What Rising Salaries Across Norfolk & Suffolk Mean for Your Next Hire.
- Michelle Denny
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
The cost of hiring is changing - and not just because of inflation.
Across Norfolk and Suffolk, salaries are on the rise as businesses compete for a limited pool of skilled people. In this corner of East Anglia, we’re seeing local pay levels begin to close the gap with national averages - Suffolk’s median annual salary now sits around £33,900, with Norfolk following a similar upward trend.
It’s creating a noticeable shift in the market, one that’s as much about mindset as it is about money.

It’s still a candidate’s market
With unemployment at roughly 4.9% across both counties, most people who want to work already are - which means hiring often means enticing rather than finding.
And that takes more than a competitive salary. For many, it’s about recognition, flexibility and trust. People want to work where they feel respected and where the culture feels right.
Benchmarking really does help
It’s easy to assume you’re offering a fair rate, but the market has been moving fast.
In East Anglia, advertised pay has risen by around 20% since 2022, particularly in admin, logistics, customer service and engineering roles.
With that in mind, even a small underestimation can see good candidates look elsewhere.
Regular salary benchmarking - looking not just nationally, but locally - keeps you informed and competitive without guessing.
When budgets can’t stretch further but salaries are rising
Not every business can simply “add a few thousand.” But the good news is, salary isn’t the only thing driving decisions.
Strong benefits, flexibility, clear progression, and an honest working culture often tip the balance. When people feel seen and supported, they’ll happily choose a £33k role that offers balance over a £36k one that doesn’t.
It’s the whole picture that matters.
The ripple effect of wage increases
With the next Budget expected to confirm another rise in the National Living Wage, many employers across Norfolk and Suffolk will soon need to review pay structures again.
This isn’t just about adjusting base rates - it can have a ripple effect across entire teams, especially where entry-level pay moves closer to experienced roles.
Planning early and assessing where adjustments may be needed helps avoid a last-minute squeeze later.
Culture always wins
Culture is the thread running through every successful hire.
When candidates read your job advert or meet your team, they quickly pick up on your values, communication style, and how people treat one another. That sense of belonging and respect counts for more than most “perks” lists.
The real takeaway
Rising salaries across Norfolk and Suffolk reflect something positive - strong businesses, a thriving employment market, and people who want to stay local and grow their careers here.
The challenge isn’t just to keep up; it’s to understand what motivates people in our part of the world.
And that’s where local knowledge makes all the difference.
Not sure how your salaries stack up in today’s Norfolk and Suffolk market? We can help you benchmark pay, understand the trends, and make confident hiring decisions.





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