There is a common misconception that in order to attain high paying UK jobs, you must take on a lot of debt in going to university and studying a 3+ year course. In reality, you don’t need a £50k student loan to earn £30-120k+/year and there are more options out there.
From tech to trades, here are some UK friendly jobs (although for international readers, these jobs still apply!) that pay well, value skills over degrees, and won’t trap you in a 9 to 5 grind. Speaking as someone that attended an undergraduate degree, I wish I had personally knew the options that were available out there.
Let’s not forget that being highly skilled also makes you an asset and someone other countries would love to have.
1. Junior Software Engineer
Average UK Salary: £35k–£70k+
Time to Learn: 6–12 months (with focus)
Skills Needed:
- Coding (Python, JavaScript, or Java).
- Version control (Git/GitHub).
- Problem-solving (debugging errors, testing and optimising code).
- Basic understanding of databases (SQL).
How to Learn for Free:
- Codecademy (free basics, £15/month for Pro).
- freeCodeCamp (certifications + projects).
- YouTube: Traversy Media for web dev, Corey Schafer for Python. I am a big fan of TechwithTim tutorials too!
Paid Shortcuts:
- Northcoders Bootcamp (£8k–£10k, 90% job placement rate).
- Google Career Certificates (£30/month, 6-month course).
- Code Institute (£5k–£8k, accredited diplomas).
How to Get Hired:
- Build a portfolio (GitHub repos with 3–5 projects).
- Network on LinkedIn (join UK Tech Slack groups). Or, Network at Meetup.com tech events in London, Manchester, or Bristol.
- Apply for junior roles on CWJobs or Stack Overflow Jobs.
Pro Tip: Get involved in open-source projects (e.g., NHS Digital) to boost your CV appeal.
2. Cybersecurity Analyst
Average UK Salary: £40k–£90k
Time to Learn: 9–18 months
What You’ll Do: Protect companies from hackers, monitor networks, and patch vulnerabilities.
Skills Needed:
- Ethical hacking (penetration testing).
- Network security (firewalls, VPNs).
- Certifications (CompTIA Security+, CEH).
How to Learn for Free:
- TryHackMe (free hands-on labs).
- Cisco Networking Academy (free courses).
- YouTube: NetworkChuck for tutorials.
Paid Shortcuts:
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) (£1k exam, industry gold standard).
- SANS Institute courses (£5k+, but employers often sponsor).
How to Get Hired:
- Earn CompTIA Security+ (£250 exam).
- Do freelance bug bounties on HackerOne.
- Apply for NHS Cyber Security roles or fintech startups.
Real-Life Example: I know someone that went from IT support to a £55k analyst job after completing TryHackMe labs and Security+.
3. UX/UI Designer
Average UK Salary: £30k–£65k
Time to Learn: 6–12 months
What You’ll Do: Design apps/websites that are user-friendly (think Revolut’s interface).
Skills Needed:
- Figma or Adobe XD.
- User research (surveys, interviews).
- Basic HTML/CSS (bonus, not essential).
How to Learn for Free:
- Figma Academy (free tutorials).
- Coursera’s Google UX Design Certificate (7-day trial).
- YouTube: AJ&Smart for UX case studies.
Paid Shortcuts:
- UX Design Institute (£2k–£3k, accredited diploma).
- General Assembly (£3.5k, part-time courses).
How to Get Hired:
- Create a portfolio on Behance or Dribbble (include 3–5 projects).
- Network at Meetup.com UX events in London/Manchester.
- Apply via Wellfound (startup jobs) or If You Could Jobs.
Pro Tip: Redesign a poorly-rated NHS app and showcase it in interviews.
4. Commercial Pilot
Average UK Salary: £55k–£120k
Time to Learn: 18–24 months (and £70k–£100k training costs).
What You’ll Do: Fly passengers or cargo for airlines like easyJet or British Airways.
Requirements:
- Class 1 Medical Certificate (£200–£500).
- ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) via modular training.
- 1,500 flight hours (included in training).
How to Learn:
- Modular Training Path: Pay as you go (e.g., Bristol Groundschool).
- Self-Funded Loans: NATS offers career development loans.
How to Get Hired:
- Train at CAE Oxford Aviation Academy or L3Harris.
- Apply to regional airlines (e.g., Loganair) to build hours.
- Network at British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) events.
Example: Someone who works as a flight instructor to fund their ATPL. Now flies A320s for £78k/year.
5. Electrician
Average UK Salary: £32k–£50k+ (self-employed: £60k+)
Time to Learn: 2–4 years (apprenticeship).
What You’ll Do: Install wiring, fix circuits, or work on smart home systems.
Requirements:
- Level 3 NVQ Diploma (via apprenticeship).
- ECS Gold Card (£40, proves competency).
- 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (£400 course).
How to Learn:
- Apprenticeship: Find via Gov.uk’s Find an Apprenticeship.
- Trade Schools: Tradeskills4u (Kent) offers fast-track courses.
How to Get Hired:
- Join NICEIC (certification body) for credibility.
- Use Checkatrade to find local clients.
Pro Tip: Specialise in EV charger installations UK demand is soaring.
6. Carpenter
Average UK Salary: £25k–£45k (self-employed: £50k+)
Time to Learn: 2–3 years (apprenticeship).
What You’ll Do: Craft furniture, install kitchens, or build structural timber frames.
Requirements:
- Level 2/3 NVQ Diploma in Carpentry (via apprenticeship).
- Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card (£36).
How to Learn:
- Apprenticeship: Find via Gov.uk’s Find an Apprenticeship.
- Trade Schools: Chichester College offers 12-week fast-track courses.
How to Get Hired:
- Specialise in niche areas like heritage restoration or fitted furniture.
- Use MyBuilder or Checkatrade to find local clients.
It’s also a great skill for transitioning into others, no need to hire someone to renovate your home. Just do it yourself with the tools and knowledge you’ve gained in your career.
Comparison Chart: No Degree Jobs Breakdown
| Job | Average Salary | Time to Learn | Key Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Software Engineer | £28K–£45k+ | 6–12 months | Northcoders Bootcamp |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | £40k–£90k | 9–18 months | CompTIA Security+ |
| UX/UI Designer | £30k–£65k | 6–12 months | Google UX Certificate |
| Commercial Pilot | £55k–£120k | 18–24 months | ATPL Licence |
| Electrician | £32k–£60k+ | 2–4 years | ECS Gold Card |
| Carpenter | £25k–£50k+ | 2–3 years | CSCS Card |
How to Stand Out (Without a Degree)
- Build a portfolio: Code, design projects, or photos of electrical work.
- Get certified: Prioritise industry-recognised certs (CompTIA, Google).
- Freelance first: Use Upwork or Fiverr to gain real client experience.
- LinkedIn Hacks: Follow UK companies you like, comment on posts to get noticed.
Where to Apply
- Tech: CWJobs, Hired, Otta.
- Trades: Checkatrade, Indeed Trades.
- Aviation: Pilot Jobs Now, FlightGlobal.
Final Advice:
- Software/UX: Start with free resources, commit 2 hours/day.
- Trades: Apprenticeships pay you to learn (average £12k–£18k/year).
- Pilots: Consider airline-sponsored programmes (e.g., British Airways Future Pilot).
Salary data sourced from Glassdoor, Gov.uk, and industry surveys (2024).
I wrote another article related to side hustles for those that are just looking for something extra on the side.
