Umbrella Calculator UK — What Do Contractors Actually Earn?
Calculate your take-home pay through an umbrella company as a UK contractor. Compare umbrella versus limited company and see deductions breakdown.
Many UK contractors work through umbrella companies which employ the contractor and handle payroll tax and compliance. While simpler than running a limited company umbrella take-home pay is lower due to employer NI (15%) being deducted from the assignment rate. A contractor on £400/day might take home only £260-£280 per day through an umbrella. Understanding the full deduction chain helps contractors negotiate appropriate rates.
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Key Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer NI Deduction | 15% of gross pay above threshold |
| Apprenticeship Levy | 0.5% (for large umbrellas) |
| Umbrella Margin | £15-£30 per week typical |
| Employee NI Rate | 8% on £12570-£50270 |
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Use Calculator NowFrequently Asked Questions
What is take-home on £500/day through umbrella?
On a £500/day rate (22 working days = £11000/month): umbrella margin ~£100. Employer NI ~£1300. Gross salary ~£9600. Employee NI ~£490. Income tax ~£1650. Student loan (if applicable) ~£250. Net take-home approximately £7200/month or £327/day. You keep about 65% of the assignment rate. This is why contractors should factor umbrella costs when setting their day rate.
Umbrella vs limited company which is better?
Limited companies generally provide higher take-home (70-75% versus 60-65% through umbrella) through salary plus dividend strategy. However IR35 rules mean many contracts now require umbrella employment. If you are inside IR35 umbrella is simpler with similar net result. Outside IR35 a limited company saves £5000-£15000 per year depending on earnings.
How to choose a good umbrella company?
Check FCSA accreditation (the industry compliance standard). Verify they pay via PAYE with proper payslips. Confirm the margin is reasonable (£15-£30/week). Avoid any umbrella claiming to increase take-home through tax avoidance schemes — HMRC actively pursues these and contractors face backdated tax bills. Ask for a sample payslip calculation before signing up.
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Last updated: March 2026