How much can you really earn as an estate planner in the UK? Here's the honest breakdown.
TL;DR Earnings Summary:
Estate planner earnings in the UK vary dramatically based on:
⏰ Timeline Reality Check
Most new estate planners take 3-6 months to get their first paying clients and 12-18 months to build sustainable income. The figures in this guide assume you've passed the initial ramp-up period. Your first year will typically earn significantly less as you build your client base and reputation.
If you work as an employed estate planner for a company, salaries are more predictable:
£20,000 - £28,000/year
First 6-12 months in role, learning systems, shadowing experienced planners, handling basic wills under supervision.
Typical employers: Estate planning firms, will writing companies, funeral directors
£28,000 - £38,000/year
1-3 years experience, handling full range of estate planning services independently (wills, LPAs, trusts, probate).
May include commission/bonus on top of base salary
£35,000 - £45,000/year
3-5+ years experience, handling complex estates, mentoring junior staff, potentially managing client relationships and business development.
Higher in London/Southeast (£40,000-£50,000+)
£45,000 - £65,000+/year
5-10+ years experience, running estate planning departments, strategic business development, team management.
May include profit share or equity participation
Beyond salary, employed positions typically include:
💼 Employment vs Self-Employment Trade-Off
Employed positions offer stability, benefits, and predictable income - perfect if you want security without business risk. However, self-employed planners typically earn significantly more (£60K-£120K+) once established, though with more variability and startup challenges.
Self-employed earnings are more variable but offer significantly higher potential income:
Annual Gross Income: £27,000 - £54,000
Minus expenses (£5,000-£10,000/year) = £22,000-£44,000 net profit
Ideal for people working 10-15 hours per week alongside other commitments, or as a side income while employed elsewhere.
Annual Gross Income: £60,000 - £120,000
Minus expenses (£10,000-£18,000/year) = £50,000-£102,000 net profit
Full-time practice working 30-40 hours per week, including client meetings, document preparation, marketing, and administration.
Self-employed estate planners typically have these annual costs:
Total typical expenses: £5,000-£18,000/year depending on business model and scale.
⚡ Flexibility Advantage
Estate planning is perfect for flexible working. Most client appointments happen evenings/weekends when clients are available. This means you can work around other commitments (children, part-time employment, caring responsibilities) and still build a substantial income.
Here's what realistic earnings look like as you build your practice:
The reality: Most of year 1 is spent getting set up, marketing, and getting your first clients. Expect:
Reality check: Many people keep their day job during year 1 and transition gradually.
Client referrals increase, marketing improves, confidence grows. Typical path:
This is when many people quit day jobs and go full-time.
Established reputation, consistent referrals, potential for premium pricing:
Multiple income streams and scaling options:
📈 Growth Isn't Linear
These timelines assume consistent marketing effort and professional service delivery. Some people grow faster (aggressive marketing, existing networks), others slower (limited time, competitive areas). Your effort level directly impacts your timeline.
Pricing directly impacts your earnings. Here are typical UK estate planning prices in 2025:
Price competitively to build your client base and testimonials:
Standard market rates once you have reviews and reputation:
Higher pricing for established reputation and complex work:
Your ability to generate leads directly impacts income:
How many enquiries turn into paying clients:
Our training includes our proven 70%+ conversion sales process
Offering complete packages increases average transaction value:
How quickly you can serve clients affects volume:
Who you serve affects pricing and volume:
Practical strategies to increase your estate planning earnings:
Create bundles that increase average transaction value:
Increase prices 5-10% annually as you gain experience and reputation. Existing clients usually accept modest increases, new clients only see current pricing.
💡 Reality: Most Income Growth Comes From
Yes, but not immediately. These figures represent established practices (3-5+ years) serving 12-20 clients monthly at average fees of £500. It requires consistent marketing, professional service delivery, and business development. Many achieve this, but it takes time to build.
Most new estate planners earn £10,000-£25,000 in year 1 while building their client base. The first 3-6 months are typically very quiet as you set up, market, and get your first clients. Income accelerates in months 7-12 as word-of-mouth referrals begin. Many keep day jobs during year 1.
Employed: Steady income (£25K-£45K), benefits, no business risk, work-life balance. Self-employed: Higher potential earnings (£60K-£120K+), flexibility, but variable income and startup challenges. Choose based on your risk tolerance and income needs.
Absolutely. Part-time estate planners (10-15 hours/week) serving 5-10 clients monthly can earn £27,000-£54,000 annually. Estate planning suits flexible working because most client appointments happen evenings/weekends anyway.
Trainee solicitors earn £25K-£40K (£45K-£55K in London). Qualified solicitors earn £35K-£65K. Self-employed estate planners can match or exceed solicitor salaries (£60K-£120K+) without needing a law degree or years of training, though with more business risk.
Main factors: (1) Marketing effectiveness (can you generate leads?), (2) Sales conversion rate (do enquiries become clients?), (3) Pricing strategy, (4) Time invested, (5) Location and local market, (6) Service range (wills only vs complete packages).
No. Many estate planners charge 30-50% less than solicitors and still earn excellent incomes through higher volume and efficiency. Solicitors often charge £600-£1,200 for mirror wills; estate planners typically charge £300-£500 and serve more clients with less overhead.
At £450 average per client: 10 clients/month = £54,000/year gross. Minus expenses (£8,000-£12,000) = £42,000-£46,000 net. So 10-11 clients monthly gets you to £50K take-home. That's 2-3 clients per week - very achievable once established.
Realistic earnings potential of £60K-£120K+ once established. Get comprehensive training, 2 months free software, and help securing your first client.