Careers advisers and vocational guidance specialists Salary
Median salary £30,045 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £30,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For careers advisers and vocational guidance specialists, £32,418 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -17% versus the national average. Experienced careers advisers and vocational guidance specialists (top 25%) earn over £34,945.
About this role
Careers advisers and vocational guidance specialists (2020 SOC) deliver professional careers guidance to support education and employment decisions. They use structured guidance frameworks to help individuals of all ages understand their options and plan career pathways.
Key responsibilities
- Delivering one-to-one and group careers guidance
- Using career assessment tools and psychometric instruments
- Advising on labour market trends and opportunities
- Supporting CV development, interview preparation and job search
- Working with schools to deliver Gatsby Benchmark programmes
Qualifications and entry routes
Requires CDI-registered Level 6 qualification in career guidance and development. RCDP (Register of Career Development Professionals) registration is the professional standard.
Career outlook
Statutory guidance obligations and Gatsby Benchmarks are sustaining demand in schools. University and adult guidance roles offer established career pathways.
Key skills
Common industries
- Secondary schools
- FE colleges
- University careers services
- National Careers Service contractors
- Employment services
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£21,137
0-2 years
Mid Level
£21,137
3-7 years
Senior
£34,945
8-15 years
Potential career growth: ▲ +65% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£2,373
Careers advisers and vocational guidance specialists salary: common questions
How much do careers advisers and vocational guidance specialists earn in the UK?
Is £32,418 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for careers advisers and vocational guidance specialists?
Have careers advisers and vocational guidance specialists salaries kept up with inflation?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).