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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Would you class £32,000 as a good salary?

279 replies

Poshpuppy · 17/02/2026 10:36

I know there are so many variables. For a 21 year old living at home it's probably a very good salary!
For a single parent who owns a home maybe not.

For me, I'm 35 and I don't feel this is a good salary for me. I'm in the Civil Service, I have a degree and master's, it's my own fault for possibly doing qualifications that haven't led to anything higher paid/more specific.
I'm an EO/Executive Officer grade which is junior. There are not many HEO/Higher Officer grades that don't require very niche experience or line management, there are also few fewer HEOs than AOs or EOs so competition is tough.

I'm looking outwards at the local council, third sector and private sector. I know money isn't everything but when you have things to pay for and any chance of saving then it does help. I think I'd feel comfortable on closer to 40k, whether this will happen is another matter.

Of course there will be people on under 30k who manage perfectly fine, it's all relative. Just wondered what anyone thought!

OP posts:
Poshpuppy · 17/02/2026 10:40

Villanellesproudmum · 17/02/2026 10:39

That’s not bad for a EO role

True, some EO roles pay under 30k. It depends on the EO role too, some are line managing 15 AOs on that wage.

OP posts:
MiddleAgedDread · 17/02/2026 10:40

i would expect that to be a starting salary for someone with a degree and masters. Although it also depends if you're doing a graduate role with those qualifications. How many years experience have you got?

Villanellesproudmum · 17/02/2026 10:39

That’s not bad for a EO role

NuffSaidSam · 17/02/2026 10:38

For someone with a degree and a masters? No.

It depends where you live. I'm in London and would really struggle on that wage.

Although it also depends on what hours you work. For full-time work, it's low.

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