Top 20 Highest Paying Jobs in UK 2024-2025: Description, Qualification & Salary
9 min read
Updated On
-
Copy link
The UK offers high-paying jobs in fields like healthcare, finance, and technology. Top best jobs in the UK include CEO, Anesthesiologist, IT Director, and Investment Banker, with salaries ranging from £50,000 to £300,000.
Table of Contents
Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!
The primary aim of every student or professional migrating to the United Kingdom (UK) is to get one of the highest paying jobs in UK. As the UK job market continues to evolve, with many high-paying jobs emerging in the fields like technology, finance, and healthcare, it attracts native as well as international applicants. In order to decide which job aligns with your goals and is one of the high paid jobs, it is important to know which are the best jobs in the UK.
In this blog, there is a detailed list of the highest paying jobs in UK for international students as well as professionals, along with their qualifications and salary ranges.
List of Highest Paid Jobs in UK
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in the United Kingdom, there were 916,000 job openings in January to March 2024 even after a substantial drop of 13,000 from October to December 2023. Majority of these job openings are in the field of healthcare, finance and technology, making job profiles like Chief Executives, Lawyer, Surgeon, and IT Director some of the best paid jobs UK.
Have a look at the list of the top 20 highest paying jobs in UK given below.
- Chief executive Officer
- Anesthesiologist
- IT Director
- Orthodontist
- Investment Banker
- Managing Director
- Chief Financial Officer
- Director of Engineering
- Ophthalmologist
- Tax Director
- Lawyer
- Aircraft pilot
- Actuary
- Advertising Director
- Surgeon
- Architect
- Financial Manager
- General Practitioner
- Accountant
- Business Analyst
Need assistance in IELTS preparation for securing these highest paying jobs in UK?
Join our IELTS online classes!
Details of the Highest Paying Jobs in the UK
Let us get into the details of the high paid jobs in UK to help you understand the demands of the UK job market and plan your course of action.
-
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
CEOs are in charge of managing senior executives, supervising operations, and directing the strategic direction of a business. It's one of the highest-paying positions in the business sector because of the high degree of leadership and responsibility needed.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£120,000 - £300,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£70,000 - £100,000 |
|
Qualifications |
Business or management degree, leadership experience |
|
Typical Employers |
FTSE 100 companies, multinational corporations |
|
Experience Needed |
10+ years in senior leadership roles |
-
Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists are essential to medical procedures because they administer anesthesia prior to, during, and following surgery. This is one of the highest-paying positions in healthcare since their talents are essential, particularly in high-risk procedures.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£120,000 - £250,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£80,000+ |
|
Qualifications |
Medical degree, anesthesiology specialization |
|
Typical Employers |
NHS, private hospitals |
|
Experience Needed |
8+ years, including anesthesiology training |
-
IT Director
IT directors supervise the infrastructure and strategy of their organizations. High salary has resulted from the rising need for professional IT leaders due to the rise in cybersecurity concerns and digital transformation.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£100,000 - £200,000 |
|
Starting Salary |
£70,000 - £90,000 |
|
Qualifications |
Computer science or IT degree, management experience |
|
Typical Employers |
Large corporations, financial institutions, tech firms |
|
Experience Needed |
10+ years in IT management |
-
Orthodontist
Orthodontists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities of the teeth and face. One of the highest-paying jobs in healthcare is theirs because to their extremely specialized skill set and demand in private practice.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£100,000 - £200,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£80,000+ |
|
Qualifications |
Dental degree, orthodontic specialization |
|
Typical Employers |
NHS, private dental practices |
|
Experience Needed |
8+ years, including orthodontic training |
-
Investment Banker
Investment bankers raise funds for governments and companies, manage portfolios, and assist in mergers and acquisitions. Large wages are associated with this high-stakes profession, particularly for senior positions.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£100,000 - £200,000+ (with bonuses) |
|
Starting Salary |
£60,000 - £80,000 |
|
Qualifications |
Finance, economics, or business degree |
|
Typical Employers |
Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Barclays |
|
Experience Needed |
5+ years, with a focus on financial markets and investments |
-
Managing Director
Managing directors are in charge of managing senior executives, guaranteeing profitability, and supervising day-to-day operations of a company. This is one of the highest-paying leadership positions because they frequently report directly to the CEO.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£150,000 - £200,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£100,000+ |
|
Qualifications |
Business degree, extensive management experience |
|
Typical Employers |
Large corporations, private equity firms |
|
Experience Needed |
10+ years in senior management roles |
-
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
CFOs handle all aspects of a company's financial operations, including record-keeping, risk management, and financial planning. For big businesses trying to optimize efficiency and profitability, this position is crucial.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£120,000 - £200,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£90,000 - £120,000 |
|
Qualifications |
Accounting, finance degree, ACCA/CIMA certification |
|
Typical Employers |
Large corporations, financial institutions |
|
Experience Needed |
10+ years in financial management |
-
Director of Engineering
Engineering directors are in charge of directing projects, supervising engineering teams, and making sure that engineering endeavors are in line with organizational objectives. Because they need to have both technical expertise and leadership, they are well compensated.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£90,000 - £180,000 |
|
Starting Salary |
£70,000+ |
|
Qualifications |
Engineering degree, leadership experience |
|
Typical Employers |
Construction firms, tech companies, manufacturing |
|
Experience Needed |
10+ years in senior engineering roles |
-
Ophthalmologist
Medical professionals that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye problems are known as ophthalmologists. They are highly valued in the public and private healthcare sectors for their surgical and medical competence.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£100,000 - £180,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£70,000+ |
|
Qualifications |
Medical degree, ophthalmology specialization |
|
Typical Employers |
NHS, private hospitals |
|
Experience Needed |
8+ years in ophthalmology |
-
Tax Director
Tax directors oversee the tax legality and strategy of a business, making sure that it complies with regulations while lowering tax obligations. For large firms, this position is essential and pays well.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£100,000 - £200,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£70,000+ |
|
Qualifications |
Accounting/Tax degree, ACCA, CTA certification |
|
Typical Employers |
Large corporations, accountancy firms |
|
Experience Needed |
8+ years in tax strategy and compliance |
-
Lawyer (Commercial/Corporate)
Corporate lawyers manage the legal aspects of company operations, such as contracts, compliance, mergers, and acquisitions. This is one of the most profitable legal specialties because of their proficiency in handling complex legal transactions.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£80,000 - £150,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£50,000 - £70,000 |
|
Qualifications |
Law degree (LLB), solicitor training, LPC/BPTC |
|
Typical Employers |
Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy, Linklaters |
|
Experience Needed |
5+ years in corporate law |
-
Aircraft Pilot
In the United Kingdom, pilots are among the highest paid professionals, particularly those employed by major airlines. High technical proficiency and the capacity to function under duress are essential for the position, particularly on lengthy flights.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£90,000 - £150,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£50,000 - £70,000 |
|
Qualifications |
Commercial Pilot License (CPL), flight school |
|
Typical Employers |
British Airways, easyJet, Virgin Atlantic |
|
Experience Needed |
5+ years of flying experience |
-
Actuary
Actuaries evaluate risk and assist companies with their long-term planning by utilizing finance theory, statistics, and mathematics. It's a highly skilled industry with some of the highest paying employment in finance, especially in insurance and pensions.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£80,000 - £150,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£50,000 - £70,000 |
|
Qualifications |
Degree in mathematics, actuarial qualification |
|
Typical Employers |
Insurance companies, pension funds |
|
Experience Needed |
5+ years of actuarial experience |
-
Advertising Director
The planning, implementation, and budgeting of advertising campaigns are all under the direction of advertising directors. This is one of the highest-paying positions in the media and creative sectors because of their capacity to generate income through creative marketing strategies.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£80,000 - £150,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£50,000 - £70,000 |
|
Qualifications |
Marketing or advertising degree, leadership experience |
|
Typical Employers |
Advertising agencies, large corporations |
|
Experience Needed |
5+ years in senior advertising roles |
-
Surgeon
Surgeons treat illnesses, injuries, and abnormalities with intricate medical procedures. Owing to their extensive training and elevated accountability, surgeons are among the highest-paid healthcare professionals.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£90,000 - £150,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£70,000+ |
|
Qualifications |
Medical degree, surgical specialization |
|
Typical Employers |
NHS, private hospitals |
|
Experience Needed |
8+ years, including specialist training |
-
Architect
Buildings and other structures are designed by architects. Their technical and creative skills are highly valued, particularly in cities, making this one among the highest-paying positions in the design and building industry.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£70,000 - £120,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£40,000 - £50,000 |
|
Qualifications |
Architecture degree, RIBA qualification |
|
Typical Employers |
Architectural firms, real estate developers |
|
Experience Needed |
5+ years of design and construction experience |
-
Financial Manager
An organization's financial health is under the control of its financial managers. Their creation of financial reports, formulation of long-term plans, and maintenance of regulatory compliance make them indispensable to the success of businesses.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£80,000 - £140,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£50,000 - £70,000 |
|
Qualifications |
Accounting or finance degree, ACCA/CIMA certification |
|
Typical Employers |
Banks, multinational corporations |
|
Experience Needed |
5+ years of financial management experience |
-
General Practitioner
General Practitioners diagnose and treat people in their communities as part of primary healthcare. They are in great demand, particularly in private practice, due to their extensive medical expertise and patient management abilities.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£70,000 - £120,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£60,000+ |
|
Qualifications |
Medical degree, GP training |
|
Typical Employers |
NHS, private medical practices |
|
Experience Needed |
5+ years in general medical practice |
-
Accountant
Accounting professionals are critical to the management of firm financial records, tax filings, and audits. Senior roles and specialized disciplines such as tax management and forensic accounting offer particularly lucrative roles.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£60,000 - £100,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£40,000 - £50,000 |
|
Qualifications |
Accounting/finance degree, ACA/ACCA/CIMA |
|
Typical Employers |
Large corporations, accounting firms |
|
Experience Needed |
5+ years in accounting or audit |
-
Business Analyst
Business analysts assess organizational procedures, pinpointing opportunities for enhancement and streamlining workflows. This is one of the highest-paying positions in business consulting because of their aptitude for analysis and ability to produce outcomes.
|
Factors |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Salary Range |
£50,000 - £90,000+ |
|
Starting Salary |
£40,000+ |
|
Qualifications |
Business degree, project management certifications |
|
Typical Employers |
Consultancy firms, large corporations |
|
Experience Needed |
3+ years in business analysis |
Talk to experts and learn how to prepare for the highest paid jobs in UK!
Highest Paying Jobs in London
As the financial capital of the UK, London serves as home to some of the high paid jobs in UK across a range of industries and one of the world's leading financial hubs. Given below are the top 3 sectors with the best paid jobs in London, UK they offer.
Finance |
Technology |
Law |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
London is a magnet for high-paying jobs in UK, drawing top talent from all over the world, thanks to its combination of finance, technology, and law.
Highest Paying Part-time Jobs in UK for International Students
For international students in the UK, part-time jobs are a popular way to earn money while studying. In addition to competitive wages, these roles often offer flexibility for studying. The table below lists the highest paying part-time jobs in UK for international students.
|
Job |
Hourly Wage (in £) |
Job Description |
Skills Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Private Tutor |
15 - 40 |
Tutoring in academic subjects or languages, high demand for math, science, languages |
Strong knowledge in subjects, teaching skills, communication |
|
Freelance Web Developer |
20 - 50 |
Freelance web development projects, flexible hours |
Proficiency in programming languages, portfolio |
|
Graphic Designer |
15 - 40 |
Freelance design work for marketing, websites, logos |
Creativity, design software proficiency, portfolio |
|
Bartender |
8 - 12 + Tips |
Evening or weekend work, tips boost earnings |
Communication, ability to work in fast-paced environments |
|
Customer Service Rep |
10 - 15 |
Flexible hours in retail, hospitality, or online businesses |
Good communication, problem-solving, computer skills |
|
Delivery Driver |
9 - 15 + Tips |
Food delivery with platforms like Uber Eats, Deliveroo |
Driving license (if needed), navigation skills |
|
Research Assistant |
12 - 18 |
Part-time research roles at universities or companies |
Analytical skills, proficiency in relevant research methods |
|
Social Media Manager |
10 - 20 |
Managing social media accounts, content creation for businesses |
Social media expertise, content creation, copywriting |
|
Teaching Assistant |
10 - 15 |
Supporting teachers at schools or universities with prep and grading |
Organizational skills, subject knowledge, communication |
|
Translator/Interpreter |
12 - 20 |
Freelance or agency work translating documents or interpreting conversations |
Fluency in multiple languages, attention to detail |
The increasing demand for professionals with experience in technology, finance, and healthcare is reflected in the highest paying jobs in UK for 2024–2025. Although several of the positions on the above list require years of expertise and specialized training, they provide attractive opportunities. So, prepare yourself for the career of your dreams and get the most out of the best paid jobs in UK.
Also Check
Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs have the highest salary in the UK?
What jobs make 100k a year in the UK?
What jobs pay 200k a year in the UK?
What is a great salary in UK?
£70,000 - £100,000: Considered a high salary, especially outside of London.
£100,000+: Considered very high, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle in most areas, including London.
£200,000: Places individuals in the top 1% of earners, making it an elite salary in the UK.
What are the tips to get a high paying jobs in UK?
Gain Specialized Skills: Focus on sectors like finance, medicine, law, and technology that offer higher salaries.
Get Advanced Qualifications: Having professional certifications (e.g., ACCA for accountants, PMP for project managers) can significantly increase earning potential.
Networking: Building a strong professional network can help in finding high-paying job opportunities.
Target High-Growth Industries: Sectors such as tech, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy are experiencing rapid growth and often offer high salaries.
Gain International Experience: Multinational companies value candidates with global experience, which can lead to higher-paying roles.
Start Preparing for IELTS: Get Your 10-Day Study Plan Today!
Explore other IELTS Articles
Kasturika Samanta
Kasturika Samanta
Kasturika Samanta
Recent Articles
Nehasri Ravishenbagam
Haniya Yashfeen
Kasturika Samanta
Post your Comments