Average Salary in London 2026

Overview

London is the UK's financial and economic capital, offering the highest salaries of any UK city but also the highest cost of living.

The median salary in London is £52,800 per year. With a cost of living index of 100/100 (London = 100) and average rents of £2,100/month, residents typically retain £28,400 per year in real spending power after rent — an important figure that headline salaries don't reveal.

Cost of Living: London vs UK Cities

Cost of living index where London = 100. Lower score = more affordable. London is highlighted.

Best Paying Jobs in London

Job Title	Avg in London	UK Average
Chief Executive Officer	£350,000	£180,000
Chief Technology Officer	£340,000	£170,000
Chief Financial Officer	£320,000	£160,000
Chief Operating Officer	£300,000	£155,000
Chief Marketing Officer	£280,000	£145,000
Managing Director	£250,000	£125,000
Chief Financial Officer	£200,000	£145,000
Private Equity Analyst	£160,000	£85,000

London Job Market at a Glance

Median Annual Salary	£52,800
Cost of Living Index	100/100
Average Rent (1 bed)	£2,100/mo
Real Take-Home After Rent	£28,400/yr
Unemployment Rate	3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)	↑ 4.2%
Population	9.5 million

Top Industries in London

Major Employers in London

Compare London with Other Cities

Data Sources