Understanding Finance Analyst Salary in the UK

When researching a finance analyst salary in the UK, it helps to start with official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). While the ONS does not publish a single figure for the job title 'finance analyst' in the 2025 release, we can use broader benchmarks to understand typical pay levels.

National Earnings Context

According to the ONS ASHE 2025 bulletin, median gross annual earnings for full-time employees in the UK were £39,039 in April 2025, up from £37,439 in 2024. The median hourly rate (excluding overtime) for full-time workers was £19.67. These figures cover all occupations, from entry-level to senior roles.

Finance analyst positions usually fall under professional occupations in the finance and insurance sector. The ONS reports that the highest-earning employees are concentrated in managerial and professional roles, and in industries such as information and communication and finance and insurance. This suggests that a typical finance analyst salary is likely above the national median, especially for experienced analysts.

Hourly to Annual Conversion

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the standard rule of thumb:

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

For a typical full-time contract of 37.5 hours per week, multiply the hourly rate by 1,950. For example:

• £20 per hour → £39,000 per year
• £25 per hour → £48,750 per year
• £30 per hour → £58,500 per year

Remember that this assumes a steady 37.5-hour week with no unpaid overtime, bonuses, or salary sacrifice. Actual pay depends on your contract, holiday pay method, and any London weighting or overtime rules. Use our hourly calculator to try different scenarios.

Regional Differences

Location has a major impact on finance analyst salary. The ONS ASHE provides regional breakdowns (though not in the search results here). Generally, London and the South East offer higher pay to reflect higher living costs. Many employers add a London weighting allowance, which can range from £3,000 to over £5,000 per year. For example, a finance analyst in London might earn £45,000–£55,000, while the same role in the North West might pay £35,000–£45,000.

Seniority and Experience

Finance analyst salaries increase with experience and responsibility:

• Junior/entry-level analyst: Typically £25,000–£35,000 per year (around £12.80–£17.95 per hour at 37.5 hours).
• Mid-level analyst (2–5 years): £35,000–£50,000 per year (£17.95–£25.64 per hour).
• Senior analyst/manager: £50,000–£70,000+ per year (£25.64–£35.90 per hour).

These ranges are based on general market data; the ONS does not provide exact figures for finance analyst in the 2025 ASHE search results. For more detailed occupation-level data, see the salary data page.

National Living Wage and Minimum Wage

As a baseline, the National Living Wage (NLW) for employees aged 21 and over was £12.21 per hour in April 2025. At 37.5 hours per week, that equates to approximately £23,809.50 per year. Finance analyst roles typically pay well above this, but the NLW is a useful reference for the lowest permissible hourly rate.

Low and High Pay Definitions

The ONS defines low pay as less than two-thirds of median hourly pay (£11.97 in 2025) and high pay as more than 1.5 times median hourly pay (£26.94). In April 2025, only 2.5% of employee jobs were low-paid, the lowest since records began in 1997. Finance analyst roles are almost always above the low-pay threshold and often fall into the high-pay category for experienced staff.

Caveats and Further Reading

• The ASHE data is based on a 1% sample of PAYE records and is provisional for 2025.
• Annual earnings figures in ASHE are for employees who have been in the same job for at least a year, so they may not reflect new hires or those with short tenure.
• Hourly-to-annual conversions assume a consistent 37.5-hour week; your actual hours may vary.
• For the latest National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates, always check GOV.UK guidance.

For more articles on UK pay benchmarks, visit our salary articles section.

Conclusion

While the ONS does not provide a single 'finance analyst salary' figure in the 2025 ASHE data, the national median of £39,039 and the higher earnings in finance and insurance give a useful starting point. Regional and seniority differences are significant, so always consider location and experience when evaluating a role. Use our conversion tools and official ONS data to make informed comparisons.