The salaries of the top 50 BBC personalities were recently published. Earnings ranged from approximately £210,000 to over £1.35 million annually.
Gary Lineker topped the list with a salary range between £1,350,000 and £1,354,999, while other prominent names included Zoe Ball, Alan Shearer, Greg James, and Fiona Bruce, with salaries ranging roughly from £350,000 to £520,000.
Some presenters showed steady increases in remuneration due to expanded roles or contractual changes, while others face reductions reflecting evolving responsibilities.
The method of payment for BBC star salaries has shifted over time from the use of personal service companies (with their inherent tax risks under IR35) to more straightforward PAYE arrangements.
We're going to focus on the top 10 earners here.
Who are the top 10 earners at the BBC?
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Gary Lineker
- Gross Salary: £1,354,999
- Estimated Income Tax: £595,953
- Estimated National Insurance: £29,110
- Net Income: Approximately £729,936
A former England footballer, Gary Lineker is best known for his long-running role as the host of Match of the Day, a flagship sports program at the BBC. His expertise in football, combined with his previous professional career for clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, underpins his status as the highest-paid presenter. His work extends into documentaries and philanthropic endeavors.
Has consistently been the highest-paid BBC presenter since 2021/22, maintaining a salary around £1.35 million. This consistency underscores his enduring value and brand longevity at the BBC.
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Zoe Ball
- Gross Salary: £519,999
- Estimated Income Tax: £220,203
- Estimated National Insurance: £12,410
- Net Income: Approximately £287,386
Zoe Ball is a versatile presenter known for her tenure on both BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2, notably hosting the Radio 2 Breakfast Show. In addition to her radio credentials, Ball has hosted prominent television shows such as Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two. Her broad appeal and diverse presenting roles contribute to her significant earnings at the BBC.
Her salary has fluctuated markedly. While earlier years saw earnings close to £980,000, a significant reduction in responsibilities—such as her departure from the Radio 2 Breakfast Show—resulted in a substantial drop to around £520,000 in 2024/25.
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Alan Shearer
- Gross Salary: £444,999
- Estimated Income Tax: £186,453
- Estimated National Insurance: £10,910
- Net Income: Approximately £247,636
A Premier League legend and former England captain, Alan Shearer transitioned from a prolific football career into his role as a pundit on Match of the Day. His salary reflects his experience as both a sports icon and a trusted commentator on football matters.
His salary has experienced moderate volatility, reflecting adjustments with his ongoing role on Match of the Day and special documentary features. In 2021/22, he earned around £450,000, dipped in the following year, and then rose slightly in the current period.
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Greg James
- Gross Salary: £429,999
- Estimated Income Tax: £179,703
- Estimated National Insurance: £10,610
- Net Income: Approximately £239,686
Greg James has become a household name as the host of the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show. His energetic presentation style and involvement in various radio segments, podcasts (such as Tailenders), and television work have made him one of the top earners.
He demonstrates steady progression in his earnings, having moved from approximately £390,000 in 2021/22 to around £430,000 in 2024/25.
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Fiona Bruce
- Gross Salary: £414,999
- Estimated Income Tax: £172,953
- Estimated National Insurance: £10,310
- Net Income: Approximately £231,736
A veteran journalist, Fiona Bruce brings decades of experience to the BBC. She has held high-profile roles including hosting BBC News at Ten, presenting Antiques Roadshow, and moderating Question Time. Her consistent performance and the diversity of her programming are reflected in her salary.
Her salary shows minor annual adjustments, reflecting her consistent delivery on multiple flagship programs.
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Nick Robinson
- Gross Salary: £414,999
- Estimated Income Tax: £172,953
- Estimated National Insurance: £10,310
- Net Income: Approximately £231,736
A seasoned political journalist, Nick Robinson transitioned from serving as BBC Political Editor to co-presenting the Today programme on Radio 4. Known for his incisive interviews and political reporting, Robinson’s compensation has been adjusted upwards in recognition of his increased responsibilities and on-air presence.
His salary jumped significantly from around £270,000 in 2021/22 to over £410,000 in 2024/25, indicative of his increasing role on the Today programme.
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Stephen Nolan
- Gross Salary: £409,999
- Estimated Income Tax: £170,703
- Estimated National Insurance: £10,210
- Net Income: Approximately £229,086
Stephen Nolan is a prominent figure in Northern Irish broadcasting with roles on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio 5 Live. His programming, including The Nolan Show, is celebrated for its direct and impactful discussion of current affairs, which is reflected in his stable salary range.
His salary remains stable.
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Laura Kuenssberg
- Gross Salary: £399,999
- Estimated Income Tax: £166,203
- Estimated National Insurance: £10,010
- Net Income: Approximately £223,786
Laura Kuenssberg, formerly the BBC Political Editor, now fronts Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. Known for her comprehensive coverage of UK politics—covering events from Brexit to general elections—her salary has seen a notable increase as she transitioned into her current role.
Her salary has seen a clear upward trend as she took on the role of hosting a leading Sunday morning political discussion.
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Vernon Kay
- Gross Salary: £394,999
- Estimated Income Tax: £163,953
- Estimated National Insurance: £9,910
- Net Income: Approximately £221,136
Vernon Kay, a familiar face on both television and radio, currently hosts BBC Radio 2’s mid-morning show. A career that spans from modelling and television presenting to radio, his addition to the top earners list highlights the growing importance of radio presence for high-profile talents.
Vernon is a newer addition at this level of the top salary lists, reflecting his transition into a major role at BBC Radio 2.
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Justin Webb
- Gross Salary: £369,999
- Estimated Income Tax: £152,703
- Estimated National Insurance: £9,410
- Net Income: Approximately £207,886
Justin Webb is a seasoned journalist and one of the co-presenters of Radio 4’s Today programme. His background as a foreign correspondent and long-standing reputation in political journalism contribute to his steadily rising salary.
Justin has experienced steady salary growth reflective of his longstanding position and increased responsibilities on the Today programme.
How do these BBC employees get paid?
For employees classified under the traditional employment model, the BBC applies the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system. In this arrangement, income tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) are deducted at source. This offers presenters certain benefits, such as statutory rights, holiday and sick pay, and pension contributions, while imposing the relevant tax obligations directly through their employer.
However not all are paid this way and have tried to structure their pay to reduce taxation.
Historically, many presenters operated via personal service companies (PSCs) as contractors. This method provided benefits for both the BBC and the presenters by reducing the employer’s NIC liabilities and offering potential tax advantages to the individual. However, these arrangements have been scrutinised under IR35 rules, designed to combat "disguised employment." Under IR35, if a PSC is deemed to be operating as an employee in all but name, backdated taxes and NICs may be assessed, leading to financial liabilities and, in some cases, legal disputes. The controversy over IR35 has led the BBC, and the wider media industry, to favor direct PAYE arrangements for more predictable tax liabilities and enhanced employment rights.