How this is calculated
£23 per hour is a strong mid-career rate, typical for senior skilled trades, experienced professionals in tech and engineering, senior specialists, and experienced project managers. Annually it puts you solidly in the higher part of the basic-rate income tax band.
On a gross annual salary of £44,850, HMRC deducts £6,456 in income tax and £2,582 in employee National Insurance for 2026/27 — leaving a take-home of £35,812 per year, or roughly £2,984 per month.
The first £12,570 of income is tax-free (the personal allowance). Earnings between £12,571 and £50,270 are taxed at 20%; between £50,271 and £125,140 at 40%; and above £125,140 at 45%. Employee National Insurance is 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270 and 2% above that.
Working 40 hours vs 37.5 hours
These figures assume a 37.5-hour working week. At 40 hours per week the annual gross rises to £47,840. After tax and NI the take-home at 40 hours is approximately £37,964 per year.