Skip to main navigationSkip to main content
The University of Southampton
Human Resources

Pay scales

The University has nine pay grades from Level 1a through to Level 7. Pay scales at Levels 1 to 6 are based on the nationally negotiated single pay spine. Separate pay scales apply for ERE staff at Level 7, MSA staff at Level 7 and for clinical staff.

Levels 1 to 5

Each level up to Level 5 has two pay zones; a core zone and a Higher Responsibility Zone (HRZ). Staff progress incrementally through the core zone at the rate of one pay point per year, subject to satisfactory performance. Once at the top of the core zone there is no further entitlement to automatic progression. There is no automatic progression into or through the HRZ.

Level 6

Level 6 consists solely of a core zone. Staff progress incrementally through the core zone at the rate of one pay point per year, subject to satisfactory performance. Once at the top of the core zone there is no further entitlement to automatic progression.

Level 7

The Level 7 pay scale for Education, Research and Enterprise (ERE) staff consists of three professorial bands. Pay and progression for Level 7 ERE staff is considered on a biennial basis in even-numbered years, whilst re-banding is considered on a biennial basis in odd-numbered years.

A separate pay scale applies for Management, Specialist and Administrative (MSA) staff at Level 7. Pay and progression for Level 7 MSA staff is currently considered on an annual basis.

Clinical staff

Clinical staff have terms and conditions that are set nationally by the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), with reference to NHS terms and conditions. Separate pay scales apply for these staff.

Related Documents

Pay scale - Levels 1 to 6

Pay scale - ERE Level 7

Pay scale - MSA Level 7

Pay scales - Clinical 

Pay scales - UniWorkforce

Pay scale - Levels 1 to 6 (December 2022 to August 2023 comparison)

Pay Scale - Level 1-6 with indicative employment costs (overview)

Pay Scale - Level 1-6 with indicative employment costs (detailed)

Business case template for additional salary enhancements (Market Supplements, Personal Value Allowances, Responsibility Allowances)

Guidelines - Pay for overtime, shifts and unsocial hours

Policy - Higher Responsibility Zone (HRZ)

Policy - Pay Protection Level 6 (HRZ Removal)

Policy - Personal Value Allowance Level 7

Policy - Responsibility Allowance Level 6

Policy - Market Weighting Allowance

Find out more

Privacy Settings