The insurance and financial services markets have undergone significant shifts over the last year, influenced by technological change, evolving regulations, and fierce competition for talent. As firms navigate this dynamic landscape, offering a competitive and well-rounded remuneration package is more critical than ever to attract and retain skilled professionals.
In both sectors, a candidate-led environment persists for high-calibre individuals. While salary remains a key consideration, priorities have expanded to include flexible hybrid working arrangements, clear career progression pathways, and a comprehensive benefits package. Businesses are also adapting to major trends like industry consolidation, the integration of AI, and rising compliance pressures, all of which impact workforce strategy.
Leveraging data from over 18 million jobs posted on Reed.co.uk since 2017, our 2026 insurance and financial services salary guide serves as an essential resource. It provides an in-depth understanding of what jobs are worth across all 12 regions of the UK, helping you benchmark salaries and benefits to stand out from the competition and secure the best people for your team.
Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality reshaping the sector. AI is becoming prominent in streamlining back-office support functions, with many firms investing in technology to enhance efficiency rather than expanding administrative teams. While the demand for core roles like IFA administrators remains, companies are leveraging AI to automate tasks, freeing up human capital for more strategic work.
Financial Services Expert, Reed
Who is the 2026 insurance and financial services salary guide designed for?
Our salary guide is tailored for:
Employers aiming to attract talent in insurance and financial services by benchmarking salaries against industry standards.
Growing firms and startups setting competitive pay structures for roles in underwriting, advisory, claims, and financial planning.
Organisations focused on retention, ensuring current salaries and benefits align with market expectations in a rapidly evolving sector.
Graduates and early-career professionals seeking clarity on salary expectations for careers in insurance and financial services.
Specialists and advisors wanting to confirm their earnings match regional and sector averages.
Professionals planning a relocation, with insights into local job markets and salary trends across the UK.
Looking for salary benchmarking insights in insurance and financial services?
Our salary guide gives you the data you need to compare pay and benefits across the sector, helping you ensure your remuneration packages are competitive and aligned with industry standards.
In a market where skilled professionals are in high demand, your employee value proposition matters more than ever. Failing to benchmark effectively could mean fewer applications and missed opportunities to secure the talent your business needs.
Wondering what you should be earning in insurance and financial services?
Use our 2026 salary guide to understand your market value, evaluate job offers with confidence, and plan your next career move. Whether you’re considering a new role or a change in location, knowing the numbers could be the key to your next big opportunity.
What roles does Reed’s 2026 insurance and financial services salary guide cover?
Our guide provides salary and benefits insights across all 12 UK regions - from the Midlands and East Anglia to the South of England and Scotland - supported by clear graphics showing year-on-year trends.
You’ll find detailed data for some of the most in-demand roles in the sector, including:
Assistant underwriter
Compliance officer
Financial advisor
Insurance handler
Mortgage advisor
Paraplanner
Pensions administrator
Whether you’re hiring or planning your next career step, our guide is your go-to resource for accurate, up-to-date salary information.
The desire for flexibility is not just persisting, it's strengthening. Professionals are now seeking arrangements that offer a greater balance, with many expressing a preference for two days in the office rather than three. Companies that offer and protect this flexibility have a distinct advantage in the talent market. We’ve seen highly experienced professionals become open to new opportunities based on relatively small changes to their hybrid schedule, such as an employer increasing their in-office days.
Insurance Expert, Reed
Why download the UK’s most trusted insurance and financial services salary guide?
Our 2026 salary guide is your essential resource for navigating the fast-changing insurance and financial services landscape. Here’s why it’s a must-have:
Accurate and reliable data: Built on insights from millions of job postings over nine years, it’s the most comprehensive and trusted source for salary benchmarking in insurance and financial services roles.
Regional insights: Access detailed salary trends across 12 UK regions to make informed decisions - whether you’re hiring, relocating, or negotiating.
Futureproof your talent strategy: With salary projections for 2027, you can stay ahead of market changes and plan effectively for emerging skills and roles.
Tailored for everyone: Whether you’re an employer, jobseeker, graduate, or startup, this guide is designed to meet your needs in the insurance and financial services sectors.
Visual clarity: Engaging charts and graphics make it easy to spot key salary shifts, benefits trends, and industry insights at a glance.
How can Reed’s insurance and financial services salary guide help with benefits and rewards benchmarking?
At the end of 2025, we conducted our annual survey of 5,000 UK workers to understand how they feel about their salaries, benefits, role and responsibilities, as well as job satisfaction and market trends.
Some key findings include:
20% of professionals feel unhappy with their current salary.
The overwhelming reason for salary dissatisfaction is that pay hasn't kept pace with the cost of living.
26% of respondents have £100 or less leftover each month after essential bills, with seven per cent stating their entire salary goes to essentials.
To switch jobs, individuals expect a substantial average pay increase of £12,139.55.
On average, men earn £48,367.15, while women earn £33,852.12, a difference of over £14,500.
And women have significantly less disposable income, with an average of £626.61 left over monthly compared to £983.38 for men.
Younger workers (25-34) are most willing to sacrifice benefits for higher pay…
… while older workers (55+) are significantly less willing to do so, suggesting they value their existing benefits more.
See all the results from our survey and use this guide to make informed decisions on salaries and benefits in the UK insurance and financial services sectors for 2026.
Download your copy now.
