The median gross salary in Bristol is approximately £36,500 per year — 4% above the UK national median of £34,963. Here is what that means for take-home pay, cost of living, and how Bristol compares with other UK cities.
Average Salary in Bristol — Key Figures (2026)
| Measure | Bristol | UK National |
|---|---|---|
| Median full-time salary | £36,500 | £34,963 |
| Take-home at median (annual) | £29,800 | £28,693 |
| Take-home at median (monthly) | £2,483 | £2,391 |
| Typical one-bed rent | £1,100–£1,800/month | — |
| Disposable income after rent (est.) | £1,383–£683/month | — |
Disposable income is illustrative and based on median take-home minus estimated rent only. Other living costs not included.
Bristol Context
Bristol is one of the UK’s higher-earning regional cities, with a median salary above the national average. The city has a strong aerospace and defence cluster (Airbus, Rolls-Royce), a significant creative and digital economy, and growing life sciences. It is also one of the most expensive cities to live in outside London — rents have risen sharply in recent years.
Highest Paying Sectors in Bristol
- Aerospace and defence
- Financial and professional services
- Digital and creative
- Life sciences
- Education and research
Major Employers in Bristol
- Airbus UK
- Rolls-Royce
- NHS Bristol
- University of Bristol / University of the West of England
- Legal & General (regional hub)
Take-Home Pay at Bristol’s Median Salary (£36,500)
| Component | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | £36,500 | £3,042 |
| Income tax | −£4,786 | −£399 |
| National Insurance | −£1,914 | −£160 |
| Take home pay | £29,800 | £2,483 |
Bristol vs UK National Salary Comparison
| Measure | Bristol | UK Median |
|---|---|---|
| Median gross salary | £36,500 | £34,963 |
| Difference vs national median | £1537 above | — |
| Take-home at median | £29,800 | £28,693 |
Bristol Cost of Living vs Salary
Salary comparison alone does not capture real purchasing power. Housing costs are the dominant variable.
| Cost | Bristol | London |
|---|---|---|
| One-bed flat (monthly rent) | £1,100–£1,800 | £1,800–£2,800 |
| Food and groceries (monthly) | £200–£300 | £250–£400 |
| Transport (monthly pass) | £80–£130 | £170 (Zones 1–2) |
For someone earning £36,500 in Bristol, the rent-to-income ratio on a one-bedroom flat is approximately 44–72% of take-home pay — a significant share of take-home income.
Salary Growth Opportunities in Bristol
Bristol offers career progression particularly in:
- Aerospace and defence: growing sector with demand for senior professional and management roles
- Financial and professional services: growing sector with demand for senior professional and management roles
- Digital and creative: growing sector with demand for senior professional and management roles