Laura Slingo 
What are the best-paid jobs in the UK?
Are you looking to earn the big bucks or see where a career choice might take you? We analysed the latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) to identify the highest-paying jobs in the UK. The average salaries mentioned are for full-time positions and reflect gross annual pay, excluding bonuses. Read on to find out what roles are the best-paid jobs in the country.
What are the highest-paying jobs in the UK?
We've compiled an extensive list of the UK's highest-paying jobs based on data from the ONS.
While our list highlights the jobs that pay well, it's important to remember that salaries can vary significantly based on factors like experience, location, and individual companies, and they aren't tied to just the job title.
Also, don't dismiss a job solely because it doesn't meet your desired salary. Employee benefits packages can significantly enhance the value of a role, offering perks like pension contributions, medical cover, and flexible working.
1. Chief Executives and Senior Officials
National average salary: £84,131
Unsurprisingly, chief executives like CEOs and Managing Directors have the best-paying jobs. After all, they're the highest-ranking individuals in an organisation. It's hard to land a C-suite role unless you start your own business, work your way up the ranks, and serve on a board of directors beforehand.
ONS survey data suggest that a starting salary for executive jobs could be around £39,000 but, at the top end, reach over £125,000.
Learn how to write an executive CV with our guide.
2. Marketing, Sales, and Advertising Directors
National average salary: £83,015
Every business needs senior executives to oversee the organisation's marketing, sales, and advertising efforts. Larger companies might have specialised directors, such as a Digital Marketing Director or an SEO Director, while smaller companies may combine the responsibilities into a single position, like a Sales and Marketing Director.
These director positions command significant salaries, ranging between £39,000 and £122,000.
Discover how to write a marketing CV with our guide.
3. Information Technology Directors
National average salary: £80,000
Information Technology (IT) Directors play a crucial executive role in today's digital age, responsible for shaping and upholding a company's technological landscape. They manage IT infrastructure, oversee cybersecurity, and develop IT policies and procedures.
These positions often require a degree in a related field and a highly specialised skill set. It's no wonder salaries for IT Directors usually start at £42,000 and quickly increase to over £100,000.
4. Public Relations and Communications Directors
National average salary: £79,886
Public Relations (PR) Director positions are incredibly varied. They exist in the public and private sectors, in-house, and agency-side. A PR and Comms Director tightly manages the communications strategy to protect and enhance the organisation's public image and navigate the complex media landscape.
This senior executive role warrants a high salary, particularly in large corporations with prominent public profiles, as the stakes are much higher. In these companies, salaries typically exceed £85,000.
5. Directors in Logistics, Warehousing and Transport
National average salary: £72,177
The transport and logistics sector is more than getting from A to B. Where timely movement and the production and storage of goods are essential, Directors in Logistics, Warehousing, and Transport keep businesses running smoothly.
These senior executives may oversee an entire supply chain, manage storage facilities, or focus on moving goods by road, rail, or sea. They're the backbone of any business that relies on physical products, and their expertise is reflected in their salary.
6. Aircraft Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers
National average salary: £71,676
Aircraft Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers have a lot of responsibility in the aviation industry. While daily duties may include navigating and piloting aircraft, preparing flight plans, and authorising flight departures and arrivals, their ultimate duty is ensuring the safe movement and regulation of air traffic.
Given these roles' immense responsibility, it's no surprise that the most experienced workers can earn over £135,000, according to UCAS.
7. Financial Managers and Directors
National average salary: £70,000
The finance sector boasts incredibly well-paid jobs because of its critical role in the economy and the advanced expertise required. Financial Managers and Directors are among the top earners because they are crucial for driving the growth and success of businesses.
The roles require a deep understanding of complex finance modelling and analysis, financial systems and procedures, and statutory legislation and regulations. ONS data suggests Finance Directors can earn more than £165,000.
8. Functional Managers and Directors NEC
National average salary: £69,933
ONS data tells us that Functional Managers and Directors, classified as “not elsewhere classified,” are well-compensated regardless of the industry. The senior leaders oversee a particular function area of an organisation and are responsible for managing, owning, and providing resources for projects to help the business meet its goals.
The exact responsibilities, and therefore salary, of a Functional Manager and Director will depend on whether the company has a flat structure or a functional structure. That said, it's common for these roles to reach £95,000.
Explore our guide on how to upgrade your CV for a manager position.
9. Transport Associate Professionals
National average salary: £66,278
Transport Associate Professionals is a broad category that describes roles supporting the transportation sector but is not high-tier management. Jobs may include Logistics Coordinators, Transport Administrators, and Freight Forwarders. This tells us that the transport and logistics sector has plenty of jobs that pay well in the UK, even at a lower level.
10. Specialist Medical Practitioners
National average salary: £66,123
Specialist Medical Practitioners are doctors who specialise in particular areas of modern medicine, such as cardiology, obstetrics, or oncology. They treat and prevent illness through specialised testing, diagnostic, and treatment methods, including surgical, physical, and psychiatric techniques.
Unlike general practitioners, Specialist Medical Practitioners undergo extensive training to become experts in their field. While the average salary is around £66,000, those in the private sector, particularly experienced specialists, can easily earn six-figure salaries.
Find out how to brush up your medical CV with our guide.
11. Head Teachers and Principals
National average salary: £66,014
Head Teachers and Principals manage schools, colleges, and other educational establishments. They are responsible for creating an environment where staff excel and students thrive. To become a Head Teacher or Principal, you must first be a qualified teacher with several years of experience as a Senior Manager or Deputy Head at a school.
Salaries for this role vary based on the type of educational institution and whether it's public or private. In an optimal setting, it's possible for earnings to reach over £76,000.
12. Train and Tram Drivers
National average salary: £64,348
Train and Tram Drivers are the drivers of locomotives, including diesel, diesel-electric, electric, and steam engines. They drive across the surface or underground and transport passengers or goods.
Transport for London Tube Drivers are known for their competitive base salary of approximately £70,000, with the potential for this to reach £100,000 with overtime. However, according to The Standard, it's still not enough, thanks to the cost of living crisis. Consider your financial needs when looking for Train and Tram Driver positions.
13. Senior Officers in Protective Services
National average salary: £59,881
The protective services industry is all about keeping people safe. Those who work in this industry strive to protect communities and make a positive difference. Hundreds of career opportunities are classified under protective services, from the police and fire service to the prison and probation service.
Examples of senior positions in protective services include Prison Governor, Emergency Response Manager, Control Room Supervisor, and Senior Intelligence Analyst.
14. Medical Practitioners
National average salary: £59,346
Medical Practitioners are doctors and consultants tasked with diagnosing, caring for, and treating their patients. Their roles can range from general practice to specialised fields.
While it requires plenty of dedication and training to become a Medical Practitioner, it's a resilient career in economic downturns and a recession-proof job that offers stability, long-term prospects, financial reward, and fulfilment.
Find out how to improve your nursing CV with our guide.
15. Senior Police Officers
National average salary: £59,053
Senior Police Officers typically plan, coordinate, and direct the resources of a geographical or functional unit of generalised or specialised police work. Key senior ranks include Inspector, Chief Inspector, Superintendent, and Chief Superintendent.
The salaries for these roles are structured within a banded pay scale with location-dependent weighting. If you're considering a policing career, you'll likely need to begin your journey as a Sergeant before progressing to a senior role.
16. Corporate Managers and Directors
National average salary: £54,457
Corporate Managers and Directors are the same as Functional Managers and Directors but in a corporate organisation. Corporate companies are often substantial enterprises. The organisation can have multiple branches in different regions or locations worldwide, so Managers and Directors are crucial to business operations.
Corporates have a functional organisational structure with many seniority levels. You'll often find that a Manager position in a corporation is equivalent to a Director or Head of Department position in a smaller company. Corporate roles are among the highest-paying jobs, with some Director roles commanding salaries of £120,000 or more.
See how to write a winning Operations Manager CV with our guide.
17. Electrical Engineers
National average salary: £53,488
Electrical Engineers work across many industries, including construction, transport, energy, and manufacturing. Essential duties encompass developing project plans, creating technical diagrams, testing installations and systems, and servicing equipment.
There are many ways to start a career in Electrical Engineering, from university to apprenticeships. A newly qualified Electrical Engineer can expect to earn around £20,000, quickly increasing to £60,000 as a Senior, Chartered, or Master Electrical Engineer.
Here's a related CV-writing guide to use for inspiration.
18. Other Drivers and Transport Operatives
National average salary: £53,187
Many professionals contribute to the smooth operation of our nation's transport systems across the public and private sectors. Transport Operatives are critical in coordinating the logistics that keep transport systems running. This includes overseeing operations for buses, trains, trams, light rail, air travel, ships, and ferry services.
There are no formal academic entry requirements for transport operation roles, as on-the-job training is often provided. However, obtaining an NVQ or SVQ in transport operations could enhance your chances of landing a job in this field.
19. Business and Financial Project Management Professionals
National average salary: £52,896
Business and Financial Project Managers are highly sought-after professionals, particularly in growing businesses. They oversee every project stage from conception to delivery and evaluation and handle different project types, such as product development or business process change.
Project Manager salaries reflect their specialised skill set and responsibility. They're adept at planning, managing resources, handling stakeholder expectations, and ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to high standards. It's no wonder salaries can reach over £70,000.
Learn about the top project management skills you need to succeed.
20. Sales Accounts and Business Development Managers
National average salary: £52,495
Sales Accounts and Business Development Managers, also known as Account Managers, Sales Managers, Product Development Managers, and Business Development Managers, are key players in driving business growth.
The role focuses on understanding customer needs, building strong client relationships, uncovering new business opportunities, and boosting sales to help the organisation thrive. They are the fuel that keeps the engine going, so it's not uncommon for these positions to earn over £90,000.
Explore our guide on how to write a sales CV.
21. Barristers and Judges
National average salary: £52,416
Barristers and Judges are responsible for preparing and conducting court cases. They draw on their extensive legal knowledge to conduct trials, draft pleadings and questions, advise clients, and thoroughly review statements and reports to understand each case comprehensively.
To become a Barrister or a Judge, you must complete a law degree, followed by the Bar Professional Training Course, and then undergo a year of practical training, known as pupillage.
22. Solicitors and Lawyers
National average salary: £52,296
Solicitors provide expert legal advice and support on various personal and commercial matters, acting on behalf of individuals, organisations, and government departments. They often specialise in practice areas, including civil litigation, property, employment, criminal justice, and family and children.
Trainee Solicitors typically start with a minimum salary of £24,000, while newly qualified solicitors in private practices can earn between £30,000 and £70,000. If you're lucky enough to secure a position in the prestigious Magic Circle, starting salaries can range from £125,000 to £150,000.
23. Business, Research, and Administrative Professionals
National average salary: £52,241
Business, Research, and Administrative Professionals span a range of roles, including Civil Servants (grades 6 and 7), Government Policy Advisors, and Government Registrars. The core purpose of this position is to advise on formulating and implementing policies in the public and private sectors and analyse administrative and statistical systems.
While a degree is required to enter this field, it's possible to reach this position internally through internal advancement and on-the-job training. Bear in mind a firm grasp of technology is necessary for this role, with technical skills in data analysis, SQL, and Power BI being particularly valuable.
24. IT Project Managers
National average salary: £51,933
We've already covered how vital Project Managers are in the workplace. IT Project Managers are no different. As the job title suggests, they specialise in IT and often have software development, hardware infrastructure, cybersecurity, data management, and IT services expertise.
In addition to technical know-how, IT Project Managers also know how to communicate effectively with technical teams and translate any jargon into terms stakeholders can understand.
25. IT Business Analysts, Architects and System Designers
National average salary: £51,698
IT Business Analysts, Architects and System Designers are experts in utilising and designing business IT systems. Not only do the roles require advanced knowledge of how IT systems can be procured, delivered, installed, maintained, and used, but also the ability to tailor these systems to specific business models to meet organisational goals.
Given the specialised nature of the work, proficiency in tools like Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and automation is essential. Top salaries, approaching £70,000, reflect the high skill and expertise required for these positions.
50+ additional high-paying jobs in the UK
Here, we continue our list of the highest-paying jobs in the UK:
26. Production Managers and Directors in Mining and Energy
National average salary: £51,642
27. Production Managers and Directors in Manufacturing
National average salary: £51,469
28. Production Managers and Directors
National average salary: £51,410
29. IT Managers
National average salary: £50,880
30. Purchasing Managers and Directors
National average salary: £50,315
31. Production Managers and Directors in Construction
National average salary: £50,095
32. Electronics Engineers
National average salary: £49,882
33. Programmers and Software Development Professionals
National average salary: £49,430
34. Human Resource Managers and Directors
National average salary: £49,409
35. Research and Development (R&D) Managers
National average salary: £49,219
36. Information Technology Professionals
National average salary: £48,939
37. Managers, Directors, and Senior Officials
National average salary: £48,850
38. Engineering Project Managers and Project Engineers
National average salary: £48,845
39. Waste Disposal and Environmental Services Managers
National average salary: £48,825
40. Paramedics
National average salary: £48,688
41. Rail Transport Operatives
National average salary: £48,550
42. Veterinarians
National average salary: £48,062
43. Management Consultants and Business Analysts
National average salary: £48,002
44. Actuaries, Economists, and Statisticians
National average salary: £47,985
45. Financial and Accounting Technicians
National average salary: £47,728
46. Higher Education Teaching Professionals
National average salary: £47,726
47. Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals National average salary: £47,649
48. Physical Scientists
National average salary: £47,289
49. Chartered and Certified Accountants
National average salary: £46,847
50. Marketing and Commercial Managers
National average salary: £46,488
51. Aerospace Engineers
National average salary: £46,419
52. Engineering Professionals
National average salary: £46,340
53. Taxation Experts
National average salary: £46,272
54. Science, Research, Engineering and Technology Professionals
National average salary: £46,242
55. Pharmacists
National average salary: £46,139
56. Architects
National average salary: £45,894
57. Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
National average salary: £45,800
58. Quantity Surveyors
National average salary: £45,526
59. Civil Engineers
National average salary: £45,524
60. Cyber Security Professionals
National average salary: £45,295
61. Police Officers (Sergeant and below)
National average salary: £44,830
62. Biochemists and Biomedical Scientists
National average salary: £44,797
63. Legal Professionals
National average salary: £44,604
64. Aircraft Maintenance and related trades
National average salary: £44,506
65. Other Health Professionals
National average salary: £44,497
66. Other Educational Professionals
National average salary: £44,335
67. Medical Radiographers
National average salary: £44,296
68. Information Technology Professionals
National average salary: £44,244
69. Mental Health Nurses
National average salary: £44,237
70. Health and Social Services Managers and Directors
National average salary: £43,876
71. Business, Media and Public Service Professionals
National average salary: £43,874
72. Production and Process Engineers
National average salary: £43,669
73. Finance Professionals
National average salary: £43,163
74. Protective Service Occupations
National average salary: £43,032
75. Healthcare Practice Managers
National average salary: £42,958
How to get a high-paying job
While there's no secret sauce to guarantee yourself a high-paying job, there are a few techniques to adopt to help this dream become a reality:
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Identify high-paying industries and roles: Research the roles and industries known for high salaries that match your interests and career goals. Top professions include technology, legal, healthcare, and transport and logistics.
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Develop relevant skills and qualifications: Identify the qualifications and skills needed for your target role and pursue them. Don't write off entry-level roles offering on-the-job training – they might also cover certification costs.
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Gain experience and build expertise: Gain work experience in your chosen field with roles that offer growth potential. Shout about your achievements on your CV and LinkedIn.
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Network strategically: Broaden your network to uncover hidden job opportunities. Consider professional associations, mentorship, specialised recruiters, and industry events.
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Use a CV-writing service: Investing in a CV-writing service and collaborating with a professional CV writer who understands your industry is guaranteed to create a first-class impression especially if you're looking to land one of these highest-paying jobs in the UK.
If you're applying for a high-paying job, submit your CV for a free review to ensure you have displayed your skill set and professional achievements in the best way for the role.