PAYROLL INSIGHTS SURVEY 2026 – PAY PROFESSIONALS
How can a CIPP-approved qualification impact your earnings?
26.1% CIPP-APPROVED LEVEL 5
Respondents holding a CIPP-approved Level 5 Diploma reported higher average salaries at every career level analysed. The largest pay differential was observed at Director level, where those holding the qualification earned an average of £24,100 more than those without a CIPP-approved qualification, equivalent to a 37.1% uplift. Team Leaders with the qualification also reported significantly higher earnings, with an average salary 34.3% above their counterparts without a CIPP-approved qualification. Across all four grades analysed, respondents holding a CIPP-approved Level 5 Diploma earned on average 26.1% more than those without a CIPP-approved qualification. While a range of factors can influence earnings, respondents holding a CIPP-approved Level 5 Diploma reported higher average salaries at every career level included in the survey, indicating that the qualification is valued across the profession.
DIPLOMA HOLDERS EARN 26.1% MORE ON AVERAGE THAN THOSE WITHOUT A CIPP-APPROVED QUALIFICATION.
Salary comparison with and without CIPP-approved qualification (Level 5)
Average salary with CIPP- approved Level 5 Diploma £56,075
ADMINISTRATOR
TEAM LEADER
Difference (% Uplift)
Difference (% Uplift)
With qualification £35,100
No qualification £31,100
With qualification £42,700
No qualification £31,800
Average salary with no CIPP-approved qualification £44,475
£4,000 (12.9%)
£10,900 (34.3%)
MANAGER
DIRECTOR
Average difference £11,600
Difference (% Uplift)
Difference (% Uplift)
With qualification £57,400
No qualification £50,000
With qualification £89,100
No qualification £65,000
Average uplift 26.1%
£7,400 (14.8%)
£24,100 (37.1%)
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In most cases percentages have been rounded to two decimal places for clarity and may not add up to 100%. Graphics may have been rounded to whole percentages.
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