• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Thursday February 26 2026

Average South West wage revealed in new report

The average wage in the South West has been revealed in a new report.

The average salary in the South West stands at £37,195, according to Wiltshire- and Bath-based recruitment firm CMD Recruitment.

The firm’s 2026 Salary Guide says vacancies are down 12 per cent on the year, with unemployment at 3.3 per cent.

The report, which analyses pay benchmarks and labour market trends across the region, indicates that while economic pressures reshaped hiring in 2025, conditions are expected to stabilise in 2026 as inflation eases and business confidence improves.

The data shows pay growth holding steady at around three per cent for the sixth consecutive quarter, with real wages forecast to rise by 1.1 per cent as inflation falls.

However, employers continue to face structural challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers.

“The outlook for 2026 suggests that the UK economy should remain stable, with inflation easing and general conditions becoming more predictable,” said CMD Recruitment’s operations director Dan Barfoot.

“However, employers will still face deeper, long-term challenges when it comes to finding and keeping skilled workers.”

Time-to-hire has lengthened significantly, with the UK average stretching to eight weeks in 2025 – almost double the previous year.

At the same time, 47 per cent of office workers are considering a career change in 2026.

When it comes to perks, 84 per cent view bonuses as a key component of total compensation while 80 per cent want more paid time off.

The guide also highlights forthcoming legislative changes likely to influence workforce strategy.

The report concludes that South West employers must adapt reward strategies, invest in skills-based hiring and strengthen workforce planning to remain competitive in an evolving labour market.

To request the full report, visit https://cmdrecruitment.com/2026-salary-guide/

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