According to the Office of National Statistics, the UK’s average national wage was £31,464 in 2020. However, certain positions paid significantly more.
Without a four-year degree, various occupations that pay well and provide room for progression are available. Many opportunities available only require a B.A. or B.S. degree if you’re seeking a high-paying job in the UK with a degree.
While some professions prioritize credentials above experience and track records, others have developed alternate paths like vocational training. Based on actual pay rates, this list of the top 5 best-paying careers without a degree also includes unconventional paths into those lucrative fields.
Highest Paying Jobs Without A Degree In The UK
1. Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee the timely and cost-effective completion of projects as well as the worker’s safety and regulatory compliance. They also need to have great leadership and communication abilities and a solid grasp of building processes and materials.
Other construction jobs like general laborers or electricians often have good pay and can make up to £50,000 annually. The construction business has prospects for professional advancement because of its ongoing growth.
However, it may be physically taxing and need close attention to detail. Construction managers must possess excellent leadership, business management, and communication abilities to manage a team efficiently and guarantee that everyone is working towards the same objective.
2. Firefighter
Being a firefighter is an exhilarating and gratifying vocation that calls for commitment, cooperation, and a readiness to save others in danger. Firefighters are prepared to respond to various emergencies, and many of them do additional professions that support their work as firefighters.
Being physically strong and having the mental fortitude to face the strain and stress of emergency circumstances are requirements for the profession of a firefighter.
Firefighting is a difficult but rewarding profession requiring dedication, leadership, communication skills, physical fitness, intense training, specialized knowledge, shift work, and 24-hour availability.
It also contributes to public education and aids individuals needing medical care and support. With promotions, the average pay is £40477 and rises. Firefighting is a demanding but rewarding career that calls for commitment and a strong feeling of altruism.
3. Real Estate Agent
One of the highest-paying professions in any field is real estate, where agents assist customers in purchasing, renting out, or selling real estate. They arrange open houses, stage homes for sale, haggle over pricing, go to home inspections, and provide customers with market-trend advice.
In order to establish connections with clients and other businesspeople in the field, they must possess great interpersonal and communication abilities. Being a real estate agent is fulfilling since you get to assist folks in purchasing their first or ideal house.
Agents may work from an office or travel to show houses to prospective purchasers. It’s critical to keep current on market developments and have a solid grasp of legal considerations.
In order to sell their services and draw in new customers, agents also need networking and marketing abilities.
4. Event Manager
When thinking about a career in event management, it’s critical to comprehend the job description, income range, and advancement prospects.
To handle many goals while meeting stringent deadlines, event managers must possess organizational abilities, attention to detail, communication and negotiating skills, sales and marketing skills, and time management skills.
Event managers in the South of England and London make more money than those in the North of England, Wales, and most of Scotland. The income of an event manager is based on years of experience and geography.
Event managers who work for major enterprises or reputable event planning firms may have access to more competitive average salary uk and benefits packages.
Compensation might vary based on the size and complexity of events. Improving these abilities by attending classes and engaging in professional development is crucial throughout your career.
5. Risk Manager
A risk manager advises their business on one or more organizational threats, evaluating possible risks and creating plans to reduce or eliminate them. They could also instruct staff members on risk management procedures and supervise the execution of risk management strategies.
A high degree of experience in risk assessment and management, good communication and analytical abilities, and being current with industry advancements are necessary for senior posts, which may pay up to £70,000.
Risk managers are in charge of creating and implementing plans to reduce or manage risks that have been identified, as well as monitoring and assessing the success of these plans.
They also work closely with other departments or stakeholders to ensure that risk management procedures are incorporated into all business operations. They can advance in administrative positions without a degree, becoming a risk assistant before transitioning to a risk manager position.
Choose Your Career Path
Air traffic controller, project manager, and real estate broker are just a few of the best-paying careers available in the UK. These positions need specialized education or an apprenticeship but can lead to fulfilling careers and lucrative pay.
While pursuing a successful job path, it’s critical to do your homework and consider all of your possibilities.
This list demonstrates that there is a possibility, and if you love a certain industry or the soft skills necessary to succeed in a senior position, you could be closer than you think to that take-home pay rate that can change your life.
Moreover, some well-paying positions that don’t require a degree could also provide chances for professional development and additional training or certification.