What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in the UK in 2024

Financial stability is often the priority in the search for a rewarding career. Whether you're a student or graduate planning your future or a seasoned professional eyeing a career change, knowing the highest-paying jobs can help you make a meaningful decision.

We delve into over 15 lucrative roles, from executive officers to engineers, offering insights into industry trends, salaries and required qualifications. With over 1 million vacancies and rising employment levels, now is the time to explore your options.

If you've already got your eye on a job, check out diverse CV templates and extensive CV example guides to help you create a strong application for your next high-paying job! Get ready as we navigate the ways to career success and satisfaction, empowering you to seize the opportunities in the UK job market.

15 highest paying jobs

1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

As CEO, your role revolves around directing the strategic vision and overseeing the entire operational spectrum of a company. Your duties include setting goals, making key decisions, overseeing all departments, and profit assurance. You serve as the public face of the organisation. For higher salaries, you can aim for Information Technology (IT) and pharmacy sectors, with the demand for visionary leadership and high-skilled and talented professionals.

Average salary:

£58K - £143K per year (Glassdoor)

Entry requirements:

• Strong strategic thinking and communication skills

• Proven track record of successful leadership in previous roles

• Results-driven and business growth mindset.

2. Investment Banker

You provide financial guidance and facilitate capital-raising services to enterprises, governments, and institutions. Your primary duties involve market analysis, making fair deals, and executing transactions to meet client financial goals. This role is prevalent in financial institutions like JPMorgan or Barclays.

Average salary:

£62k to £122k per year (Glassdoor)

Entry requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or related field

• Experience in investment banking, or related finance roles at banks, such as JPMorgan or Barclays.

• Strong quantitative and math skills.

For more examples and tips, refer to our investment banking CV and investment banking cover letter writing guides.

3. High Court Judge

Senior judicial legal professionals working in the high court. Your key responsibilities include making decisions on legal cases while ensuring that everything goes according to law. The job is to interpret the law, listen to the evidence presented by two sides, and make fair unbiased decisions based on those facts. You are a crucial part of the judical system in upholding justice, assuring that the legal system functions efficiently.

Average salary:

£198k per year (GOV.UK - judicial salaries)

Entry requirements:

• Extensive legal experience as a barrister or solicitor, with a specific specialisation area

• Approval from the Judicial Appointments Commission

• Objective judgement, integrity, and sound judgment competencies.

4. Consultant

As a consultant, you are an expert in a particular field who provides advice and solutions to clients or organisations. Consultants may work independently or for consulting firms, offering specialised knowledge and expertise, with expertise in fields like operations, management, or human resources (HR).

Average salary:

£39k to £133k+ per year (Consultancy UK)

Entry requirements:

• Relevant bachelor's or master's degree

• Extensive experience in a specific industry or domain

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

• Ability to work independently and collaborate with clients.

See our consultant CV example guide for more career advice.

5. Anaesthesiologist

You are an expert medical doctor MD who ensures patients are comfortable and safe during surgery. The main job is to administer anaesthesia, create personalised anaesthesia plans, give drugs, assess medical history, and monitor vital signs. You also manage pain throughout the process, handle emergencies, and work closely with surgical teams. Typically, you work in hospitals or surgical centres, collaborating closely with surgical teams.

Average salary:

£49k to £294k per year (Payscale)

Entry requirements:

• Undergraduate medical degree, such as MBBS or equivalent

• M.D. Anaesthesia or Doctor of Medicine in Anaesthesia 

• Residency training  accredited by the Royal College of Anaesthetists

• Valid UK medical license

• Clinical skills (e.g. airway management, Intravenous (IV) access, resuscitation).

See our medical CV example for more information.

6. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

As a CFO, you oversee all financial operations, including team management, financial data oversight, planning, budgeting, and analysis. Your duties include financial planning and risk management, including securing funds evaluating financial data for performance and reporting the key results to stakeholders. Additionally, you are the middle ground between the CEO and the board, proactively helping to form the company strategy. You are key in executive leadership within the corporate settings.

Average salary:

£90k to £157k+ per year (Glassdoor)

Entry requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field

• Certification, such as ACCA or CIMA

• Long track record working in finance and accounting positions

• Strong leadership and analytical abilities.

Refer to finance CV and finance cover letter guides for more industry-specific tips.

7. Commercial Pilot

The job is essentially operating aircraft to transport passengers or cargo safely and efficiently, working primarily in aviation companies and airlines. As a pilot, you navigate fierce weather conditions, comply with the safety protocols and ensure the flight is on time and smooth. At first, it may seem like an adventurous job, but as a pilot, you need to be cautious and take high responsibility for all passengers on board.

Average salary:

£24k to £140k+ per year (Prospects)

Entry requirements:

• Fight training and obtaining commercial pilot license (CPL)

• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) for commercial airline pilots

• Ability to work well under pressure and in varying weather conditions.

8. Actuary

Assessing financial risks and uncertainties for insurance companies, pension funds, and other businesses. Involves analysing data, developing models, and providing strategic advice. Furthermore, you assess financial risks for different businesses, especially in the insurance or pension sectors.

Average salary:

£35k to £200k per year (Prospects)

Entry requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science

• Professional actuarial qualifications (e.g., FIA, FFA)

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Attention to detail and ability to communicate complex concepts effectively.

Refer to the financial analyst CV example for more inspiration.

9. Solicitor / Lawyer

As a solicitor or lawyer you offer legal advice and representation to clients, managing a diverse array of legal matters such as contracts, property transactions, and litigation. You conduct legal research, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court proceedings. Solicitors also negotiate settlements and ensure legal compliance for their clients. You typically work in law firms or legal departments of organisations.

Average salary:

£68k to £100k per year (Prospects)

Entry requirements:

1. Law degree (LLB) or conversion course (GDL)

2. Legal Practice Course (LPC)

3. Training contract or solicitor apprenticeship

4. Admission to the Law Society of England and Wales or the Law Society of Scotland.

Consult our lawyer CV example for more information and valuable advice for this type of profession.

10. Data Scientist

As a data scientist you extract, analyse, and interpret large datasets using algorithmic and AI principles to gain valuable insights and further drive decision-making. Develop and use machine learning models to solve complex business problems and support decision-making across various industries. Data Scientists collaborate with stakeholders to understand their needs, translate data into actionable insights, and communicate findings effectively. The lucrative industries for data scientists include tech companies, finance, healthcare, and consulting firms.

Average salary:

£38k to £61k per year (Glassdoor)

Entry requirements: 

• Undergraduate degree in a quantitative field, such as mathematics, statistics, or computer science

• A Master's degree in data science or a similar field is advantageous

• Strong programming skills (Python, R)

• Experience with data analysis tools and machine learning libraries.

See our related data scientist CV and data analyst cover letter examples for more tips and examples to help you succeed in your career.

11. Director of Engineering

Leaders who manage engineering teams and projects within engineering firms or tech companies. Directors of Engineering set technical direction, manage resources and ensure the successful delivery of engineering initiatives.

Average salary:

£84k to £135k per year (Glassdoor)

Entry requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

• Extensive experience in engineering management or leadership roles

• Strong technical expertise and understanding of engineering principles

• Excellent communication and project management skills.

Check out our engineering CV and engineering cover letter examples for more industry-specific examples and tips in your job search.

12. Tax Director

As a tax executive or director you oversee the tax planning and compliance activities of accounting firms or corporate finacne departments. Your daily duties could include developing tax strategies, managing tax risks, and ensuring adherence to the tax laws and regulations.

Average salary:

£101k to £128k per year (Glassdoor)

Entry requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field

• Professional accounting qualifications, such as ACA, ACCA, CPA

• Extensive experience in tax planning and compliance

• Strong knowledge of tax laws and regulations.

Refer to our accounting CV writing guide to learn more!

13. Marketing Director

You are in charge of developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote products or services and drive revenue growth. Your responsibilities could include leading marketing teams, analysying market trends, and spearheading campaigns. You are typically employed in marketing agencies or companies with marketing departments.

Average salary:

£65k to £104k per year (Glassdoor)

Entry requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or related field

• Extensive experience in marketing management or leadership roles

• Strong strategic thinking, creativity, and analytical skills

• Excellent communication and leadership abilities

Explore our marketing CV and marketing cover letter examples to get more tips and career advice.

14. Plastic Surgeon

As a plastic surgeon, you use surgery and artistry to help patients look how they want. The main job is to perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries to improve appearance or restore function. Furthermore, you conduct thorough assessments to ensure patients' well-being and safety during operations in hospitals or specialised clinics.

Average salary:

£159k to £323k per year (Economic Research Institute)

Entry requirements:

• Undergraduate medical degree, such as MBBS or equivalent

• Completion of surgical residency and specialised training in plastic surgery

• General Medical Council (GMC) registration.

Check out our healthcare CV to learn more about different professionals working in clinics, offices, or hospitals.

15. Ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor, specialising in diagnosing and treating eye diseases and disorders, typically practising in clinics or hospitals. You conduct eye surgeries, prescribe medications, and provide vision care for patients of all ages. An essential part of their job is to perform eye examinations, diagnose conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, and develop treatment plans to improve or preserve vision.

Average salary:

£74k to £105k per year (Glassdoor)

Entry requirements:

1. Medical degree, such as MBBS or equivalent.

2. Speciality training in ophthalmology.

3. General Medical Council (GMC) registration

4. Surgical skills and expertise in eye care.

Refer to our related optometrist CV example for more examples and tips to succeed in your career.

Key takeaways

Follow our professional advice and examples to help you navigate this dynamic landscape with confidence. We hope this guide has helped you make informed decisions about your career path, unlocking doors to a successful career in the UK.

What job pays the highest without a degree?

In today's job market, numerous high-paying jobs prioritise skills and experience over education. Positions such as casino gaming manager, scrum master, and commercial pilot boast average salaries exceeding £50,000, with the top-paying position role reaching £90,000. These opportunities provide realistic pathways to success, without requiring a degree. There are plenty of job openings across the UK, making them accessible options for young individuals seeking higher salaries.

Additionally, check out our related writing guides for electrician CV, plumber CV, and welder CV, with higher salary potential, especially with the right experience and certifications.

What are some of the fastest-growing high-paying fields in the UK?

The tech sector continues to thrive, with roles such as data scientists, machine learning engineers, and cybersecurity specialists witnessing a rise in demand and salaries. Besides, the sustainability and renewable energy sectors have attracted more talent recently, offering lucrative career paths.

For more information, check out our sustainability CV guide for career examples and valuable expert advice.

Next steps?

If you are on the hunt for a higher-paying job, consider leveraging our CVMaker to kickstart your job search. Additionally, explore our cover letter templates to complement your CV. For personalised career document guidance, connect with our professionals through our CV Writing Services. 

For more details on what makes a good job application, refer to our blog or directly follow the links below:

• How long should a CV be?

• What skills to put on a CV?

• How to structure a cover letter.

Update CV and track high-paying jobs within a few clicks

Try it now

FAQ

What are the highest-paying opportunities for UK citizens?

Surgeons, anaesthetists, CEOs, CFOs, investment bankers, pilots, and certain specialist doctors are among the top-paying careers in the UK. These roles often ask you to have higher education, relevant work experience, and job-specific skills.

Additionally, Dubai is a popular destination for UK professionals, with a growing demand for English native speakers with prestigious educational backgrounds. You can find high-paying jobs, such as surgeons, doctors, judges, lawyers, bank managers, CEOs, CFOs, orthodontists, college professors, pilots, and marketing directors.

Which job is the highest paid in the UK?

Anaesthetists have the highest average salaries in the UK. It is worth noting that salary figures vary depending on various factors, such as experience, location within the UK, and industry. Additionally, some CEO positions, particularly in large corporations, can reach even higher salary levels.

What jobs pay 100k a year UK?

Examples of jobs that pay £100,000 or more per year in the UK include specialist doctors, senior executives in large companies, investment bankers, data scientists, and IT entrepreneurs.

How can I increase my chances of landing a high-paying job in the UK?

Investing in education and earning relevant qualifications is crucial. Look for opportunities to develop in-demand skills through apprenticeships, professional certifications, or postgraduate degrees. Building a strong work ethic, gaining valuable experience, and networking within your chosen field can also significantly boost your career prospects.