Highest Paid Jobs In The UK (2023) – Salaries & Descriptions – Best Jobs
Are you looking to make a career switch, or just curious about the highest-paying jobs in the UK?
Then look no further – we’ve compiled a list of 35 of the Highest Paying Jobs in the UK right now.
With salaries from £20k – £120k+, you can explore all your options across different industries and job roles.
Read on to find out which job is best suited for you and what kind of salary package comes with it!
What Are The Highest Paying Jobs In The UK In 2023?
Here are the 35 highest-paying jobs in the UK currently.
Some of these jobs may require advanced education or qualifications, while others may require experience and skills gained through years of work.
1. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
Average Salary – £86,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £20,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£120,000+ per year
The aviation industry has always been known for its high salaries, and it’s no surprise that Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers top the list of highest-paying jobs in the UK.
Pilots are responsible for flying planes, while flight engineers monitor and maintain aircraft systems.
To become a pilot, you will need to obtain a commercial pilot license (CPL) and an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) through rigorous training and education.
However, the high Salary makes it a worthwhile investment for those passionate about flying.
2. Chief Executives and Senior Managers
Average Salary – £85,239 per year
- Starting Salary – £35,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£200,000+ per year
Chief Executives and Senior Managers hold top leadership positions in organizations and are responsible for making crucial decisions that affect the company’s success.
These roles require a combination of solid leadership skills, business acumen, and years of experience.
The high Salary also reflects the level of responsibility that comes with these positions.
To become a chief executive officer or Senior Manager, you will likely need a degree in business administration or a business-related degree field, along with relevant work experience.
3. Marketing Directors
Average Salary – £80,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £30,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£160,000+ per year
In today’s digital age, marketing has become crucial to any business.
Marketing Directors oversee the development and execution of marketing strategies that drive sales and enhance brand awareness.
You will need strong communication, analytical, and creative skills to excel in this role.
A degree in marketing or a related field is typically required, along with several years of experience in the industry.
The high Salary for this role reflects the value that effective marketing can bring to businesses.
4. Legal Professionals
Average Salary – £79,060 per year
- Starting Salary – £20,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£200,000+ per year
Legal professionals, including barristers and solicitors, have always been in demand due to their specialized knowledge and expertise.
To become a barrister or solicitor, you must obtain a law degree and complete additional training and qualifications.
The high Salary for this role reflects the level of education and responsibility required in the legal profession.
In addition to a high salary, legal professionals also have opportunities for career advancement and growth.
With their expertise in law, they can work in various industries, including government agencies, private and public sectors, and corporations, or start their private practice.
5. Information Technology and Telecommunications Directors
Average Salary – £78,994 per year
- Starting Salary – £35,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£150,000+ per year
In today’s digital age, the role of Information Technology and Telecommunications Directors has become vital for businesses.
These professionals oversee an organization’s IT and telecommunications infrastructure, including network security and data management.
To become an IT or Telecommunications Director, you will need a degree in computer science or a related field, along with several years of experience in the industry.
The high Salary for this role reflects the importance of technology in today’s business world and the constantly evolving nature of the job.
With new technologies emerging constantly, the demand for skilled IT and Telecommunications Directors is expected to continue growing.
6. Financial Managers and Directors
Average Salary – £74,709 per year
- Starting Salary – £20,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£200,000+ per year
Financial Managers and Directors are responsible for managing and overseeing an organization’s financial operations, including budgeting, investments, financial management, and financial conduct authority’s fit planning.
To excel in this role, you will need to have strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of financial principles.
A degree in finance or accounting is typically required, along with relevant work experience.
The high Salary for this role reflects the level of responsibility, expertise, and skills required just to manage an organization’s finances.
Financial Managers and Directors have opportunities for career growth, with the potential to move into higher-paying executive positions in the future.
7. Advertising and Public Relations Directors
Average Salary – £71,774 per year
- Starting Salary – £25,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£155,000+ per year
Advertising and Public Relations Directors are responsible for overseeing the development and execution of advertising and PR campaigns to promote a company’s products or services.
You will need excellent communication and creative skills to succeed in this role.
A degree in marketing or a related field is often required, along with relevant work experience.
The high Salary for this role reflects the importance of effective advertising and PR strategies in driving sales and enhancing brand image.
With their expertise, Advertising and Public Relations Directors have opportunities to work in various industries, including agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations.
8. Medical Practitioners
Average Salary – £70,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £25,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£200,000+ per year
Medical practitioners, including doctors and surgeons, play a critical role in society by providing healthcare services to individuals.
To become a medical practitioner, you must complete a medical degree and obtain relevant licenses and certifications.
The high Salary for this role reflects the level of education, expertise, and responsibility required in the medical field.
Aside from the high Salary, medical practitioners also have job security and opportunities for career advancement in various specialities.
They can also significantly impact people’s lives through their work.
9. Functional Managers and Directors
Average Salary – £69,700 per year
- Starting Salary – £25,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£200,000+ per year
Functional Managers and Directors oversee specific departments or functions within an organization.
They are typically experts in their field and oversee their department’s day-to-day operations, budgeting, and strategic planning.
You will need relevant education and experience in your chosen field to become a functional manager or director.
The high Salary for this role reflects the level of expertise and responsibility required to manage a specific area of an organization.
Functional Managers and Directors have opportunities for career advancement into higher-paying executive positions, as well as the potential to move into other industries.
10. Senior Police Officers
Average Salary – £69,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £22,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£100,000+ per year
Senior police officers are responsible for managing and overseeing the operations and personnel of a police force.
The senior ranks include Chief Inspectors, Superintendents, and Chief Constables.
To become a senior police officer, you will need to start as a constable and work your way up through the ranks, gaining relevant experience and completing required training programs.
The high Salary for this role reflects the level of responsibility and dangerous nature of the job.
Senior police officers also have opportunities for career advancement into higher-ranking positions, such as Police Commissioner.
Their work is crucial in maintaining law and order and protecting the safety of citizens. Overall, these are just a few examples of the highest-paying jobs in the UK. Top-paying roles include marketing directors, aviation pilots, lawyers, architects, and energy managers.
11. Senior Professionals of Educational Establishments
Average Salary – £68,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £25,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£200,000+ per year
Senior professionals of educational establishments manage and oversee the operations and academic excellence of schools, colleges, and universities.
It includes roles such as Headteachers, Principals, and Deans.
The degree and experience required for these roles vary depending on the level of education and institution.
The high Salary for this role reflects the importance of providing quality education to students and managing large budgets.
12. Train and Tram Drivers
Average Salary – £60,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £22,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£90,000+ per year
The other best-paid jobs in the UK are train and tram drivers.
They are responsible for safely operating trains or trams, ensuring the safety of passengers, and following schedules.
This role has no specific education requirement, but candidates must complete extensive training and pass various tests.
Also, train and tram drivers must have excellent attention to detail and quick reflexes to handle unexpected situations.
13. Higher Education Teaching Professionals
Average Salary – £58,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £25,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£100,000+ per year
The role of higher education teaching professionals includes lecturers, professors, and researchers who provide academic instruction and conduct research at universities and colleges.
To become a higher education teaching professional, you will need to have a relevant postgraduate degree and relevant experience in your field.
The high Salary for this role reflects the expertise required to teach at the university level and the importance of producing groundbreaking research.
Higher education teaching professionals also have career advancement opportunities, such as becoming a department head or dean.
14. Electrical Engineers
Average Salary – £57,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £26,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£90,000+ per year
Electrical engineering involves designing, developing, and testing electrical equipment and systems.
Electrical engineers may work in a variety of industries, such as aerospace, manufacturing, and telecommunications. There is a high demand for electrical engineers in the UK, especially personal trainers, as technology advances.
A degree is no specific education requirement for this job role, but many have relevant degrees in electrical engineering or other related fields.
15. IT Business Analysts, Architects and Systems Designers
Average Salary – £56,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £25,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£100,000+ per year
IT Business Analysts, Architects and Systems Designers is another top-paying job in the UK.
The daily duty of these professionals is to analyze the needs and requirements for IT systems and design solutions that meet those needs.
They may also oversee the implementation and maintenance of these systems.
16. Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Average Salary – £48000per year
- Starting Salary – Varies depending on business success
- Highest Salary -£1 million+ per year
Entrepreneurship and innovation is not a traditional job, but it can lead to high salaries for successful entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs are individuals who take risks and start their businesses.
Entrepreneurs can achieve financial success beyond traditional job salaries with hard work, determination, and a unique idea.
Innovation is also highly valued in today’s economy, with companies seeking individuals who can bring fresh ideas and other business strategies to the table.
17. Judges and Barristers
Average Salary – £45,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £25,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£200,000+ per year
Judges and barristers are legal professionals responsible for upholding the law and making decisions on legal matters.
The degree and experience required for these roles vary depending on the level of court or legal proceedings.
Becoming a judge often requires years of experience as a barrister and a high level of expertise in a specific area of law.
They have 3 months of training after the selection process before they commence duties.
18. Enterprise Architect
Average Salary – £43000 per year
- Starting Salary – £30000per year
- Highest Salary -£130,000+ per year
The next highest-paying job in the UK is that of an enterprise architect.
Enterprise architects are responsible for designing and implementing IT systems to meet a company’s needs.
They work closely with business leaders to understand their various business objectives and develop strategies for using technology effectively.
You will need a degree in computer science or a related field, as well as experience in IT and project management, for this role.
19. Risk Manager
Average Salary – £42,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £30,000per year
- Highest Salary -£100,000+ per year
Risk managers are responsible for identifying and analyzing potential risks that could impact a company’s operations.
They then develop strategies to mitigate those risks and minimize their impact.
This role is crucial for businesses to prevent financial losses and maintain a safe working environment.
A degree in business, finance, or a related field is typically required for this position, along with relevant experience in risk management.
20. HR Director
Average Salary – £40,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £27,000per year
- Highest Salary -£90,000+ per year
HR directors oversee all aspects of human resources within an entire company’s tax strategy, including recruitment, training, employee relations, and compensation.
They work closely with senior leaders to develop and implement HR strategies that align with the company’s goals.
This role requires strong leadership skills, a degree in human resources or a related field and relevant experience in HR management.
The high Salary for this position reflects the importance of having skilled professionals who can effectively manage and support a company’s workforce.
21. Marketing Specialists
Average Salary – £38,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £21,000per year
- Highest Salary -£70,000+ per year
Marketing specialists are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote a company’s products or services.
They conduct market research, create advertising campaigns, and analyze data to measure the success of a company’s tax returns and efforts.
A degree in marketing or a related field is typically required for this role, as well as relevant experience in marketing and advertising.
With the rise of digital marketing, there is a high demand for skilled marketing specialists who can keep up with the constantly evolving landscape of online advertising.
22. Lawyers
Average Salary – £37,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £22,000per year
- Highest Salary -£100,000+ per year
Lawyers are legal professionals who advise and represent clients on various legal matters.
They may specialize in a specific area of law, such as corporate, criminal, or family law.
In addition to a degree in law, lawyers must also pass the Bar Professional Training Course and complete a period of training known as a “pupillage.”
The high Salary for this profession reflects the level of expertise and responsibility required to practice law effectively.
23. Management Consultants
Average Salary – £35,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £25,000per year
- ighest Salary -£80,000+ per year
Management consultants provide strategic advice to businesses to help them improve their performance and operations.
They analyze data, research, and recommend changes or improvements within an organization.
A degree in business, economics, or a related field is often required for this role, along with relevant experience in management and consulting.
As companies strive to stay competitive and adapt to an ever-changing business landscape, the demand for skilled management consultants continues to grow.
24. Actuary
Average Salary – £34,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £22,000per year
- Highest Salary -£90,000+ per year
Actuaries use their mathematical and statistical skills to analyze financial risks and advise businesses on how to minimize them.
They work in the insurance, finance, and consulting industries to help companies make informed decisions about investments and pricing.
To become an actuary, you will need a degree in mathematics, statistics, or a related field, as well as relevant experience in data analysis and risk management.
25. Professor
Average Salary – £33,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £25,000per year
- Highest Salary -£80,000+ per year
Professors are highly educated individuals who teach and conduct research at universities.
They often specialize in a specific field of study and are recognized as experts in their respective areas.
To become a professor, you will need a Ph.D. in your chosen field and relevant teaching and research experience.
The high Salary for this profession reflects the level of education and expertise required to excel in academia.
26. Back End Developer
Average Salary – £32,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £ 20,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£70,000+ per year
Back-end developers are responsible for building and maintaining the server side of a website or application.
They work with databases and coding languages such as Java, Python, and PHP to create the functionality and structure of a website.
A degree in computer science or a related field, along with knowledge of coding languages and web development, is typically required for this role.
With the increasing demand for online services and e-commerce, skilled back-end developers are in high demand and can command a high salary.
27. Orthodontists
Average Salary – £30,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £ 20,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£150,000+ per year
Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.
They use braces, retainers, and other appliances to straighten teeth and improve the overall appearance and function of a person’s smile.
To become an orthodontist, you will need to complete dental school and pursue additional orthodontics training.
28. Analysts
Average Salary – £25,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £ 20,000 per year
- Highest Salary -£70,000+ per year
Analysts use data and research to identify trends and make informed decisions for businesses or organizations.
They may specialize in areas such as finance, marketing, or operations and often have a degree in business or a related field.
An analyst must provide valuable insights that can help companies improve their performance and achieve their goals.
With the rise of big data, there is a growing need for skilled analysts who can interpret and utilize vast amounts of information effectively.
29. Graphic Designers
Average Salary – £24,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £18,000per year
- Highest Salary -£60,000+ per year
Graphic designers use their artistic skills and knowledge of design software to create visual concepts that communicate ideas or messages.
They may work on projects such as logos, advertisements, or website layouts for companies or clients.
A degree in graphic design or a related field is typically required for this role, along with a strong portfolio showcasing your work.
As the world becomes more visually oriented and businesses strive to stand out in a competitive market, graphic designers are highly sought-after. They can earn a high salary for their creative talents.
30. Technical Writers
Average Salary – £24,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £18,000per year
- Highest Salary -£60,000+ per year
Technical writers create documents and manuals that explain complex information clearly and concisely.
They may work for companies in industries such as technology or engineering to produce user guides, instruction manuals, or technical reports.
This role often requires a bachelor’s degree in technical writing, communications, or a related field.
As technology advances and new products are introduced, the demand for skilled technical writers who can effectively communicate complex information remains high.
31. Police Inspectors
Average Salary – £23,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £19,000per year
- Highest Salary -£60,000+ per year
Police inspectors are senior chief financial officers within the police force who oversee and manage operations within a specific area or department.
They may be responsible for conducting investigations, leading teams, and ensuring the safety of their community.
To become a police inspector, you will need to work your way up through the ranks of the police force and demonstrate leadership skills and experience.
32. Dentist
Average Salary – £23,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £19,000per year
- Highest Salary -£150,000+ per year
Dentists are medical professionals who specialize in oral health and hygiene.
They diagnose and treat issues with teeth and gums and may perform procedures such as fillings, root canals, and extractions.
To become a dentist, you must complete dental school and obtain a license to practice.
Dentists are in high demand as people prioritize their oral health and seek regular dental care. With additional training and experience, dentists can earn a high salary in this rewarding profession.
33. Psychiatrist
Average Salary – £22,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £19,000per year
- Highest Salary -£150,000+ per year
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and the treatment of mental illnesses.
They may use a variety of therapies and medications to help patients manage their conditions and improve their overall well-being.
To become a psychiatrist, you will need to complete medical school and specialized training in psychiatry.
With the growing awareness of mental health issues and the importance of seeking treatment, psychiatrists are increasingly in demand and can earn a high salary for their expertise.
34. Data Scientists
Average Salary – £21,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £18,000per year
- Highest Salary -£60,000+ per year
Data scientists collect and analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns and trends to help organizations make strategic decisions.
They may work in finance, healthcare, or technology industries and often have a degree in data science, mathematics, or a related field.
With the rise of big data and the need for companies to make data-driven decisions, data scientists are highly sought-after and can earn a high salary for their expertise.
35. Software Engineers
Average Salary – £20,000 per year
- Starting Salary – £18,000per year
- Highest Salary -£100,000+ per year
Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems and applications.
They may work in various industries and use programming languages to create functional, user-friendly software.
A degree in computer science or a related field is usually required for this role.
As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled software engineers remains high and can lead to a high-paying salary for those with experience and expertise in this field.
In addition to these highest-paying jobs in the UK, many other industries and professions offer competitive salaries and opportunities for growth. Some of the best jobs include healthcare, finance, engineering, law, and marketing.
Furthermore, with the rise of remote work and the flexibility to work from anywhere, individuals in these fields may also have the opportunity to earn even higher salaries by working for international companies or clients.
FAQs On Highest Paying Jobs In UK
Are these salaries accurate?
The salaries listed in this document are averages and may vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and employer. Researching specific job listings and negotiating salaries based on individual qualifications and market rates is essential.
How can I increase my chances of getting hired for these high-paying jobs?
To increase your chances of getting hired for these high-paying jobs, it is crucial to have the necessary qualifications and experience and strong communication skills, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Networking and keeping up-to-date with industry developments can also help in securing these competitive positions.
What other factors should I consider when choosing a high-paying job?
In addition to the national average Salary, it is crucial to consider factors such as work-life balance, job satisfaction, and opportunities for growth and advancement when choosing a high-paying job. It is also important to assess whether the position aligns with your values and interests for long-term career success and fulfillment. So, it is essential to do thorough research and consider all aspects before deciding.
Conclusion: Highest-Paying Jobs In The UK
In conclusion, the highest-paying jobs in the UK now are varied and encompass many different sectors. From finance to engineering jobs, healthcare to IT roles — the country is blessed with industry giants offering high salaries and exciting job opportunities.
If you’re mulling over changing career paths, this guide has revealed some of the most sought-after and generous positions that could help pave the way toward a successful future.
And if you consider yourself well-versed in one or more of these professions, don’t wait any longer—start searching for your dream job today!
Finally, ensure you prepare for whatever job you choose by researching your company background and gaining practical skills and qualifications that will make you stand out from other applicants.
