SEO Pay Progression Calculator
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This calculator helps you model SEO career & pay using an illustrative dataset and your assumptions. Use it to compare scenarios and understand the impact over time.
Assumptions
Pay data: Civil Service pay structure. Illustrative; based on national pay ranges. Used for Civil Service, MOD Civilian and Arm's Length Bodies. Pay varies by department and location. Check civil-service-careers.gov.uk or your employer.
- Figures are illustrative and may not reflect the latest pay awards or your employer’s exact rules.
- How we model progression: Many public sector pay scales use spine points—fixed salary steps within a band. Where the dataset has spine points, we assume you move up one point every X years (e.g. every 2 years). Where there are no spine points, we use an annual increment until you reach the band maximum. Real rules (time in grade, performance, etc.) vary by employer and contract.
- Years in role (starting point): This is how many years you have already been in this band. It sets where you start on the scale for the projection—e.g. 0 = bottom of the band (year one), 4 = four years in (you may already be at a higher spine point). Change it to match your situation.
- All outputs are gross—tax, National Insurance and pension are not deducted.
- Allowances and eligibility vary by employer.
Progression is shown using the pay structure for your sector (spine points or annual increments). Rules and rates vary by employer—treat this as an illustrative guide only.
Frequently asked questions
About this role
What is a SEO?
An SEO (Senior Executive Officer) is a senior civil servant who leads teams or policy areas, manages budgets and advises senior leaders. Entry is often via promotion from HEO or external recruitment.
Is it a rewarding career?
SEO roles offer significant responsibility and influence. Pay and satisfaction depend on department and role. Progression to Grade 7 and beyond is common.
Are there progression routes?
Typical progression: HEO → SEO → Grade 7 → Grade 6. Use the table above to model pay over time within the civil service pay framework.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides illustrative estimates only and is not financial or career advice. Pay rules and allowances can change. Always check your employer or official sources for definitive figures.