Youth work professionals Salary
Median salary £34,630 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £35,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For youth work professionals, £36,620 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -6.0% versus the national average.
About this role
Youth work professionals engage with young people to support their personal, social and educational development. They design programmes, provide mentoring and create safe spaces where young people can develop skills, confidence and resilience.
Key responsibilities
- Planning and delivering youth programmes
- Building trusting relationships with young people
- Providing one-to-one mentoring and signposting
- Safeguarding and managing risk
- Working with schools, social services and community organisations
Qualifications and entry routes
Requires a JNC-recognised qualification — typically a BA or MA in Youth Work validated by NYA (National Youth Agency). Level 3 qualifications provide a support worker entry. DBS check mandatory.
Career outlook
Local authority youth services face funding pressures, but demand for youth work skills in mental health, criminal justice and education settings is growing.
Key skills
Common industries
- Local authority youth services
- Voluntary youth organisations
- Schools and colleges
- Youth offending teams
- Housing associations
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Mid Level
£34,630
3-7 years
Salary Trend (2021-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£1,990
Youth work professionals salary: common questions
How much do youth work professionals earn in the UK?
Is £36,620 a good salary in the UK?
Have youth work professionals salaries kept up with inflation?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).