Company secretary salaries can vary significantly depending on experience, sector, organisation size and governance responsibilities.
In smaller private companies, company secretarial duties may form part of a broader governance or legal role. In larger organisations, particularly listed companies and regulated businesses, company secretaries often hold senior leadership positions with responsibility for board governance, compliance and strategic advice.
As a result, salaries can range from entry-level governance positions through to six-figure executive appointments.
What Is the typical Company Secretary Salary in the UK?
The typical company secretary salary in the UK varies greatly, with company secretaries at the earlier stages of their careers typically being paid £30,000 – £35,000 and more experienced individuals being paid from £120,000 – £250,000+
However, this range can vary considerably depending on the complexity of the organisation and the responsibilities attached to the role.
We have provided some guidance on typical salary ranges within the following sectors:
FTSE 100
- Trainee Company Secretary / Company Secretarial Administrator: £32,000 – £45,000
- Company Secretarial Assistant: £35,000 – £55,000
- Assistant Company Secretary: £55,000 – £80,000
- Senior Assistant Company Secretary: £75,000 – £125,000
- Head of Secretariat: £100,000 – £150,000
- Deputy Company Secretary: £140,000 – £230,000
- Group Company Secretary: £180,000 – £350,000+
FTSE 250
- Trainee Company Secretary / Company Secretarial Administrator: £30,000 – £42,000
- Company Secretarial Assistant: £35,000 – £52,000
- Assistant Company Secretary: £50,000 – £80,000
- Senior Assistant Company Secretary: £75,000 – £120,000
- Head of Secretariat: £100,000 – £150,000
- Deputy Company Secretary: £130,000 – £180,000
- Group Company Secretary: £160,000 – £250,000+
Non-listed Financial Services (including banks, asset manager, insurance firms, trading companies and other similar businesses)
- Company Secretarial Assistant: £30,000 – £55,000
- Assistant Company Secretary: £50,000 – £80,000
- Senior Assistant Company Secretary: £70,000 – £110,000
- Deputy Company Secretary: £120,000 – £180,000
- Group Company Secretary: £150,000 – £230,000+
Many organisations also offer bonus schemes, pension contributions and long-term incentive plans, particularly for senior governance professionals.
What Affects Company Secretary Salary?
Several factors influence earning potential within company secretarial and governance careers.
Experience
As with most professions, experience remains one of the strongest drivers of salary growth. Governance professionals who have supported boards, committees and senior executives across multiple organisations typically command higher salaries than those earlier in their careers.
Industry
Certain sectors place greater emphasis on governance and regulatory compliance.
Financial services, insurance, listed companies and heavily regulated organisations often offer higher salaries due to the complexity of governance requirements.
Organisation Size
A company secretary supporting a small private business may have a very different remit from someone advising the board of a FTSE-listed company.
As governance responsibilities increase, salaries generally rise accordingly.
Qualifications
Professional governance qualifications can improve career prospects and salary potential. Many senior company secretaries have backgrounds in governance, law, compliance or corporate administration.
To understand more about the role itself, read our guide on Company Secretary Responsibilities.
Location
Where a company’s head office is based in the UK often impacts the salary-range for company secretaries. London and the Home Counties tend to command the highest salaries, with other city centres such as Leeds, Edinburgh and Manchester paying relatively competitive salaries.
Increasingly, remote-working positions are leveraging the increased flexibility on offer with a relative decrease in salaries in comparison to other opportunities.
Company Secretary Salary by Career Stage
Early Career
Professionals entering governance roles often begin in governance officer, board support or assistant company secretary positions.
Typical salaries range from £35,000 to £55,000.
Mid-Career
Experienced company secretaries supporting boards and committees can expect salaries between £60,000 and £100,000 depending on sector and organisational complexity.
Senior Governance Leadership
Senior governance professionals, heads of governance and group company secretaries frequently earn six-figure salaries.
These positions often involve direct board interaction, strategic governance advice and responsibility for governance frameworks across multiple entities.
Which Industries Pay Company Secretaries the Most?
While company secretaries can be found across almost every sector, some industries consistently offer higher remuneration.
These often include:
- Financial Services
- Banking
- Insurance
- FTSE 100 Companies
- Energy Companies
Organisations operating in highly regulated environments typically require experienced governance professionals who can support compliance, risk management and board effectiveness.
Can Company Secretaries Earn Six Figures?
Yes.
Many experienced company secretaries earn salaries exceeding £100,000 per year.
This is particularly common among senior governance professionals working within listed companies, financial services organisations and large corporate groups.
Executive-level governance appointments may also include performance bonuses, share schemes and additional benefits.
Is Company Secretary a Good Career?
For professionals interested in governance, compliance and board-level operations, company secretarial work can offer an attractive long-term career path.
The profession combines technical knowledge with strategic influence, allowing experienced practitioners to work closely with directors and senior executives.
Demand for governance expertise continues to grow as organisations face increasing regulatory expectations and governance scrutiny.
Governance Recruitment and Company Secretarial Careers
Finding the right governance talent requires a detailed understanding of both the role and the wider governance landscape. At Ingen Partners, we support organisations seeking experienced company secretaries, governance managers and senior governance professionals across a range of sectors.
Whether recruiting for a first appointment or a senior board-facing position, identifying candidates with the right combination of governance expertise and commercial judgement remains essential.
If you are benchmarking pay for an upcoming appointment, see our governance and company secretarial recruitment services.
Final Thoughts
Company secretary salaries in the UK vary significantly based on experience, sector and organisational complexity.
While entry-level governance professionals may begin their careers in support roles, experienced company secretaries can progress into highly influential positions with significant responsibility and strong earning potential.
As governance continues to play an increasingly important role within organisations, demand for experienced company secretarial professionals is expected to remain strong.
Company Secretary Salary Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a company secretary paid in the UK?
A company secretary in the UK typically earns between £50,000 and £90,000 per year. Salaries can be significantly higher in listed companies, financial services organisations and senior governance positions.
Can company secretaries earn six figures?
Yes. Experienced company secretaries working in listed companies, regulated sectors and senior governance roles can earn salaries exceeding £100,000, often alongside bonuses and other benefits.
Which industries pay company secretaries the most?
Financial services, banking, insurance, listed companies and other highly regulated sectors often offer the highest company secretary salaries due to the complexity of governance and compliance requirements.
What qualifications do I need to become a company secretary?
Many company secretaries have qualifications in governance, law, compliance or corporate administration. Professional governance qualifications can help career progression, particularly for senior positions.
Is company secretary a good career?
Company secretarial work can offer strong career progression, competitive salaries and the opportunity to work closely with boards and senior executives. Demand for governance professionals remains strong across many sectors.
Is a company secretary higher than a director?
No. Directors are responsible for the management and strategic direction of a company. A company secretary advises the board, supports governance processes and helps ensure compliance, but is not normally senior to directors.
