Planning Solicitor Salary in Berkshire 2026
Salary benchmarks for planning solicitors in Berkshire, from newly qualified (NQ) through to 8+ PQE, broken down by firm size. Includes paralegal, legal secretary and fee earner ranges. Data is based on market benchmarking across 12 regulated firms in the area.
View Planning firms and jobs in Berkshire→Qualified Solicitor Salaries
Annual salary ranges for planning solicitors in Berkshire by experience level and firm type. Mid-point figures shown; hover or expand for full range.
| Experience | High Street / Boutique | Regional / Mid-size | City / National | In-house |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newly qualified (0-1 PQE) | £53,000 £42,500–£63,500 | £56,500 £47,000–£68,500 | £68,500 £55,500–£86,500 | £58,500 £49,500–£72,000 |
| 2-3 PQE | £60,500 £48,500–£73,000 | £66,000 £54,000–£79,000 | £77,500 £62,000–£99,500 | £67,500 £56,000–£83,000 |
| 4-5 PQE | £70,500 £56,000–£85,500 | £76,500 £62,500–£92,000 | £91,000 £71,000–£119,500 | £78,500 £63,000–£99,000 |
| 6-8 PQE | £83,500 £63,500–£103,500 | £89,500 £70,500–£110,500 | £108,500 £83,000–£144,000 | £92,000 £72,000–£118,000 |
| 8+ PQE | £94,000 £73,000–£123,500 | £106,000 £82,500–£139,000 | £130,500 £97,500–£177,000 | £110,000 £84,500–£146,000 |
Figures are regional estimates for guidance only. Actual salaries vary by firm, candidate profile, and negotiation.
Salary by Firm Size
How planning solicitor pay varies across firm types in Berkshire. NQ salaries shown; the premium for larger firms widens with seniority.
High Street / Boutique
£53,000
NQ (typical)
Range: £42,500–£63,500
8+ PQE: up to £123,500
Regional / Mid-size
£56,500
NQ (typical)
Range: £47,000–£68,500
8+ PQE: up to £139,000
City / National
£68,500
NQ (typical)
Range: £55,500–£86,500
8+ PQE: up to £177,000
In-house
£58,500
NQ (typical)
Range: £49,500–£72,000
8+ PQE: up to £146,000
Non-qualified Roles
Salary benchmarks for support and fee-earning roles in Berkshire planning teams. Figures use a mid-size firm baseline.
Paralegal
| Experience | High Street / Boutique | Regional / Mid-size | City / National | In-house |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | £29,000 £27,500–£31,000 | £30,500 £28,500–£33,000 | £33,000 £30,500–£37,500 | £31,500 £29,000–£35,500 |
| 1-3 years | £30,500 £28,500–£33,000 | £32,500 £30,000–£36,500 | £37,000 £33,000–£42,500 | £34,000 £31,000–£38,500 |
| 3-5 years | £32,500 £30,000–£36,000 | £35,500 £32,000–£39,500 | £40,500 £36,000–£47,000 | £37,500 £33,000–£43,000 |
| 5+ years | £35,500 £32,000–£39,500 | £38,500 £34,000–£45,000 | £45,000 £39,000–£53,500 | £41,500 £36,500–£49,000 |
Legal Secretary / PA
| Experience | High Street / Boutique | Regional / Mid-size | City / National | In-house |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | £27,500 £26,000–£29,000 | £29,000 £27,500–£31,000 | £32,500 £30,000–£36,500 | £30,500 £28,500–£33,000 |
| 1-3 years | £28,500 £27,000–£30,000 | £30,500 £28,500–£33,000 | £35,500 £32,000–£40,000 | £32,500 £30,000–£36,500 |
| 3-5 years | £29,500 £27,500–£31,500 | £32,500 £30,000–£35,500 | £38,000 £33,500–£43,500 | £35,500 £32,000–£39,500 |
| 5+ years | £31,500 £29,000–£35,500 | £35,000 £31,500–£39,500 | £38,500 £34,000–£44,500 | £38,000 £33,500–£44,500 |
Fee Earner / Legal Executive
| Experience | High Street / Boutique | Regional / Mid-size | City / National | In-house |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | £35,500 £33,000–£39,000 | £39,000 £35,500–£43,500 | £41,500 £36,500–£47,500 | £39,500 £35,000–£45,000 |
| 1-3 years | £37,500 £34,500–£42,000 | £42,500 £37,500–£47,000 | £46,500 £40,500–£54,500 | £44,000 £38,000–£50,500 |
| 3-5 years | £42,500 £37,500–£47,000 | £47,000 £41,000–£54,000 | £52,500 £44,500–£62,500 | £48,500 £41,500–£57,500 |
| 5+ years | £47,000 £41,000–£55,500 | £53,000 £44,500–£64,500 | £60,000 £50,000–£73,000 | £55,000 £46,000–£67,500 |
Planning Firms in Berkshire
Regulated planning firms in Berkshire on the SRA register. Salaries above reflect the market across these firms.
Aston Bond Law Limited
Also known as Aston Bond Law Firm
Slough
Blandy & Blandy LLP
Reading
Boyes Turner LLP
Reading
Broadfield Law Uk LLP
Also known as Broadfield
Reading
Cms Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP
Reading
Eversheds Sutherland (international) LLP
Also known as Eversheds Sutherland (international) LLP (abu Dhabi Branch), Eversheds Sutherland (international) LLP (dubai Branch), Konexo, Eversheds Sutherland, Eversheds Sutherland (international) LLP (qatar Branch), Eversheds Sutherlands (international) LLP (beijing Representative Office), Eversheds Sutherlands (international) LLP (shanghai Representative Office), Konexo Uk
Reading
Gateley PLC
Reading
Hcr Legal LLP
Also known as Child and Parent Law, Hcr Wright Hassall, Wills at Work, Eagle Hr, Hcr Hewitsons, Harrison Clark Rickerbys, Hcr Legal LLP Licensing
Reading
Knights Professional Services Limited
Also known as Cl Medilaw, Integrar, Knights
Reading
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
Reading
Portcullis Property Lawyers
Windsor
Shoosmiths LLP
Also known as Swiitch
Reading
Check your own salary
Use LawBoard's free salary benchmark to get a personalised benchmark for your role, experience level, and location. Create a profile to save your result and track target firms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for a newly qualified planning solicitor in Berkshire?
Newly qualified planning solicitors in Berkshire typically earn between £42,500 and £86,500 depending on firm size, with boutique and high street firms around £53,000, mid-size firms around £56,500 and City or national firms around £68,500.
What does a planning solicitor earn at 4 to 5 PQE in Berkshire?
At 4 to 5 PQE, planning solicitors in Berkshire typically earn between £56,000 and £119,500 depending on firm size, with boutique firms around £70,500, mid-size around £76,500 and City or national firms around £91,000.
How does firm size affect planning solicitor salaries in Berkshire?
Firm size has a significant impact on salary. At NQ level in Berkshire, a high street or boutique firm typically pays around £53,000, while a City or national firm may pay £68,500 or more. The premium widens at senior levels, where large firms can pay substantially above regional norms.
What is the salary for a paralegal in Berkshire in 2026?
Entry-level paralegals in Berkshire typically earn between £27,500 and £33,000 depending on firm size, with boutique firms around £29,000 and mid-size firms around £30,500. With 5 or more years of experience, the range rises to £32,000 to £45,000, with boutique firms around £35,500 and mid-size around £38,500, based on 2026 benchmarking data.
Where does LawBoard salary data come from?
LawBoard salary benchmarks are derived from market data covering law firms registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Figures are adjusted for region and practice area using established market multipliers. They represent typical ranges for guidance only and are updated periodically.
Related Pages
Firm data sourced from the Solicitors Regulation Authority register. Salary benchmarks are regional estimates for guidance only and are not specific to any individual firm. Recruitment support available via RecQuest.