AAT full members (MAATs) and AAT fellow members (FMAATs)

In this year’s salary survey, we see an increase in both MAAT and FMAAT salaries as well as the salary boost that derives from becoming a MAAT and a FMAAT.

On bonuses, whilst MAATs and FMAATs are more likely to have received a bonus in the last 12 months compared to students and AAT bookkeeping members (AATQBs), there has been little to no growth in bonuses since 2023. This is a stark contrast to the 50% increases in bonuses seen in 2023 compared to 2021.

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.

However, when comparing our two-year salary growth figures with sector trends for 2023–2025, our members’ fulltime 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 Members and Fellows combined, this an 11% increase, further improving on the wider sector.

In this context we see MAATs and FMAATs continuing to see value of both AAT qualifications and AAT membership in increasing their earning

Salaries

Becoming an AAT full member (MAAT) continues to deliver a substantial salary boost with the MAAT median salary of £38,188 equalling a 33% increase from the Level 4 median salary of £28,750.

MAAT

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Level 4

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This premium continues to show for AAT fellow members (FMAATs), with the FMAAT median salary being 31% higher than MAATs in 2025, compared to 26% higher in 2023. The FMAAT median salary is £50,000 compared to £44,000 in 2023.

FMAAT median salary in 2025

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FMAAT median salary in 2023

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Bonuses

Whilst MAATs and FMAATs are more likely to have received a bonus in the last 12 months compared to students and bookkeepers, there has been little to no growth in bonuses since 2023. This is a stark contrast to the 50% increases in bonuses seen in 2023 compared to 2021.

Median bonuses for MAATs are £1250 in 2025 compared to £1240 in 2023. Median bonuses for FMAATs are £2500 in 2025 compared to £2000 in 2023.

2025

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2023

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Gender gaps

A pay gap persists with men working full-time at the professional level earning 6% more than women at the same level, and a bonus that is 13% higher. This compares to men earning 9% more in salary and 10% more in bonus in 2023.

Role of AAT

MAATs and FMAATs continue to agree that completing an AAT qualification has increased their earning potential (82% in 2025 and 83% in 2023).

MAATs and FMAATs continue to believe that becoming a professional member of AAT has increased their earning potential with 74% agreeing with that statement in 2025 compared with 70% in 2023.

“AAT membership enhances credibility, tells employers that I'm serious about professional development and provides a community, whether through branches, networking, CPD or conferences. These networks, only possible through my AAT membership, have increased my number of opportunities significantly, which in turn has enhanced my salary.”

Ellis Harris-Kijak, MAAT, FieCo