Here’s a fun way to think about it. A "just getting by" salary means you check the price of a bag of crisps before buying it. A "comfortable" salary means you grab the crisps without looking. A "good" salary? You buy the big bag, and you don’t care if it’s on offer.
Now, apply that to bigger things. A good salary lets you say "yes" to a friend’s birthday dinner without checking your credit card limit. It lets you replace a broken phone within a week, not three months. It gives you choice.
And that’s the real gem, isn’t it? Freedom from constant nagging worry. That’s the salary we should all be aiming for, whatever the number on the tin.
Be realistic (but don’t settle)
Look up the median salary for your area. In the UK, the average full-time employee earns around £35,000 nationally, but that jumps or plummets depending on where you live. If you’re in London, you’ll likely need £50k or more to feel the same ease.
Don’t let social media fool you. Nobody posts about eating beans on toast for the third day in a row. Your mate’s Instagram holiday came from careful saving, not a bumper bonus. Your salary is your story, not a race.
If you’re earning below £30k and struggling, that’s normal—but it doesn’t mean you should stay there. A good salary is one that moves up with your ambitions. Ask for a raise. Switch jobs. Retrain. The dream isn’t a number—it’s a feeling of security.
The Average UK Salary (2026) - NCC Blog
