Manchester Market Data

Explore compensation benchmarks, tax liabilities, and cost of living adjustments for professionals in Manchester.

About Manchester

A major media and digital hub in the North, offering a competitive salary-to-living-cost ratio.

Manchester represents a growing economic centerin United Kingdom, attracting professionals from around the world. The city's strategic location, business-friendly environment, and quality of life make it an attractive destination for career growth and wealth accumulation.

Key Market Indicators

Cost of Living

Index score (100 = global average)

Rent Index

Housing cost indicator

Median Income

£38,500

Estimated professional median

Tax System in United Kingdom

The UK fiscal system operates on a progressive scale governed by HMRC. Income tax is supplemented by National Insurance contributions, which fund state benefits and the NHS.

Example Calculation

For a professional earning £38,500 annually in Manchester:

Gross Income

£38,500

Net Income

£29,464

Tax Rate

23.5%

Monthly Take-Home

£2,455

Popular Salary Benchmarks

Explore compensation data for key roles in Manchester

View All

AI Engineer

£180,000

Estimated base salary

Machine Learning Researcher

£190,000

Estimated base salary

Product Manager

Tech

£135,000

Estimated base salary

Fintech Product Manager

Tech

£150,000

Estimated base salary

Data Engineering Manager

Tech

£155,000

Estimated base salary

Data Scientist

Tech

£125,000

Estimated base salary

Solutions Architect

Tech

£145,000

Estimated base salary

Blockchain Architect

Tech

£160,000

Estimated base salary

DevOps Engineer

Tech

£130,000

Estimated base salary

Site Reliability Engineer

Tech

£140,000

Estimated base salary

Cybersecurity Director

Tech

£185,000

Estimated base salary

UX Designer

Tech

£105,000

Estimated base salary

Investment Banker

Finance

£150,000

Estimated base salary

Private Equity Associate

Finance

£170,000

Estimated base salary

Hedge Fund Analyst

Finance

£160,000

Estimated base salary

Portfolio Manager

Finance

£200,000

Estimated base salary

Quantitative Researcher

Finance

£210,000

Estimated base salary

Venture Capital Partner

Finance

£220,000

Estimated base salary

Wealth Manager

Finance

£140,000

Estimated base salary

Chief Financial Officer

Executive

£250,000

Estimated base salary

Compare with Similar Markets

Edinburgh

Asset management and fintech talent cluster with enviable lifestyle metrics.

Birmingham

Advanced manufacturing and legal services drive steady professional salaries.

Cork

Pharma and medtech heavyweights make Cork a high-paying yet livable Irish market.

Hamburg

Logistics, publishing, and renewable energy employers sustain competitive wages.

Lyon

Biotech and advanced manufacturing anchor strong salaries with lower living costs than Paris.

Rotterdam

Europe’s busiest port drives logistics, energy transition, and maritime engineering roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Manchester?↓

Manchester has a cost of living index of 89 and a rent index of 98, making it one of the more expensive cities globally. Housing costs are particularly high, with prime districts commanding premium rents.

How does the tax system work in United Kingdom?↓

The UK fiscal system operates on a progressive scale governed by HMRC. Income tax is supplemented by National Insurance contributions, which fund state benefits and the NHS.

What is a good salary in Manchester?↓

For professionals in Manchester, we estimate the median income at approximately £38,500. A salary above this level provides comfortable living standards, while salaries significantly below may require careful budgeting, especially for housing in central areas.

What industries are strongest in Manchester?↓

Manchester is a growing economic center with strong presence across multiple sectors. The city's diverse economy attracts professionals from various industries, with particularly strong opportunities in finance, technology, and professional services.