25 Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree in the UK
Earning potential doesn’t need to be limited by your education. Discover 25 of the highest-paying jobs in the UK today, ranging from air traffic control to software development, and learn the practical steps on how to enter these fields and build a prosperous career.
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Recent data finds that the average gross annual salary in the UK amounts to £37,430. Meanwhile, the yearly median stands at £31,100 for men and £25,500 for women.
While the average salary difference between workers with a Master’s degree and those with no degree is about 10%, having a higher education degree isn’t necessary to earn a substantial income.
I dove deep and analysed dozens of industries and hundreds of positions, to locate the top 25 highest-paying jobs without a degree in the UK. I also included brief job descriptions, how to get into these professions without a degree, as well as salary ranges in the UK.
1. Air traffic controller
About the role: Air traffic controllers manage aircraft movements in UK airspace and at airports, ensuring safety and efficiency. They coordinate take-offs, landings, and route planning, often working under high-pressure conditions with zero margin for error.
Expectations and how to become one: Excellent concentration, spatial awareness, and communication skills are vital. You don’t need a degree—training is provided by NATS (National Air Traffic Services) via their intensive training scheme. Applicants must be 18+ and pass aptitude and medical tests.
Salary: £25K–£35K entry level to £60K–£100K for senior roles. (Source: NCS)
2. Member of parliament
About the role: MPs represent the interests of constituents in the House of Commons, debating legislation, scrutinising policies, and working on local and national issues. It’s a role that combines public service with political advocacy, and demands commitment, integrity, and a thick skin.
Expectations and how to become one: Strong public speaking, organisation, and leadership skills are essential. A degree is not required—many MPs rise through activism, union work, or local councils. You must be elected via a general or a by-election.
Salary: £93,904 plus expenses and potential ministerial salaries. (Source: UK Parliament)
3. Offshore worker (oil & gas/wind)
About the role: Offshore workers operate on rigs or wind farms to manage energy extraction or maintenance. Duties vary from drilling and electrical work to safety operations and equipment maintenance. Conditions can be remote and physically demanding, with shift-based work patterns.
Expectations and how to become one: You’ll need good physical health, teamwork skills, and comfort with confined environments. No degree is needed—many start as roustabouts or apprentices and gain OPITO-approved certifications.
Salary: £40K–£45K entry level to £90K+ for experienced or specialist roles. (Source: UK Talent)
4. Train driver
About the role: Train drivers operate passenger or freight trains across the UK network. They are responsible for maintaining punctuality, safety, and service standards while managing routes, signals, and emergency protocols.
Expectations and how to become one: Attention to detail, patience, and safety awareness are essential. Most drivers begin through trainee roles with rail operators, which include rigorous practical and classroom training.
Salary: £28K–£38K entry level to £55K–£65K with experience. (Source: UK Talent)
5. Sales manager
About the role: Sales managers lead teams to achieve revenue targets, develop sales strategies, and maintain client relationships. They play a key role in driving business growth and motivating staff in fast-paced environments.
Expectations and how to become one: You’ll need strong leadership, negotiation, and data analysis skills. Many successful sales managers begin as sales executives and work their way up through performance and experience—no degree is necessary if targets are consistently exceeded.
Salary: £30K–£40K entry level to £50K–£70K for senior regional roles. Sales managers also receive commissions, which can improve their salaries further. (Source: Glassdoor)
See how to write a sales manager CV!
6. Software/web developer
About the role: Software and web developers design, build, and maintain applications, websites, or systems. They may work in industries ranging from fintech to e-commerce, either as part of an in-house team or for digital agencies.
Expectations and how to become one: Strong problem-solving skills, coding (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, etc.), UX, and other hard skills are key. Many developers are self-taught or have completed bootcamps or online certifications (e.g., Codecademy, freeCodeCamp).
Salary: £25K–£35K entry level to £55K–£80K for senior developers, with the top 10% earning over £100K (Source: Reed)
Have a look at our web developer CV guide.
7. Construction manager/site manager
About the role: Construction managers oversee building projects from start to finish. They coordinate staff, materials, timelines, and budgets, ensuring safety and quality standards are met on site.
Expectations and how to become one: Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills are vital. Many progress from trades through experience and industry-recognised NVQs or site management safety training schemes (SMSTS).
Salary: £30K–£40K entry level to £65K–£85K in senior roles (Source: Reed)
Get into this lucrative role by first creating a construction builder CV.
8. Electrician (self-employed/business owner)
About the role: Electricians install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, or industrial sites. Self-employed electricians may run their own firms or take on subcontracting work.
Expectations and how to become one: Manual dexterity, customer service, and safety awareness are essential. Become an electrician via an apprenticeship, City & Guilds course, or NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation.
Salary: £28K–£35K entry level to £45K–£70K+ self-employed (Source: Checkatrade)
See our electrical maintenance engineer CV to get you started.
9. Plumber (self-employed/business owner)
About the role: Plumbers fit and repair water, heating, and drainage systems in residential and commercial properties. Self-employed plumbers often benefit from repeat clients and flexible workloads.
Expectations and how to become one: Good problem-solving and customer skills are crucial. An NVQ in Plumbing and Domestic Heating or an apprenticeship is typically required.
Salary: £25K–£35K entry level to £45K–£70K+ self-employed (Source: Checkatrade)
10. Management consultant (experience-based)
About the role: Management consultants advise businesses on improving performance, reducing costs, and refining strategy. They often work in specialist areas such as operations, HR, or technology.
Expectations and how to become one: Analytical thinking, communication, and commercial awareness are vital. While many enter via degrees, others succeed by leveraging niche industry experience and certifications (e.g., PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma).
Salary: £35K–£50K entry level to £70K–£110K for experienced consultants (Source: Glassdoor)
Interested? See this management consultant CV guide.
11. Business development manager
About the role: Business development managers (BDMs) identify new market opportunities, build client relationships, and help companies grow revenue. They often bridge sales and marketing, focusing on strategic growth.
Expectations and how to become one: Strong interpersonal skills, negotiation ability, and commercial acumen are crucial. Many BDMs start in sales and work their way up, supported by CPD courses or certificates in sales management.
Salary: £30K–£40K entry level to £60K–£80K+ in senior roles, but OTE can be higher (Source: Glassdoor)
Our business development manager CV guide will help you get started with your application.
12. Project Manager
About the role: Project managers plan, execute, and oversee projects within budget and on deadline. They work across sectors—from construction to IT—ensuring smooth coordination among teams and stakeholders.
Expectations and how to become one: Strong organisation, communication, and leadership skills are required. You can become a project manager through apprenticeships or by gaining experience and certifications such as PRINCE2 or AgilePM.
Salary: £30K–£40K entry level to £60K–£90K+ for very experienced PMs (Source: Simplilearn)
See our guide on how to write a professional project manager CV.
13. Recruitment consultant
About the role: Recruitment consultants help companies find suitable candidates for open positions. They build relationships with both clients and job seekers and often work in fast-paced, target-driven environments.
Expectations and how to become one: Excellent communication and persuasion skills are essential. Many enter the field directly from school or other sales roles, with training provided on the job.
Salary: £20K–£30K entry level to £45K–£60K+ with commission (Source: Prospects)
14. Railway engineer
About the role: These technicians maintain and repair train engines and carriages, ensuring safety and reliability for daily rail operations. It’s a hands-on job involving mechanical, electrical, and diagnostic work.
Expectations and how to become one: Technical skills and attention to detail are key. You can join through engineering apprenticeships or NVQs in rail engineering
Salary: £25K–£35K entry level to £45K–£80K+ for experienced technicians (Source: Glassdoor)
15. Systems engineer
About the role: Systems engineers design, integrate, and manage complex IT systems that support business operations and infrastructure. They ensure all hardware and software components work harmoniously, troubleshoot system issues, and implement upgrades or new installations to maintain performance and security.
Expectations and how to become one: Analytical thinking, knowledge of networks, and scripting or automation skills (e.g., PowerShell, Bash) are crucial. You can enter the field through technical support or network administrator roles and upskill via certifications such as CompTIA Server+, Cisco CCNA, or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate.
Salary: £30K–£40K entry level to £62K–£75K+ for senior roles (Source: CWJobs)
16. Digital marketing specialist
About the role: Digital marketing specialists use SEO, social media, email, and content strategies to promote products or services online. They help brands grow by targeting the right audience with data-driven campaigns.
Expectations and how to become one: Creativity, analytical thinking, and content planning are essential. Entry is possible without a degree through online certifications (e.g. Google Digital Garage, HubSpot Academy) and portfolio-based experience.
Salary: £25K–£35K entry level to £40K–£50K+ for senior specialists (Source: Glassdoor)
17. HGV/LGV driver
About the role: HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) and LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) drivers transport goods across the UK and Europe. Specialist roles may involve hazardous materials, fuel, or long-haul international trips.
Expectations and how to become one: A Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and HGV licence (Category C+E) are mandatory. ADR certification is needed for hazardous materials. Training is accessible via private providers.
Salary: £28K–£35K entry level to £60K–£80K+ for international, tanker, and ADR-licensed drivers (Source: Reed)
If you are interested in this role but lack experience, you can start small by creating a delivery driver CV.
18. Sales executive
About the role: Sales executives sell products or services to consumers or businesses. They build client relationships, follow leads, and often work to performance targets across a range of sectors.
Expectations and how to become one: Persuasion, resilience, and strong communication are key. Many start in telesales or retail and develop through experience and internal training.
Salary: £20K–£30K entry level to £50K–£100K+ with commissions (Source: Prospects)
Check out our guide on how to write a sales executive CV.
19. Production manager (manufacturing)
About the role: Production managers in manufacturing oversee the daily output of factory operations, ensuring goods are produced on time, to specification, and within budget. They manage workflows, coordinate teams across shifts, maintain safety standards, and monitor quality control processes across the production line.
Expectations and how to become one: Strong planning, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential. Many production managers progress from technician or team leader roles, supported by NVQs or diplomas in manufacturing, lean operations, or production control.
Salary: £30K–£35K entry level to £50K–£63K for senior roles (Source: National Careers Service)
20. Estate agent
About the role: Estate agents help clients buy, sell, or rent residential and commercial properties. The job involves valuation, property viewings, negotiations, and managing contracts.
Expectations and how to become one: Sales, negotiation, and interpersonal skills are essential. You can start as a trainee or negotiator without a degree, and progress with support from NVQ Level 3 or a Propertymark qualification.
Salary: £20K–£30K entry level to £45K–£60K with commission. Profits can exceed £100K in large cities like London (Source: Reed)
If you’re pursuing this role, see our professional estate agent CV guide.
21. Warehouse manager
About the role: Warehouse managers oversee storage, logistics, and distribution within warehouses and fulfilment centres. They ensure inventory is efficiently handled, orders are processed accurately, and safety regulations are followed.
Expectations and how to become one: Strong organisational, leadership, and problem-solving skills are required. Many managers progress from warehouse operative roles, supported by on-the-job training and logistics-related NVQs or ILM courses.
Salary: £28K–£35K entry level to £45K–£50K+ for experienced managers (Source: Totaljobs)
See our warehouse manager CV for expert guidance.
22. Police officer
About the role: Police officers protect communities, investigate crimes, respond to emergencies, and uphold the law. It’s a challenging but rewarding public service role that demands high integrity and resilience.
Expectations and how to become one: You don’t need a degree—entry is possible through the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), which combines practical work experience and study. You’ll need to pass fitness and background checks.
Salary: £28K–£32K entry level to £50K–£67K with experience and specialisation into inspectors (Source: Prospects)
23. Marketing manager
About the role: Marketing managers are responsible for planning, executing, and analysing marketing campaigns that promote a company’s products or services. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, and work closely with sales and creative departments to ensure consistent brand messaging and performance tracking.
Expectations and how to become one: Strong project management, analytical, and communication skills are essential. Many marketing managers progress from roles like marketing executive or assistant, often supported by experience and professional certifications such as those from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)—a degree is helpful but not required.
Salary: £35K–£45K entry level to £50K–£60K+ in senior roles (Source: Reed)
24. Head chef
About the role: A head chef is the leader of a professional kitchen, responsible for creating menus, managing food preparation, and ensuring high culinary standards. They oversee kitchen staff, control stock and budgeting, and uphold strict hygiene and safety protocols. In top kitchens, the head chef’s vision defines the restaurant’s reputation.
Expectations and how to become one: Creativity, leadership, and deep culinary expertise are essential. Many head chefs work their way up from commis or line chef roles
Salary: £26K–£32K entry level to £50K–£65K+ in established or fine-dining venues (Source: Brigad)
25. Personal trainer (self-employed)
About the role: Personal trainers guide clients through fitness programmes to help them achieve their health goals. Many of them work independently, offering tailored services in gyms, homes, or online.
Expectations and how to become one: Strong interpersonal skills, fitness knowledge, and motivation are key. Qualifications from providers such as CIMSPA or Active IQ (e.g., Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training) are typically required, but a degree is not necessary.
Salary: £18K–£25K entry level to £30K–£60K+ for self-employed trainers. Well-renowned trainers can earn over £100K+ (Source: Future Fit Training)
See how to make the perfect personal trainer CV.
Landing one of these high-paying jobs without a degree often starts with writing the perfect CV and cover letter to highlight the relevant skills and experience you have, even if they weren’t gained through formal education.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Building relationships within your desired industry can open doors to opportunities you might not find otherwise. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and connect with people on platforms like LinkedIn. These connections can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and even job leads. Often, someone who knows your work ethic and skills is more likely to recommend you than an applicant who simply submits a CV.
Andrew Smith
Senior Content Writer
Meet Andrew Smith – an accomplished English copywriter with a strong background in SEO optimisation. Passionate about producing engaging content, Andrew has written across various fields, including health and fitness, security, travel, and tourism.
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