The average base salary for middle managers in the UK was £68,415 a year in 2015, the fourth highest in Europe, according to research by Willis Towers Watson.
Its Global 50 remuneration planning report, based on responses from 600 employers, also found that the base salary for entry level professionals in the UK was £25,953, ranking in twelfth place on the European pay league.
The research also found:
- In 2014, UK pay for middle managers ranked in seventh place, and pay for entry level professionals ranked in thirteenth place.
- Middle managers in Switzerland earned the highest average base salary in 2015, at £111,576 a year.
- Switzerland also came top for entry level roles, with average yearly pay at £64,569 in 2015.
- Entry-level professionals in Denmark, Luxemburg, Germany and Norway received an average base salary of £39,692, £36,996, £36,340 and £35,402, respectively, in 2015.
- Behind Switzerland, Luxembourg and Germany ranked highest for middle manager pay in 2015, at £76,135 and £69,533, respectively.
Tom Hellier, UK practice lead, rewards at Willis Towers Watson, said: “The increase in UK pay, compared to Western European pay, has been a while coming and is welcome news. We know from our research that base pay is pivotal for keeping employees engaged at work.
“However base-salary levels are only part of the story, specifically at entry level, so employers should look at the overall perceived value of their offer. Enhancing the non-financial aspects of the deal such as career-advancement opportunities, learning and development programmes and flexible work arrangements are essential to ensure organisations remain competitive across the region.”