Personal Development

Top 20 Highest Paying Jobs in The UK

Before starting a job, everyone thinks about salary and other benefits to secure a comfortable life. There are plenty of exciting careers available in the UK. A perfect job helps you meet your financial goals! As a job seeker, you should think carefully before going ahead.

You can search for the top 20 highest-paying jobs in the UK in 2022, which should relieve you and give you a sharp vision of your future.

In this blog, we have shared a synopsis of the top 20 highest-paying jobs in the UK and the highest-paid field to assist you in deciding on the most suitable career!

In Which Industries Are The Highest Paying Jobs?


Before finding out about the highest-paying jobs, you must review which industries pay the most. They consistently pay lots of money for your education,  qualifications, experience, and performance. Many job opportunities are available in the enriched industries. The most common example of the highest-paying fields is-

  • Healthcare or Medical Industry
  • Corporate Sector
  • Creative Industry 
  • Engineering Sector
  • Law Industry
  • Transportation
  • Teaching Industry

Although this list can change over time, these occupations have offered high salaries for many years. Below, we discuss the highest-paid industries, including professions.

A group of healthcare personnel standing wearing their respective uniforms

 

Highest Paying Jobs in the Medical Industry

The medical sector is among the highest-paid in the UK and even globally. If you are thinking about a career in health care, you may want to know the highest-paying medical jobs and their salaries.

Medical Practitioners: The demand for medical staff is increasing daily in the UK. Doctors are applying their specialised knowledge and abilities. They listen carefully to patients, diagnose diseases and disorders, interpret lab results, and treat medical conditions with regular follow-up.

  • Qualification: To become a doctor, you must complete a medical degree and training at a medical school. It can take about four to seven years. 
  • Salary: According to checksalary.com, medical practitioners can earn around £85,220.74 in the UK. 

Dentist: A dentist is a dental surgeon and a healthcare professional who specialises in dentistry, such as

  • Diagnosis
  • Prevention
  • Treatment of diseases 
  • Conditions of the oral cavity
  • Providing oral health services

The dentist supports the dental team, including dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental technicians, and sometimes dental therapists.

  • Qualification: To become a dentist, you must complete a five-year degree. 
  • Salary: In the UK, the average salary of a dentist is £51,024. On the other hand, as per salaryexplorer.com, he earns around 175,000 GBP per year. 

Pharmacy Technician: The Pharmacy Technician is one of the most prominent careers in the medical industry. They prepare, dispense, and supply medicines and pharmacy products to patients. Pharmacy technicians take prescriptions over the phone or in person and work with health professionals and customers.

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  • Qualification: You must complete a two-year accredited pharmacy technician program that combines classroom instruction and real-world experience.
  • Salary: The annual salary of a pharmacy technician in the UK is £37,070.

Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist can identify and handle a variety of mental health issues. In order to treat the symptoms of mental disorders, he primarily uses medication, counselling and different methods if required.

  • Qualification: To become a psychiatrist, you need a graduate degree and general training. 
  • Salary: According to data from uk.talent.com, the average psychiatrist’s salary in the UK is £91,908 per year, or £47.13 per hour. Most experienced ones earn up to £98,600 per year, while entry-level positions start at £80,000.

Orthodontist: Orthodontists specialised in dentistry and focus on the development of the face, teeth, and jaws to achieve the best possible function and aesthetics. It is usually achieved using fixed braces, clear removable aligners, and teeth straightening surgery! 

  • Qualification: You must complete the same training as a dentist and conduct further education and specialist knowledge as an orthodontist. 

Salary: According to salaryexplorer.com, the average yearly income in the UK is around 211,000 GBP.  The lowest salary is 97,100 GBP, and the highest is 336,000 GBP.

Two business persons shaking hands and other businessmen standing in the background

 

Highest Paying Jobs in Corporate

The corporate world is more practical. Here you can easily find various jobs, and you have a chance to earn more. being prompted and quickly reaching the top-notch. Some of the most paid wage options in this corporate world are-

  • Chief Executives and Senior Managers: These positions are held by the top officials of a company. CEOs always enjoy the highest average salary in the UK. Chief Executives and Senior Managers are considered the top business officials. Senior managers report directly to the CEO. 
  • Qualification: A bachelor’s or master’s degree is required for CEO and senior positions. Typically, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, management, or marketing is preferred for these posts.
  • Salary: The standard salary of a chief executive officer is £364,080, but the range typically falls between £279,548 and £573,043.
  • Entrepreneurship: It is financially developed by an independent person who also influences the economy and provides opportunities for others. Though investment may be the main issue, it can also be overcome if you can endure the suffering on your journey.
  • Qualification: You can take some training in event management, professional make-up, spa therapy, and many more. With this, you can start your own business, hire people, and build your brand.
  • Salary: Entrepreneurial salaries vary greatly, as they start at zero and can build up to millions. The average salary of an entrepreneur is £66,630. The lowest salary is £34,000, and the highest is £130,000. 
  • Risk Manager: The risk manager’s primary duty is to mitigate risks, such as financial or regulatory risks. They use regulatory knowledge to help their company sustain itself. 
  • Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree and licence are needed to become a risk manager. You can take some training on laws and regulations. 
  • Salary: Salary ranges can be based on education, certifications, additional skills, and experience. The risk manager’s average salary in the United Kingdom is £67,811.
  • HR Director: As an executive position, HR Directors assist in the setting of plans for the HR department, recruitment, management implementation, employee benefits, policies and procedures, salary, and compensation.
  • Qualifications: You need at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably a master’s degree. Most recruiters prefer at least 5-7 years of management experience and training. To be a great HR director, you can take some training, such as HR management, Uk employment law, HR administrator, etc. 
  • Salary: The average salary for a human resources (HR) director is £72,249.
  • Marketing Specialists: Every company requires a marketing team to enhance business growth, acquire new customers, and create profit. You can also work on a freelance basis.
  • Qualification: As a marketing specialist, you can take some training in online marketing, copywriting, digital marketing, etc. Generally, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as marketing, business, or advertising.

Salary: The average yearly salary of  marketing specialists is £24,548.66. They earn a minimum of £18,500.00 and a maximum £33,272.00

An open laptop showing a customer support message and the tools and icons related to this are in the background

 

  • Customer Success Manager: The customer success manager tries to reach customers and ensure they are happy with the service. They make sure the customers are satisfied with their purchases. 
  • Qualification: A bachelor’s degree is required, and having job experience is suitable for the position. 
  • Salary: The minimum wage for a customer success manager is £36,270 annually in the UK.
  • Project Manager: Project managers are responsible for the overall projects of a company. He assists in various sectors, including -Construction, IT, HR, marketing, advertising, and many more.
  • Qualification: You have a degree and at least three years of experience. If possible, you can take Project Management related training.
  • Salary: In the UK, a project manager’s national average annual earnings is £36,270 a year. But depending on the sector and importance, the project manager’s salary can exceed.
  • Advertising and Public Relations Director: Advertising and Public Relations Director is one of the most exciting careers you can choose. He works on creating a positive public image for clients. He is coordinating advertising and public relations campaigns and Coverage the press and media. 
  • Qualification: You must have a degree in any field, preferably in mass media. Additionally, you can pursue a two-year master’s degree in communication, journalism, or public relations (PR).
  • Salary: The standard range of an advertising director is £50,360 in the UK. 
  • Analysts: It might be a great career choice if you have strong mathematical and analytical skills. They are in high demand in many sectors, such as finance, consulting, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, government, and education. There are different types of analysts, such as-
  • Data analysts
  • Criminal intelligence analysts
  • Financial analysts
  • Business analysts
  • Qualification: Analysts need a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, business, marketing, computer science, or related fields. A Master’s degree in business administration (MBA), marketing, mathematics, computer science or related fields may be required. 

Salary: The yearly average salary for a research analyst is £29,732.

A group of corporate people wearing formal suit

 

  • Investment Banking Associate: An investment banker’s average days are long and stressful. He supports clients to ensure efficiency and satisfaction. And their primary responsibility is to identify and fulfil clients’ needs.
  • Qualification: Required a degree, professional work experience or a combination to become an investment banking associate.
  • Salary: As per payscale.com, the basic salary is  £30k – £79k. They get a total of £31k – £85k along with a bonus and profit sharing.
  • Actuary: Being an actuary means quickly evaluating financial risks, opportunities, and probability by applying mathematical, statistical, and economic analyses. 
  • Qualification: You should have data analysis, risk management, evaluation, numerical, and data-based decision-making skills. More importantly, you must pass the actuarial exams to be a qualified actuary, which may take a few years.
  • Salary: Yearly, an actuary, earns an average of £70,314, a low of £63,706, and a high of £81,119.
  • Chartered Accountants: It’s one of the most promising careers in finance, with lots of opportunities and good wages. Chartered Accountants are experts in financial accounting, cost analysis, budgeting, payroll, and tax planning.  
  • Qualification: To become a certified CA in the UK, candidates must pass at least one professional accounting certification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), or Certified Public Accountant (CPA). 


Salary: The average yearly salary of a  chartered accountant is £34,876 and depends on experience, qualifications, location, and the company.

A young programmer working on multiple screens and CPU’s

 

Highest Paying Jobs in the Creative Industry 

It is a world of creativity and competence. This world enriches our lives in many ways, and it even controls our earnings in some ways. Some prominent job examples in the creative industry and IT are given below-

Back End Developer: A Back End Developer can develop products for the backend of any website. They are responsible for building a software application’s structure using various tools, languages, and frameworks.

  • Qualification: You need a university degree in computer science or software engineering. They also need formal training on abstraction (writing algorithms and data mining). You require knowledge of cloud-based systems, programming languages (Java, PHP), automation scripting, and other technology related issues.
  • Salary: The standard salary for a  developer starts at £31,000 for an entry-level role. Tech professionals could make anything up to £65,250.

A group of architect working and drafting various projects

 

Director Creative Designer and Art: Advertising and Public Relations Directors create a positive public image for employers or clients. They coordinate advertising and public relations campaigns and work closely with the press to ensure high levels of coverage. He closely works with the

  • Marketing team
  • Advertising, 
  • IT
  • Qualification: You need an undergraduate degree in graphic design, fine arts, visual communication, typography or a related subject and relevant training. 

Salary: The standard salary for a  developer starts at £31,000 for an entry-level role. Tech professionals could make anything up to £65,250.

Highest Paying Jobs in the Engineering Sector

The Engineering sector is enriched with many opportunities. It’s a mixture of science and practical work. It is also a developed area with many options. Let’s discuss the top-rated job in the engineering field. 

Enterprise Architect- An Enterprise Architect plays a crucial role in an organisation’s IT team. They are responsible for maintaining IT infrastructure and operating systems, integrating information applications, and updating and maintaining programs. An enterprise architect serves as an advisor to senior management on business-related IT strategies.

  • Qualification: An enterprise architect must have at least 5–7 years of IT experience. He can get a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or any related field. A Master’s in business administration (MBA) is also preferred.

Salary: The standard pay for an Enterprise Architect is £92,049 per year in the UK.

Symbols and icons of Law profession

Highest Paying Jobs in Law Industry

Law is essential to enforce rules and regulations in society. These people have vast responsibilities. They not only protect people but also maintain peace in the country. As we see below- 

Judges: Judges play a crucial role. You know, it is not easy to decide someone’s fate.

  • Qualification: To become a judge, you need to have legal qualifications as a barrister, solicitor or, in some cases, a chartered legal executive. At least 5 years or more of work experience in the legal profession is required.
  • Salary: The salary of judges can range from £91,217 to £267,509 in eight different salary groups. You can find more about this on the website of The Ministry of Justice, where they briefly share judicial salaries.

Lawyers:  Lawyers are one of the most prominent career options.

  • Qualification:You can complete your graduation to become a lawyer. If you are unable to have a law degree, don’t worry. Train yourself as a paralegal. 
  • Salary: Annually, salaryaftertax.com states that 75% of London law firm partners earn more than £250,000 and the top 17% earn more than £1,000,000. whereas, yearly, the elite 2% earn more than £2,000,000.

Police Inspectors: Once you have started your profession as a police officer, there are many opportunities to work your way up to a senior role. You can work as Police Inspector, Constable, and Sergeant and join an investigating team with senior officers.

  •  Qualification: No formal qualifications are needed to join the police force.

Salary: The minimum salary of a police officer is £30,119.95.

various city types of transport in a road

 

Highest Paying Jobs in Transportation

Modern transportation is a tool of globalisation. Here we also find a vast diversity of work. You can choose many challenging options. But in the UK, the below jobs are paying better salaries also, socks manufacture.

Aircraft Pilot: A pilot’s life is exciting; he visits many countries and enjoys their salaries. Though you may have to be away from home for long periods, it is a drawback of this profession. 

  • Qualification: A degree is not needed to become an aircraft pilot; you must complete significant training before safely flying a plane. This will include getting your pilot’s licence and passing a rigorous medical exam to ensure that you are fit to fly. Pilot training is expensive and highly competitive.
  • Salary: The average salary for a pilot is £35,017 per year in the UK.

Train Driver: Train drivers operate trains on the rail network, carrying passengers and freight around the country

  • Qualification: If you want to be a train driver, then apply to a train company to complete an advanced apprenticeship. Training can take 12 months to 24 months.

Salary: As per nationalcareerservice.com, a newly hired train driver gets £24,000, and an experienced driver earns £65,000.

A teacher is teaching and others are listening and asking questions

 

Highest Paying Jobs in Teaching Sector

Teaching is considered a prestigious job. The highest paying jobs in the teaching sector are-

Professor: Professors are among the most senior academic staff in most universities. They can do research, teach, or a combination of the two. He has some relevant positions, for example – faculty, lecturer, instructor, research fellow, research assistant, etc.

  • Qualifications: Most Professors need a PhD or have a very good bachelor’s degree with first or upper second-class honours.
  • Salary: Yearly, the national standard salary for a professor is £80,890 in the UK. They get the highest payment of £119,327 and the lowest is £54,835. 

Teaching Assistant: A Teaching Assistant or TA, helps teachers complete daily tasks within a classroom environment and provides individual guidance to students with learning disabilities or behavioural challenges. 

  • Qualifications: You have to complete Level 1 and Level 2 certificate courses or GCSEs, including English and maths.
  • Salary: A teaching assistant earns a minimum of £24,224 in a year.

How To Get One Of The Best-Paid Jobs In the UK?

Many industries follow a selection process where you might have to take a series of written tests, fitness tests, or aptitude tests. Even some entry-level jobs offer training too.

You have to complete your university degree first and then take some training and get a licence to enrich your skills to get one of the highest-paid jobs in the UK.

If you haven’t been going to university, it doesn’t mean you can’t build a promising career. Nothing is stopping you. You must show a strong aptitude in maths, English, science, or healthcare, which could be relevant to your chosen job.

Conclusion

Choosing the best career brings you happiness and prosperity in your life. In this blog, we just share a synopsis of the top 20 highest paying jobs in the UK. You may have previously chosen one of the options above, but getting hired is a different story. Update your CV and start to apply. Get your dream job and don’t forget to take training to become a skilled one.

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