Salary sacrifice calculator
See the tax and National Insurance saved by sacrificing salary into a pension, for you and your employer.
Your salary sacrifice saving
Change the numbers, the results update instantly.
Assumes your employer passes on their NI saving as configured with them, and that your salary stays above minimum wage after sacrifice. Always take advice before acting.
How it works
Salary sacrifice means you give up part of your gross salary in exchange for your employer paying that amount into your pension instead. Because it's deducted before tax and National Insurance are calculated, both you and your employer pay less NI, and you pay less income tax, compared to contributing the same amount from your net pay. The full sacrificed amount reaches your pension, since it never counted as taxable salary in the first place. Setting this up correctly through the payslip is part of what our payroll service handles for employers who offer it.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from a normal pension contribution?
A normal net-pay pension contribution is deducted after tax and NI, then topped up with basic-rate relief. Salary sacrifice reduces your gross salary before tax and NI are calculated at all, which usually saves more, including employer NI.
Can my salary fall below minimum wage?
No, by law your post-sacrifice salary must not fall below the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. Employers cap how much can be sacrificed for lower earners.
Does the employer NI saving go to me?
It depends on your employer. Some pass on all or part of their NI saving as an extra pension contribution, others keep it. Ask your employer or check your scheme rules, or ask our payroll team if we run your scheme.
Does this affect other benefits?
It can, since your reported salary is lower. This can affect things like mortgage applications, statutory pay calculations, and means-tested benefits, worth checking before committing to a large sacrifice.
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These results are a simplified illustration based on 2026/27 rates, not advice. Your real position depends on your full circumstances. For a personalised answer, book a free consultation.
Numbers looking complicated?
A calculator gives you an estimate. A free call gives you a plan. Book one and we'll work through your actual situation.