United Kingdom is known for its diverse workforce and career opportunities. However, getting a university degree is not always necessary for landing a job. You will be surprised to know how many of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree you can do.
Often times, we choose a profession that personally motivates us. Consequently, the financial factor is taken into account. Consequently, many well-respected professions prefer your skills over a certificate. So, without further ado, let’s look at the 25 highest paid jobs you can do without a degree in the UK.
25 Highest Paying Jobs in The UK Without A Degree
Many of the most impressive careers in the UK don’t require a degree. However, some careers require a specific set of skills that can only be acquired through training and experience. We hope you find your pick from this list of 25 highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree.
1. Air Traffic Controllers
2. Cabin Crew Member
3. Digital Marketer
4. Firefighters
5. Police Officer
6. Construction Manager
7. SEO Expert
8. Translator
9. Personal Assistant
10. Newspaper Journalist
11. Prison Officer
12. Ethical Hacker
13. Plumber
14. Sales Executive
15. Real Estate Agent
16. Detective
17. Food Taster
18. Offshore Energy Jobs
19. Game Developer
20. Content Writer
21. Voice over Artist
22. TEFL Teacher
23. Fashion Industry
24. Entrepreneur
25. House Manager
Keep reading to find more information about these professions, like how much you can make and what qualifications you’ll need.
1. Air Traffic Controllers
While the job of an air traffic controller is a highly competitive one, you certainly don’t need a degree for it. Consequently, it is one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree. However, the job is highly competitive, so specific qualifications could give you a leg up. For instance, any experience in analysing weather charts and data gives you an edge.
Moreover, the aviation industry is flexible enough. It considers three years of experience in any relevant discipline to aviation, equivalent to a university degree. However, to be an ideal candidate for the job, you need to qualify for a National Air Traffic Services licence.
Consequently, you need to have at least 5 GCSEs in between grades A*- C. It is an absolute prerequisite to qualify for the initial phase of training. Taking additional computer science or advanced mathematics subjects will give you a good advantage.
How Much Does an Air Traffic Controller Earn in the UK?
Now, for the part, you have all been eagerly waiting for! How much is the salary of an air traffic controller? You can expect to earn between £17,000 to £50,000 per year in this profession. That makes it one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree. With enough experience, you can move on to become a supervisor or unit manager. Also, you can move into operational management. That is where all the actions happen, we hear!
2. Cabin Crew Member
Admit it, at some point in our life we have all been a little jealous of flight attendants. They get to travel all over the world and get paid for it. Cabin crew members also go by the name of flight attendants. Their primary task is to look after passenger’s needs. Flight attendants make sure passengers have a safe and comfortable journey.
Excellent communication and customer service skills are imperative to be considered an ideal candidate for the job. Consequently, your physical fitness, swimming abilities, and vision wellness will be taken into account.
Consequently, you need to be 18 years or older and pass a DBS check. Disclosure and barring service check is done to make sure you do not have any criminal records. Moreover, you should have GCSEs in grades 9 to 4, including Maths and English. Your passports need to be valid with no restrictions to any country.
While you do not need a university degree, you will still need to undergo a training program to become a cabin crew member. The training programs are structured differently in different airlines.
Air cabin crew members can earn around £13,500 as a starting salary. But with experience and hard work, your salary can go as high as £30,000. That makes it one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree.
3. Digital Marketer
Digital marketing is all the rage right now in recent days. Consequently, it is one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree. You can get your name in the list of hotshots of this industry very quickly. However, you need to be discreet and persistent for that to happen.
While many digital marketers may have a degree in marketing and relevant discipline, most do not. Thousands of professionals working within the digital marketing company learned through on job training. Moreover, you can acquire the required skills through courses online.
No two days are the same in the life of a digital marketer. It is very much possible that you are tasked with completing different projects every other day. You can either freelance as a digital marketer or work with a marketing agency. For getting a job within an organisation, look for apprenticeships.
Because apprenticeships usually come with placement offers after the contract period is over. The average salary of an experienced digital marketer is around £50,000. Thus, the job of a digital marketer is one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree.
4. Firefighters
Firefighters tackle emergencies. Situations may include getting the fire under control and rescuing people from burning buildings. Consequently, you might have to deal with chemical spillage and road traffic collisions.
Firefighters have to be sensitive while dealing with distressed people because some might have PTSD.
Becoming a firefighter is not an easy job. However, it is one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree. Because the national salary structure frames firefighter wages. So, regardless of where your job location is, it won’t affect your wages.
Junior firefighters can expect to earn around £23,000. Consequently, you could work your way up to become a manager in the fire service. Managers usually earn around £40,000-£50,000 per annum. Consequently, any relevant volunteering experience can qualify for entry requirements.
5. Police Officer
The job of a police officer is one of the thrilling and exciting ones out there. It is also one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree. You do not need a conventional degree for it. But you will have to undergo challenging training to become an officer.
Police officers safeguard the life and property of citizens in a state. They are the protector of justice in a society. So you will be making a real difference in the workforce as a police officer. There are various roles you can take on as a police officer because it is not just about fighting crime.
Starting salaries can be around £20,000 for junior officers. As you climb up the ladder, the potential salary growth is £45,000 for sergeants. Consequently, your salary may rise up to £50,000 if you can move into the inspector territory.
6. Construction Manager
Construction managers have good communication and leadership skills. They coordinate and supervise projects. The work is mostly on construction sites. However, you may be required to work from the office as well as attend meetings. Consequently, you must ensure the building project is completed safely, on time, and within budget.
You can expect to earn around £27,000 to £65,000 annually with enough experience. At the peak of your career, you can become a chartered manager. The salary of chartered managers can go as high as £80,000 annually. That makes it one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree.
You can get a degree apprenticeship in construction management. Furthermore, you can move into this line of work if you have several years of experience in the building industry, such as a building technician, surveyor, or estimator.
7. SEO Expert
SEO means search engine optimisation. You probably haven’t heard of SEO if you haven’t worked with it previously. The target of an SEO expert is to get their business website ranked on the first page of google. It can increase customers and the rate of conversion.
Achieving a rank on the first page can be done in many ways. One of the popular methods is to research what everyone is typing into the Google search bar. Next, you take those search questions as keywords and apply them to your website content. Consequently, it helps with the technical field of a website.
While you do not need to go to university to become an SEO expert, you should enrol in SEO courses online. The courses will give you a basic rundown of things.
Consequently, you need to do your own research to learn about the tips and tricks that can get your website standing. Moreover, the Google algorithm constantly keeps changing. So, you need to change your strategies as such.
You can get a job at an SEO agency with a starting salary of £20,000 per year. SEO agencies pay around £25,000 to £50,000 annually, as per your experience. The salary range undoubtedly makes it one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree.
The job of an SEO expert is fascinating. Also, it is a rewarding profession as you help businesses succeed and reach the top. Moreover, freelancer SEO experts have the potential to earn much more than what agencies pay.
8. Translator
Being a translator can be a very lucrative and rewarding profession. Globalisation has put the job of the translator in demand. It has been made possible due to the way modern business trade. Translators help businesses with cross-border negotiations, marketing, and so much more.
While learning a language is not easy, you can easily become a translator without a university degree. For instance, you can take a diploma course in translation from The Chartered Institute of Linguistics. The diploma is equivalent to a postgraduate level of qualification.
Consequently, you can get details of an organisation offering training in translation services from The Institute of Translation and Interpreting. Translators need to have fluent knowledge of more than one language. Also, you have to be knowledgeable in the culture of the relevant country.
There is no room for error or misinterpretation in the job of a translator. And, a small mistake could cost millions in business or jeopardise a diplomatic relationship.
If you are working in national securities, you will undergo enhanced background checks and training. As an accredited translator, you can easily earn around £20,000 to £40,000 annually. Hence, a translator’s job is also one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree.
9. Personal Assistant
Did you recently graduate high school and think of taking a gap year to find yourself? Then, you can take up a personal assistant job as a side gig to support yourself while you find your true passion. Consequently, if you have excellent communication and organisational skills, you will love this job.
You can work for an individual or a company as a personal assistant. Your pay will vary accordingly as per your choice. The average salary of a personal assistant in the UK ranges from £19,000 to £38,000. Consequently, the pay range makes it one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree.
However, working for individuals can be a lot more demanding. Oftentimes, you may end up working for long hours being a personal assistant.
10. Newspaper Journalist
Many wordsmiths out there have got their degrees from the likes of Oxford and Harvard. However, you certainly do not need a degree to get into the club. Journalists are the flag bearer of transparency and truthful reporting of an issue. The profession of journalism is more accessible than you think.
If you opt for editorial journalism, you have to have impeccable command over writing. Remember, the words are your chords, and you need to know how to play them. In addition, active imagination, organisational skills, and valuable sources are necessary for this line of work.
You can work in the local newspaper to gain experience and build up your resume. Consequently, maintaining a personal blog can help make you stand out. Attend events of regional and national journalists to build your network.
More than 90% of journalists in this profession do not have a degree in journalism. So, now is the time if you ever dreamt of making a difference and fighting for justice with your work.
Your starting salary will be around £15,000 per annum. And you will be expected to work for 37-39 hours a week. As you gain more experience, you can earn around £50,000 annually. It makes the profession one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree. With good work, you could be promoted to work in the press office or public relations.
11. Prison Officer
The job of a prison officer is one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree. You have to be the minimum age of 18 to qualify for becoming a prison officer. You do not need a degree to apply for the role.
However, you have to take a prison officer selection test. The test will assess your command of various skills. It includes reading, writing, aptitude test, and test of physical abilities.
Your starting level salary will be around £18,000 per annum. When you rise through the ranks, your salary will be approximately £20,000 to £32,000 annually. Consequently, you have to pass various security and identity checks before taking up the post.
12. Ethical Hacker
Ethical hackers work to make the web a much safer place. They are also called white hat hackers. White hat hackers execute cyberattacks and report the vulnerabilities that a website has. White hat hackers prevent the actual cyberattacks when it happens. An ethical hacker is a computer security expert.
Most ethical hackers are primarily self-taught. If you are into coding, you know this niche role doesn’t require a degree. The UK government operates a scheme encouraging coding savvy youngsters to take up ethical hacking challenges.
Ethical hackers can earn a salary of £35,000 per annum while starting out. However, the pay could rise to £90,000 over the course of your career. That makes ethical hacking one of the highest paid jobs in the UK without a degree. So, if you have a vast knowledge of IT and software systems and know how to exploit the vulnerabilities, take the next step!
You can enrol on our course and Learn Ethical Hacking from Scratch. The accredited course will make you a certified ethical hacker. And it will also teach you how to exploit computer network systems to detect vulnerabilities.
13. Plumber
Do you enjoy working outside and seeing the result of your work first-hand? Then choose the profession of a plumber. Plumbers fit and service drainage networks and hot water systems. You can start applying for the role directly after completing your GCSEs.
Consequently, look up traineeships in your location. The traineeship lasts for 6 months, with opportunities for permanent placement. It is a great way to get you started, and you gain hands-on experience. Furthermore, you could directly apply to jobs for the role of plumber assistant. And you can do training on the job to qualify.
Moreover, you can take a plumbing course to learn the basics before getting your foot in the door. For apprenticeship, you can look up the listing on the National careers service website. You can earn between £15,000 to £40,000 as per your experience.
14. Sales Executive
Sales executives have one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree. As a sales executive, you will be selling company products and ideas to customers or other businesses. Therefore, you need to have excellent sales and communication skills to be a good salesman. These are the two skills your degree can’t buy you.
People constantly surround sales executives. As a sales executive, you can either work in a B2B or B2C chain of commerce. That means you can either work in the retail, manufacturing, or service provider sector.
Sales executives have to maintain a good relationship with customers. And persuade the customers to keep buying the goods of their company. You can get into the business by looking for sales apprenticeships to get you started.
According to labor market information, you can earn an average of £15,000 as a junior sales executive in the UK. You can earn an estimate of £50,000 as you rise through the ranks. Your salary growth also depends on your level of experience and the type of sector you work in.
Get a certified diploma in sales communication strategies and brush up on your sales and management skills. The course also teaches you the fundamentals of marketing and consumer behaviour among others.
15. Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent is one of the most sought-after jobs in the UK. You get to have a career with tons of perks without the hassle of a degree. A real estate agent mediates the selling, buying, and letting of a property. They represent the buyer or seller of a property and act in the best interest of their client.
Estate agents can expect to earn in-between £15,000 to £40,000 depending upon the level of experience. Consequently, as an estate agent, you will earn a percentage of commission from the sales. The total number of estate agents in the UK in the last ten years rounded up to 56,000.
16. Detective
If you enjoy solving problems and thrive on challenges, a career as a detective might be right for you. Detectives help solve a crime and keep people safe. Detectives are the specialist branch of the police department.
Consequently, detectives can manage a range of investigations. It includes company fraud, homicide, cybercrime, and counterterrorism.
As a detective, you can work in several specialist departments. For instance, you can work in a particular branch if your skills can be an asset to national security and counterterrorism. There are two ways to become a detective. First, you can start working as a police officer and get your way to the top.
Second, get into direct training through the Police now degree program. It is an intensive 12-week training program to help you proceed further. However, you need an undergrad degree to qualify for the training.
Newly qualified constables can earn an average of £24,780 per annum with a yearly increment. At the top of the constable scale, you can expect to earn £40,000 with added incentives.
17. Food Taster
This one is the dream of all foodies! Turning your passion for food into a profession, now who doesn’t want that? Food tasters are living the ultimate life. Food tasters taste and smell food and consider numerous other factors. However, they do not actually get to indulge in the cuisine or dish they are tasting.
Tasters only take a small bite or sip of the food or beverage they taste. First, they note down the specific flavours they taste in the food and spit it out. Next, they cleanse their palate in preparation for further testing.
To become a professional food taster, you have to protect your 10,000 taste buds. And to do that, you have to avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and super salty food completely.
Despite what some say, you don’t need to get a bunch of qualifications to become a food tester. Instead, join research groups as a consumer tester. Many companies tend to test products before releasing them in the market. For permanent positions, you can look up jobs on sites like Indeed and totaljobs. The jobs are often listed as food tasters or sensory testers.
Consequently, keep a lookout on the website of big FMCG companies, as they often list openings for food tasters. You can get paid on an hourly basis as a food tester. The pay rate usually varies between £10 to £15 per hour.
18. Offshore Energy Jobs
Offshore energy jobs usually require you to stay at sea. However, the jobs pay big money as you have to stay away from your family and friends for a long time. So, the job is a perfect one for people with no big family commitments.
The UK government’s zero-emission target has caused a significant boom in offshore energy jobs. It has further led to many new job opportunities to open up. For example, a recent UK energy project on the East coast created 5000 more jobs. And it will keep on creating more job opportunities in the upcoming 20 years.
The pay for renewable energy varies from £18,000-£60,000 per annum. Factors such as seniority, experience, and technical skills are taken into account. Consultants and senior positions earn the most in the industry.
Most of the opportunities come with on the job training facilities, so don’t worry about a skill you don’t have yet.
19. Game Developer
Do you spend most of your free time playing video games or fiddling through mobile apps? Why not develop one of your own gaming apps? If you think you need a flashy university degree to become a game developer, then you are wrong. There are multiple resources online that can teach you how to develop game applications.
Consequently, you need extensive software skills to go into game development. Previous experience working in IT can give you an advantage. However, employers in this industry are much more interested in your talent and creativity. Therefore, you can quickly move up the ranks to a senior position in this industry.
Your salary could be around £30,000 to £60,000 if you are working a 9 to 5 job. The pay scale can go much higher if you land a position at any giant corporation. You can look up the list of UK game developing companies at UK Interactive Entertainment.
20. Content Writer
If you know your way around words, then a career as a content writer is something to think about. Content writers are tasked with writing messages or content that highlight their organisation positively. Content writers help in the growth of businesses by writing powerful messages. In addition, it helps connect with a loyal audience base.
You can be an in-house or freelance writer at your convenience. As an in-house writer, you will provide direct writing services to an organisation. And you probably have to work from 9 to 5 in the company office. So while you don’t need a university degree to get your foot in the door, the ability to write and formulate catchy ideas is essential.
Content writers can produce various blog posts, social media posts, and other advertorial content. Writers can expect to earn £25,192 on average per year. However, the earning can be a lot higher if you decide to get on freelancing!
21. Voice-over Artist
Voice-over artists work off-camera. They express their love of acting through a microphone diligently. If you are interested in a career spanning radio and television, this might be it for you.
Voice-over artists work in movies, TV series, advertisements, video games, and corporate videos. Most voice-over artists work as a freelancer while collaborating with an agency to get work.
The pay can vary depending upon the nature of work. You have to have a versatile voice and genuine flair for acting to be a good voice artist. Moreover, you can work from home in this profession if you have a home studio set up.
You can find many jobs listed on sites like Upwork, indeed, and totaljobs.
22. TEFL Teacher
With the world converting into a global village, the need for TEFL teachers is on the rise. TEFL teachers teach English as a foreign language to students. The students in the UK are usually immigrants or refugees.
Consequently, you can work with students from Asian countries. Countries such as Japan, China, and South Korea have a high demand for TEFL teachers. In addition, some organisations have a scope of remote working. So, if you don’t want to put up with the hassle of travelling, teaching online is an option. Make sure your contract letter explicitly mentions the nature of the work.
Your salary can range from anywhere between £14,000 to £35,000. However, to become a TEFL teacher, you need to be a native English speaker. Consequently, you need to have a TEFL or TESOL certificate to qualify for a job in the UK. Enrol on our Teaching English as a Foreign language course and get your CPD accredited certificate. The course will teach you to work with many different approaches for different students. So, get your TEFL certificate and find the job that fits you on LinkedIn today.
23. Fashion Industry
Fashion is a million-dollar industry. If your flair for creativity and fast fashion runs high, then definitely make a try in the industry. Some jobs in fashion can pay as high as £60,000 per year. You can work in the graphics or textile department. Some other divisions include retail, inventory, accounts, merchandising, etc.
You might start as an intern in the industry, but you can work your way up to the top. You have to be proactive and willing to take up challenges. Most fashion enthusiasts get their foot in the door by working as retail buyers. The opportunities and career progression is growing in this industry.
24. Entrepreneur
Why have a boss when you can be the boss of yourself? Being an entrepreneur doesn’t come easy. It requires tons of hard work, smart choices, and the right approach. You need to be strategic in your agendas to build up the business. Your earnings will depend upon the level of success your business can attain.
Entrepreneurs need to have a solid financial background to tackle any difficulties that may arise. You can start your own venture or acquire an existing undervalued business. Consequently, there is a third option of franchising. Franchising business is advantageous for beginners having little knowledge about.
However, you need initial planning and timely executions if you want to build your business from scratch. Then, you can start your own clothing line or buy the franchise of a famous coffee shop. The world is your oyster as an entrepreneur!
25. House Manager
If you thought being a house manager doesn’t pay much, then you thought wrong. Butlers and house managers can earn up to £150,000 per year, depending upon the employer. That makes it one of the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree. However, degree or not, you need to possess a certain skill set to wait on rich people.
Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills are crucial for completing the list of responsibilities as a house manager. Your previous work experience in the hospitality industry or private household could give you an edge. Strong recommendation letters are needed to land a high profile client.
Related: Top 10 Job Interview Tips to Help You Land Your Dream Role
Conclusion
That concludes our list of 25 highest paid jobs you can do without a degree in the UK. Most of these jobs require minimal study. However, most of the jobs can earn you over £30,000 per year.
However, any and all jobs require a lot of hard work to progress to higher positions and better salaries. Consequently, the 25 jobs mentioned provide you with a quicker route to a high paid career. So pick your choice from the highest paying jobs in the UK without a degree and get started.
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