How Much Does a Recruitment Consultant Earn in 2025?
With the cost of living rising, candidates are asking how much a recruitment consultant has the potential to earn more than ever. Salaries in the Recruitment industry vary depending on the sector and level of experience, but typically recruitment consultants have a basic salary and the opportunity to boost this with a performance-related commission. Some roles will advertise OTE, which means On Target Earnings, often phrased in job descriptions as High OTE - which is basically a high salary, depending on your performance. So what can you expect to earn as a Recruitment Consultant in 2025?
Average UK Base Salaries for Recruitment Consultants
So the answer to ‘how much does a recruitment consultant earn in 2025?’ often depends on the candidate and the type of recruitment consultant role. Factors such as skill set, experience, and seniority in the recruitment consultant role can influence the base salary that the individual can earn. These can vary:
Trainee recruitment consultants start on a basic annual salary of £24,000 to £30,000, excluding bonuses or commission.
A recruitment consultant's average salary is £22,000 to £28,000, excluding bonuses or commission.
Senior recruitment consultants’ average salaries are £28,000 to £35,000, excluding bonuses or commissions.
Recruitment managers with up to 10 to 15 years' average salaries are more than £40,000, excluding bonuses or commission.
With bonuses and commissions included, a recruitment manager's salary can drastically increase, potentially exceeding £60,000. Progression to achieve this role comes with experience and consistent on-job performance within a recruitment consultant role.
*these average base salaries are based on data gathered in 2025, and can vary depending on location and company
Average Recruitment Consultant Salaries Based on UK City
Below are the average recruitment consultant salaries based on the most popular UK cities:
Average recruitment consultant salary in Liverpool - £30,000-£33,000
Average recruitment consultant salary in London - £33,000-£35,000
Average recruitment consultant salary in Manchester - £30,000-£33,000
Average recruitment consultant salary in Birmingham - £28,000-£31,000
Average recruitment consultant salary in Newcastle - £27,000-£30,000
Average recruitment consultant salary in Leeds - £28,000-£30,000
Average Specialist Recruitment Consultant Salaries Based on Specialism
Below are the average recruitment consultant salaries based on recruitment specialisms in the UK:
Average Education recruitment consultant salary - £25,000-£30,000
Average Healthcare recruitment consultant salary - £28,000-£31,000
Average FMCG recruitment consultant salary - £26,000-£30,000
Average finance recruitment consultant salary - £31,000-£35,000
Working in Recruitment FAQS
Besides limitless salaries, there are also a whole host of benefits that are included with many recruitment jobs, such as flexible hours, travel and a sociable working environment.
What are the Typical Working Hours of a Recruitment Consultant?
Typical working hours for a Recruitment Consultant are Monday - Friday, 8.30 - 5.30 pm; however, sometimes it is required to work outside of these hours if you need to speak to candidates that are currently working full-time. This may involve early starts or late evenings and sometimes weekends. Working in Recruitment is for people who love working with people; it is important that you are there for candidates to support them during the whole process of finding a new job.
What Can I Expect Working in the Recruitment Industry?
This is an industry for proactive individuals, expect a fast-paced, target-driven environment.
You may be required to travel and meet clients face to face.
It is important to have strong people skills when working in the recruitment industry. Working well with people is an invaluable part of the job to ensure you meet targets.
You will be working with candidates that may let you down, clients that change their minds etc. Patience will be needed.
You need to have your finger on the pulse. It is important to maintain strong connections with both clients and candidates.
You may be required to network with potential clients.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Recruitment Consultant?
To start as a trainee recruitment consultant, you won’t need any previous experience or qualifications. You will be trained on the job. A strong determination to learn, hit targets and succeed is all you will need as a trainee.
Graduates that have a degree in any sector that are looking to apply for a recruitment consultant role will be considered. Graduate recruitment consultants are recruited regardless of what subject they hold a degree in. For an experienced recruitment consultant role, you will be required to have at least 2 years of experience, and for a recruitment manager position, you will need at least 10 years of experience in the industry.
What is the Work-Life Balance Like for a Recruitment Consultant?
You will have to be a naturally motivated person who is determined to meet targets. The term ‘work hard, play hard’ is relevant for the recruitment industry. Individuals who work best within a dynamic social environment are best suited to work in recruitment. You may have to work outside of working hours, but the benefits that come with this are rewarding, and most recruiters generally enjoy working to achieve targets.