The Best 30+ Highest Paying Jobs in the UK
If you are looking for a secure job with a high salary, read our review. Learn about the highest paying jobs in the UK in 2024 and how to start your way to one of them. Getting a well-paid offer is not that difficult!
If you are looking for a secure job with a high salary, read our review. Learn about the highest paying jobs in the UK in {{ year }} and how to start your way to one of them. Getting a well-paid offer is not that difficult!
Choosing a job is one of the most responsible steps of adulthood and requires much consideration. The majority of employees take into consideration not only motivation and interests but also financial benefits.
According to Trading Economics, in April 2020, there were 467,000 vacancies in the UK. That means that there are numerous career options both in London and other cities that provide the opportunity for making money and unlocking your potential.
In this article, we will tell about the highest paid careers in the UK both for graduates and undergraduates. We will also discuss how to apply for vacancies, why cover letters matter, and what difficulties to expect along the way.
Why is it Hard to Get a Job in the UK
According to the Office of National Statistics, in April 2020 the employment rate in the UK reached 76.6%, which is a record high indicator since 1971.
This means that the competition is extremely tense and it can be rather challenging to enter the market. Especially for the highest paid professions in the UK. A few other reasons why it may be difficult to find a job in one of the most expensive countries in the world include:
- Influence of Brexit. Lots of businesses, especially in manufacturing and retail are experiencing financial difficulties and trying to cut down on expenses, so they are not eager to hire new specialists;
- Need for work experience. Employers want to hire skilled and professional specialists and often overstate requirements in job postings. Thus, recent graduates or specialists that want to change their industry can’t meet even the entry-level requirements;
- High competition. Over 32.54 million people living in the UK currently work, and 4 million of them are foreigners. This means that seven million Britons and non-UK residents are in search of work right now.
List of the Highest Paid Jobs in the UK
Wondering what careers make the most money in the UK? Using 2020 research completed by Glassdoor, below you will find information on the 25 most well-paid jobs in the UK based on median salary, the number of job openings, and their main responsibilities.
1. Enterprise Architect
Median base salary: £75,209
Number of job openings: 2,692
An enterprise architect is a person who makes sure that the company’s strategy applies necessary technology systems architecture to achieve short- and long-term goals. These specialists should have a Bachelor’s degree in IT or a related field and possess strong analytical, technical, and management skills.
2. Product Manager
Median base salary: £56,195
Number of job openings: 2,750
Wondering what is the highest paid job in the UK? Have a closer look at product managers who are responsible for planning and executing a complete lifecycle of the product. Seekers of this position should be able to work closely with all departments of the company, and have perfect verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
3. Operations Manager
Median base salary: £45,590
Number of job openings: 3,015
The operations manager is a person who ensures that all the practices and processes of the company are properly implemented. These specialists should have a Bachelor’s degree in operations management, understand budgeting, general finance, and cash-flow management.
4. Business Development Manager
Median base salary: £40,677
Number of job openings: 4,736
A business development manager is responsible for finding new opportunities, networking, and maintaining proper relationships of departments. To become a business development manager, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field. It is important to possess strong organizational skills and IT fluency.
5. DevOps Engineer
Median base salary: £51,000
Number of job openings: 1,878
A DevOps engineer is one of the most well-paid jobs in the UK. It is an IT professional that requires cooperating and working with other members of the team to manage the proper soft release. These engineers should have excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
6. Data Scientist
Median base salary: £45,188
Number of job openings: 1,724
Data scientists, as well as medical and technical professions, should be precise and accurate. They collect, store, and process data to meet the company’s goals. It is a great opportunity for those who like clarity, numbers, and planning. To become a data scientist you need to know statistical languages like Python and SLQ and have proven experience creating data architectures.
7. HR Business Partner
Median base salary: £50,139
Number of job openings: 1,242
HR business partners ensure that members of the company understand the goals of the organization. They also find talent and support their growth and development. Such workers manage HR departments and are involved in onboarding, so they need to possess perfect people management skills and know labor legislation.
8. Finance Manager
Median base salary: £60,403
Number of job openings: 2,231
A finance manager is one of the top-earning jobs in the UK. This specialist ensures the financial health of the company by analyzing and processing economic and investment data. Finance managers should have a BS/MA degree in accounting, economics, or finance and knowledge of statutory regulations and legislation.
9. Delivery Manager
Median base salary: £58,447
Number of job openings: 1,512
A service delivery manager is a person that possesses both administrative and technical skills and can solve technical problems and manage teams. These specialists should have solid computer and project management skills.
10. Contract Manager
Median base salary: £44,122
Number of job openings: 2,698
A contract manager is a specialist responsible for an employer’s business agreements. They write, evaluate, execute, and negotiate all types of contracts and transactions. Contract managers should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or Finance.
11. Software Engineer
Median base salary: £45,590
Number of job openings: 6,461
Software engineers develop information systems and software solutions by collecting and analyzing technical data, communicating with users, and optimizing work processes. Software engineers should have a Bachelor’s degree in software engineering or computer science. Programming experience is a big plus.
12. Customer Success Manager
Median base salary: £40,000
Number of job openings: 1,292
This specialist works on the company’s relationships with users and ensures the promotion of loyalty and retention. A customer success manager should possess a set of skills and qualifications to understand the company, products, and clients. Such specialists are required to have a degree in marketing or communications.
13. Risk Manager
Median base salary: £60,000
Number of job openings: 1,437
The main role of risk managers is to develop risk models, evaluate operational and credit risks, and control the department’s efficiency. They need to have a degree in finance, economics, risk management, or business studies.
14. Strategy Manager
Median base salary: £74,896
Number of job openings: 753
Strategy managers are considered one of the highest paying jobs in England at the moment. These specialists plan and implement long-term goals for the company. They are responsible for a comprehensive strategy of the organization. A strategy manager should have a degree in business or a related field and at least 3 years of experience in strategic planning or business administration.
15. Commercial Manager
Median base salary: £58,385
Number of job openings: 977
Commercial managers are responsible for business growth. This includes managing relationships inside and outside the company and working on contracts. Commercial managers should have strong leadership, management, and communication skills.
16. Tax Manager
Median base salary: £62,995
Number of job openings: 1,651
These specialists work on all sorts of tax services meeting local laws and regulations. Tax managers should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or economics.
17. Business Analyst
Median base salary: £42,912
Number of job openings: 3,104
Business analysts work on market analysis from product planning to the company’s profitability. These employees should know how to plan, forecast, and do budgeting. Business analysts should have an MBA or a degree in business.
18. Data Engineer
Median base salary: £45,590
Number of job openings: 1,493
A data engineer is a person who works on the viability of databases and processing systems. They strive to improve the efficiency and quality of data. Data engineers usually have a degree in IT, applied math, or computer science.
19. Engagement Manager
Median base salary: £51,166
Number of job openings: 747
An engagement manager builds a strong relationship with clients after they sign a contract. In addition, this specialist works with sales managers. At least 4 years of proven experience in customer service is required. Engagement managers should also have excellent problem-solving skills.
20. Sales Engineer
Median base salary: £45,977
Number of job openings: 921
Sales engineers work on technical presentations that explain the product or service that is going to be launched or is already on the market. These specialists should have a degree in engineering or related fields.
21. Design Manager
Median base salary: £56,439
Number of job openings: 854
These experts are responsible for graphic teams and design. To get a job offer, design managers should have a Master’s degree in visual arts, graphic, or interior design and leadership qualities to supervise creative specialists working from home or part-time.
22. Corporate Recruiter
Median base salary: £40,111
Number of job openings: 819
Another high paying job in the United Kingdom is a corporate recruiter who is searching for perfect candidates for a company. Usually, they possess a Bachelor’s degree in HR or business and have strong communication skills.
23. HR Manager
Median base salary: £50,000
Number of job openings: 666
This expert manages any issues related to human resources: employment, benefits, work relations, and compensations. HR managers should be people-oriented, know HR databases and systems, and have proven work experience.
24. Naval Architect
Median base salary: £32,500
Number of job openings: 5,045
Naval architects are responsible for creating and producing surface and underwater vessels. They work with a wide range of vessels like yachts, submarines, and ferries. Naval architects should have a bachelor’s degree in naval architecture or marine science.
25. Product Designer
Median base salary: £49,977
Number of job openings: 688
Product designers are responsible for the image of a product. Duties of such experts include analyzing competitors, improving an existing design, or coming up with a new one. Product designers should have knowledge of computer-assisted design and understand the market.
Best Paid Jobs in the UK Without a Degree
If you don’t have a college or university degree, it doesn’t mean that you can’t find a promising offer with a high weekly salary. Here are the best-paid jobs in the UK without qualifications that you should definitely consider.
26. Executive assistant
Average salary - £32,500
These experts manage information in an accurate manner, set up meetings, and contact executives, team members, and clients when necessary. Executive assistants should have MS Office proficiency and be familiar with office apps and gadgets.
27. Bilingual sales specialist
Average salary - £30,179
Bilingual specialists don’t need a college degree but 1-2 years of related experience is usually required. They should have strong computer skills and excellent command of at least two languages including English.
28. Sales executive
Average salary - £27,315
Sales executives conduct market research, search new sales opportunities via cold calling, and hold meetings with clients. They should be proficient in English, know MS Office, and have strong communication skills.
29. Electrician
Average salary - £17.48 per hour
Electricians work with electrical equipment and need to know how to install and repair power, communications, and lighting. These specialists should have a high school diploma, valid driver’s license, and experience working as an electrician.
30. Plumber
Average salary - £16.55 per hour
Plumbers install and mend plumbing systems, as well as domestic heating and cooling appliances. They should have a valid plumbing license, strong critical thinking skills, and at least one year of related work experience.
31. Sound engineering technician
Average salary - £25,637
These experts communicate with performers and producers to get the desired sound, edit music and voices, and make all sorts of records. They should be able to work with musical programs and applications, and have excellent communication skills.
How to Apply for a Job in Britain
Considering the tense market competition and the attractiveness of high-paying jobs, approaching the application process with much consideration and planning is very important. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a job in the UK:
- Research the market. Highlight the vacancies you are interested in and read more about the potential employers.
- Write a customized resume. Try to keep it to one page in length. Avoid clichés and try to support every skill and achievement with numbers.
- Write a cover letter. Explain why you are interested in the position and tell what makes you the best candidate. Don’t forget to format your cover letter properly.
Difficulties you may face
Starting a new job is always exciting but no one wants to spend time and nerves sending emails to potential employers without getting a reply. We have made a list of the main difficulties you may face when trying to get a high paying job in Britain:
- Absence of time. If you take job hunting seriously and want to succeed, make a schedule, and find at least one hour a day to get familiar with the labor market, the latest news, and open vacancies.
- Poor research. To stand out, you need to understand what type of employee the company is looking for. Read about the enterprise, its goals, and expectations.
- Generic resume and cover letter. It may seem tempting to send the same resume and cover letter to all employers but remember that each application should be tailored to the particular job description.
- No cover letter at all. A cover letter is a great chance to explain what makes you a perfect candidate. Even if the vacancy doesn’t require a cover letter, sending one may help you to stand out from other potential employees.
Final thoughts
The labor market in the United Kingdom is going through good times. But if you want to find a high-paid job and build a career, you still need to prove your professional value. For this purpose, analyze each job opportunity from our list, research potential employers along with their expectations and requirements, and have the patience for your job search.