20 Easy Occupations That Pay Well in the UK (No Degree Needed)

Let’s be honest: uni just isn’t for everyone. Some people love lectures, essays, and late nights in the library. Others? They’d rather skip the debt, skip the stress, and just get on with earning money.

Here’s the good news—you don’t need a degree to land a solid paycheck. There are loads of easy occupations that pay well right here in the UK, and many of them don’t ask for fancy qualifications. In fact, the Office for National Statistics found that nearly 1 in 3 graduates actually earn less than people who never went to university (ONS, 2023). Ouch. Add tuition fees of up to £9,250 a year—plus rent and living costs—and it’s no wonder so many people are rethinking the whole degree route.

The truth? You can still build a career you enjoy, earn decent money, and skip the student loans altogether. Whether you’re fresh out of school, thinking about a career switch, or just looking for something less stressful, there are options out there for you.

So, let’s dive in! We’ve pulled together 20 of the best easy and well-paid jobs in the UK without a degree. For each one, you’ll get the average salary, why people love it, and how you can get started.

20 Easy Occupations That Pay Well in the UK

Yes, they really do exist. You don’t always need a degree or years of experience to land a solid paycheck. From sales jobs with commission, to trades like plumbing and electrics, to remote roles such as virtual assistants or online tutors—there are plenty of options. Even creative paths like photography or event planning can turn into easy and well paid jobs UK workers enjoy every day. Here’s the list of the top 20 to get you started.

1. Estate Agent (Property Sales Consultant)

• Average Salary in the UK: £25,000 – £40,000, but top agents often smash £60,000 with commission.

If you love talking to people and have a bit of charm, estate agency can feel more like socialising than working. You spend your days showing houses, chatting with clients, and closing deals. The more deals you land, the fatter your paycheque.

• Why it feels easy: No one asks you for a degree, and the job rewards people skills more than paperwork. If you enjoy building relationships and don’t mind a bit of hustle, this career feels natural and fun.
• How to start: Many agencies hire beginners and train them on the job. Get yourself a driving licence, learn about the local housing market, and you’re good to go.

Want to fast-track your estate agent career? Check out our estate agent training course and start closing deals with confidence.

2. Personal Trainer

• Average Salary in the UK: £20,000 – £35,000, and self-employed trainers often pull in £50,000+.

Do you spend half your time in the gym already? Then this career lets you turn that passion into money. You’ll help clients hit their fitness goals, celebrate their wins, and cheer them on when they want to quit.

• Why it feels easy: If you love working out, training others doesn’t feel like work. You set your own hours, and you get paid to stay active. That’s a win-win.
• How to start: Sign up for a Level 3 Personal Training Qualification. Loads of providers offer online or part-time courses. After that, start building your client list, either at a gym or on your own.

Dreaming of becoming a personal trainer? Explore our personal trainer course and turn your passion for the gym into a well-paid career

3. Electrician

• Average Salary in the UK: £28,000 – £40,000, with seasoned electricians easily earning £45,000+.

Electricians fix, install, and maintain electrical systems. Think of it as solving puzzles with wires. People always need lights, sockets, and safe wiring, so you’ll never run out of work.

• Why it feels easy: Once you master the basics, most jobs follow a clear pattern. It’s hands-on, practical, and straightforward. No endless emails, no soul-crushing meetings.
• How to start: Get an NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation or begin an apprenticeship. After a few years, you can strike out on your own and set your own rates.

Ready to train as an electrician? Enrol in our electrician course and start building one of the best paid jobs in the UK without a degree.

4. Plumber

• Average Salary in the UK: £26,000 – £38,000, but self-employed plumbers can clear £50,000+.

Plumbing may not sound glamorous, but it pays very well. You’ll spend your days fixing leaks, installing pipes, and keeping people’s homes running smoothly. And let’s be real—everyone panics when the water stops, so they’re happy to pay for your help.

• Why it feels easy: The work is practical and clear-cut. You see the problem, fix it, and boom—the customer is happy. Plus, demand never drops.
• How to start: Take a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Plumbing or land an apprenticeship. Once you qualify, you can work for a company or run your own business.

Thinking about plumbing as your next move? Our plumbing course makes it simple to gain the skills you need for a stable, high-paying trade.

5. Recruitment Consultant

• Average Salary in the UK: £23,000 – £35,000, but with commission, you can hit £50,000+.

Recruitment consultants act like matchmakers for jobs. You connect people with roles, chat with companies, and earn bonuses when you make a great match.

• Why it feels easy: You don’t need a degree, and success depends more on personality than technical skills. If you enjoy talking to people and love hitting targets, this role feels fast-paced but fun.
• How to start: Recruitment firms hire plenty of newbies and train them from scratch. Show energy, build relationships, and watch your commission grow.

Want to break into recruitment? Our recruitment course shows you how to land clients, close deals, and boost your commission.

6. Health & Wellbeing Coach

• Average Salary in the UK: £22,000 – £35,000, and successful coaches often earn £45,000+.

If you love helping people feel better—mentally, physically, or emotionally—this role fits like a glove. You’ll guide clients through lifestyle changes, boost their confidence, and celebrate their progress along the way.

• Why it feels easy: You don’t sit behind a desk all day. Instead, you chat, encourage, and share tips you already believe in. It feels less like a job and more like coaching a friend.
• How to start: Take a recognised wellbeing or coaching qualification. Many are short and flexible. After that, start with a few clients, build trust, and let word of mouth grow your business.

Love helping people feel better? Our wellbeing coach course teaches you how to build a career that changes lives and pays well.

7. Marketing Executive

• Average Salary in the UK: £24,000 – £38,000, with senior roles pushing £50,000+.

Marketing lets you flex your creativity while helping businesses reach customers. You might design campaigns, manage social media, or plan events. No two days look the same, which keeps it fun.

• Why it feels easy: The role rewards ideas and creativity more than formal training. If you enjoy writing, designing, or brainstorming, this job flows naturally. Plus, success feels exciting when you see your work out in the real world.
• How to start: Many companies hire juniors without a degree. Online marketing courses give you an edge, and internships or freelance projects help you land your first role.

Got a creative spark? Take our marketing course and step into one of the best paying jobs in the UK without a degree.

8. Taxi / Private Hire Driver

• Average Salary in the UK: £20,000 – £35,000, and in busy cities, drivers can clear £45,000+.

As a taxi or private hire driver, you control your schedule. You pick up passengers, drop them off, and get paid. It’s simple, flexible, and perfect if you like being on the road.

• Why it feels easy: No one breathes down your neck, and you work at your own pace. You listen to music, meet different people, and choose your hours. That freedom makes the job feel light.
• How to start: Get a private hire licence through your local council. Companies like Uber or Bolt make it easy to join, and once approved, you can start driving right away.

9. Delivery / Courier Driver

• Average Salary in the UK: £21,000 – £33,000, with overtime pushing £40,000+.

Delivery drivers keep the world moving. Whether it’s groceries, parcels, or hot food, you’re the hero who brings it straight to someone’s door.

• Why it feels easy: The job is straightforward—you pick up, drop off, and repeat. No office politics, no long meetings, just a clear route and steady pay.
• How to start: Apply with courier companies like DPD, Amazon, or Deliveroo. You’ll need a licence and your own vehicle for some roles. The rest is as simple as turning on an app and hitting the road.

10. Sales Representative

• Average Salary in the UK: £23,000 – £35,000, with commission making £50,000+ possible.

Sales reps bring in business by connecting with clients and closing deals. You’ll sell products or services, build relationships, and enjoy the thrill of hitting targets.

• Why it feels easy: If you like talking, persuading, and helping people choose, sales feels natural. The commission keeps things exciting because the harder you push, the more you earn.
• How to start: Most companies hire reps with little experience. Show energy, confidence, and willingness to learn. Training usually happens on the job, and from there, your earnings grow with your success.

Ready to earn big from sales? Take our sales course and learn how to close deals, smash targets, and increase your income.

11. Sound Engineering Technician

• Average Salary in the UK: £23,000 – £38,000, with senior technicians earning £45,000+.

If you love music or media, this job feels like play. You’ll set up equipment, manage sound for concerts, or handle recordings in studios. It’s creative, exciting, and one of the good paying jobs without a degree.

• Why it feels easy: You work with tech and sound instead of endless paperwork. Once you learn the basics, it becomes second nature. Plus, you get to be part of live events or cool projects.
• How to start: Many sound engineers start with short courses or hands-on experience. Look for apprenticeships, volunteer at local studios, or shadow a technician. With practice, you can land one of the best non degree careers in entertainment.

Love music and tech? Our audiology course gives you the hands-on skills to land a fun, well-paid job in media.

12. Executive Assistant

• Average Salary in the UK: £25,000 – £40,000, and top assistants earn £45,000+.

Think of this role as being the right-hand person to a manager or executive. You’ll organise schedules, answer calls, and keep things running smoothly. It’s one of those easy jobs with good pay UK professionals love because it feels straightforward and structured.

• Why it feels easy: If you enjoy organising, the work flows naturally. You tick things off lists, solve small problems, and get instant satisfaction from helping someone stay on track.
• How to start: You don’t need a degree. Good communication skills, attention to detail, and a professional attitude open doors quickly. Many people step into this role after entry-level admin jobs and turn it into a well paid career without a degree UK.

Organised and detail-focused? Our executive assistant course shows you how to build a stable, high-paying career in business.

13. Security Officer

• Average Salary in the UK: £22,000 – £35,000, and specialised roles can pay £40,000+.

Security might sound tough, but many roles simply involve monitoring CCTV, guarding entrances, or patrolling sites. It’s calm, steady work and one of the high paying jobs with no experience needed beyond basic training.

• Why it feels easy: The job gives you structure and clear tasks. You know exactly what you need to do: watch, protect, and report. For many, it feels simple and stress-free compared to sales or office jobs.
• How to start: You’ll need an SIA licence, which is quick to get. After that, you can apply to security firms, shops, or even events. It’s one of the great paying jobs with no degree and plenty of stability.

Want a stable job in security? Enrol in our Close Protection Course and start one of the easiest, best paying jobs without a degree.

14. Firefighter

• Average Salary in the UK: £28,000 – £38,000, and experienced firefighters make £42,000+.

This career brings pride along with pay. You’ll save lives, protect property, and work as part of a strong team. It’s one of the well paid jobs without qualifications UK where your drive matters more than a degree.

• Why it feels easy: The training is physical, but once you’re in, the job becomes routine. You’ll spend time at the station, bond with your crew, and step into action when needed. Many firefighters say the teamwork makes even tough days feel easier.
• How to start: Apply through your local fire service. You’ll need to pass fitness tests and basic training, but no university degree is required. This makes it one of the top paying jobs in UK without degree that also feels meaningful.

Want a career that matters? Our firefighter prep course helps you get ready for fitness tests and interviews with confidence.

15. HGV / Large Vehicle Driver

• Average Salary in the UK: £27,000 – £40,000, with overtime pushing it higher.

If you enjoy driving, HGV work turns that passion into income. You’ll transport goods across the UK, enjoy time on the road, and take pride in keeping the country moving. It’s one of the easy and well paid jobs UK workers rely on.

• Why it feels easy: You follow routes, listen to music or podcasts, and work independently. No office politics, no constant meetings—just you and the open road.
• How to start: Get your HGV licence through training providers. Once qualified, companies hire fast because demand is huge. It’s one of the best paid jobs UK without qualifications if you don’t mind travel.

Enjoy driving? Our HGV Mechanic Course gets you licensed and ready for one of the best paid jobs in the UK without qualifications.

16. Handyman / General Trades

• Average Salary in the UK: £22,000 – £35,000, with self-employed handymen making £45,000+.

If you’re handy with tools, this career feels natural. You’ll fix small jobs around homes or offices—anything from a leaky tap to hanging shelves. People always need help with little repairs, and they’ll happily pay for it.

• Why it feels easy: The work is practical, clear, and rewarding. You see the problem, fix it, and get instant gratitude. Many call it one of the easy high paying jobs UK because clients pay well for skills they don’t have.
• How to start: You don’t need a degree. Build basic DIY skills, start advertising locally, or work with property companies. Over time, you can run your own business and enjoy one of the best paid unqualified jobs UK.

Good with tools? Our handyman skills course helps you turn DIY into a profitable, flexible career.

17. Fitness / Gym Instructor

• Average Salary in the UK: £20,000 – £32,000, with extra classes boosting income.

If you love working out, why not get paid for it? Gym instructors help members use equipment safely, run group classes, and keep the atmosphere fun. It’s one of the most enjoyable, easy jobs with good pay UK offers for fitness lovers.

• Why it feels easy: You stay active, meet new people, and share something you already enjoy. It doesn’t feel like “work” when your job is basically living at the gym.
• How to start: Get a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification. Many gyms hire straight away, and you can progress into personal training for more money. It’s a clear route into one of the well paid careers without degree UK.

Want to live in the gym and get paid for it? Our Gym Instructor course shows you how to launch a fitness career in weeks.

18. Translator / Interpreter

• Average Salary in the UK: £23,000 – £38,000, and freelancers often earn £45,000+.

If you speak more than one language, this is gold. Translators work with documents, while interpreters help people communicate in real time. It’s flexible, remote-friendly, and one of the good paying jobs without degrees that values skill over certificates.

• Why it feels easy: If you already know the language, the job flows smoothly. You spend your time turning words into another language—no stress, no heavy lifting.
• How to start: You don’t always need formal qualifications, though some roles ask for certifications. Start freelancing on platforms like Upwork or apply to agencies. It’s one of the great paying jobs without a degree if you’re bilingual.

Bilingual? Our Interpreter course shows you how to turn your language skills into a well-paid career without a degree.

19. Laboratory Technician

• Average Salary in the UK: £21,000 – £32,000, with specialists earning £36,000+.

Lab technicians carry out experiments, prepare samples, and help scientists with research. It’s structured, methodical, and perfect if you like routine.

• Why it feels easy: The tasks follow clear steps, and once you learn them, they become second nature. It’s one of those good careers with no experience beyond basic training.
• How to start: You can join with GCSEs, A-levels, or a vocational diploma. Apprenticeships also exist. It’s a great path into well paid jobs UK without a degree if you enjoy science.

Love science? Our lab technician course gives you the practical skills to land a steady, well-paid job without a university degree.

20. Game Tester / QA Tester

• Average Salary in the UK: £20,000 – £32,000, with senior testers earning £38,000+.

Yes, you really can get paid to play games. Testers check video games for bugs, report issues, and make sure the final product works smoothly. For gamers, this is one of the easiest high paying jobs UK has to offer.

• Why it feels easy: You spend your time gaming and spotting glitches. It’s repetitive at times, but still beats most 9–5 office jobs.
• How to start: You don’t need a degree. Many companies hire beginners with a love for gaming and attention to detail. It’s one of the most exciting jobs without a degree UK if you want to break into the gaming industry.

Develop Skills to Unlock Better Opportunities

Why skills matter

Landing one of the many easy jobs with good pay UK is a great first step. But if you want to move up the ladder, skills are the game-changer. According to LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report, 93% of companies say developing new skills leads to faster career progression.

Where skills make the biggest difference

If you’re aiming for high paying jobs with no experience, a short course in areas like customer service, IT, or sales can instantly make you more employable. In trades such as plumbing or electrics, specialist training helps you command higher rates and secure contracts that pay more.

How Training Tale helps

That’s where Training Tale comes in. With flexible professional development courses, you can:

• Learn at your own pace, online.
• Gain certifications that employers recognise.
• Boost your CV for well paid jobs without degree UK.

Don’t just stop at entry-level. Every new skill you add is another step toward easy and well paid jobs UK and a stronger, more secure career path.

Boost Your Career with CPD Courses

Landing one of the many easy and well paid jobs UK has to offer is great—but keeping that edge is even more important. Employers want to see initiative, and that’s exactly what CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses deliver.

Here’s the reality: according to the CPD Certification Service, over 76% of employers in the UK look for candidates who actively develop their skills. On top of that, LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report revealed that upskilling can increase earning potential by up to 47%. In other words, CPD training doesn’t just look good on your CV—it can literally help you secure high income jobs without a degree and climb the pay scale faster.

At Training Tale, we make it easy. Our professional development courses are flexible, affordable, and 100% online. Whether you’re aiming for good paying jobs with no qualifications, moving into high paying jobs UK no degree, or simply boosting your confidence before interviews, our CPD programs give you the practical skills employers are searching for.

Don’t just chase a job—secure a career. Check out Training Tale’s CPD courses on Professional Development today and take the smart step toward a better salary and a stronger future.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it—20 easy occupations that pay well in the UK. The truth is, you don’t need a degree or years of experience to build a career that pays the bills (and more). From trades to sales to flexible remote work, the opportunities are out there waiting for you.

But here’s the secret: the more skills you develop, the better your chances of moving into well paid jobs without a degree that also give you freedom and stability. That’s where CPD training makes a huge difference.