Students
In this year’s salary survey, we see an increase in salaries and bonuses. However, we see a lower number of students reporting a salary increase compared with 2023. The level of increase that we see in bonuses and salaries is also down in 2025, compared with 2023.
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.
In this context, we see students continue to see value in AAT qualifications increasing their earning potential.
Salaries
Level 2 Certificate in Accounting median salary is £27,000 in 2025, compared to £24,500 in 2023.
2025
2023
Level 3 Diploma in Accounting median salary is £27,331, compared to £24,000 in 2023.
2025
2023
Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting median salary is £28,750 compared to £26,000 in 2023.
2025
2023
of students reported a salary increase within the last year in 2025 compared to 74% 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.
Bonuses
Level 2 Certificate in Accounting median bonus is £1000 in 2025 compared to £750 in 2023.
2025
2023
Level 3 Diploma in Accounting median bonus is £850 in 2025, compared to £750 in 2023.
2025
2023
Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting median bonus is £823 in 2025 compared to £1000 in 2023.
2025
2023
There is a 13% increase in bonuses for AAT students in 2025 compared to 2023. This compares to a 60% increase in bonuses for AAT students in 2023 compared to 2021.
2025
2023
Gender differences
Female students continue to have higher median salaries and bonuses than their male counterparts.
Salaries are 9% higher and bonuses 33% higher in 2025, compared to salaries being 11% higher and bonuses 20% higher in 2023.
Role of AAT
Students continue to believe that studying for AAT has increased their earning potential:
students agree with that statement in 2025 compared to 79% in 2023.
of Level 4 students agree with that statement in 2025 compared to 83% in 2023.
"For me, studying AAT has made a real difference to both my career progression and salary potential. It has helped me build strong practical accounting knowledge, but just as importantly it has given me more confidence in my abilities at work. Since studying with AAT, I feel better equipped to take on greater responsibility and demonstrate my value to employers. Being associated with AAT also gives me added professional credibility, which I believe has strengthened my career prospects and earning potential. Overall, AAT has given me a solid foundation for long-term growth, stability, and progression in the finance profession."
Rakesh Singh, Level 2 Student
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AAT Salary Survey 2025
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