A university degree is a fantastic feather in your cap, however, not everyone excels in formal education. So, if written tests, exams, and a university education are not your cup of tea, does this mean that you are not entitled to or can’t attain the highest paid jobs?
Whether you are a recent high school leaver or entered the job market decades ago, we highlight the jobs that pay well without a degree. In this article, we aim to inspire you to investigate the opportunities where you can earn a decent salary and above-average standard of living.
How To Earn High Paid Jobs
Check out our detailed information on the highest paid jobs in the UK, career advice, and average salaries.
Highest Paying Jobs Without A Degree
Before we reveal 10 tips that will help you secure the highest paying jobs, let’s look at a few roles and potential employers that offer good money.
The Office of National Statistics states that the average weekly pay for full-time employees is £611 per week.
Air Traffic Controller - National Air Traffic Services
A career as an Air Traffic Controller, will see you give pilots instructions to ensure they land safely. You do not need a degree to start as a Trainee Air Traffic Controller, but you will need an Air Traffic Control Licence.
Average salaries increase significantly from the starting salary of an Air Traffic Controller, with senior controllers earning the highest salary. Air Traffic Controllers also find opportunities working in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
Uncover the average Air Traffic Controller salary.
Police Officer
A Police Officer helps to maintain law, preventing crime against businesses or other members of the public. The average salary is good, with excellent opportunities for job growth and career progression and promotions into senior positions.
See the average salary of a Police Officer.
Estate Agent
To earn a high paying job as an estate agent, you do not need a university degree and can acquire on the job training, starting out as a junior estate agent. You will sell or rent residential or commercial properties with communication skills ranking highly with potential employers and recruiters.
You can improve you chances of employment and entering the estate agent profession by attaining less demanding qualifications such as an Estate Agent Diploma.
Discover the average salary of an Estate Agent.
Digital Marketing Executive
A Digital Marketing Executive uses and develops sales strategies that promote products and services to consumers and drive subscriptions, sales, and company profit.
You do not need a degree to get a foot on the career ladder and young people can start a successful career path by showing a motivation to learn and a flair for creativity.
Discover the average Digital Marketing salary and the highest paid jobs.
Computer Games Tester
If playing games and creating bug reports for a living sounds like a rewarding career to you, then you will be delighted to hear that the starting salary is very good.
You can secure entry-level jobs by focusing on developing your writing and communication skills and learning about game design or computer science.
View paid jobs and the average salary of a Game Tester.
Prison Officer
The average salary of a Prison Officer reflects their duties ensuring the security of the prison and rehabilitation of inmates. You can start a Prison Officer career with GCSEs and an apprenticeship or by applying directly with the HM Prison and Probation Service.
View our Prison Guard salary information.
Firefighter
The average salary of a Firefighter is excellent and you will need good physical abilities and mental strength for dealing with incidents such as car accidents and property fires. You will also need to be confident speaking in front of others, delivering fire safety education to homeowners, businesses, and students.
You do not need a degree as the salary is representative of working in stressful situations. You will work non-traditional hours and this helps to boost your starting salary with shift allowances.
Discover the average salary of a Firefighter.
Mortgage Advisor
A Mortgage Advisor does not need a university degree, although you will need industry and FCA recognised qualifications. To earn the highest salary, you may need to continue your education for a few years, with online courses or evening classes.
View the average salary of a Mortgage Advisor.
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager does not need a university degree with the highest paying jobs being linked to performance goals and achieving business objectives. You will set targets and manage the sales team, providing motivation, direction, and leadership.
View jobs and the Sales Manager average salary.
Emergency Services
Personal Assistant / Executive Assistant
A Personal Assistant or Executive Assistant earns a healthy starting salary, without obtaining a university degree. The role requires effective communication and organisation skills, preparing documents, schedules, meetings, and making travel arrangements for senior staff.
Discover the Executive Assistant average salary.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, implement, and oversee projects through to their successful completion. You can earn the highest average salary by specialising in an industry and attaining non-degree level Project Management qualifications and certifications.
Discover the Project Manager average salary.
Recruitment Consultant
A recruitment consultant helps employers find suitable candidates for jobs. Good communication skills are desirable and recruitment agencies offer various services, such as writing a job ad or description for a client, selecting candidates with specific qualifications, managing the interview process, and conducting the early stages of the selection process.
You do not need a degree but background knowledge of the industry and jobs market will help you attain better than average starting salaries.
View the Recruitment Consultant average salary.
Hazardous Waste Manager
Hazardous Waste Managers provide their clients with expert waste handling advice, leveraging their knowledge in waste facilities and operations auditing. You will need a few years of experience in waste management and can learn essential skills through online courses.
View Environmental Engineer and Hazardous Waste salaries.
Sales Representative
A Sales Representative often earns a base salary with the highest salary achieved through performance bonuses or commission. Our money-saving tips for candidates considering a career as a Sales Rep is to look at all benefits, including perks such as a company car or mobile phone.
View the Sales Representative average salary.
Nuclear Technician - Nuclear Power Stations
You do not need a degree to work as a Nuclear Technician, however, college-based training and an understanding of engineering are vital. Duties might include monitoring radiation levels and maintaining equipment.
View the Nuclear Monitoring Technician average salary, starting salary, and highest salary.
Wind Turbines and Offshore Energy Roles
On and offshore renewable energy jobs are paying better than the national average salary as the government continues to focus on hitting its zero emissions target. Various courses online can help you enter the profession, just make a Google Search for Sustainable Energy Transition Courses.
View the average salaries of Wind Turbine Engineers.
Member of Parliament - Political Party Representative
You will need to become a member of a political party to become a member of parliament. The highest salary is earned by individuals who are committed to upholding the interests of people and the nation.
Discover the starting salary and average salary of a Member of Parliament.
More Jobs That Pay Good Money Without A Uni Degree
Here are another forty+ of the highest paying jobs:
2. Chicken Sexer
5. SEO Expert
6. Translator
7. Entrepreneur
8. Electrician
11. Ethical Hacker / White Hat Hacker
12. Journalist
14. Offshore Oil Platform Worker
15. Military Security
17. Equities Trader
18. Accountant
20. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
21. Masonry Worker
22. Sound Technician / Engineer
23. Carpenter
24. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
28. Plumber
29. Occupational Therapy Assistant
30. MRI and Radiology Technologist
32. Web Developer
33. Elevator Installer / Repairer
34. Landscaper / Ground Worker / Fencer
35. Traffic Management Operative
38. Brickmason
41. Glazier
43. Bus Driver
Ten Tips To Securing The Highest Paid Jobs
Securing a high paid job is a competitive process, so focus on developing a toolkit that will drive opportunities your way and prepare you to capitalise on incoming opportunities.
Start by reviewing our top ten tips for securing high paid jobs without a degree:
1. Excel in your current job
Hiring managers and employers are searching for candidates who can quantify their skills and talent. One way to build convincing evidence is to excel in your current job. Keep a record of your performance and achievements, including awards and recognition. Facts, figures, and percentages should be your best friend here. If you aim to change careers, start by researching and exploring your career path.
2. Take on new responsibilities
You can grow your professional skills without enrolling at a university, by taking on new responsibilities. Always aim to be the first worker to accept opportunities for taking on leaderships tasks, standing in for absent supervisors, or collaborating with other departments.
If opportunities don’t present themselves at work, consider gaining skills through volunteer work, charities, clubs, hobbies, and societies.
3. Build a network of professional connections
Many of the highest paid jobs will only come your way if you build connections with other professionals. LinkedIn is an obvious choice and it helps to maintain regular contact with professionals in senior positions, to keep yourself front-of-mind when they need to hire.
4. Find a mentor or career coach
A career coach or mentor can be invaluable, looking at your career and progression with a broader and unbiased view. The best mentors are often those who you aspire to be, have the same values, and are honest and transparent.
Learn more about this topic by reading Do I Need Career Coaching and Six Steps To Picking A Career Consultant.
5. Research the average salary before your job interview
The only way you will know a salary is above average is to do your research. Armed with salary knowledge, you are in the best position possible to negotiate your wage and benefits. You can search for salaries by job or explore salaries by job type, listed below:
Accounting | Agriculture | Armed Forces | Arts | Automotive
Banking & Insurance | Charity | Clergy | Construction
Customer Services | Education | Engineering | Environmental
Facilities Management | Finance | Healthcare | Hospitality & Leisure
Human Resources (HR) | Information Technology (IT) | Leadership
Legal | Manufacturing | Marketing | Media | Office Administration
Personal Care | Professional Services | Public Sector | Retail
Sales | Science | Social Care | Telecommunications
6. Attain non-university degree qualifications
A valuable qualification does not need to take three or more years to attain, as is the case with a university degree. You could look to courses online, professional certifications, accreditation schemes, or college evening classes. A course on a particular piece of software used by an employer, is an excellent way to quantify your skills, show your motivation, and stand out from other candidates.
7. Update your CV
Your CV is your personal marketing document, so it makes sense to keep this up to date. You can review a CV templateand our top CV writing tip is to personalise your CV for each job application. Read the job description, identify the skills the recruiter is looking for, and prioritise these on your CV.
We have created a series of articles on perfecting your CV. To start, we recommend reading the following blogs:
What Information Must I Include On My CV?
What Not to Include On Your CV
How To Write A CV
CV Examples And Samples
CV Tips And Advice
How Much Job History Should I Include On My CV?
Words To Use In A CV
How Many Pages Long Should A CV Be?
8. Register for job alerts
Being first to apply is an excellent tactic that often pays off, whether you are looking for permanent, freelance, or work from home job opportunities. To hear about jobs first, register for job alerts here.
9. Visit job boards
Job boards will help you save time when searching for jobs, with vacancies brought together in one place. You can discover the most popular job boards in the UK here.
10. Retrain and learn new skills
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks does not apply to you, so don’t be afraid to learn new skills and retrain for a different career trajectory.
The job market is transforming at a pace not seen since the industrial revolution, and recruiters expect to see candidates moving industry or business sector.
Remember, focus on not only the new skills you learn but how your previous work experience could benefit a new employer operating in a different space.
Best Paid Jobs FAQs
Here we answer you questions on the top paid jobs.
What job pays the most without a degree?
The jobs listed in this article pay the most without a degree. The jobs may require previous work experience, new qualifications, flexibility in when you work, or pay and benefits linked to performance.
When negotiating salary, do not forget to consider other benefits that may be more valuable. Do you want more annual leave, hybrid working combining remote and office hours, maternity or paternity benefits, or a position where you will not need to commute?
What jobs pay the most with a degree?
Examples of the highest paying jobs with a degree include Lawyers, Doctors, Economists, Financial Advisors, Engineers, and Accountants.
How can I make 100k without a university degree?
You will need to build on your experience to move up the career ladder or choose a job where pay is aligned with performance. You might also command a higher wage if you opt to work on a contract basis, as a freelancer, or become an entrepreneur or business owner - it's important to know the disadvantages of working without a contract.
What is the easiest job to get without a degree?
Many jobs do not need a university degree including apprenticeships, entry level jobs, and lifestyle jobs such as house sitting or dog walking.
What is the easiest job with high pay?
What is easy for you may be hard for someone else. Hence, you should look for a job that aligns with your interests, values, and skills.
