The following sections of this report set out the findings of our research in more detail:
Salaries, earnings and bonuses
Since our last survey in 2023, salaries have increased across the board, from apprentices to fellow members:
For our AAT Licensed Accountants, whilst over half reported an increase in fee income over the last year, median income fees are slightly down in 2025 at £72,000, compared to £74,500 in 2023.
On bonuses we see a 13% increase in bonuses for students compared to 2023, however there has been little to no growth in bonuses for bookkeepers, members and fellows.
Comparison with the 2023 survey results
- Whilst the 2025 figures show increases in salaries from apprentices to FMAATs, the level of increase doesn’t match what we saw in 2023.
- Student salaries are up by 11% in 2025, compared to 2023. This compares to the 14% increase we saw between 2021 and 2023
- The percentage level increase for MAATs and FMAATs also didn’t quite match what we saw in 2023 with members reporting a 9% increase in salary in 2025 relative to 2023, while FMAATs saw a 14% increase over the same period. MAATs and FMAATs experienced a 14% increase between 2021 and 2023.
- Bonuses also look very different to what we saw in 2023. The 13% increase in bonuses for students in 2025 does not reach the heights of the 60% increase we saw in 2023.
- And whilst MAATs and FMAATs are more likely to have received a bonus in the last 12 months, compared to students; there has been little to no growth in these average bonuses in the last two years. This is in stark contrast to the 50% increase in bonuses seen in 2023, compared to 2021. Meanwhile bonuses for AATQBs have also remained stable in this period.
Earnings in the wider economic context
This is not surprising if we look at the wider economic picture. UK wage growth peaked during the tight labour market of 2021–23 and since then we have seen momentum fading in the wider economy with wage growth slowing.
However, when comparing our two-year salary growth figures with sector trends for 2023–2025, our members’ full time salaries have risen more quickly than those across the wider finance and insurance sector.
ONS Average Weekly Earnings data shows sector pay growth averaging around 6.5% in 2023 and 2024, then slowing to about 3% in 2025 – equivalent to roughly 5% annualised growth over the period.
By contrast, AAT members recorded a 9% increase over the same two years, outpacing overall sector wage growth.
For MAATs and FMAATs combined, this an 11% increase, further improving on the wider sector.
Value of AAT qualifications and membership in a tough employment market
This year’s salary results show consistent and/or growing perceptions of value from being part of AAT:
of apprentices see value in getting the opportunity to gain practical work experience
of students believe that studying for AAT has increased their earning potential
of MAATs and FMAATs believe that completing an AAT qualification has increased their earning potential
of MAATs and FMAATs believe that becoming a professional member of AAT has increased their earning potential
of AAT Licensed Accountants believe that being an AAT licensed member has increased their earning potential
of AATQBs believe that completing an AAT Accounting Qualification has increased their earning potential
At the time that our salary survey was out in the field, UK labour market statistics showed that in September to November 2025, the number of people who were unemployed rose to its highest level since 2015. With subsequent ONS figures cementing rather than reversing this trend, the employment market is undoubtedly tough.
In this environment of both high levels of unemployment and slowing wage growth, it is encouraging to see the value that AAT students, members and apprentices place in their AAT pathways, qualifications and membership.
Conclusion
Considering the wider economic environment and the status of the employment market, it’s not surprising that the 2025 salary survey does not replicate the level of increases in salaries, earnings and bonuses that we saw in 2023.
However, salaries have increased across the board and crucially we see AAT salary increases outpace pay growth in the wider finance and insurance sector.
A significant majority of AAT students and members see the value of AAT qualifications and membership in boosting their earning potential and being part of AAT offers stability during periods of economic uncertainty.
Read on to find out more findings from the survey in relation to apprentices, students, MAATs and FMAATs, AAT Licensed Accountants members and AATQBs; as well as detail on gender differences in pay.
Methodology
This report makes reference to findings from AAT’s 2025 Salary Survey. The survey was conducted in partnership with Caledonia research. Over 5000 students and members were surveyed. This report includes some quotes from members of the AAT community. These quotes are not from the Salary Survey but have been provided in support of this publication.
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AAT Salary Survey 2025
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