With rising tuition fees and cost of living, we know not everyone wants to, or can go to uni before jumping into the workforce. But whether it’s due to personal choice, financial constraints, or simply finding a different path that suits you better, there are plenty of high-paying opportunities without a university degree. 

Many of these roles can be surprisingly lucrative, offering attractive starting salaries and fulfilling careers.

So, what are they?

In this blog, we’ll delve into the top-paying jobs without a degree, exploring everything from impressive salaries to stress levels and job satisfaction. So, if you’re curious about how to earn a substantial income without the academic route, read on.

In this article:

What job pays the most without a degree in the UK?

When it comes to the highest-paying jobs in the UK without a degree, one standout option is Air Traffic Controller. These professionals manage the safe and orderly flow of aircraft in the air and on the ground, ensuring everything operates smoothly. It’s a lot of responsibility. But there’s pay to match. With a salary easily reaching £50,000, it’s a top contender for both earnings and job security. 

The role does require specific training and certification, but not a university degree. It’s a fantastic example of how specialised skills and training can lead to a lucrative and stable career – proving you don’t need a degree to secure a high-paying and well-respected job.

Not going to uni? From work experience and volunteering to professional qualifications and apprenticeships, here’s what to do instead.

What jobs pay £50k a year in the UK without a degree?

Earning £50,000 without a degree might seem like a tall order, but there are loads of roles out there. Whether you’re interested in a career in sales, technology, marketing or management, many high-paying jobs value experience and skills over formal education. 

Here are ten jobs in the UK (none of which need a degree) which could offer salaries of £50,000 or more.

1. Sales Manager

Sales Managers play a crucial role in driving a company’s revenue. They lead sales teams, develop strategies and oversee client relationships. For those with strong communication skills and leadership abilities, the role can start at around £50,000.

What’s more, most sales professionals benefit from performance-related bonuses and commissions, which boost overall earnings.

2. IT Security Coordinator

As businesses increasingly rely on technology, IT specialists are in high demand. These professionals troubleshoot technical issues and protect their client’s data from theft, misuse and unauthorised access. Especially in larger companies, salaries regularly approach £50,000.

So if you’ve got technical aptitude and problem-solving skills, this role offers strong earning potential without a degree. If you’re thinking about professional qualifications, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is one of the most respected certifications.

3. Construction Manager

Overseeing construction projects involves managing budgets, coordinating teams and ensuring projects are completed on time. Construction Managers typically have significant on-the-job experience, professional qualifications and industry knowledge.

You can easily earn £50,000, with the opportunity to earn more based on the scale and complexity of projects. The role demands excellent organisational skills and an understanding of construction processes, but it’s a rewarding career with substantial earning potential.

4. Police Officer

Police Officers in the UK, particularly those advancing to specialised or senior roles, can earn around £50,000.

The salary for police officers varies depending on their rank, experience and specific duties. There’s potential to move into roles such as detective or specialist forensic units, offering higher salaries.

It’s a demanding job that requires commitment and resilience, but you’ll get a strong salary and benefits as well as job security.

5. Electrician

Skilled Electricians are essential for maintaining and installing electrical systems. For those who are self-employed or work in specialist areas (like industrial or commercial sectors), salaries of £50,000 are common.

Electricians benefit from a flexible work schedule and the potential for overtime. With the right qualifications and experience, this role provides a solid income and a stable career path, especially for those running their own business.

6. Recruitment Consultant

Recruitment Consultants assist companies in finding suitable candidates for job vacancies. High performers in this field earn up to £50,000, thanks to a combination of base salary and commission.

The role involves networking, understanding client needs and matching candidates with job openings. It’s a dynamic job that rewards those with strong interpersonal skills and a drive to succeed.

7. Estate Agent

Estate Agents can earn around £50,000, especially if they specialise in high-value properties or work in competitive markets. Earnings in this field often come from commissions on property sales, so successful agents can exceed this base figure.

The role requires excellent sales skills, market knowledge and the ability to build relationships with clients – making it a rewarding career with substantial income potential.

8. Technical Writer

Technical Writers create manuals, guides and other documentation to explain complex information clearly and concisely. Those specialising in high-demand fields like software, engineering or healthcare earn around £50,000 with experience.

This role requires strong writing skills and an ability to understand technical subjects. It’s ideal for anyone who enjoys writing and has an eye for detail, with excellent earning potential in the right industries.

9. Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing and closing projects. They work across various industries, including IT and construction. Those with experience and strong organisational skills can earn around £50,000.

The role involves managing teams, budgets and timelines, making it a critical position in ensuring project success. Project Managers excelling in their roles may also have opportunities for higher earnings and career advancement.

10. Train Driver

Experienced Train Drivers in the UK can earn up to £65,000, especially working on passenger trains or in major cities. The role involves operating trains safely and efficiently, following schedules and maintaining communication with control centres.

Becoming a train driver requires specialised training, but no degree is needed. With good working conditions, job security and high earning potential, it’s a popular choice.

Getting ready for job interviews? Here’s everything you need to know about CVs, cover letters and what to wear for that all-important interview.

What’s the easiest job that pays the most?

If you’re looking for a well-paying job that doesn’t come with tons of stress or years of study, there are great options from our list above. 

Recruitment Consultant and Estate Agent are perfect examples. These roles focus on people skills, and training happens on the job. While commissions drive earnings, they offer flexibility and a clear path to success if you’re good at building relationships.

If technical skills are more your back, roles like IT Support and Electrician (or other trades like Plumbing) are great options. These jobs require certifications rather than degrees, but the work is manageable once you’ve got the basics down – with confidence and experience under your belt. 

For example, IT support is all about problem-solving (often as part of a supportive team), and electricians follow a clear, structured career path. Both pay well and offer solid job security, making them low-stress choices.

If you’re considering uni, but worried about difficulty, don’t miss our guides to the easiest and hardest degrees, as well as the easiest and hardest universities to get into.

What’s the least stressful job without a degree?

If you’re searching for a stress-free job, but aren’t as worried about salary, there are still some great options. 

Library Assistant is one of them. It’s a calm, steady role where you’ll manage library resources and help visitors, all in a peaceful environment. No degree is needed, and the workload is generally manageable, making it ideal if you prefer a quieter, low-pressure setting.

Other low-stress careers include Administrative Assistant, where you’ll support office functions with tasks like scheduling and documentation. A Data Entry Clerk is similar, focusing on inputting information with little pressure or client interaction. Both offer steady work with clear structures and minimal stress, making them great long-term options.

Is £45k a year middle class in the UK?

Earning £45,000 a year in the UK places you comfortably in the middle class. So if you’re looking at jobs with a £45,000 salary, well done!

It’s a salary that gives a decent standard of living, letting you save for the future and spend on holidays and meals out. While it’s not in the very top salary brackets, it’s a solid income that places you in a strong financial position.

What’s £70k after tax in the UK?

After tax, a salary of £70,000 in the UK means you’ll have take-home pay around £50,000. It’s a substantial income giving a comfortable lifestyle, including a decent home, vacations and savings. So it’s a great salary to aim for!

The exact take-home pay will vary depending on individual circumstances and additional deductions, but generally, £70,000 provides a strong financial cushion – with plenty of room for luxuries and savings.

Are those on £75k struggling in the UK?

As we’ve seen, earning £75,000 a year is a good salary in the UK, placing you well above the average income level. In 2023, average UK earnings were just under £35,000. 

With a £75,000 income, most people won’t struggle financially and can afford a high standard of living. However, it’s all about how you spend your money! 

High living costs in certain areas (like London) or other personal commitments like mortgages, private school and nursery fees will impact how far this salary stretches.

Overall though, rest assured that £75,000 will give you a great quality of life.

How common is a £100k salary in the UK?

A salary of £100,000 is relatively rare in the UK. It places you in the very top income brackets. Indeed, anything over £81,000 puts you in the top 5% of earners in the UK.

Achieving a £100,000+ salary typically involves working in senior management roles (such as CEOs or Heads of Departments at larger corporations), specialised professions (like Law, Accounting, Consultancy or Investment Banking) or high-performing sales positions.

It’s a significant milestone that reflects high levels of expertise, responsibility and a track record of success. Needless to say, these roles are also highly competitive and demanding, with a fair amount of stress. But if you’re up to the challenge, the rewards are worth it.

Ready to kickstart your career?

If you’re eyeing one of these lucrative paths or want guidance on your job search, our expert team is here to help. Whether you need support with university applications, academic coaching, exam skills or early-career advice, we’ve got you covered. 

Reach out today for 1-1 advice and take confident steps toward your professional future.