Pay in the voluntary sector 2025
This report pulls together data on sector pay, comparing salary data from the voluntary sector and the public and private sectors, as well as variations in pay depending on factors such as age, gender and full-time /part-time workers.
The main source of pay data used is the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). We also bring in data from sources such as the Living Wage Foundation, the Scottish Third Sector Tracker, and the Goodmoves Salary Guide.
Key findings
Across most pay indicators the voluntary sector pays roughly on par with the private sector, but substantially less on average than the public sector. The pay gap between the voluntary sector and the wider economy increases with age and through career progression. We also find evidence of pay gaps within the sector, in particular a significant gender pay gap, and closely linked to this a gap between pay rates for full-time and part-time workers.
The findings highlight the need for funding to cover fair pay and to be uplifted in line with inflation, and for the sector to improve flexible working practices and address potential areas of pay inequality.
