Best-paying professions in the United Kingdom
Are you looking for a career change or a new challenge? Do you want to know which jobs pay the most in the UK? If so, you might be interested in this list of the best-paying professions in the United Kingdom, based on the latest data and statistics.
What are the highest-paying jobs in the UK?
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the highest-paid occupation in the UK in 2023 was Chief Executive and Senior Officials, who earned approximately £1,575.9 per week, or £81,946.8 per year[^1^][1]. Marketing, Sales and Advertising Directors came second, with £1,533.2 per week, or £79,726.4 per year[^1^][1]. Information Technology Directors, Public Relations and Communications Directors, and Aircraft Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers also made it to the top five[^1^][1].
However, these figures are based on the median earnings, which means that half of the workers in each occupation earned more than this amount, and half earned less. There can be a lot of variation between roles depending on the experience, individual companies, and location. For example, a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a large corporation can earn millions of pounds per year, while a CEO of a small start-up might earn much less.
What are the best university degrees for job prospects?
If you are planning to pursue higher education, you might want to know which degrees can lead to the most lucrative and in-demand careers. According to the Complete University Guide, the best university degrees for job prospects in 2023 were Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, and Engineering[^2^][2]. These degrees have high entry requirements, but they also have high employment rates and salaries.
However, these degrees are not the only ones that can lead to high-paying jobs. There are many other factors that can influence your career success, such as your skills, interests, personality, network, and opportunities. You should choose a degree that suits your strengths and passions, and that can help you achieve your goals.
High-paying jobs that don’t need degrees
If you don’t have a degree or don’t want to go to university, you might think that your options for high-paying jobs are limited. However, that is not necessarily true. There are many high-paying jobs that don’t need degrees, but require other qualifications, such as apprenticeships, vocational training, or professional certifications. Some examples are:
– Air Traffic Controller: Air traffic controllers are responsible for directing the movement of aircraft in the sky and on the ground. They need to have excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. They also need to pass a series of tests and training courses, and obtain a licence from the Civil Aviation Authority. The average salary for an air traffic controller in the UK is £61,000 per year[^3^][3].
– IT Manager: IT managers oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of the IT systems and services in an organisation. They need to have technical knowledge, leadership skills, and business acumen. They also need to have relevant work experience and certifications, such as CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft. The average salary for an IT manager in the UK is £50,000 per year[^4^][4].
– Train Driver: Train drivers operate trains that transport passengers or goods across the country. They need to have good concentration, reaction time, and customer service skills. They also need to pass medical and psychological tests, and complete a training programme that lasts up to a year. The average salary for a train driver in the UK is £48,000 per year[^5^][5].
Which jobs will receive the highest pay rises in 2023?
The salary trends in the UK can change depending on the economic situation, the supply and demand of labour, and the skills and qualifications required for different jobs. According to the Robert Half 2023 Salary Guide, some of the jobs that will receive the highest pay rises in 2023 are:
– Cybersecurity Specialist: Cybersecurity specialists protect the IT systems and networks of an organisation from cyberattacks and threats. They need to have technical skills, analytical skills, and ethical hacking skills. They also need to have relevant certifications, such as CISSP, CISM, or CEH. The average salary for a cybersecurity specialist in the UK is £55,000 per year, and it is expected to increase by 7.5% in 2023.
– Data Scientist: Data scientists analyse large and complex data sets to extract insights and solutions for various business problems. They need to have mathematical skills, programming skills, and data visualisation skills. They also need to have knowledge of data science tools and frameworks, such as Python, R, or TensorFlow. The average salary for a data scientist in the UK is £60,000 per year, and it is expected to increase by 6.8% in 2023.
– Digital Marketing Director: Digital marketing directors plan, execute, and monitor the online marketing strategies and campaigns of an organisation. They need to have marketing skills, creativity, and digital literacy. They also need to have knowledge of digital marketing channels and platforms, such as SEO, SEM, social media, or email. The average salary for a digital marketing director in the UK is £80,000 per year, and it is expected to increase by 6.7% in 2023.
As you can see, there are many high-paying jobs in the United Kingdom, across various sectors, industries, and fields. However, the salary is not the only factor that you should consider when choosing a career. You should also think about your interests, values, skills, and goals, and find a job that matches your profile and aspirations. You should also keep learning and developing your skills, as the job market is constantly evolving and changing.
