Artists Salary in United Kingdom
Updated May 2026
Official salary data
Median
£36,054
Mean
£36,317
| Statistic | Annual pay (gross) |
|---|---|
| Median | £36,054 |
| Mean | £36,317 |
Pay by period
Weekly
£697
Mean £689
Hourly
£19.49
Mean £20.33
| Pay period | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | £697 | £689 |
| Hourly | £19.49 | £20.33 |
Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) · 2024 revised
Sector pay context
Average weekly earnings in the Arts, entertainment and recreation sector are £581/week. Earnings grew +9.0% over the past 12 months vs +2.9% nationally.
Source: ONS Average Weekly Earnings (EARN03), not seasonally adjusted · December 2025
Employment patterns
- 69% of Artists work full-time
- 90% are self-employed
- 70% of employees have permanent contracts
Source: ONS Annual Population Survey (APS218), 2025
Take-home pay estimate
£
MonthlyAnnual
Gross salary
£3,005£36,054
−Income tax
£391£4,697
−National Insurance
£157£1,879
=Take-home pay
£2,457£29,478
Estimate only · 2026/27 HMRC rates · Standard allowances · Not financial or tax advice
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Artists salary in other regions
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