Country guide

Working in United Kingdom: Job Market Guide 2026

Get the definitive guide to United Kingdom's job market: essential insights on monthly average salaries (3,186 USD), employment trends and the economic factors that shape your income, plus the country's largest employers such as HSBC, BP, GlaxoSmithKline.

  • Population67,886,004
  • Avg. monthly salary$3,186
  • Unemployment4%
  • Purchasing power85.7 (US = 100)

Welcome to your guide to the United Kingdom job market. Finding the right job or candidate requires solid data. Here you will find key figures on employment, salaries and the economy to support your next career step or recruitment decision in United Kingdom.

Job market overview

Key metricCurrent value
Total population67,886,004 residents
Employment rate62.6%
Unemployment rate4%Low unemployment – employers often compete for skilled staff.

With an unemployment rate of 4%, United Kingdom has a tight labor market. Skilled professionals are usually in demand.

Looking for jobs in United Kingdom? 9 open positions are listed on Cityjobs right now.
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Living & working in United Kingdom: salaries and cost of living

Before relocating or applying for jobs in United Kingdom, consider these key economic factors:

IndicatorValueCompared with the U.S.
Average monthly salary 3,186 USD 71% of the U.S. averagemoderately lower
Purchasing power 85.7 slightly weaker (U.S. = 100)

With a purchasing power index of 85.7, the average monthly salary of 3,186 USD supports comfortable living standards in United Kingdom. Always compare an offer with local rents and living costs in the specific city.

Top industries & employers in GB

Leading industryServices (Finance, Technology)
Growth sectorManufacturing (Pharmaceuticals, Automotive)
Service sectorAgriculture (Livestock, Cereals)
Major employersHSBC, BP, GlaxoSmithKline

Job seekers will usually find the most openings in Services (Finance, Technology), while Manufacturing (Pharmaceuticals, Automotive) offers growth potential.

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Open jobs in United Kingdom

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Working in United Kingdom – FAQ

What's the employment situation in United Kingdom?

United Kingdom has a population of about 67,886,004. The employment rate is 62.6%. The unemployment rate currently stands at 4%.

Which are the top companies in United Kingdom?

Large employers in United Kingdom include HSBC, BP, GlaxoSmithKline.

How far does a salary go in United Kingdom?

The purchasing power index for United Kingdom is 85.7 (U.S. = 100), which means the cost of living should be weighed carefully when comparing job offers.

How can I find jobs in United Kingdom?

Cityjobs currently lists 9 open positions in United Kingdom. Employers post directly, and you apply with the employer.

Which industries matter most in United Kingdom?

Services (Finance, Technology) is the leading industry, while Manufacturing (Pharmaceuticals, Automotive) is an important growth sector, alongside Agriculture (Livestock, Cereals).

Data sources & methodology

The figures in this guide are compiled from these public sources:

We aim to update these figures regularly. Employment rates, exchange rates and salaries can change quickly, so please verify important figures with official local sources before making major decisions.
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Cities

Top cities and companies across United Kingdom

19 cities
  • London 9,000,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesHSBC Holdings, Barclays, The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, Standard Chartered, Lloyd's Banking Group, plc, Aviva plc, Legal & General Group,…

  • Birmingham 1,200,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesJaguar Land Rover, Cadbury, National Express Group, Severn Trent, Birmingham Airport Holdings, Aston Martin Lagonda, KPMG, Pwc

  • Leeds 789,194 inhabitants

    CompaniesASDA, Jet2, First Direct, Arla Foods UK, Leeds Building Society, Sky Betting & Gaming, Yorkshire Bank, Dart Group, GMI Construction, Perform…

  • Glasgow 635,640 inhabitants

    CompaniesAggreko, Weir Group, STV Group

  • Sheffield 584,853 inhabitants

    CompaniesSheffield Forgemasters, SIG plc, Plusnet, Sheffield Insulations, Gripple, Henry Boot, Ansys, Monaghans, Zoo Digital, Servelec

  • Manchester 547,627 inhabitants

    CompaniesThe Co-operative Group, JD Sports Fashion, Boohoo Group, AO World, BBC, Talk Talk Group, PwC, Deloitte, Siemens

  • Bradford 536,986 inhabitants

    CompaniesMorrisons, Yorkshire Building Society, Provident Financial, Pace, Hallmark Cards, Freeman Grattan Holdings, Arris International, Safestyle U…

  • Edinburgh 513,210 inhabitants

    CompaniesRoyal Bank of Scotland, Skyscanner, Cirrus Logic

  • Liverpool 498,042 inhabitants

    CompaniesPeel Ports Group, Liverpool Victoria, Shop Direct, Bibby Line, Liverpool John Moores University, B&M Retail, Everton Football Club, The Very…

  • Bristol 463,400 inhabitants

    CompaniesAirbus, Imperial Tobacco, Rolls-Royce, HP, Bank of Ireland, Bristol Water, Burges Salmon, Renishaw, Hargreaves Lansdown, YTL

  • Coventry 371,521 inhabitants

    CompaniesJaguar Land Rover, Severn Trent, E.ON UK, London Electric Vehicle Company, Sitel, Unipart Group, Telent, Cadent Gas, National Grid, Baxi Hea…

  • Cardiff 362,756 inhabitants

    CompaniesAdmiral Group, Peacocks, SA Brain & Company, Principality Building Society, Wales & West Utilities, DevOpsGroup, IQE, Compound Semiconductor…

  • Nottingham 331,069 inhabitants

    CompaniesExperian, Boots UK, Capital One, Ikano Bank, E.ON UK, Domestic & General, Pendragon, Speedo, Siemens, Rolleston Energy

  • Leicester 329,839 inhabitants

    CompaniesNext, Walkers, Dunelm, Santander UK, Hastings Direct, Topps Tiles, Shoe Zone, Triumph Motorcycles, PPL PRS, Caterpillar UK

  • Newcastle 300,820 inhabitants

    CompaniesNewcastle Building Society, Sage Group, Bellway, Greggs, Vertu Motors, Newcastle United FC, Home Group, Fenwick, True Potential, Patrick Par…

  • Southampton 252,520 inhabitants

    CompaniesCarnival UK, ABP Southampton, Ordnance Survey, Utilita Energy, B&Q, NATS, Old Mutual Wealth, IKEA, Skandia, WestQuay

  • Swansea 246,466 inhabitants

    CompaniesAdmiral Group, Swansea University, Morgan LaRoche, The Development Bank of Wales, BT Cymru Wales, Veeqo, Gower College Swansea, Wales Nation…

  • Aberdeen 198,280 inhabitants

    CompaniesWood Group, FirstGroup, Aberdeen Asset Management

  • Exeter 129,800 inhabitants

    CompaniesMet Office, Pennon Group, Flybe

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