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National minimum wage and salaries in Scotland

Salaries in Scotland vary according to the type of work, the sector, and where the job is located. The National Minimum Wage is the minimum rate you must pay your employees.

National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wageopens in a new window is the minimum rate you must pay your employees in Scotland and the rest of the UK. It is a criminal offence for an employer not to pay someone the National Minimum Wage.

This rate is calculated at an hourly rate but applies to all eligible employees, even if they are not paid by the hour. This rate depends on the employee’s age and whether they are an apprentice.

The UK National Living Wage is £10.18 per hour for those aged 21 to 22 and £10.42 per hour for employees aged 23 and over.

Real living wage

However, in Scotland we're keen to promote a Real Living Wageopens in a new window of £10.90 per hour. It applies to all employees aged 18 and over.

More than 3000 employers in Scotland are accredited Living Wage employers. This accreditation has led to a pay rise for more than 59,000 workers. 

Source: Living Wage Scotlandopens in a new window 

Salaries in Scotland

Salaries in Scotland vary according to the type of work, the sector, and where the job is located in the country.

For example, Edinburgh boasts some of the highest salaries for the UK tech industry. Roles requiring coding or software skills can command higher than median salaries in the Scottish capital, but so do non-technical roles with digital tech companies. 

Glasgow is the third most attractive city in the UK to live in when tech salary is compared to cost of living.

Source: GOV.UKopens in a new window 

Have a question?

If you have any questions or want to talk with one of our advisers, we're always ready to help.

Phone: +44 300 013 2734opens in a new window