There are more than 100 highest paying jobs in the UK, so it doesn’t matter if you’re a college student thinking about your future career or a working professional looking to change careers. Promising opportunities abound in well-paying professions such as executive officers, engineers, IT directors, and medical and legal professionals in the UK job market. Despite a significant decline in the job market, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in the United Kingdom reports that there are over a million open positions. There were more openings in the healthcare and social care sectors toward the end of 2023. Over the previous year, there was a 267,000-person increase in employment across the nation.
In This Article
Many people take into account aspects like flexibility, passion, personal drive, and job satisfaction when selecting a career. For many, though, the decisive factor is financial stability. You can find comprehensive information on high-paying jobs in the UK, the top employers, and much more in this blog.
What are the highest paying jobs in the UK?
According to SavetheStudent’s analysis of official ONS data, chief executive and senior roles are notably the highest paid jobs in the United Kingdom. The top 10 job categories also include medical professionals, head teachers, sales and advertising directors, and air pilots.
It should be mentioned that, based on the company, the location, and the experience of the job seeker, high salary professions in the UK may offer varying compensation packages. For instance, the average pay in London is greater than the average pay offered throughout the United Kingdom.
Let’s examine the highest paying jobs in the UK, along with the job description, average salary, and eligibility requirements.
1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
National Average Salary: £72,705 per year
Job Description: The Chief Executive Officer holds the highest position within an organization, having overall control and supervision over the entire enterprise. Leadership, stakeholder communication, risk management, organizational culture, and public relations are just a few of the crucial duties involved in the position. It is the most important and highest paying position in any organization.
Qualifications: A business or economics degree is required for candidates hoping to become chief executive officers. It would be very helpful to have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a similar degree along with relevant experience. For the position, essential abilities like innovation, problem-solving, leadership, and sound business judgment are needed.
2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
National Average Salary: £98,490 per year
Job Description: Overseeing the company’s financial operations is a critical duty of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Their responsibilities encompass leading the accounting and finance departments, supervising financial planning and analysis, securing funding, creating budgets, evaluating financial information, and monitoring earnings and outlays. CFOs report the financial performance of the company to stakeholders and investors. When creating the company’s strategies, they collaborate closely with the board of directors and the CEO.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, economics, or a similar discipline is required to work as a chief financial officer. It is advised to obtain a master’s degree in business administration or management. Acquiring pertinent experience is also necessary in order to be taken into consideration for this highly compensated role.
3. Vice President of Sales
National average salary: £107,527 per year
Job Description: A vice president of sales is crucial to an organization’s ability to generate revenue from sales. Leading the sales force, creating strategies for sales, determining target markets, formulating pricing plans, and broadening the range of the business’s offerings are all under their purview. The CEO is the direct report of a vice president of sales.
Requirements: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in business or a closely related discipline is required for a vice president of sales position. Furthermore, certification programs in marketing and sales would be highly appreciated. A number of years of experience in a related field are necessary for this position, and the ideal candidate will have significant experience in management and sales.
4. Director of Engineering
National Average Salary: £84,417 per year
Job Description: Depending on the company and its line of work, a director of engineering may have different responsibilities. They play both strategic and technical roles. Their main responsibilities include overseeing the engineering division and projects, creating and implementing new systems, collaborating with internal teams, and making sure that the engineering objectives align with those of the organization.
Requirements: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering in a relevant field is required to work as a director of engineering. In addition to a college degree, a great deal of experience in the field is needed. In their engineering field, the candidate must have held senior management positions.
5. IT (Information Technology) Director
National Average Salary: £87,888 per year
Job description: Managing the organization’s IT infrastructure is the duty of an IT (information technology) director. To improve the organization’s IT framework’s usability, security, and accessibility, they create IT management strategies. Along with these responsibilities, they also manage and distribute budgets to IT departments, create IT implementation goals, identify areas for improvement, and suggest the newest hardware and software.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, programming, or a related discipline is necessary. It is necessary to have strong working experience managing staff in an IT environment. Major companies might anticipate that the applicant holds an information technology master’s degree or an MBA.
6. Tax Director
National Average Salary: £94,488 per year
Job Description: The duty of managing all of the company’s tax-related operations falls to the tax director. Their goal is to guarantee that tax returns are filed on time and with accuracy. They are also in charge of creating new accounting procedures, policies, and tax strategies for the business.
Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a similar discipline is necessary to work as a tax director. It is necessary to have a master’s degree in business administration, taxation, or a similar field. Obtaining additional certifications in the field is highly beneficial, in addition to earning degrees. A minimum of ten years of work experience is necessary to be considered for this highly paid position.
7. Anaesthesiologist
National Average Salary: £91,449 per year
Job Description: The administration of anesthesia prior to, during, and following surgeries and medical procedures is the specialty of anesthesiologists. In addition to these crucial responsibilities, their job involves evaluating the patient’s medical history, keeping an eye on the patient’s vitals during surgery, treating pain afterward, and collaborating with other medical professionals during procedures and surgeries.
Requirements: An undergraduate MBBS degree is the first step toward obtaining one of the highest paying positions in the medical field. After UG, you ought to pursue an MD in anesthesia. To obtain your license, you must complete residency training and pass the licensing exam.
8. Managing Director
National average salary: £71,644 per year
Job Description:Developing business strategies, cultivating business relationships, and overseeing the company’s business operations are the responsibilities of managing directors. They advise the chairperson and board on strategic matters. They also set the legal requirements and corporate policies.
Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, or a similar discipline is required if you want to work as a managing director. To considerably improve your chances of landing the job, you can finish your Master of Business Administration (MBA). An extensive background in management is required for this position.
9. Lawyer
National Average Salary: £52,668 per year
Job Description: Attorneys, or lawyers, counsel and represent clients in court cases, negotiations, or other legal matters. In addition to other duties, they also prepare and file legal documents, conduct research and analysis on legal issues, schedule and conduct depositions of witnesses and experts, and interpret laws and regulations for clients.
Qualifications: In order to pursue bachelor’s and law degree programs like B.A. LL.B., B.Com. LL.B., and BBA. LLB, you must pass law entrance exams like CLAT and LSAT. Alternatively, you can obtain a Master of Law (LL.M.) after first earning a Bachelor of Law (LL.B.). It is recommended that you register with BCI as an advocate and pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE).
10. Actuary
National Average Salary: £59,837 per year
Job Description: An actuary’s job is to forecast potential outcomes and evaluate the financial effects of those outcomes. Their vital responsibility is to evaluate the financial risks and create plans and approaches to reduce or eliminate them. They have significant roles in banking, consulting, healthcare, and other industries in addition to the insurance industry.
Qualifications Needed: After completing your 12th grade, you must begin preparing for the job in order to obtain the title of actuary. To enroll in undergraduate actuarial courses, you must pass the Actuarial Common Entrance exam. You can pursue an MBA or an MSc in Actuarial Science after completing your undergraduate degree. You must possess strong mathematical, statistical, insurance, and pricing knowledge as well as the ability to analyze data and statistics.
11. Marketing Director
National Average Salary: £70,867 per year
Job Description: The company’s marketing plans and initiatives are overseen by a marketing director. They oversee the marketing staff, formulate long-term plans, oversee financial plans, design and carry out advertising campaigns, and ensure that the business hits its sales and marketing goals.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, or a similar discipline is required to work as a marketing director. A master’s degree in marketing and related subjects is something you can pursue. You must have a great deal of management and marketing experience. Researching market trends, rivals, and target audiences is an essential job skill, as is setting and accomplishing corporate goals.
12. Commercial Pilot
National Average Salary: £60,518 per year
Job Description: In order to carry out passenger transportation, cargo delivery, aerial surveillance, and other aviation-related tasks, commercial pilots operate and pilot commercial aircraft. They are employed by government organizations, cargo operators, charter businesses, and commercial airlines. Pre-flight preparation, flight operations, safety and emergency protocols, crew and passenger communication, monitoring systems, and reporting are just a few of the responsibilities assigned to them.
Requirements: A commercial pilot must meet a number of requirements in order to be eligible for one of the highest compensation packages. First and foremost, the applicant needs to have finished their upper secondary coursework in physics and math. The applicant must be fluent in English and meet the DCGA’s requirements for medical fitness. The last requirement to become a commercial pilot is obtaining a CPL (Commercial Pilot License).
13. Orthodontist
National Average Salary: £76,393 per year
Job Description: An orthodontist uses braces, wires, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances to help patients with their jaw and tooth irregularities. Their work goes beyond that of a dentist since they are primarily concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of issues pertaining to the teeth and jaw. Their goal is to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of the jaw and teeth.
Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a similar discipline is required to work as an orthodontist. After that, you must work toward earning a degree as either a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or a doctor of dental medicine (DMD). If required, you can pursue a specialized degree in orthodontics. To use hand tools and diagnostic equipment, you need to have a lot of training and experience. To obtain your license, you must finish your residency program and pass the licensing exam.
14. Nephrologist
National average salary: £102,449 per year
Job Description: Diagnosing and treating chronic kidney diseases and conditions is the specialty of nephrologists. Their responsibilities encompass diagnosing, treating, and overseeing kidney-related ailments; suggesting dialysis; dispensing drugs; and connecting patients with surgeons. They also examine the effects of kidney function on other body systems.
Qualifications: Initially, you must obtain an MBBS degree. A two- to three-year MD or DNB (nephrology) course comes next. To specialize in the field of nephrology, you must earn a D.M. in the subject. To practice nephrology, you must complete residency training and pass the licensing exam after earning your degrees.
15. Ophthalmologist
National Average Salary: £82,000 per year
Job Description: Ophthalmologists specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions are ophthalmologists. As part of their work, they conduct vision tests, prescribe medication and corrective lenses, treat eye conditions, and operate on the eyes. They have the option to select a specialty, such as pediatric ophthalmology. They must remain current on the most recent advancements in the specialty of ophthalmology.
Requirements: A candidate for ophthalmology should earn an MBBS degree before pursuing an MD or MS in ophthalmology as their master’s degree. To obtain a license, a candidate must complete residency training and pass licensing exams after receiving their degree.
Which high-paying jobs don’t require a degree?
The UK job market offers high-paying opportunities not only to candidates with university degrees but also to those with the necessary skills and experience without a degree. According to the ONS, one-third of graduates earn less than those who skip college and enter the workforce immediately.
There are several high-paying jobs that prioritize skills, knowledge, and experience over a degree. Some of the world’s most well-known and wealthy CEOs, including Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Richard Branson, and Alan Sugar, did not graduate from university.
Although a degree is useful in many industries, experience and knowledge are equally important. You may need to take ongoing career development courses to hone your craft in the relevant field.
Some of the highest-paying jobs in the UK that do not require a degree include train or tram driver, personal trainer, estate agent, nutrition coach, and recruitment consultant. According to data from FutureFit, the highest paying jobs in the United Kingdom without a degree are as follows:
- Personal trainer: salary range: £20,000 to £60,000
- Estate agent: Salary range: £33,300 to £41,000
- Nutrition coach: Salary range: £19,000 to £44,000
- Recruitment consultant: Salary range: £18,000 to £38,000
- Pilates Instructor: Salary range: £20,000 to £52,000
- Fire Fighter: Salary range: £30,700 to £64,000
- Health & Wellbeing Coach: Salary Range: £16,000 to £74,400
- Police officer: Salary range: £28,100 to £43,000
- Marketing executive: salary range: £19,000 to £33,290
- Computer games tester: salary range: £20,000 to £40,000
- Train drivers: salary range: £24,000 to £70,000
- Strength & Conditioning Coach: Salary Range: £24,000 to £70,000
- Life coach: Salary range: £16,000 to £44,000
- Health and fitness coach: salary range: £22,00 to £32,000
- Sales manager: Salary range: £21,000 to £51,000
What are the best UK companies to work for in 2024?
The United Kingdom is home to some of the best companies, with excellent pay, a good work-life balance, a thriving work culture, and promising growth opportunities. A job seeker aspiring to work in the UK should consider important factors such as compensation, company culture, and flexibility when selecting the ideal company that matches their job expectations and career goals. According to Glassdoor, the top ten best companies to work for in the UK in 2024 are listed below:
- Bain & Company
- Mastercard
- Housing 21
- Equal Experts
- Netcompany
- Boston Consulting Group
- Airbus
- SAP
- Mott MacDonald
- Gartner
Which UK universities can land you the highest-paying jobs?
Not all high-paying jobs in the UK require a degree. However, because the majority of high-paying jobs require a degree, it is in your best interests to obtain degrees in your relevant field in order to pursue your dream career. Having the right degree from the right university will put you ahead of the competition and increase your chances of landing a high-paying job. According to the Global University Employability Ranking 2023–24, the following universities in the UK have the highest employment rates:
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- Imperial College, London
- The London School of Economics and Political Science
- London Business School
- University of Manchester
- King’s College, London
- UCL
- University of St. Andrews
- The University of Edinburgh
- The University of Birmingham
- Cardiff University
- Durham University
What are the changes to the UK minimum wage in 2024?
The UK government has announced that the minimum wage, also known as the National Living Wage, will rise from £10.42 per hour to £11.44 for workers over the age of 21. This change is effective April 1, 2024. The eligibility age for the National Living Wage has been reduced to 21 years old. This means that 21 and 22-year-olds will see their hourly pay increase from £10.18 to £11.44.
The National Minimum Wage for workers aged 18 to 20 has been increased from £7.49 to £8.60 per hour.
Median average full-time salary by age:
- 18-21: £20,437
- 22-29: £29.120
- 30-39: £36,405
- 40-49: £39,491
- 50-59: £36,834
- 60+: £32,530
Highest-Paying Jobs in London
There is an ever-increasing demand for enthusiastic employees in the UK, with opportunities coming in from a wide range of industries. The country offers numerous high-paying jobs that can help you advance your career.
London, in particular, can offer you a higher salary than the rest of the UK. This is due to the London Weightage or London Allowance, which is designed to compensate for the exorbitant cost of living in London.
People working in the capital will receive a competitive salary package that will cover the city’s high living costs. London has some of the highest-paying jobs in the UK, making it an appealing destination for job seekers.
Conclusion
For job seekers looking to work in the United Kingdom, the country provides numerous lucrative career opportunities in a variety of fields. After careful consideration, one should conduct research in their field of interest and select the best career for them.
FAQs
1. What is a good monthly salary in the UK?
A gross monthly salary of £3,000 to £4,000 is considered good in the UK. It equates to an annual salary of £40,000, which is sufficient to maintain a good standard of living.
2. What jobs in the UK pay £100,000 per year?
CEOs, attorneys, dentists, actuaries, financial managers, and other professionals are among those who earn $100,000 per year in the UK.
3. Which field is in higher demand in the UK?
According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, medicine and dentistry are the most in-demand fields in the UK. Within six months of graduating, job seekers in these fields are placed in high-paying jobs with an average salary of £35,000.
4. What is the highest paying job in the UK?
According to official data provided by SavetheStudent, the highest-paying jobs in the UK are CEO, CFO, and senior-level positions.
5. Do jobs in London pay more?
Yes, London jobs pay more than other cities in the UK. This is due to the London Weightage or London Allowance, which is provided to cover the high cost of living in the capital.
6. What are some tips for getting a high-paying job?
Follow these tips to land a high-paying job.
Develop a realistic plan of action for the next five years.
Seek advice from a mentor or senior colleague to develop a plan.
Develop skills, training, and experience in the relevant field.
Develop workplace competencies such as management, leadership, IT knowledge, and communication skills.
Conduct extensive research on the job role for which you are applying, as well as an analysis of market trends in the field.
7. How much can an international student earn in the UK?
An international student can earn between £100 and £400 per week by working part-time or full-time in retail, hospitality, tutoring, or the office.