Primary education teaching professionals vs Secondary education teaching professionals: Salary Compared
A Secondary education teaching professionals earns more — a median £47,632 vs £45,939 for a Primary education teaching professionals. That is £1,693 more per year (4%). Real ONS ASHE figures, April 2025.
Quick answer
In the UK, a Secondary education teaching professionals is paid more than a Primary education teaching professionals: median gross pay of £47,632 versus £45,939 — a £1,693 (4%) gap. Source: ASHE 2025 provisional, April 2025 reference period, ONS, OGL v3.
Pay compared, side by side
Gross annual pay for full-time UK employees, ASHE 2025 provisional, April 2025 reference period, ONS, OGL v3.
| Measure | Primary education teaching professionals | Secondary education teaching professionals |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | £30,674 | £32,058 |
| 25th percentile | £37,847 | £39,059 |
| Median | £45,939 | £47,632 |
| 75th percentile | £51,676 | £54,047 |
| 90th percentile | £60,620 | £62,402 |
SOC 2020 codes: Primary education teaching professionals = 2314; Secondary education teaching professionals = 2313.
Regional pay gap
The pay gap is widest in West Midlands, where a Secondary education teaching professionals earns a median £47,146 versus £42,274 for a Primary education teaching professionals — a £4,872 difference. Regional medians are published by ONS where the sample is large enough.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a Primary education teaching professionals or a Secondary education teaching professionals earn more in the UK?
- A Secondary education teaching professionals earns more. The median UK gross annual pay is £47,632 for a Secondary education teaching professionals versus £45,939 for a Primary education teaching professionals — a difference of £1,693 (4% more). Source: ONS ASHE, April 2025.
- What is the typical salary range for a Primary education teaching professionals?
- Most Primary education teaching professionals earn between £37,847–£51,676 (25th–75th percentile), with a median of £45,939. Top earners (90th percentile) reach £60,620.
- What is the typical salary range for a Secondary education teaching professionals?
- Most Secondary education teaching professionals earn between £39,059–£54,047 (25th–75th percentile), with a median of £47,632. Top earners (90th percentile) reach £62,402.
- Where do these pay figures come from?
- From the Office for National Statistics Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE 2025 provisional, April 2025 reference period, ONS, OGL v3) — gross annual pay for full-time employees by 4-digit SOC 2020 occupation, published under the Open Government Licence. These are medians, not guarantees: individual pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Related comparisons
Data: Office for National Statistics — Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), ASHE 2025 provisional, April 2025 reference period, ONS, OGL v3. Open Government Licence v3.0. Figures are medians for full-time employees and do not guarantee individual pay. A Gera Systems product.