CPA Salary UK 2026 ranges from £26,000–£35,000 for trainees to £52,000–£58,000 for newly qualified accountants at Big 4 firms, with senior/post-qualification pay reaching £65,000–£85,000.
CPA salary
Base pay £20K – £29K/yr
£24K/yr average base pay
The estimated total pay for a Cpa is £25,203 per year, with an average salary of £23,902 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated additional pay is £1,301 per year. Additional pay could include cash bonus, commission, tips, and profit sharing.
What do CPA earn
How much does a CPA make in United Kingdom?
£36,595/yr
CPA Salary UK by Career Stage
| Stage | UK Average |
|---|---|
| Trainee (Big 4) | £26,000–£35,000 |
| Newly qualified (Big 4, London) | £52,000–£58,000 |
| Newly qualified (regional) | £38,000–£48,000 |
| Post-qualification (3–5 yrs) | £65,000–£85,000 |
Qualifying is the single biggest pay jump in accountancy — most trainees see an increase of £10,000–£20,000 the moment they pass their exams, with Big 4 firms in London paying the sharpest premium over regional practices.
See our Financial Advisor Salary guide, or use the Paycheck Calculator.
Highest paying cities for CPA near United Kingdom
- Bedford
£108,784 per year11 salaries reported - London
£39,432 per year16 salaries reported - Bradford
£37,718 per year5 salaries reported - Radlett
£25,035 per year6 salaries reported - Wellington
£25,000 per year5 salaries reported - St Albans
£23,687 per year13 salaries reported - Stevenage
£23,687 per year5 salaries reported - Hertford
£23,419 per year5 salaries reported - Maghull
£23,238 per year7 salaries reported
FAQ
What is the average CPA salary in the UK?
Trainees earn £26,000–£35,000; newly qualified accountants at Big 4 firms in London earn £52,000–£58,000.
How much does qualifying increase pay?
Typically £10,000–£20,000, once trainees pass their professional exams.
What do senior accountants earn?
£65,000–£85,000 with 3–5 years’ post-qualification experience.
