Getting into Well-paid Careers Without a Degree in the UK

Is it possible to get into well-paid careers without a degree in the UK? The short answer is that in today’s competitive job market, it’s not always necessary to have a traditional university degree to secure a well-paid career. In the UK, there are a variety of opportunities available for people who want to enter the workforce without having to spend years studying at university.

Below I’ve mentioned several careers, the best way to find a career that’s right for you is to consider your skills, interests, and goals.

Well-paid Careers Without a Degree in the UK

Having no experience in a job that pays well can be a challenging starting point for many people, but it’s possible to gain valuable skills and opportunities with determination and effort. In recent times, the UK has seen an increase in high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree. This is because technology has improved, and there is a growing focus on specialised skills for a job.

Here is a more detailed overview of some of the most popular high-income jobs without a degree in the UK.

Personal Assistant

A personal assistant, a good-paying job without experience, plays a crucial role in helping executives manage their busy schedules and administrative work. While a degree isn’t mandatory, excellent organisational skills are essential for success. Responsibilities can vary, from managing correspondence to aiding daily operations in a company.

In addition to being organised, personal assistants need to be good at talking to people and managing their time well. They might have to make appointments, plan trips, and do research on behalf of their employers. This job offers opportunities for career growth as personal assistants often step into more senior positions.

Average Salary: £26,410 per year

Prison Officer

Prison officers, one of the best jobs, are responsible for managing prisons, performing security checks, and assisting prisoners. A clean record and passing the Prison Officer Selection Tests are a prerequisite for this role.

As a prison officer, your main job is to make sure prisoners are safe. This means watching over them, searching for things, and making sure they follow the rules in the prison. Some prisons will teach you what you need to know on the job to do this challenging but rewarding work.

If you want to move up in your career, you can get qualifications in prison management and security. This can lead to better-paying job opportunities in the prison system.

Average Salary: £27,000 per year

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists, one of the best-paying jobs, help clients heal from injuries and relax with massages. A relevant certification from a licensed massage therapy program is essential to work in reputable spas.

As a massage therapist, you need to know different massage techniques to help clients with their physical and mental stress. To be really good at the job, you need to be good at talking to people, understand how they feel, and know a lot about the body and massages.

Many massage therapists work in spas, wellness centres, or by themselves. As you gain experience, you can become an expert in specific types of massages, like sports massage or deep tissue massage, to serve more clients and maybe earn more money.

Are you aware of the difference between sports massage and deep tissue massage? Give our insightful blog a thorough read to find out the answer.

Average Salary: £25,000 per year

Posting Clerk

Posting clerk, a good-paying job without a degree, handles various duties, including weighing letters and parcels, managing deliveries, handling bill payments, and assisting customers.

To get a job as a posting clerk, you usually need some basic education and training on the job. Your job is to make sure that mail and packages are processed correctly and sent to the right places. It’s important to be well-organised, pay close attention to details, and be good at helping customers.

Your work might include sorting incoming and outgoing mail, operating postage meters and other mailing equipment, and maintaining postal records. In addition, you’ll talk to customers, answer their questions, and give them information about postal services.

Average Salary: £18,318 per year

Plumber

Plumbers put in, fix, and take care of plumbing systems in houses and businesses. They need to have a good understanding of plumbing codes and regulations, along with the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems. You don’t need a college degree to be a plumber, but some employers may want you to have City & Guilds National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

Average salary: £25,000 per year

Electrician

Electricians put in, fix, and take care of electrical systems in houses and businesses. They need to have a good understanding of electrical theory and safety protocols, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems.

To be an electrician, you usually need to have a GCSE level of education or something similar. It’s important to have a valid driver’s license because you’ll need to go to where your clients are. You can learn through apprenticeships, and after that, you’ll get a certificate.

Average salary: £29,644 per year

HVAC Technician

HVAC technicians install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in homes and businesses. They need to have a good understanding of HVAC systems and safety protocols, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems.

Average salary: £31,423 per year

Air Traffic Controller

To be an air traffic controller in the UK, you don’t need a special university degree. It’s a big responsibility to make sure planes fly safely and smoothly. As an air traffic controller, you have to understand radio and radar tools well. Your job is to help pilots by giving them important guidance and directions during their flights.

Average salary: £50,000 per year

Train Driver

Train drivers, one of the high-paying jobs with no experience, are responsible for operating trains and transporting passengers and freight. They need to have a good understanding of train operations and safety protocols, as well as the ability to keep calm and focused under pressure. No need to get a degree for this job. A train driver’s salary depends on factors such as the train company and the specific route they operate.

Average salary: £30,388 per year

Firefighter

Airports and rescue groups mostly hire firefighters, and you don’t need advanced qualifications for these jobs. Having an education similar to GCSE level is enoughq. Firefighters, one of the best high-paying jobs, are responsible for keeping people safe during emergencies and fighting fires. It’s a tough but fulfilling job.

Average salary: £44,027 per year

Police Officer

Police officers enforce the law and thus protect the public. They need to be physically fit and have a strong sense of justice.

Average salary: £35,763 per year

Social Media Influencer

Social media influencers make money by posting interesting content and talking to their followers. They share product reviews, lifestyle tips, and more to help businesses promote their stuff.

Average salary: £35,144 per year

Pilates Instructors

To become a Pilates instructor, you need a Level 3 Diploma in Mat Pilates, an entry-level requirement. This teaches you about the body, especially the spine and core, and allows you to teach Pilates in various settings. After becoming a Pilates instructor, you can teach classes in the community, at the gym, in open studios, and also offer one-on-one sessions.

Average salary: £25,000 per year

Health & Wellbeing Coach

A health and wellbeing coach helps people and communities improve their lives by teaching them how to make positive changes in their behaviour to become healthier and happier.

Average salary: £35,000 per year

Hairstylist

Hairstylists cut and style hair, give hair care advice, provide scalp treatments, and colour hair. They work with both real and synthetic hair. You don’t need a college degree, but you should have at least a hairdressing NVQ level 2 to become a hairstylist.

Average salary: £22,953 per year

Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents help people buy and sell property. This is a job where you help people. They need to have a good understanding of the real estate market, as well as the ability to negotiate and close deals. The real estate agent’s salary can vary depending on factors like where they work, how much experience they have, and how many properties they sell.

Real Estate Agent’s Average salary: £24,234 per year

Sales Manager

A sales manager leads a group of salespeople in a company. You don’t need a degree, but you should have experience as a salesperson before becoming a manager.

Average salary: £32,455 per year

Marketing Coordinator

Being a marketing coordinator in the UK is an exciting opportunity to make an effective contribution to society without needing a degree. You help with various campaigns and projects.

Average salary: £33,000 per year

Project Manager

Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring projects. They need to have a good understanding of project management principles and practices, as well as the ability to lead and motivate teams.

Average salary: £40,000 per year

Business Development Manager

Business development managers are responsible for developing and implementing business strategies. They need to have a good understanding of the business world, as well as the ability to build relationships and negotiate deals.

Average salary: £39,000 per year

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They need to have a good understanding of the business world, as well as the ability to be creative, innovative, and resilient.

Average salary: Varies

Pest Control Technician

Pest control technicians help to protect homes, businesses, and crops from pests. They inspect properties, identify pests, and recommend and apply appropriate treatments. Pest control technicians need to have a good understanding of pest biology and behaviour, as well as the safe use of chemicals.

Average salary: £23,037 per year

Offshore Energy Technician

As an offshore energy technician, you’ll work with the oil and gas industry to set up and test equipment. This job is sometimes called a process operation technician. To become one, you’ll need to study more in engineering, and employers often give you on-the-job training that can last about a year.

Average salary: £34,392 per year

Security Consultant

Security consultants, one of the entry-level jobs that pay well in the UK, check for security problems and create plans to keep companies safe from cyberattacks and other dangers. To do this job, they need to know a lot about cybersecurity threats and technology, and they should be good at thinking carefully and solving problems.

Average salary: £42,295 per year

Computer Security Specialist

A computer security specialist’s job is to make computer systems, networks, and data centres safer. You don’t have to have a qualification, but it helps if you’re good at solving problems, handling pressure, and being persistent and determined in this role.

Average salary: £38,000 per year

Besides, are you interested in the top 12 Jobs for 16-year-olds? Read our informative blog to get a quick guide for freshers.

Conclusion

So, to answer our opening question, it is very much possible to get into well-paid careers without a degree in the UK. There are lots of great jobs you can do without a degree. It doesn’t matter if you want to be a personal assistant, plumber, real estate agent, or computer security specialist; you can have a successful and satisfying career without spending years in formal education. If you’re ready to learn and get the right skills, there are many paths to success. Whether you are interested in trades, technology, or business, you can find a job in the UK. Don’t let not having a degree stop you. Explore the job lists provided above and see what the UK has for you. Your dream job might be just a few steps away.

FAQ

What is the highest-paid job in the UK?

In the UK, the jobs that pay the most can change, but usually, jobs in healthcare, finance, and information technology are at the top. Surgeons, doctors, investment bankers, and IT managers are some of the well-paid professionals in the country.

Can I have 2 jobs in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to have multiple jobs in the UK. However, you must make sure that you don’t exceed the working time regulations and that your employment contracts do not prohibit additional work.

How to get a job?

To find a job, first, think about what you’re good at and what you like to do. Look for job ads on the internet, make a good resume and a letter to introduce yourself, and adjust your applications for each job you want. Get ready for interviews, meet people who work in the field, and think about getting certificates or qualifications that can help you get the job you want.

[spblog-related-articles_list title=”What to Read Next:” tag=”leadership-management”]