£45,000 Salary in the UK: What’s Your Monthly Take-Home Pay After Pension Contributions?

27 May 2025
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If you earn £45,000 per year in the UK, it’s worth understanding how pension contributions and taxes affect what you actually take home each month. With 2025 tax thresholds in place, let’s break it down.

UK Salary & Tax Breakdown Calculator

UK Salary & Tax Breakdown Calculator




? If you live in Scotland, income tax is calculated differently.
Rates and thresholds set by Scottish Government.
? Your tax code tells HMRC how much tax-free income you are allowed before paying tax.

A common tax code is “1257L” meaning £12,570 tax-free allowance. Check your payslip, P60, or HMRC letter for your correct code.
? Different loan plans apply based on when and where you studied:

• Plan 1: Started before September 2012 in England/Wales
• Plan 2: Started after September 2012 in England/Wales
• Plan 4: Scottish students
• Postgraduate Loan: For master’s/PhD courses

Your payslip or SLC account will confirm your plan.
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Gross Salary Overview

  • Annual salary: £45,000
  • Monthly gross: £3,750

This is before deductions for tax, National Insurance, or any pension contributions.

Tax-Free Allowance and Deductions (2025/26)

As of April 2025:

  • Personal Allowance: £12,570
  • 20% Basic Rate Tax: Applies to income between £12,571 and £50,270
  • National Insurance: Kicks in above £12,570 at 8% up to £50,270, then 2%

Workplace Pension Contributions

Most UK employees are automatically enrolled in a pension scheme:

  • Employee contribution: 5%
  • Employer contribution: 3% (not deducted from your pay)

If you contribute 5% of your salary (£2,250 per year), it lowers your taxable income, which in turn reduces your tax and NI liabilities.

Estimated Deductions

Assuming a standard tax code (1257L), under 65, and enrolled in a pension scheme:

  • Income Tax: £5,486
  • National Insurance: £3,030.40
  • Pension Contribution (5%): £2,250
  • Estimated Net Annual Pay: ¤34,233.60

Monthly Take-Home Breakdown

ItemAmount (£)
Gross Salary3,750.00
Income Tax-457.17
National Insurance-252.53
Pension Contribution-187.50
Net Pay2,852.80

These figures are estimates using April 2025 thresholds. For a personalised view, use our UK Salary Calculator.

Key Takeaways

  • On a £45,000 salary, your monthly take-home pay is approximately £2,853 after tax, NI, and a 5% pension contribution.
  • Making pension contributions reduces your taxable income and helps you save for retirement.

Understanding your payslip helps you budget more confidently and make informed decisions about salary, pension, and benefits.