Top 50 Highest Paying Jobs in the UK
Having a high-paying job in any part of the world is ideal, but in a country like the United Kingdom, perhaps even more so. Made up of four individual countries –– England, Scotland, Wales, and North Ireland –– the United Kingdom is one of the oldest and most cultural areas in the world. Millions of tourists flock to the mostly island nation each year, helping to contribute to the massive 3.187 trillion (USD) GDP.
But while the UK routinely features on many most-livable-country and happiest-resident lists, there are many issues (namely inflation) that account for sky-high prices on rent, mortgages, utilities, and products throughout the entire nation. The cost of living is high in urban areas like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, while less so in Glasgow, Belfast, and Cardiff so the need for a high-paying job varies depending on where you live. But a high-paying job is still a nice thing to have, especially if you enjoy the finer things in life the United Kingdom has to offer.
Have you had a hard time finding a new job in the wake of the UK’s economic troubles? Are you a student trying to make career plans for the future?
Either way, this guide can help. Outlined below are some of the highest-paying jobs in the UK and the highest paying industries in the UK, as well as a breakdown of the degrees and qualifications needed to get hired.
Here are the top 45 highest-paying jobs in the United Kingdom:
JOB TITLE | AVERAGE SALARY (GBP) |
ENTREPRENEUR | |
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO) | |
NEPHROLOGIST | |
PEDIATRICIAN | |
ANESTHESIOLOGIST | |
OPHTHALMOLOGIST | |
PLASTIC SURGEON | |
ORTHODONTIST | |
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO) | |
PILOT | |
UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR | |
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR | |
ITS DIRECTOR / ARCHITECT | |
DERMATOLOGIST | |
JUDGE | |
PSYCHIATRIST | |
ACTUARY | |
INVESTMENT BANKER ANALYST | |
JAVA DEVELOPER | |
DENTIST | |
PRODUCT MANAGER | |
SOLICITOR | |
CREATIVE DIRECTOR | |
ECONOMIST | |
MARKETING SPECIALIST | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER | |
BROKER | |
PROJECT MANAGER | |
OPTOMETRIST | |
GEOLOGIST | |
BANK MANAGER | |
PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR | |
DATA SCIENTIST | |
DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR | |
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER | |
GRAPHIC DESIGNER | |
BUSINESS ANALYST | |
CYBER SECURITY SPECIALIST | |
SOFTWARE ENGINEER | |
MAINTENANCE ENGINEER | |
ACCOUNTANT | |
COPYWRITER | |
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN | |
PERSONAL TRAINER / LIFE COACH |
What Salary Is Considered Rich in the UK?
The average salary in the UK for a full-time employee is approximately £35,423 per year. If your salary is much higher than this, closer to £50,000 per year or more, you would likely fall into the above-average or “rich” categories.
It’s worth noting that the cost of living in the UK is lower than the cost of living in some countries, such as the United States. For example, you need to earn approximately £3,411 (USD 4,700) to live modestly in a major UK city like London. For an equivalent lifestyle in a major U.S. city, like New York City, experts estimate that you need to earn around $5,822 (£4,225).
What Is the #1 Highest-Paid Job in the UK?
What kinds of full-time workers in the UK earn enough money to fall into the “rich” category? What are the highest paying jobs in the UK?
One of the best-paid jobs in the UK, the number one job is that of a chief executive or senior manager. Chief executives and senior managers are important business leaders who must shoulder a lot of responsibility. They’re highly skilled professionals, their annual salary needs to match their skill set and the amount of work they do each day.
Chief executives and senior managers can earn anywhere from £50,000 per year on the very low end up to nearly £600,000 per year on the high end.
Beyond working as a chief executive or senior manager of a company, there are plenty of other high-earning jobs available in the UK. We’re counting down the top 20 highest paying ones to give you more ideas of careers you may want to pursue:
Top 45 Highest-Paying Jobs in the UK
If you’re getting ready to leave university and start your career soon, you’ve likely found yourself wondering about the highest paying jobs in the UK for fresh graduates.
Cardiologist Average annual salary: £117,000
Job description: With special attention paid to the cardiovascular system, Cardiologists spend most of their time studying diseases and disorders of the heart and blood vessels, while offering treatment, prevention, and management solutions to patients. Because of the high skill and extensive education and training necessary to perform this line of work, cardiologists earn some of the highest paychecks in the UK.
Entrepreneur Average annual salary: £101,000
Job description: Entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom who have started a business from the ground up can expect to earn salaries in the low £20,000-range, and as high as several million pounds. That’s because their ideas are typically borne out of their qualifications, talents, interests, or personal situations, and shaped toward many different profitable market opportunities. While all entrepreneurs require a keen imagination and the ability to spot trends, not everyone manages to produce entirely unique products or designs. But when the ideas are right, they’re right. And sometimes that’s all you need.
Chief Financial Officer Average annual salary: £97,646
Job description: Second only to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, is responsible for managing the company’s money –– including scheduling, overseeing budgets, determining the spend vs. costs figures within multiple departments, and so on. These high-paying jobs come with even higher pressure due to the expectations, as well as the robust financial knowledge, and tough decision-making that impacts the lives of all employees.
Neurologist Average annual salary: £97,000
Job description: Working in a highly specialized field of medicine, Neurologists are medical doctors who focus on the health of the human nervous system, including issues with the spinal cord, nerves, muscles, and the brain. Day-to-day duties for Neurologists include diagnosing, treating, and managing pain among those suffering from neurological diseases and disorders. Years of training, education, and patience are required.
Nephrologist Average annual salary: £96,940
Job description: A unique practitioner of vital medicine throughout the country, nephrologists are specialist doctors who diagnose and treat diseases that directly affect the kidneys, such as kidney stones, tumors, and other forms of infections. Nephrologists are also known to treat patients with general illnesses that can ultimately lead to kidney failure, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and other autoimmune diseases. Due to the highly specialized nature of this subject, and as nephrologists are considered doctors, the training and education are extensive. But well-paying.
PediatricianAverage annual salary: £92,864
Job description: A Pediatrician is a health care professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating children (typically from birth until the age of 21) while focusing on areas of developmental health that can potentially have lasting effects on patients. Pediatricians essentially care for the youngest section of the public and guide them towards efficiencies that help them develop into healthy adults, like providing routine examinations and providing vaccinations. Due to the highly skilled training and experience required, Pediatricians are very well paid.
Anesthesiologist Average annual salary: £90,005
Job description: A well-paying, yet incredibly stressful job, anesthesiologists literally hold the lives of patients undergoing surgery in their hands. Anesthesiologists are doctors who administer the drugs (not only anesthesia) that prevent patients from feeling pain or sensation during major surgical procedures. Not only are they responsible for addressing any patient issues or discomforts before they are put under, but they are also in charge of facilitating long-term recovery for patients post-operation.
Ophthalmologist Average annual salary: £82,000
Job description: Another specialist position in the field of medicine, ophthalmologists are doctors who focus on diagnosing and treating eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma. Ophthalmologists are also skilled technicians in that they perform eye surgeries (like oculoplastic work and corneal transplants) while following up with their patients to ensure that their vision is balanced. In order to become an ophthalmologist, you will need to earn a medical degree before narrowing your field towards the study of ophthalmology. Residencies and interning typically take 3 to 5 years in the United Kingdom before you can begin earning higher than average salaries.
Obstetrician Average annual salary: £79,000
Job description: These professions are some of the most valued in the medical industry because they are responsible for bringing life into the world. Obstetricians/Gynecologists (or OB-GYNs) are doctors who help those before, during, and after childbirth, to ensure the seamless delivery of babies. But more than that, they are also trained to recognize and treat issues that occur within the reproductive system, including detecting sexually transmitted diseases, performing health screening, and urgent surgical procedures (such as caesareans and hysterectomies).
Plastic Surgeon Average annual salary: £78,344
Job description: In a growing industry (whether that’s good or bad depends on your opinion of elective procedures), plastic surgery requires licensed medical practitioners to carry out several different operations, many of which are reconstructive or cosmetic in nature. Reconstructive surgeries usually take place following a patient’s accident or injury, while cosmetic procedures are voluntary and revolve around beauty or enhancements like rhinoplasty, liposuction, and breast enlargements. Either type of surgery is performed by a Plastic Surgeon, who, on average, can earn up to six-figure salaries.
Orthodontist Average annual salary: £77,757
Job description: Due to the nature of this specialist branch of healthcare, orthodontists in the United Kingdom are very well paid. Like a dentist, an Orthodontist performs a critical service to the public in the form of advanced oral care. Anyone who has ever been made to wear dental braces or other mouthpieces knows the costs associated (and usually not covered by insurance) with orthodontics. The skills required are intense, and the work itself is challenging, but the salaries are some of the highest in the country.
Chief Executive Officer Average annual salary: £77,711
Job description: Every company has a Chief Executive Officer. These positions are just about as high as you can get when climbing the corporate ladder. But they also carry the most responsibilities. CEOs make crucial business decisions that affect the entire company’s bottom line, not to mention the livelihoods of all employees. Because the job of the CEO is so important to the overall function of an organization, and because they absorb so much of the risk, the compensation is typically the highest of anyone else on the payroll. And as a result, they are some of the highest-paying positions in the United Kingdom.
Pilot Average annual salary: £76,500
Job description: As a major tourist destination, the United Kingdom is home to some of the busiest airports in Europe –– including Gatwick and Heathrow. Pilots are some of the most in-demand positions in the country and beyond. Commercial airline pilots who fly to international destinations are typically paid more than continental or local-haul pilots, but the training required for all flights is the same. And it’s very intensive, so the rewards are usually worth it in the end.
University Professor Average annual salary: £75,115
Job description: The United Kingdom is home to some of the most prestigious and esteemed universities in the world. So it’s no surprise that professor positions are some of the highest-paying available. The years of experience required to become a college or University Professor is extensive and demanding. But once a student graduates to the level of professor, especially a tenured professor, they can start teaching their students in their chosen field of education. Professors throughout the UK teach students across different subjects, creating lasting impacts on the lives of others. With the right qualifications, professors can teach their chosen subjects anywhere.
Human Resources Director Average annual salary: £71,248
Job description: Human Resource Directors lead management teams in various industries. They are in charge of a list of daily tasks that keep a company running, like hiring employees, handling interpersonal issues, and ensuring employees have good mental well-being while in the working environment. Many companies throughout the United Kingdom are looking for dedicated managers to oversee the Human Resources department –– and they’re willing to pay high salaries.
ITS Director Average annual salary: £71,400
Job description: A highly demanding job that requires considerable training and technical skills, an ITS (Information Technology Systems) Director, especially one at a prominent corporate digital or business firm, is not only some of the most attractive positions within various UK markets today, but they are also some of the best paying. ITS Directors help solve computer issues at the highest level while also helping to develop and/or test software applications while troubleshooting and utilizing specialized skills like coding and writing. In addition to this pressing workload, Directors also manage the day-to-day operations of their teams across numerous tech departments. Major decisions fall onto their shoulders and, as such, they are well compensated.
Dermatologist Average annual salary: £69,209
Job description: Dermatologists are medical specialists in the field of skin, tailoring their focus on various unsightly and debilitating diseases and conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne, shingles, and skin cancer. While many dermatologists also offer cosmetic treatments like fillers, laser procedures, and Botox injections, their positions are based on years of advanced studying. To be a dermatologist, you must first train to be a medical doctor and then, upon receiving your degree, focus your area of study on dermatology as a practice. Dermatologists are known to make some of the highest salaries in the country.
Judge Average annual salary: £67,500
Job description: Judges make some of the most important decisions that affect individuals and society as a whole. Their rulings, which they make based on extensive reading, researching, and experience, are incredibly important and they bear the weight of all their actions. Unfortunately, you can’t just leave law school and decide to become a judge –– you have to put in the work articling and clerking before you can rise to such a prestigious role. The compensation is justifiably higher.
Psychiatrist Average annual salary: £67,056
Job description: Psychiatry focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in patients looking for a less-invasive form of rehabilitation. Mental health service workers in the United Kingdom treat men, women, and children with any of the above issues, as well as prescribing medications and conducting non-physical forms of treatment, such as psychotherapy. Because of the extensive training and education required, these jobs are highly paid in areas of the country.
Detective Chief Inspector Average annual salary: £62,000
Job description: Crucial members of the senior teams responsible for leading major investigations in the UK (including murders, kidnappings and other felonies), DCIs perform their policing work out of force headquarters or major police stations in the country. They are responsible for tracking leads and liaising with forensic teams to bring criminals to justice. As a result, they are well-paid throughout the country.
Actuary Average annual salary: £60,020
Job description: Business owners across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland need qualified job candidates to oversee the day-to-day operations of their companies. Actuaries or Business Managers are responsible for leading employees to achieve internal goals and expectations, implementing and enforcing sales strategies, and evaluating efficiencies throughout the calendar year. Because of the immense responsibilities of managing so many moving parts, these positions are very well-paid.
Investment Banker Analyst Average annual salary: £59,021
Job description: If you want to work in finance, then a job as an investment banking analyst would be a great option to consider. Investment Banking Analysts carry out a variety of responsibilities each day, from reviewing and analyzing transactions to offering guidance and creating presentations for investment bankers. They may also need to handle administrative responsibilities or hold meetings with clients.
There’s always a need for financially savvy individuals across a variety of investment banks and other businesses. If you have experience in finance or economics, you’ll be a great asset to the team and will help them manage their funds appropriately. Like a career in software engineering or software development, there’s not one specific degree required to find a job as an Investment Banking Analyst. If you have a degree in economics, finance, accounting, or mathematics, you likely have the skills needed to do the job well and offer sound financial advice to your colleagues. The average Investment Banking Analyst earns a base salary of £59,021. This is already a great salary, especially for a fresh graduate. Over time, as you gain experience, you can work your way up to being an investment banker and earn closer to £78,000 or more per year.
Architect Average annual salary: £58,000
Job description: Having solid creative and design skills is just one of many expectations of an established Architect in the UK. In addition to the visual insights, Architects are expected to have an exceptional grasp of subjects like mathematics, sciences, and engineering. Whether working for a government agency that erects public offices or skyscrapers, or for private clients in need of a new home, architects are paid well above the average wage in the UK.
Java Developer Average annual salary: £55,381
Job description: In this digital age, being able to write technical computer languages like Java is one of the most valued skills one can have. Java Developers earn some of the highest salaries in the UK because they use their programming language abilities to design and develop applications and sites. To become a Java developer, you don’t necessarily need a degree, but a solid understanding of programming language skills is a must.
Dentist Average annual salary: £50,941
Job description: We’ve all been to the dentist, so we know how vital they are to our overall health (even if we hate going there). Dentists are skilled medical professionals first and foremost. Like many specialist fields, a Dentist must first become a doctor before moving into the study of dentistry. Dentists can open and run their own practice, or work as consultants to government agencies. Plus, the salaries (while dependent upon the number of experience) are often incredibly high.
Product Manager Average annual salary: £49,550
Job description: A versatile and up-and-coming profession, Product Managers are, simply put, in charge of products –– digital products, physical goods, and financial products. Some examples of digital products include websites, apps, and computer games, while financial products are not limited to credit cards, loans, and mortgages. Product Managers are responsible for ensuring that their products are free of issues and increasing overall sales revenue.
Solicitor Average annual salary: £48,414
Job description: Whatever your feelings are about solicitors, they provide a necessary service to people in need throughout the United Kingdom. And they are typically compensated based on how valuable they are to their clients –– the more serious the trouble people find themselves in, the higher they’ll pay to have a more experienced and knowledgeable attorney to represent them in court. Even solicitors who specialize in reading wills, buying/selling a property, or putting together contracts are well-paid because of the importance of the work involved.
Creative Director Average annual salary: £45,571
Job description: Creative Directors across all types of media are generally responsible for helping companies create content –– which includes, but isn’t limited to advertising for print, radio, film, or digital elements. Many Creative Directors don’t typically have or require a degree in any particular creative field, but instead can be hired based entirely on an impressive portfolio of creative work. In the United Kingdom, however, if you’re looking to become a Creative Director, you’ll often need to start as a graduate trainee at a big company and learn the creative process.
Economist Average annual salary: £45,000
Job description: Economists are popular throughout Europe, but especially in the United Kingdom due to the major economic centers in many of the region’s largest cities, including London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. In order to communicate their skills to teams in charge of measuring economic growth, Economists collect and analyze data and research while using their findings to predict future economic conditions. They also assess current government policies, while conducting surveys and preparing budgets to provide sound advice on business strategies that affect the entire state population. It’s a hard job, but it’s very well-paid.
Marketing Specialist Average annual salary: £40,648
Job description: Marketing specialists work with marketing teams to create ad campaigns, analyze results, and help businesses expand their reach to get in front of more customers and sell more products or services. The average salary for a marketing specialist in the UK is around £40,648. You may even decide that you want to branch out and start your own marketing agency or work as a marketing consultant, which would allow you to earn even more money per year. To become a marketing specialist, a degree in marketing is helpful, of course. Other degrees can be valuable as well, though, such as a degree in business.
Information Technology Manager Average annual salary: £40,607
Job description: Information Technology (IT) Managers specialize in the deployment and project design of various solutions affecting online areas of a business. These roles also involve organizing structure, setting up departments, and defining policy and procedure. If you are interested in becoming an IT Manager anywhere in the United Kingdom, due to the number of complex responsibilities related to these advanced positions, you’ll likely need several years of experience (ideally as an IT Analyst) before you can work your way to the top.
Broker Average annual salary: £40,588
Job description: Brokers, including insurance brokers, foreign exchange dealers, and stockbrokers, are among the highest earners in the UK. Brokers are responsible for overseeing the investment portfolios of clients. They use market research and trends to advise clients (individuals or corporations) on how to best manage their money. While you don’t need a specific degree to become a broker, many reputable employers will require candidates to have an undergraduate degree in any business-related field.
Project Manager Average annual salary: £40,351
Job description: An effective Project Manager plans and allocates resources for a company, as well as prepares budgets, monitoring project statuses, and ensures that stakeholders are kept well-informed throughout a project’s life cycle. A take-charge candidate who can accomplish all of the above will always be in high demand throughout the more popular areas of the United Kingdom.
Optometrist Average annual salary: £38,403
Job description: Optometry is another high-paying position to consider if you want to work in the UK healthcare sector. Unlike the other careers mentioned above, optometry does have a specific education path that you need to follow before you can practice. After all, not just anyone can become a medical professional. If you’ve earned your BSc degree in optometry and have registered with the General Optical Council, you’ll be ready to start working as an optometrist once you’ve graduated. During your first year after graduating, you will complete supervised work under the guidance of a registered optometrist. From here, you’ll be able to branch out on your own and start working toward a generous salary.
Geologist Average annual salary: £37,496
Job description: Geologists study the physical makeup of the planet, including rocks, earth, and waterways. Nowadays, there is an increasing and extensive dependency on geologic and mathematical skills, plus specialized knowledge of topography and geography, in order to solve many of the future’s environmental challenges. The United Kingdom –– which is spread across four individual countries ––contains many different types of terrain and uniquely non-uniform seasonal weather patterns. So Geologists working in the Scottish highlands might look for things that a Geologist in Western Wales would not. As a result of these unique positions, the training to become a Geologist is demanding, much like the workload. But the average salary is quite high.
Bank Manager Average annual salary: £35,085
Job description: Bank Managers in the United Kingdom are very well-paid due to the expertise required of all candidates, not to mention a strong knowledge of numbers, investments, and funds. Those who can also oversee the efficiency of their entire organization while being in charge of millions, sometimes, billions of other people’s hard-earned income are vital responsibilities that make these positions highly sought-after.
Public Relations Director Average annual salary: £33,793
Job description: Home to many of the world’s most exclusive and famed PR firms (especially London), the United Kingdom has many Public Relations Directors working at any given time. Those who work in the public relations industry will typically lead teams that handle client groups and determine the most effective forms of communication for minimizing conflicts, managing crises, and promoting goods, services, people, and brands. They are an essential part of any company or studio and often earn big paychecks as a result, provided you’ve got media training and, preferably, a solid client list.
Data Scientist Average annual salary: £33,627
Job description: Using machine learning technologies to organize information for start-ups and other firms, a Data Scientist is a key player in any organization. A Data Scientist collects and examines information, analyzing it to make sense of it all. Other tasks include examining the correct data sets or variables, collecting large data sets, and looking at patterns and trends. If you’re interested in a high-paying career as a Data Scientist, you’ll require an advanced-level degree in mathematics, computer science, or information technology.
Digital Marketing Director Average annual salary: £33,569
Job description: Digital Marketing Directors are responsible for using industry research and web-based market trends to forecast growth opportunities for their companies, increasing revenue wherever possible. As the United Kingdom continues to emerge from the weight of COVID-19 restrictions, there is likely to be an increase in growth for well-paying marketing jobs –– especially at the senior level. And those come with large paychecks.
Electrical Engineer Average annual salary: £32,727
Job description: Becoming an Electrical Engineer involves studying the operations, design, and performance of major power systems and various types of machinery. They also bring strong technical, communications, and electrical skills to the table, not to mention a high number of training hours. But as a result of the hard work required, they are some of the highest-paid jobs in the United Kingdom.
Graphic Designer Average annual salary: £31,500
Job description: Companies with products or services to sell often need to get their information out to customers using memorable and visually appealing methods. This is where a Graphic Designer usually come in to save the day. These positions are filled by those with great creative flair, physical and computer design skills, and a solid portfolio of powerful work. These jobs are not only in high demand, but they are well-paid –– especially in major metropolitan areas like London, Glasgow, Belfast, and Edinburgh.
Business Analyst Average annual salary: £31,429
Job description: Business Analysts work with different organizations and help them to improve various workflows, systems, and processes. They conduct research, analyze results, and create solutions to address business problems and keep the company running smoothly. The median base pay for a business analyst is just £31,429. However, if you’re good at what you do, you won’t be stuck at that salary for very long. Remember, if you want to earn the kind of six-figure salary that chief executives and business managers bring home, you’ll need to start at a lower rung on the ladder.
Working as a Business Analyst is a great way to use the business management skills you’ve learned in school and demonstrate your value. Over time, after you’ve proven yourself as an analyst, you’ll have more opportunities to rise through the ranks and earn promotions. Eventually, you may even find yourself in a management or Chief Executive position. In order to get hired as a Business Analyst, a degree in business management (or something similar) will be very valuable. Some other degrees that may benefit you (and help you stand out from other applicants) include degrees in finance, accounting, and even marketing.
Cyber Security Specialist Average annual salary: £31,260
Job description: Cyber Security Specialists are important roles within the day-to-day working environment of just any tech-based company. Given the rise in online crimes, a skilled Cyber Security Specialist who can navigate through internal data systems and provide protection against compromised external sources would be well paid in the United Kingdom –– regardless of the industry. In fact, many private companies are now hiring their own on-site Cyber Security Specialists instead of outsourcing to Asia. You’ll need a degree in information technology or computer science, and several years of experience.
Software Engineer Average annual salary: £31,095
Job description: Software engineers (sometimes referred to as software developers, app developers, web developers, etc.) develop and maintain computer software. They also design and build websites and software applications. A career in software engineering would be a great choice for a fresh graduate in the UK, especially if they’ve recently graduated with a degree in computer science or a similar field.
Many businesses can benefit from having a developer on their team, and there are also plenty of web development agencies that are always looking for new engineers to join their teams. The average salary for a software engineer in the UK is somewhere around £31,095 per year. With a job in this field, you’d be earning the average salary for a full-time worker in the UK right out of school. That’s a dream come true for a lot of students! It’s worth noting, too, that you don’t need a university degree to work as a software engineer or developer. Companies are willing to offer on-the-job training, as well as web development boot camps that will help you learn the basics quickly (and, as a bonus, more cost-effectively than if you’d attended a traditional university.
Maintenance Engineer Average annual salary: £30,995
Job description: Engineering is a vital industry in the United Kingdom, but maintenance engineers are perhaps some of the most in demand. These qualified specialists are responsible for maintaining and looking after equipment and machinery within warehouse facilities and industrial plants, so their day-to-day job expectations can vary. In order to become a maintenance engineer, you will need likely require some type of diploma or advanced degree in engineering, followed by a rigorous apprenticeship before commanding a high salary.
Accountant Average annual salary: £29,707
Job description: Accountants work for clients on just about everything accounting-related, including providing tax advice, payroll, and financial accounting assistance. Accountants can work independently or within established financial firms –– and their salaries, while dependent upon their client size and reputation, are typically very high. Also, to enter the accounting industry in the United Kingdom, you require an accounting degree and qualifications from a professional body like ACCA or the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Copywriter Average annual salary: £29,480
Job description: Being able to write effective copy is essential in this digital age. Fortunately, there are many ad agencies, business firms, corporations –– even freelance content writing platforms –– across the United Kingdom looking for qualified candidates. These types of jobs are unique in that they rarely require any specific form of education or training. If you have a great master of the language, you can work within a company’s brand guidelines, and have a solid portfolio of relevant work, you can make great money. Once you’ve developed stronger writing skills, you can begin charging more for your services. But salaried copywriters are universally well-paid throughout the country.
Pharmacy Technician Average annual salary: £29,266
Job description: Pharmacy technicians work in physical or online pharmacies, dispensing medicines and therapies, and providing helpful guidance to patients in need. To become a pharmacy technician, you will need to be highly organized and personable; in the UK, you will also need to complete the Pharmacy Technician Training to ensure you have all the knowledge and skills required.
Personal Trainer Average annual salary: £27,000
Job description: The fitness industry has been growing considerably over the years, so there has never been a better time to start an in-demand career as a personal trainer. You can give personal training classes while working as a personal trainer at a gym or fitness club, or freelance as an independent contractor, bringing your services to individual clients at home. Personal trainers are highly skilled and require considerable training (clients will expect this wherever they work), and as a result, these roles can command high salaries, especially in top-tier facilities in London.
Life Coach Average annual salary: £27,000
Job description: Becoming a life coach means becoming a trained professional who seeks to provide help and guidance for clients looking to reach or exceed personal and professional goals. Qualifications are not necessarily required, however, in order to attract clients, it is recommended that candidates perform up to and including a Level-3 Life Coach course.
Top 5 Highest-Paying Industries in the United Kingdom
If you are looking for a high-paying job in the United Kingdom, you’ll need to know where to start. And which positions are best aligned with your long-term lifestyle plans. Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 highest-paying professional industries in the United Kingdom –– and job options to get you started.
RANKING | INDUSTRY |
1 | Healthcare (Dentist, Optometrist, Anesthesiologist, Nephrologist) |
2 | Science and Technology (Electrical Engineer, Geologist, Java Developer) |
3 | Education (University Professor, Headteacher, Higher Education Teacher) |
4 | Business and Finance (investment Banker, Broker, Chief Executive Officer) |
5 | Legal (Solicitor, Judge, Barrister, Legal Partner) |
Many industries in the United Kingdom have taken a hit over the last few years. One of the few that has weathered the storm well, though, is the healthcare industry.
No matter where you live, a healthcare career is generally a safe bet. After all, people are always going to need to work with doctors, nurses, dentists, etc.
There are typically always job openings for healthcare professionals in the UK, and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand is even higher than usual.
Top 3 Job Titles and Salaries:
Medical doctor: Average salary £50,000
Dentist: Average salary £51,000
Optometrist: Average salary £86,900
The science and technology industry is a wide umbrella that includes a lot of different jobs, from engineering positions to computer programming and web development.
Science and tech-related careers like these are, in most cases, highly lucrative. As businesses throughout the world start to become more digitally focused, there are lots of opportunities for skilled professionals to get hired and earn a good living.
Top 3 Job Titles and Salaries:
Software Application Developer: Average salary £79,000
Computer Hardware Engineer: Average salary £87,000
Geologist: Average salary £82,000
Similar to healthcare professionals, there is always a need for educators throughout the UK (and in other countries, for that matter).
A career as a teacher is a highly fulfilling one and, when you teach at a higher level (such as post-secondary education), you have a chance to earn a high salary.
The job market at this level tends to be more competitive than other teaching jobs. However, with enough experience, you’ll be able to stand out from the crowd and get hired.
Top 3 Job Titles and Salaries:
Higher Education Teacher (Mathematics): Average salary £61,000
Higher Education Teacher (Philosophy and Religion): Average salary £62,900
Headteacher: Average salary £47,735 to £108,282 (depending on location)
As we mentioned above, business managers and chief executives are the highest-paid employees in the UK. You don’t have to be a CEO to earn a lot of money in the business or marketing world, though.
There’s always a need for marketing experts, financial advisors, and other business-minded individuals who can help companies to grow and increase their profitability year after year.
Top 3 Job Titles and Salaries:
Investment Banker: Average salary £78,000
Advertising and Public Relations Director: Average salary £100,000
Chief Executive: Average salary £355,790
It’s true that the legal industry has struggled over the last few years with high turnover rates. However, a career as a legal professional is still a lucrative one for those who live in the UK.
There are plenty of options for those who want to work in the field, many of which come with generous salaries and good job prospects.
Top 3 Job Titles and Salaries:
Solicitor: Average salary £52,098
Barrister: Average salary £65,000
Legal Partner: Average salary £90,414
Which College Degree Pays the Most in the UK?
In most cases, if you want to qualify for one of the highest-paying jobs in the UK or work in one of the highest-paying industries in the UK, you’ll need some kind of university degree.
Are you a student struggling to make plans for the future? Are you wondering which degrees will provide the greatest return on your investment?
If so, this chart breaks down some of the best degrees you might want to consider pursuing, especially if your top priority is to earn a high salary after you graduate:
Of course, these are just the average start salary numbers for different positions within these fields. If you earn any of these degrees, there’s plenty of room to earn more or less than the amounts listed above, based on your experience, location, etc.
All of these degrees provide a lot of room to grow and expand your earnings over time, too. You might start out as a medical doctor only earning about £33,500 per year. However, after a few years, you can easily work your way up to earning £50,000-£60,000 or more.
Time to Land One of the Best-Paid Jobs in the UK
There you have it! The highest-paying jobs in the United Kingdom right now. There are plenty of resources available to help you find a high-paying job of your own, wherever you live. Use these resources and tools to your advantage to help land the career of your dreams. Check out Grabjobs for high-paying opportunities in your country.
Photo by Jonathan Chng on Unsplash
