Pro-Rata Salary Calculator
Calculate your pro-rata salary when working part-time hours. Enter the full-time equivalent salary and your working hours to see your actual annual salary.
Last updated: January 2026 · Reflects 2025/26 tax year
The salary you would earn if working full-time (37.5 hours/week)
Standard full-time is 37.5 hours per week
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Calculate your pro-rata salary based on your working hours
Understanding Pro-Rata Salary
Pro-rata is a Latin term meaning "in proportion." When applied to salary, it refers to the proportional payment you receive based on the hours you work compared to a full-time equivalent position.
For example, if a full-time position offers £40,000 per year for 37.5 hours per week, and you work 30 hours per week, your pro-rata salary would be calculated as:
(30 ÷ 37.5) × £40,000 = £32,000 per year
Pro-rata calculations are commonly used for part-time workers, job sharers, and those transitioning between full-time and part-time roles. Understanding your pro-rata salary helps you compare job offers accurately and understand your true earning potential. For official guidance on part-time workers' rights, visit GOV.UK Part-Time Worker Rights.
Why Knowing Your Pro-Rata Salary Matters
For Part-Time Workers
- •Compare job offers accurately by looking at FTE salaries
- •Understand your hourly rate compared to full-time colleagues
- •Calculate holiday entitlement and other benefits
- •Plan for changes in working hours
For Employers
- •Ensure fair and consistent pay across different contracts
- •Calculate accurate pension contributions
- •Budget for part-time positions accurately
- •Comply with part-time workers' regulations
To understand how your pro-rata salary translates to take-home pay, use our take-home pay calculator. You might also want to read about pension contributions and tax relief to maximise the value of your part-time salary, or check the latest UK tax changes for 2025/26.
Pro-Rata Tax Advantages
Part-time workers keep the full £12,570 personal allowance, which means a larger proportion of your income is tax-free compared to your full-time equivalent. Working fewer hours can keep you in a lower tax band, significantly reducing your effective tax rate.
| FTE Salary | Working Pattern | Pro-Rata Salary | Tax Band | Effective Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £40,000 | 3 days (22.5h) | £24,000 | Basic (20%) | ~18% |
| £40,000 | 4 days (30h) | £32,000 | Basic (20%) | ~22% |
| £50,000 | 3 days (22.5h) | £30,000 | Basic (20%) | ~22% |
| £50,000 | 4 days (30h) | £40,000 | Basic (20%) | ~25% |
| £60,000 | 3 days (22.5h) | £36,000 | Basic (20%) | ~24% |
Note: A full-time £60,000 salary falls into the higher (40%) tax band, but the 3-day pro-rata equivalent of £36,000 stays entirely within the basic rate band — saving you thousands in tax each year.
Read more in our pro-rata salary guide, or use the take-home pay calculator to see your exact figures.
Pro-Rata Holiday & Benefits Entitlement
Full-time workers in the UK are entitled to a minimum of 28 days paid holiday per year (including bank holidays). Part-time workers receive a pro-rata share based on the days or hours they work.
| Working Pattern | Days/Week | Statutory Holiday (Days) | Statutory Holiday (Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 5 | 28 days | 224 hours |
| 4 days/week | 4 | 22.4 days | 179.2 hours |
| 3 days/week | 3 | 16.8 days | 134.4 hours |
| 2.5 days/week | 2.5 | 14 days | 112 hours |
| 2 days/week | 2 | 11.2 days | 89.6 hours |
Bank holidays can be handled differently by employers. Some include them in the 28-day total, while others give part-time workers a pro-rata number of bank holidays on top of their base entitlement. Check your contract to see which method your employer uses.
For more detail, read our complete pro-rata salary guide or check the official GOV.UK holiday entitlement rights.
Pro-Rata Salary FAQs
What does pro-rata salary mean?
Pro-rata salary means your pay is proportional to the hours you work compared to a full-time equivalent. If a full-time role pays £40,000 for 37.5 hours per week and you work 30 hours, your pro-rata salary would be £32,000 (30/37.5 × £40,000). See what a £40k salary looks like after tax to understand the full picture.
How is pro-rata salary calculated?
Pro-rata salary is calculated using this formula: (Your working hours ÷ Full-time hours) × Full-time salary. For example, working 22.5 hours when full-time is 37.5 hours at a £30,000 salary: (22.5 ÷ 37.5) × £30,000 = £18,000 pro-rata salary.
What is considered full-time hours in the UK?
In the UK, full-time hours are typically 35-40 hours per week, with 37.5 hours being the most common standard. However, this can vary by industry and employer. Some sectors consider 35 hours full-time, while others may use 40 hours.
Do pro-rata workers get the same benefits?
Part-time workers have the legal right to be treated no less favourably than full-time colleagues. Benefits like holiday entitlement, sick pay, and pension contributions are usually calculated on a pro-rata basis, meaning you receive a proportional amount.
How is holiday entitlement calculated for part-time workers?
Holiday entitlement is calculated pro-rata based on your working hours. If full-time workers get 28 days and you work 3 days a week (vs 5), you'd receive 16.8 days (28 × 3/5). This is often rounded up to 17 days.
Does pro-rata affect my pension contributions?
Yes, pension contributions are typically based on your actual pro-rata salary, not the full-time equivalent. Both your contributions and your employer's contributions will be calculated on your reduced salary. Learn more about salary sacrifice as a tax-efficient way to boost your pension.
Can I negotiate a higher pro-rata salary?
You can negotiate the full-time equivalent salary that your pro-rata is based on. When job hunting, compare the FTE salary to similar full-time roles to ensure you're being paid fairly. Your pro-rata percentage should match your working hours exactly.
How does pro-rata work for term-time only contracts?
Term-time contracts work differently - your annual salary is spread across 12 months but you only work during term time. The calculation includes weeks worked, not just hours per week. For example, working 39 weeks instead of 52 affects your pro-rata calculation.