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What £42000 after tax in the UK really means in 2024

Salary Bueno author
Salary Bueno

What is £42000 after tax UK?

For an annual income of £42,000.00 in the UK for the tax year 2023/2024, the breakdown is as follows:

Taxable Income: £29,430.00 (after deducting the personal allowance of £12,570.00 from the total income).
Income Tax: £5,886.00 (calculated on the taxable income).
National Insurance Contributions: £3,897.62 annually.
Net Income (After Tax and National Insurance): £32,216.38 annually, £2,684.70 monthly, and approximately £88.26 daily.

What would the impact of student loans be on £42000 after tax in the UK?

Plan 1: The payment threshold is £21,165.00. Therefore, under plan 1, there would be a deduction of £1,875.15.
Plan 2: The payment threshold is £27,295.00. Therefore, under plan 2, there would be a deduction of £1,323.45.
Plan 4: The payment threshold is £26,575.00. Therefore, under plan 4, there would be a deduction of £1,388.25.
Postgraduate Loan: The payment threshold is £21,000.00. Therefore, under a postgraduate loan scheme repayment, there would be a deduction of £1,890.00.



What kind of roles make £42000 in the UK?

1. Software Developer: As a software developer, you would be responsible for designing, coding, and testing software programs and applications. You may also collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop software solutions that meet the needs of clients or the organization.

2. Marketing Manager: Marketing managers are in charge of creating and implementing marketing strategies to promote products or services. They oversee marketing campaigns, conduct market research, analyze consumer behavior, and manage a team to achieve the company's marketing goals.

3. Financial Analyst: Financial analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and providing insights to support investment decisions, budgeting, and financial planning. They may also evaluate industry trends, assess the performance of stocks and other investments, and present findings to stakeholders.

4. Human Resources Manager: HR managers are responsible for overseeing the recruitment, training, and development of employees, as well as maintaining employment records, handling employee relations issues, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations. They play a crucial role in shaping the organization's workforce and culture.

5. Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical engineers design, develop, and oversee the production of mechanical systems and products, ranging from machinery and equipment to automotive parts and aerospace components. They are involved in the research, design, and testing of mechanical devices, ensuring they meet quality and safety standards.


Whether your salary is £42000 or £420000, it's always important to help to stretch your salary across the month by adopting a careful budgetting strategy.

The first step in creating a budget is to track your expenses. Start by recording all of your monthly expenses, including housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and any debt payments. Once you have a clear picture of where your money is going, you can identify areas where you can potentially cut costs or reallocate funds.

Next, prioritize your expenses and allocate a specific amount of your income to each category. This will help ensure that you are covering your necessities while also setting aside money for savings and discretionary spending.

Consider creating an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses, aiming to save at least 3-6 months' worth of living expenses. Additionally, it's important to contribute to a retirement savings plan, such as a workplace pension or personal pension, to secure your financial future.

Be mindful of your discretionary spending, such as dining out, entertainment, and shopping. Setting a monthly limit for these expenses can help you avoid overspending.

Regularly review your budget to see if any adjustments are needed. Flexibility is key, as unexpected expenses or changes in income may require you to revisit and revise your budget regularly.

Finally, consider seeking advice from a financial advisor or using budgeting tools and resources to help you manage your finances effectively.


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. Take a course or obtain a certification in a high-demand field such as data analysis, project management, or digital marketing.
2. Attend workshops or seminars focused on improving negotiation and communication skills to have better salary discussions with employers.
3. Consider pursuing higher education or a postgraduate degree to enhance qualifications and open up higher-paying job opportunities.
4. Gain experience in a new industry or role through internships, volunteering, or part-time work to broaden skillset and appeal to higher-paying employers.
5. Seek mentorship or coaching to strategize career advancement and leverage professional connections for higher-paying job opportunities.
6. Research and apply for jobs in regions or cities with higher salary averages for the desired role.
7. Network with industry professionals and attend career fairs to gain visibility and access potential opportunities for higher-paying roles.
8. Negotiate for bonuses, commission, or profit-sharing opportunities as part of compensation packages.
9. Develop a strong online presence through LinkedIn or other professional platforms to attract high-paying job offers or freelance opportunities.
10. Invest in personal development by attending leadership and management training courses to qualify for higher-paying managerial positions.


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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