Teacher Salaries in the UK: How Much Can You Earn in 2025?

If you’re considering a teaching career or looking to move up the pay scale, understanding teacher salaries in the UK is essential. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and type of school. In this guide, we’ll break down the latest teacher salary figures for 2025, so you know what to expect.

1. What Is the Starting Salary for Teachers in the UK?

For newly qualified teachers (NQTs), the starting salary depends on whether they work in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Here’s what new teachers can expect to earn in 2025:

Location	Starting Salary (2025)
England (excluding London)	£30,000 – £32,500
London (Inner)	£37,500 – £39,000
London (Outer)	£33,500 – £35,000
Wales	£30,000 – £32,000
Scotland	£33,500 – £35,500
Northern Ireland	£24,000 – £26,000

The UK government has aimed to increase teacher salaries, with England’s starting salary reaching £30,000+ to attract new talent into the profession.

2. Pay Progression: How Much Can Experienced Teachers Earn?

Teachers move up the Main Pay Scale (MPS) and then onto the Upper Pay Scale (UPS) with experience. The figures below reflect the average salary ranges in 2025:

Experience Level	England (Outside London)	Inner London	Wales	Scotland
1-3 years (M1-M3)	£30,000 – £36,500	£37,500 – £44,000	£30,000 – £35,000	£33,500 – £39,000
4-6 years (M4-M6)	£37,000 – £42,500	£45,000 – £51,500	£35,500 – £41,000	£39,000 – £45,000
Upper Pay Scale (UPS)	£44,000 – £50,000	£55,000 – £62,000	£41,500 – £47,500	£45,500 – £52,000

3. How Much Do Headteachers Earn in the UK?

For those moving into leadership roles, salaries increase significantly. Headteachers and senior leaders are paid based on their school size and location.

Leadership Role	England (Outside London)	Inner London	Wales	Scotland
Assistant Headteacher	£50,000 – £65,000	£58,000 – £75,000	£47,500 – £63,000	£51,000 – £68,000
Deputy Headteacher	£55,000 – £80,000	£65,000 – £95,000	£52,000 – £78,000	£57,000 – £85,000
Headteacher	£75,000 – £120,000	£85,000 – £150,000	£72,000 – £115,000	£80,000 – £135,000

Some executive headteachers in large academy trusts can earn well over £150,000 per year.

4. Regional Differences in Teacher Salaries

• London offers the highest salaries due to the increased cost of living.
• Scotland and Wales have slightly different pay scales, with Scotland generally offering higher salaries than Wales.
• Northern Ireland salaries tend to be lower, but living costs are also more affordable.

5. Additional Ways to Increase Your Salary

Aside from standard pay progression, teachers can increase their earnings through:

• Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) Payments – Additional pay for leadership or specialist roles within the school.
• SEN Allowances – Teachers working with special educational needs (SEN) students receive extra payments.
• Tutoring & Private Teaching – Many teachers supplement their income by offering private tuition.
• Moving Into Leadership – Promotions to middle or senior leadership roles significantly increase salaries.

Is Teaching in the UK Financially Rewarding?

While teaching is a highly rewarding career, salaries can vary significantly based on experience, location, and role. With the UK government committed to increasing starting salaries and supporting career progression, there are strong earning potential and opportunities for salary growth in the sector.

Looking for a teaching job in the UK? Explore our latest job listings and start your teaching career today!