PRH and HarperCollins raise starting salaries to more than £26k

Penguin Random House (PRH) and HarperCollins are raising salaries for entry-level roles to more than £26,000 per annum in response to changes in the labour market and to improve diversity.  

Val Garside, HR director at PRH, told The Bookseller: “We established our pay bands last year and have recently undertaken a refresh of them to make sure they are up to date and reflective of the current market. To do so we’ve drawn on the latest salary data from a range of industries and companies, both including and beyond publishing. 

“As part of these changes we have increased our entry-level salaries by £2,500 per year, starting on £26,500 and automatically moving to £27,500 after one year in role. Investment in our entry level roles is critical for us for building a diverse talent pipeline and supporting colleagues in the early stages of their career. 

“The pay band refresh is in addition to our annual pay review process in January where we increase salaries.” 

The changes took place from 1st July and are already effective. 

A spokesperson for HarperCollins also confirmed starting salaries would increase from £25,000 to £26,250, effective from 1st October. In its most recent ethnicity and gender pay gap reports the publisher said it would continue to raise entry-level and early career salaries to attract diverse talent. 

Hachette said its starting salary remains £24,000 in London and £22,000 in its regional offices, with no recent changes. However, it is understood this is under review.  

The other member of the UK Big Four, Pan Macmillian, did not respond to The Bookseller when asked about its starting salary. 

A survey carried out last year by bookcareers.com found the average starting salary in publishing was £22,788.