Average Salary in Wales (2025-2026)
The average annual salary in Wales is £33,000 as of 2025-2026, which is lower than the United Kingdom national average of £37,000 by 11%.
Quick Answer
The average annual salary in Wales is £33,000 as of 2025-2026. The median household income is £35,000. With a cost of living index of 85, salaries in Wales are lower than the national average by 11%.
Key Takeaways
- The average salary in Wales is £33,000 per year, 11% lower than the United Kingdom average.
- The median household income in Wales is £35,000.
- After adjusting for cost of living (index: 85), the purchasing power of a £33,000 salary in Wales is equivalent to approximately £38,824 nationally.
- Wales has 20%–45% (progressive via paye) income tax.
- The minimum wage in Wales is £11.44 per hour.
Salary Data Overview
| Metric | Wales | United Kingdom Average |
|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | £33,000 | £37,000 |
| Median Household Income | £35,000 | £44,400 |
| National Average Salary (United Kingdom) | £37,000 | - |
| Minimum Wage | £11.44/hour | - |
| Income Tax | 20%–45% (progressive via PAYE) | - |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 (United Kingdom avg: 100) | 100 |
Source: Office for National Statistics, Welsh Government (2025)
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Wales
Use our free salary calculator to estimate your after-tax income in Wales, accounting for federal and state taxes.
Open Wales Salary CalculatorAverage Salary Overview for Wales
As of 2025-2026, the average annual salary in Wales stands at £33,000, based on data from official statistics authorities in United Kingdom. The median household income, which represents the midpoint of all household incomes, is £35,000.
When evaluating salaries in Wales, it is important to consider the region's cost of living index of 85. The purchasing power of a £33,000 salary in Wales is roughly equivalent to £38,824 in an average-cost area of United Kingdom.
Wales Salary vs. National Average
The national average salary in United Kingdom is approximately £37,000 per year. Wales's average salary of £33,000 is 11% lower than the national figure.
Major employment sectors in Wales influence overall compensation levels. Key industries driving the local economy affect both wage levels and job availability across the region.
Tax Impact on Wales Salaries
The applicable tax system in United Kingdom for this region is: 20%–45% (progressive via PAYE).
Use our free salary calculator to estimate your exact take-home pay in Wales after all applicable taxes and deductions.
Cost of Living Considerations in Wales
With a cost of living index of 85, Wales is less expensive than the United Kingdom national average.
At the average salary of £33,000, your effective purchasing power in Wales is approximately £38,824 relative to national average costs.
Key cost factors include housing, transportation, utilities, food, and healthcare. When evaluating a job offer or considering relocation to Wales, it is essential to consider both the salary and the local cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in Wales?
The average annual salary in Wales is £33,000 as of 2025-2026.
How does Wales's average salary compare to the United Kingdom average?
Wales's average salary of £33,000 is 11% lower than the United Kingdom national average of £37,000.
What is the minimum wage in Wales?
The minimum wage in Wales is £11.44 per hour, as set by United Kingdom regulations.
What is the cost of living in Wales?
The cost of living index in Wales is 85, where 100 represents the United Kingdom average.
How much is £33,000 after taxes in Wales?
The exact take-home amount depends on filing status, deductions, and credits. Use our salary calculator to get an accurate estimate.
Sources
- Official statistics authority, United Kingdom
- Revenue/Tax authority, United Kingdom
- United Kingdom economic research data
Last updated: June 2026