Are you looking for the complete UK Parliament staff salary and grade structure in 2025, including pay details for Members of Parliament (MPs), their aides, and other parliamentary staff? Many people in the UK are curious about how much MPs, assistants, researchers, clerks, and administrative workers in Parliament earn.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the UK Parliament staff salary and grade structure 2025, with clear details on jobs, grades, allowances, and progression opportunities. Whether you’re planning a career in politics, applying for a role at Westminster, or just interested in public salaries, this article provides accurate and practical information.
Why Understanding Parliament Salaries Is Important
Knowing how the salary and grade structure works is important because:
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It helps you prepare for a job in Parliament and set realistic expectations.
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It shows you which roles pay more and what qualifications are needed.
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It gives you confidence when negotiating offers or applying for promotions.
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It helps you understand how public money is allocated to political and administrative staff.
How Much Do UK Parliament Staff Earn in 2025?
In 2025, salaries in the UK Parliament vary greatly depending on the role:
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MPs: The base salary for MPs is about £91,000 per year.
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MPs’ aides (staff working for MPs): These positions typically pay £22,000–£50,000 per year, depending on experience and grade.
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Parliamentary clerks and administrators: Salaries range from about £24,000–£80,000 per year, depending on seniority.
Below, we explain the structure in detail, covering MPs, aides, and core parliamentary staff.
UK Parliament Salary & Grade Structure Explained
The UK Parliament includes three broad categories of staff:
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Members of Parliament (MPs)
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MPs’ aides and constituency staff
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Parliamentary Service staff (House of Commons & House of Lords employees)
Each has its own salary structure and progression path.
Members of UK Parliament Salary 2025
Members of Parliament are elected officials who represent constituencies in the House of Commons.
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Base salary for MPs: £91,000/year in 2025
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MPs also receive allowances to cover costs such as staff salaries, office expenses, and accommodation.
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MPs do not receive bonuses but can claim expenses related to their parliamentary duties.
Some MPs, such as those holding ministerial positions (e.g., Prime Minister, Chancellor), earn additional salaries on top of the MP base salary.
Additional Salaries for Ministers:
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Prime Minister: £170,000 – £180,000/year (including MP salary)
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Chancellor of the Exchequer: £155,000 – £165,000/year
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Cabinet Ministers: £145,000 – £155,000/year
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Junior Ministers: £100,000 – £120,000/year
MPs’ Aides and Constituency Staff Salaries 2025
Each MP employs staff to support their work both in Westminster and in their constituency. These staff are paid out of the MP’s allocated budget.
Typical Roles and Salaries:
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Administrative Assistant: £22,000 – £28,000/year
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Caseworker: £25,000 – £35,000/year
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Senior Caseworker: £30,000 – £40,000/year
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Researcher: £28,000 – £40,000/year
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Parliamentary Assistant (Senior): £35,000 – £50,000/year
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Office Manager: £35,000 – £50,000/year
Salaries depend on experience, responsibilities, and whether the position is based in Westminster or in a constituency office.
UK Parliamentary Service Staff Salaries 2025
Parliamentary Service staff are permanent employees of the House of Commons and House of Lords. They are responsible for managing the buildings, facilitating debates, providing advice, and ensuring Parliament runs smoothly.
Typical Grades and Salaries:
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Administrative Officer: £24,000 – £30,000/year
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Executive Officer: £30,000 – £40,000/year
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Higher Executive Officer: £40,000 – £55,000/year
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Senior Executive Officer: £50,000 – £65,000/year
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Clerk of the House of Commons (most senior official): £180,000 – £200,000/year
These roles often include additional benefits such as pensions, generous leave, and flexible working options.
Summary Table: UK Parliament Salary & Grade Structure 2025
| Role / Grade | Salary Range (£) |
|---|---|
| Member of Parliament (MP) | 91,000 |
| Prime Minister | 170,000 – 180,000 |
| Cabinet Minister | 145,000 – 155,000 |
| Junior Minister | 100,000 – 120,000 |
| Administrative Assistant (MP aide) | 22,000 – 28,000 |
| Caseworker | 25,000 – 35,000 |
| Senior Caseworker | 30,000 – 40,000 |
| Researcher | 28,000 – 40,000 |
| Parliamentary Assistant | 35,000 – 50,000 |
| Office Manager (MP aide) | 35,000 – 50,000 |
| Parliamentary Service Admin Officer | 24,000 – 30,000 |
| Parliamentary Service Executive Officer | 30,000 – 40,000 |
| Higher Executive Officer | 40,000 – 55,000 |
| Senior Executive Officer | 50,000 – 65,000 |
| Clerk of the House of Commons | 180,000 – 200,000 |
Factors That Affect Salaries in UK Parliament
Several factors influence salaries in the UK Parliament:
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Role and Grade: Higher responsibilities bring higher pay.
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Experience: Experienced staff earn more within their pay band.
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Location: Some roles in London include additional London Weighting.
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Type of Appointment: Permanent staff often have better benefits than political appointees.
Allowances and Benefits
Besides their salary, Parliament staff may also receive:
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London Weighting: Extra pay for working in London.
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Pensions: Generous public sector pension schemes.
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Annual Leave: 25–30 days of paid leave, plus bank holidays.
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Flexible Working: Many roles allow hybrid or flexible hours.
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Training & Development: Opportunities to advance through courses and mentoring.
Career Progression Opportunities
One of the attractive aspects of working in Parliament is the clear path to advancement:
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MPs’ aides can progress to senior aide roles or move into Parliamentary Service positions.
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Parliamentary Service staff can advance through grades, moving from administrative to senior leadership roles.
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Some aides and researchers go on to stand as MPs themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Parliament Salaries 2025
How much does an MP earn in the UK in 2025?
The base salary for an MP is about £91,000/year, plus allowances for staff and expenses.
Do MPs get paid more if they hold a ministerial position?
Yes, ministers earn additional salaries. For example, Cabinet Ministers earn around £145,000–£155,000/year.
How much do MPs’ aides earn?
MPs’ aides typically earn between £22,000–£50,000/year depending on their role and experience.
Are Parliamentary Service jobs permanent?
Yes, most roles in the Parliamentary Service are permanent civil service positions.
What is the highest-paid role in Parliament?
The Clerk of the House of Commons is one of the highest-paid staff, earning up to £200,000/year. Among elected officials, the Prime Minister earns about £170,000–£180,000/year.
Tips to Maximise Your Earnings in UK Parliament
If you want to earn more while working in or with the UK Parliament, consider these strategies:
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Gain relevant qualifications in politics, law, or public administration.
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Build experience in parliamentary procedure and legislation.
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Apply for higher-grade roles within the Parliamentary Service.
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Seek senior aide roles with experienced MPs or government ministers.
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Take advantage of training and mentoring opportunities offered to staff.
Final Thoughts: UK Parliament Staff Salary & Grade Structure 2025 — MPs & Aides
The UK Parliament staff salary and grade structure in 2025 reflects the range of responsibilities and expertise required to run one of the world’s oldest legislatures. From MPs earning around £91,000/year to their aides, clerks, and senior officials, there are many opportunities to build a rewarding career in public service.
Whether you’re interested in becoming an MP, working as an aide, or pursuing a permanent Parliamentary Service role, understanding the pay structure helps you make informed decisions and plan your career path.
With competitive pay, good benefits, and clear progression opportunities, working in the UK Parliament remains a desirable career choice for many.