UK Space Agency salary 2026/27
The UK Space Agency supports the UK's space industry and programmes. It is now part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and publishes EO to SCS medians.
UK Space Agency salaries by grade
| Grade | Median | Take-home a month | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| EO | £28,560 | £1,919 | 91 of 92 |
| HEO | £36,180* | £2,353 | 83 of 93 |
| SEO | £46,600* | £2,920 | 67 of 93 |
| Grade 7 | £61,220* | £3,614 | 66 of 91 |
| Grade 6 | £75,310* | £4,243 | 59 of 84 |
| SCS | £102,640* | £5,464 | 17 of 58 |
Median full-time salary at 31 March 2026 from Cabinet Office Civil Service Statistics. * Our estimate from the official 2026 figure for the combined level and the 2025 figure for the grade. Rank compares UK Space Agency with every department and agency that publishes a figure for that grade. Take-home is full time, alpha member, tax code 1257L, no student loan.
Low at EO, average above
Its EO median of £28,560 is 91st of 92, one of the lowest. HEO is also low at 83rd of 93, and SEO and Grade 7 are around the middle at 67th of 93 and 66th of 91.
SCS improves to 17th of 58 at £102,640. The step from EO to HEO adds about £434 a month in take-home.
Against the typical department
| Grade | UK Space Agency median | Typical department | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| EO | £28,560 | £32,460 | -£3,900 |
| HEO | £36,180 | £39,440 | -£3,260 |
| SEO | £46,600 | £48,220 | -£1,620 |
| Grade 7 | £61,220 | £63,110 | -£1,890 |
| Grade 6 | £75,310 | £78,270 | -£2,960 |
| SCS | £102,640 | £94,930 | +£7,710 |
The typical department is the middle one when every department and agency that publishes a figure for that grade is put in order, at 31 March 2026.
What each step up is worth
| Move | Extra gross a year | Extra take-home a month |
|---|---|---|
| EO to HEO | £7,620 | £434 |
| HEO to SEO | £10,420 | £567 |
| SEO to Grade 7 | £14,620 | £694 |
| Grade 7 to Grade 6 | £14,090 | £629 |
| Grade 6 to SCS | £27,330 | £1,221 |
Extra take-home is smaller than the extra gross pay because of tax, National Insurance and the higher alpha contribution rate that applies as pay rises.
Grades with too few staff to publish a figure are left out. UK Space Agency may also pay more in London and for specialist roles, and most departments have paid a 2026/27 award since 31 March 2026.
Common questions
How much does an EO earn at UK Space Agency?
The median EO salary at UK Space Agency was £28,560 at 31 March 2026, which is about £1,919 a month after tax, NI and alpha at 2026/27 rates.
How much does a HEO earn at UK Space Agency?
The median HEO salary at UK Space Agency was about £36,180 at 31 March 2026 (our estimate from official figures), which is about £2,353 a month after tax, NI and alpha at 2026/27 rates.
How much does a SEO earn at UK Space Agency?
The median SEO salary at UK Space Agency was about £46,600 at 31 March 2026 (our estimate from official figures), which is about £2,920 a month after tax, NI and alpha at 2026/27 rates.
Does UK Space Agency pay more than other departments?
It depends on the grade. At SCS, UK Space Agency ranks 17 of 58 departments that publish a figure. At EO it ranks 91 of 92.
What pension do UK Space Agency staff get?
Civil servants join the alpha pension scheme. You pay 4.6% to 8.05% of your pay depending on what you earn, and build 2.32% of your pensionable pay as pension each year.