service Manager133,000 GBP
Customer Service Representative38,200 GBP

Engineering
Civil Engineer95,000 GBP
Electrical Engineer100,000 GBP
Engineer92,600 GBP
Mechanical Engineer98,100 GBP

Executive and Management
Chief Executive Officer231,000 GBP
Chief Financial Officer215,000 GBP
General Manager173,000 GBP
Project Manager117,000 GBP

Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering
Chef59,600 GBP
Executive Chef73,300 GBP
Hotel Manager181,000 GBP
Receptionist39,300 GBP
Travel Agent65,400 GBP
Waiter / Waitress30,500 GBP

Health and Medical
Dentist232,000 GBP
Dietitian195,000 GBP
Laboratory Technician77,900 GBP
Nurse78,600 GBP

Human Resources
Human Resources Manager148,000 GBP
Human Resources Officer60,500 GBP

Information Technology
Computer Technician78,400 GBP
Database Administrator104,000 GBP
Developer / Programmer102,000 GBP
Information Technology Manager165,000 GBP
Network Engineer86,900 GBP

Law Enforcement / Security / Fire
Police Officer58,700 GBP

Legal
Attorney204,000 GBP
Legal Assistant51,300 GBP

Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment
Journalist116,000 GBP

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
Biomedical Engineer86,500 GBP
Pharmacist134,000 GBP

Sales Retail and Wholesale
Cashier38,600 GBP
Sales Manager169,000 GBP
Sales Representative65,500 GBP

Teaching / Education
Elementary School Teacher70,000 GBP
Secondary School Teacher85,200 GBP

Average Hourly Wage in Scotland


48 GBP per hour

The average hourly wage (pay per hour) for all employees in Scotland is 48 GBP.This is the rate that the average individual gets paid for every worked hour.


Hourly Wage = Annual Salary / ( 52 x 5 x 8 )

About The Hourly Pay Rate

The hourly wage is the salary paid in one worked hour. Usually, jobs are classified into two categories: salaried jobs and hourly jobs. Salaried jobs pay a fixed amount regardless of the hours worked. Hourly jobs pay per worked hour. To convert salary into hourly wage the above formula is used (assuming 5 working days in a week and 8 working hours per day which is the standard for most jobs). The hourly wage calculation may differ slightly depending on the worked hours per week and the annual vacation allowance. The figures mentioned above are good approximations and are considered to be the standard. One major difference between salaried employees and hourly paid employees is overtime eligibility. Salaried employees are usually exempt from overtime as opposed to hourly paid staff.

What is the minimum hourly rate of pay?

The minimum pay rate per hour for a person in Scotland is 12 GBP. This is the minimum as per the gathered data in the salary survey not the minimum hourly rate mandated by law.

Salary Comparison By City

CityAverage Salary
Aberdeen71,700 GBP
Dundee69,600 GBP
Edinburgh77,400 GBP
Glasgow79,600 GBP
Inverness63,600 GBP
Kirkwall61,500 GBP
Stirling66,500 GBP
Stromness61,000 GBP
Strontian60,300 GBP

Government vs Private Sector Salary Comparison

Where can you get paid more, working in a private company or the government? The difference between the public or government sector salaries and the private sector salaries in United Kingdom is 4% on average across all career fields.

Private Sector
69,700 GBP
Public Sector+4%
72,800 GBP
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value

Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide

What is considered to be a good and competitive salary in Scotland?

It is extremely difficult to give an exact figure of a good salary when no specific job is selected, however; an estimate can be provided based purely on the cost of living. A good compensation in Scotland would range anywhere between 87,800 GBP and 133,000 GBP.

Gross Salary (before tax) and Net Salary (after tax)

All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

Base / Basic Salary

The base salary in Scotland ranges from 25,200 GBP to 63,400 GBP. The base salary depends on many factors including profession, experience, and education. It is not easy to provide a figure with very little information, so take this range with a grain of salt.


What is the difference between the median and the average salary?

Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people earn more than you and there is plenty of room for improvement. If your wage is between the average and the median, then things can be a bit complicated. We wrote a guide to explain all about the different scenarios. How to compare your salary


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