Gross Earnings By Age



Sce: Office National Statistics (ONS) 

April 2014 (based on 1% sample by HM Revenue and Customs)
  • Women still (versus 2011) earn less than men
  • Women still peak in their 30s; men in their 40s
  • Women from all groups 30-39 and men for groups 40-40 and above have increased their gross earnings significantly more than younger age groups  
  • Male earnings for group 30-39 have stagnated over last 3 years

April 2011 
  • This view of earnings is backward looking i.e. it is a historical snapshot of earnings splits by age and gender. It is not necessarily how things will develop in future
  • Male gross earnings top out in their 40s at just over £32,000, before falling around 20% to £25,800 in their 60s
  • Female gross earnings remain below those of men throughout, reaching a peak in their 30s at £27,000 annually before falling by over 20% to around £20,600 in their 60s 


Sce: Office National Statistics (ONS) 

April 2014 
  • Women see a more rapid decline in (lower, earlier) peak earnings than men
  • Women aged 40-49 have been particularly effective in keeping closer to peak earnings

April 2011
  • These figures do not include earnings from self-employment or dividends from small companies: both sources are becoming more important for men and women in their 30s, 40s and 50s
  • Through choice (e.g. lifestyle, portfolio) or necessity (e.g. perceived paucity of senior level corporate roles in 40s, 50s and 60s), household income may be maintained through consulting/contracting and project roles