Chief of Staff Salary UK: What the Data Shows

If you are researching a chief of staff salary in the UK, you will quickly discover that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) does not publish a dedicated occupation code for this role. Instead, chief of staff positions are typically grouped under the broader category of "chief executives and senior officials." This means we must rely on comparable roles and pay scales to build a realistic picture.

ONS Benchmarks for Senior Roles

The most authoritative source is the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). The 2025 provisional data (the latest available) shows that full-time chief executives and senior officials earn a median annual salary of £99,944. The corresponding hourly median is £49.96 – a figure the ONS publishes separately, not simply a conversion from the annual figure. This places the role well above the UK full-time median of £39,039, reflecting the seniority and responsibility involved.

It is important to note that the simple average (mean) for this group is much higher at £158,728, because very large executive packages pull the average upwards. The median is a better guide for typical roles.

NHS Pay Scales as a Proxy

For chief of staff roles in the public sector – particularly in NHS trusts or government departments – the NHS Agenda for Change pay bands offer a useful reference. The 2026/27 scales, effective from 1 April 2026, include:

• Band 8d: Top point £117,560 annual (£60.12 per hour)
• Band 9: Top point £138,529 annual (£70.85 per hour)

These bands are designed for very senior managers, directors, and clinical leads. A chief of staff in a large NHS organisation might sit at Band 8d or 9, depending on the scope of the role. The NHS also applies High Cost Area Supplements (HCAS) for London and the South East, which can add between 5% and 20% to basic pay.

Hourly to Annual Conversion Explained

When comparing hourly rates to annual salaries, the standard assumption is a 37.5-hour week (common in the NHS) or a 40-hour week (common in the private sector). The conversion formula is:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

For example, at 37.5 hours per week:

• £49.96/hr → £49.96 × 37.5 × 52 = £97,422 (close to the ONS median)
• £60.12/hr → £60.12 × 37.5 × 52 = £117,234 (NHS Band 8d top)

Use our salary data page for more benchmarks, or the hourly calculator to do your own conversions.

Regional and Sector Differences

Chief of staff salaries vary significantly by region and sector. In London, employers often add a location allowance or weighting. For example, the NHS HCAS for inner London adds 20% to basic pay, while outer London adds 15%. Ministerial and parliamentary roles also include a London Area Living Payment (set at £5,015 for 2026/27) and, for Lords office-holders living outside London, an allowance of up to £36,366.

In the private sector, chief of staff roles in financial services, technology, or large corporates may command salaries above the ONS median, sometimes exceeding £150,000 including bonuses. Conversely, smaller charities or public bodies may offer salaries closer to £60,000–£80,000.

Caveats When Interpreting Figures

• No dedicated ONS category: The £99,944 median covers all chief executives and senior officials, not just chief of staff. Roles with "chief of staff" in the title may be less senior than a CEO and thus paid lower.
• Overtime and bonuses: Senior roles rarely attract overtime pay, but bonuses, profit share, and benefits (e.g., pension, car allowance) can form a significant part of total compensation. These are not included in basic salary figures.
• Contractual hours: Always check your contract. Some roles are based on 35, 37.5, or 40 hours per week. Part-time or compressed hours will change the hourly equivalent.
• Tax and deductions: The £99,944 median equates to roughly £8,329 per month gross. After income tax and National Insurance (using 2026/27 rates for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland), take-home pay is approximately £5,710 per month. Scottish rates differ.

How to Research Your Own Chief of Staff Salary

If you are negotiating a chief of staff salary, start by gathering data from:

• ONS ASHE – for broad sector and regional medians.
• NHS Employers pay scales – if applying in the health sector.
• GOV.UK ministerial salary data – for roles in government or politics.
• Professional networks and recruitment agencies – for current advertised salaries.

Remember that salary is only one part of the package. Consider pension contributions, holiday entitlement, flexible working, and location allowances when evaluating an offer.

For more guidance on converting hourly rates to annual salaries, visit our topics page, which covers UK wage benchmarks and pay calculations.