In the UK, you can expect to earn an average of £30,000 a year - but there are some careers that will see you take home much more than that. There are many career paths within the top-paying jobs where you can earn over £100,000 a year.
In this article, you will find information about the highest paying jobs in the United Kingdom.
As a general rule, most of the highest paying jobs in the UK involve working in technical or financial roles. However, salaries can vary massively, and there are exceptions to the rule.
Here are the top 10 highest paying jobs in the UK
1. Ophthalmologist, £80,000 to £100,000+
Although master’s degrees in medicine are the standard, a higher degree is necessary for this job. To become an ophthalmologist you must study for an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree, and then do further study at medical school.
Working in this high-paying job will be stressful but the work is rewarding - allowing you to make a difference in someone’s sight. Most of these professionals are self-employed, having previously worked in hospital positions.
2. Physician, £75,000 to £100,000+
Having a degree in medicine opens up a range of different options. However, for this high-paying job, you will need to complete a higher degree in one of the following - general practice, psychiatry, or surgery.
The higher degree will typically take 6-7 years to complete. You may choose to specialize as a surgeon, working at the forefront of medicine and carrying out major operations on the human body. Alternatively, you could choose to work in general practice, consulting with patients on a daily basis.
3. Neonatologist, £70,000 to £85,000
Working delivering high-risk babies in the neonatal unit of a hospital. Neonatologists are expected to look after premature and low-weight babies, ensuring their health and wellbeing.
Many years of study at medical college will be required for this high-paying profession in medicine, followed by a residency program. The hours are long, but the work can be highly rewarding.
4. Electrical Engineers, £,67000 to £77,000
If you’re looking to work in a technical career, working as an electrical engineer may be for you. This high-paying job will require you to have an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, followed by a master’s degree.
You may want to consider a specialist course, such as a postgraduate degree in telecommunications. You will need a degree in electrical engineering or similar. This is one of the highest-paying jobs in engineering, but companies are very competitive and will have high standards for new recruits.
5. Actuary, £63,000 to £75,000
As the name suggests, an actuary works in estimating and managing risk. They can look after a single risk event, deal with an entire company or help to ensure a financial investment is safe.
You will need a degree in either mathematics, statistics, or economics. You must also be willing to work extremely hard, with many studying for over 5 years after graduating from university.
6. Financial Risk Manager, £60,000 to £70,000
Working on the financial trading floor of a major investment bank, you will use your mathematical and statistical knowledge to manage risk in commodities and financial markets, either through hedging or investment strategies.
Usually required to have a master’s degree in maths or finance, risk managers can go on to work in many different industries.
7. Investment Banker, £55,000 to £68,000
Working as a high-flying financial trader, an investment banker will carry out many roles including advising clients on acquisitions and mergers.
This job can be particularly stressful, but the annual salary makes it more than worthwhile. However, the work is highly demanding and you might have to travel extensively.
Investment bankers are expected to have a degree in economics, as well as strong interpersonal skills and mathematical knowledge.
8. Private Equity Analyst, £50,000 to £65,000
This job has seen significant growth throughout the financial crash - with many banks cutting back on trading floors. This job has less competition compared to others on the list for jobs and more graduates entering the workforce every year.
The private equity analyst works for private equity or venture capital firm, looking after investments and ensuring growth. This is one of the higher-paying jobs in finance, as well as the highest paying jobs in the UK , but can vary significantly depending on location and employer.
9. Commercial Finance Manager, £50,000 to £63,000
This is also one of the highest paying jobs in finance, however, it can depend on the size of your company. Working for a financial firm, you will be managing the multiple accounts of large companies.
You must be willing to work long hours and deal with high-stress situations. The work can be highly rewarding, and you will need a degree in finance or economics as well as many years of experience in order to succeed.
Commercial finance managers work in a range of industries and can look over the finances of a single department, or oversee the entire commercial finance sector.
Usually working in the City, you must have extensive knowledge of financial trading and international banking and network with investors.
10. Energy Trader, £50,000 to £61,000+
A rapidly growing profession, the energy trader works in one of London’s financial trading floors, buying and selling oil and gas.
You will need to understand the complexities of the commodities market and be willing to travel worldwide to meet clients. Working for an independent energy company, or involved in the trading of energy products on an exchange.
This is a highly competitive field, with many different companies looking to employ the best talent. You will be expected to have a degree in finance and will require an ACA qualification.
The highest paying jobs in the UK Summary
We hope you enjoyed our list of the highest paying jobs in the UK, and you found it helpful. Maybe you will choose one of these high paying careers for your own future job. Good luck.
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