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What £120000 after tax in the UK really means in 2024

Salary Bueno author
Salary Bueno

What is £120000 after tax UK?

For an annual income of £120,000.00 in the UK for the tax year 2023/2024, the breakdown is as follows:

Taxable Income: £107,430.00 (after deducting the personal allowance of £12,570.00 from the total income).
Income Tax: £7,540.00 (calculated on the taxable income).
National Insurance Contributions: £7,261.02 annually.
Net Income (After Tax and National Insurance): £77,306.98 annually, £6,442.25 monthly, and approximately £211.80 daily.

What would the impact of student loans be on £120000 after tax in the UK?

Plan 1: The payment threshold is £21,165.00. Therefore, under plan 1, there would be a deduction of £8,895.15.
Plan 2: The payment threshold is £27,295.00. Therefore, under plan 2, there would be a deduction of £8,343.45.
Plan 4: The payment threshold is £26,575.00. Therefore, under plan 4, there would be a deduction of £8,408.25.
Postgraduate Loan: The payment threshold is £21,000.00. Therefore, under a postgraduate loan scheme repayment, there would be a deduction of £8,910.00.



What kind of roles make £120000 in the UK?

1. General Practitioner (GP) - GPs in the UK typically earn around £120,000. They are responsible for providing primary medical care to patients, diagnosing and treating various illnesses, and referring patients to specialists as needed. GPs also focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and managing chronic health conditions.

2. IT Director - IT directors are responsible for overseeing the technology infrastructure of an organization. They develop and implement technology strategies, coordinate IT efforts across departments, and ensure that technology systems meet the business's needs. IT directors also manage IT budgets, lead technical teams, and assess and mitigate technology security risks.

3. Financial Controller - Financial controllers in the UK often earn around £120,000. They oversee financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting for an organization. Their responsibilities may include managing financial audits, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and providing financial analysis and guidance to senior management.

4. Engineering Manager - Engineering managers are responsible for leading and coordinating engineering teams in various industries. They oversee the design and development of products, manage engineering projects, and ensure that engineering processes meet quality and safety standards. They also collaborate with other departments to align engineering efforts with business objectives.

5. Human Resources Director - HR directors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of an organization's human resources function. They develop and implement HR strategies, lead HR initiatives such as talent management and employee development, and ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations. HR directors also handle employee relations and contribute to shaping the organization's culture and values.

These are just a few examples of roles in the UK that typically command a salary of around £120,000, and each comes with its specific set of responsibilities and challenges.


Whether your salary is £120000 or £1200000, it's always important to help to stretch your salary across the month by adopting a careful budgetting strategy.

Here are some budgeting tips for someone with a £120,000 annual income in the UK:

1. Create a comprehensive budget: Start by listing all sources of income and fixed expenses such as mortgage or rent, utilities, and insurance. Allocate a portion for variable expenses like groceries, dining out, entertainment, and savings.

2. Prioritize saving and investment: Aim to save at least 20% of your income, including contributing to pensions and ISAs. Consider diversified investment options to grow your wealth effectively.

3. Limit lifestyle inflation: Avoid increasing your spending proportionally to your income. Instead, focus on maintaining a modest lifestyle to increase your financial security.

4. Monitor discretionary spending: Keep track of non-essential expenses and set limits to prevent overspending. It's beneficial to review and adjust this regularly.

5. Stay on top of taxes: With a higher income, it's essential to be vigilant about taxes. Explore legitimate tax-saving options and seek advice from financial professionals if necessary.

6. Plan for the unexpected: Build an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of living expenses to tackle unforeseen financial challenges without disrupting your long-term plans.

By implementing these budgeting strategies, you can efficiently manage your £120,000 income while also working towards achieving your financial goals.


The other side of building long-term wealth for you and your family - other than budgetting and saving more - is earning more (ofcourse, usually easier said than done). Here are a few steps which could help you to do this by increasing your salary by a further £5000 in 2024:

1. Pursue advanced qualifications: Consider enrolling in specialized training courses or pursuing higher education such as a Master's degree or professional certifications related to your field. This could lead to increased expertise and qualifications that could justify a higher salary.

2. Negotiation skills workshop: Take a course or workshop to improve your negotiation skills. Being able to effectively negotiate your salary during performance reviews or job interviews can result in a higher income.

3. Networking events and conferences: Attend industry-specific networking events and conferences to expand your professional network and potentially uncover new career opportunities or higher-paying job prospects.

4. Performance reviews and goal-setting: Actively participate in performance reviews and set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals with your employer. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and may lead to salary advancement.

5. Seek mentorship or career coaching: Connect with mentors or career coaches who can provide guidance on career development strategies, advancement opportunities, and how to strategically position yourself for salary increases.

6. Stay updated with market trends: Dedicate time to staying informed about industry salary trends and market demand for specific skills. This knowledge can help you position yourself as a high-value employee deserving of a salary increase.

7. Acquire new in-demand skills: Identify and acquire new skills or competencies that are in high demand in your industry. This could involve learning new technologies, languages, or methodologies that are sought after by employers.

8. Demonstrate leadership and initiative: Take on leadership roles within your current position, such as leading projects, teams, or initiatives. Demonstrating leadership qualities and contributing to the company's success can justify salary increments.

9. Explore job rotation or lateral moves: Sometimes, taking on a new role within the same company can lead to a higher salary. Consider exploring lateral moves or job rotations that expose you to new challenges and opportunities for salary growth.

10. Track your accomplishments: Keep a record of your achievements, successful projects, and contributions to the company. This documentation can serve as evidence of your value and performance, strengthening your case for a salary increase during discussions with your employer.


Keen to find out more about your earnings after tax in the UK, or anywhere else in the world? Check out the free salary calculator over at salarybueno.com.


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