Highest Paying UK Jobs

We all dream of earning a little more, especially when our salaries don’t match the blood, sweat and tears we invest into our jobs.

Yet, what is interesting about salaries is that some of the UK’s highest paying jobs don’t actually require you to have an arsenal of training or qualifications. In fact, there are many that are more interested in you having experience or particular character and personality traits.

So if you are interested in moving careers and getting the salary you deserve, then you may find that some of the jobs below are more accessible than you think.

Table of Contents

• Highest paying jobs that require a degree
• High paying jobs that don’t require a degree
• How to work towards a higher-paying career
• Frequently asked questions

Highest paying jobs that require a degree

Let’s first take a look at the careers that typically require a degree or professional qualification. The salary ranges below reflect national median and upper-range figures based on ONS ASHE data.

1. IT and telecommunications directors

This is an in-demand job, as practically every business relies on computers and needs someone to manage its systems. Within this role, you’d be expected to oversee and improve IT infrastructure, assist employees with technical problems, and install new updates.

Salary: £70,000 (min.) – £500,000+ (max.). Median: £90,081.

Entry Requirements: there are a number of routes into this role. Most in this profession have degrees in computer science, maths, or other technical fields; however, it is possible to have an unrelated degree (or no degree at all) and work your way up. For more information on how to boost your IT skills, check out our online business courses.

2. Chief executives and senior officials

Typically you are expected to have a degree, postgraduate, or professional qualification related to your field in order to become a chief executive, alongside a strong history of making good business decisions and several years of experience in senior management.

Chief executives can be found across a number of industries including medicine, technology, and finance.

Salary: £75,000 (min.) – £1 million+ (max.). Median: £89,835.

Entry Requirements: as mentioned, you will typically need a degree, postgraduate qualification, or professional diploma related to your field. That said, a number of entrepreneurs and founders have become chief executives within their own companies without a conventional route in.

3. Marketing, sales and advertising directors

Marketing and sales directors are in charge of promoting products or a company’s brand, and are often responsible for leading a marketing team. Through analysing audience reaction and engagement with campaigns, they help strategise new plans and drive the firm’s sales.

Salary: £40,000 (min.) – £1 million (max.). Median: £90,000.

Entry Requirements: a degree in business or communications can help you gain this role, but strong interpersonal communication skills matter just as much. Experience managing teams and campaigns will also give you a significant head start.

4. Financial managers and directors

Common in both the public and private sectors, financial managers provide guidance and support to help their organisation make sound business decisions with its money.

Salary: £40,000 (min.) – up to £1 million (max.). Median: £65,336.

Entry Requirements: a degree in finance, accountancy, economics, or business is typically required for this role, alongside experience, as you’ll usually be expected to work your way up. For more information on building your financial knowledge, take a look at our online finance courses.

5. Specialist medical practitioners

To become a doctor, anaesthetist, consultant, or surgeon, you will need at least seven years of higher education. Those in specialist fields — such as surgeons and psychiatrists — tend to earn the most within this career path.

Salary: £45,000 (min.) – £500,000+ (max.). Median: £88,997.

Entry requirements: if you wish to pursue this route, you will need at least seven years of higher education combined with internships and on-the-job training.

6. Brokers

Responsible for buying and selling stocks and assets on behalf of others, brokers can earn commissions by helping clients manage their money and investments, and by advising on the best financial products currently on the market.

Salary: £28,000 (min.) – up to £1 million (max.).

Entry Requirements: a degree in maths and/or business can be useful, but is not essential for getting this job. There are numerous opportunities to train in-house or gain experience through mentorships.

High paying jobs that don’t require a degree

We’ve covered the highest-paying jobs in the UK that typically require a degree, but what about the ones that don’t?

As mentioned above, you don’t need a long list of qualifications to be paid well — as the roles below demonstrate.

1. Train and tram drivers

This is a role where you can benefit from a number of bonuses and perks as you gather experience, and it’s currently one of the strongest-paying routes into a career that doesn’t require a degree — the median salary has climbed significantly in recent years.

Salary: £30,000 (min.) – £80,000+ (max.). Median: £76,176.

Entry Requirements: all you need to do is pass the relevant driving assessments and have a genuine passion for the role — most training is provided in-house by the employer.

2. Air traffic controllers

Working as an air traffic controller can be demanding, as you’re responsible for the safety and wellbeing of those both on the ground and in the air. Alongside guiding and advising pilots on when it’s safe to take off and land, you’ll be expected to work to a strict schedule and have strong organisational and time management skills.

Salary: £38,000 (min.) – £120,000+ (max.).

Entry Requirements: whilst you don’t need a degree to apply for this role, you will need at least five GCSEs and an air traffic controller’s licence, which requires passing the NATS vocational course — typically taking around three years.

3. Police constable

If you’re interested in a career within law enforcement, working as a police constable is often the first step. The role includes frontline patrol work, training, and paperwork, with the potential to progress through the ranks to sergeant and inspector.

Salary: £28,000 (min.) – £50,000+ (max.).

Entry Requirements: entry routes have changed significantly since 2020. Most forces in England and Wales now recruit through the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF), which offers three main routes: the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) — a three-year programme open to non-graduates, requiring two A Levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification; the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) for existing graduates; or some forces now also offer the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP), a vocational route that does not require degree-level study. Requirements vary by force, so check your local force’s recruitment page for the specific route they’re currently offering.

4. Firefighter

This career has real potential to pay well as you progress through the ranks, provided you meet the fitness criteria.

Salary: £26,000 (min.) – £45,000+ (max. for a station manager).

Entry Requirements: during recruitment you will need to pass a series of written exams, aptitude tests, and physical examinations.

5. Construction manager

To work in this role you will need strong communication and leadership skills, and the ability to coordinate and supervise projects. You’ll also be expected to work on-site when required.

Salary: £30,000 (min.) – £65,000+ (max.).

Entry Requirements: alongside working your way up and becoming an expert in the trade, you will typically need a relevant trade certificate or NVQ.

6. Human resources manager

There are a number of roles and career routes within this sector, making it a strong option for anyone who enjoys working with people and solving interpersonal issues. Senior roles you can explore include HR specialist, HR officer, and HR advisor.

Salary: £32,000 (min.) – £60,000+ (max.).

Entry Requirements: a degree in business, communications, marketing, or HR can help you climb the ladder faster, but it’s entirely possible to become an HR manager through experience and on-the-job training. For more information on the specialisms within HR, take a look at our online HR courses.

How to work towards a higher-paying career

Whether you’re aiming for one of the degree-route roles above or a career that rewards experience over qualifications, the path usually comes down to a combination of the right entry-level qualification, relevant experience, and continued professional development.

If you’re weighing up your options, a Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in a relevant field can be a practical, flexible way to build the foundation these careers require — particularly if you’re studying alongside work or other commitments. Browse our full course catalogue to see which route might work for you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest-paying job in the UK?

Based on the latest ONS data, aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers hold the highest median salary of any occupational group in the UK, at £107,712. Chief executives and senior officials follow closely, along with IT directors and specialist medical practitioners.

Can I get a high-paying job without a degree?

Yes. Roles such as train and tram driving, air traffic control, construction management, and progression within the police or fire service can all lead to strong salaries without requiring a traditional degree — though most involve their own licensing, training, or professional qualifications instead.

What qualifications do I need for a career in finance or IT?

While many senior finance and IT roles are held by degree graduates, it’s increasingly common to work your way up through industry-recognised Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications combined with relevant experience. This is often a faster and more flexible route for career changers or those studying alongside work.

How accurate are these salary figures?

The figures above combine ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) median data with typical minimum and maximum ranges reported across the industry. Actual salaries vary significantly by region, employer size, and experience — London-based roles in particular tend to sit well above the national median.

As you can see, with or without a degree, you can make a real difference to your career and your earnings. So if you’re looking for a change, why not consider exploring one of the careers above? You might be surprised by where these job choices take you.