30 High Income Jobs Without a Degree in the UK: Earn Big Without University

If you’re tired of hearing, “You need a degree to get anywhere in life.” This guide shows you 30 high income jobs without a degree and is made for you. Let’s be real: not everyone wants to spend three years racking up debt, stressing over essays, and waiting for a piece of paper that might not even land them a job. Plenty of graduates leave uni with £40k of debt and still end up in entry-level roles they could’ve gotten straight out of school.

This guide is for anyone who wants a different path. Maybe you’ve just left school and can’t face more classrooms. Maybe you’re stuck in a career that drains you and you’re ready for a change. Or maybe you’ve taken time out — to raise kids, travel, or care for family — and now you’re eager to get back to work. Or maybe your side hustle has you wondering if it could become your main gig. If any of that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.

But let’s set expectations: not every job listed here is cushy or easy. Some demand night shifts, some are high-pressure, and some involve getting your hands dirty. Others are flexible, remote-friendly, or people-focused.

Entry Routes That Don’t Need a Degree

Here’s the truth no one shouts about in school: you don’t need to drown in student loans or sit through three years of lectures to land a good career. There are other doors to walk through — doors that open quicker, cost less, and actually get you working faster.

• Apprenticeships: Earn money while you learn real skills. Popular in trades, IT, healthcare, and marketing.
• Skills Bootcamps: Quick 12–16 week courses, often free, designed to get you job-ready with a guaranteed interview at the end.
• Junior roles + CPD: Start small, earn a paycheck, then build your skills with CPD courses to move up faster.
• Employer training schemes: Big companies train you from scratch and offer clear paths to promotion.

Want to see what’s possible? Training Tale has two brilliant reads:

High-Paying Jobs Nobody Wants in the UK and Jobs That Pay £100k a Year Without a Degree in the UK. Both guides prove the point: there are plenty of high income jobs without a degree if you know where to look.

30 High Income Jobs Without a Degree in the UK

1. Air Traffic Controller

Imagine sitting in a tower, headphones on, eyes locked on glowing radar screens. Hundreds of planes are in your care, thousands of lives depend on your words. Scary? Maybe. Thrilling? Absolutely.

• Salary: Trainees start at around £25k–£30k, but once you’re experienced, you can climb to £80k–£100k.
• Day to Day: You’ll guide pilots through storms, reroute flights when weather turns, and keep the skies safe and calm.
• Why It’s Amazing: Few jobs carry this much responsibility — and pay this well without a degree. It’s pressure-packed, yes, but if you thrive on adrenaline and focus, this role gives you both pride and a paycheque that soars.

2. Train / Tube Driver

Let’s be real — cities stop when the trains stop. And it’s drivers who keep the heartbeat of the UK ticking every single day.

• Salary: Around £50k+ a year, sometimes more with overtime.
• Day to Day: You’re in control of the train, getting people safely to work, school, or back home after a long day.
• Why It’s Amazing: It’s one of those great paying jobs with no experience needed to get started. Training is provided, the benefits are solid, and the lifestyle can be surprisingly balanced. Plus, there’s something pretty powerful about knowing millions rely on you.

3. Electrician

Ever been in a blackout? Suddenly you realise just how much we rely on electricity. Electricians are the ones who bring the lights back, wire new homes, and keep our world running.

• Salary: Usually £30k–£40k, but self-employed electricians can make £50k or more.
• Day to Day: Installing systems, repairing faults, making sure buildings are safe.
• Why It’s Amazing: This is one of those steady, well-paid jobs without qualifications UK (after an apprenticeship). You’ll always be needed, you can go freelance, and there’s nothing more satisfying than fixing what others thought couldn’t be fixed.

Dream of working with sparks? Begin with Training Tale’s Professional Electrician Course and build your skills.

4. Cybersecurity Analyst

Hackers never sleep, and that’s why cybersecurity pros are the invisible shields of the digital world. It’s less about sitting in a dark room typing furiously (Hollywood got that wrong) and more about spotting threats before they strike.

• Salary: Starts at £30k–£40k, but with experience, £60k+ isn’t unusual.
• Day to Day: Monitoring systems, patching weaknesses, and responding fast when something goes wrong.
• Why It’s Amazing: It’s one of those high income jobs without a degree that’s only growing. You can work remotely, the career ladder is steep, and at the end of the day, you’re the unsung hero keeping businesses — and people — safe.

Want to fight hackers? Start with Training Tale’s Level 5 Diploma in Cyber Security Course for beginners.

5. Estate Agent

Think about it: buying a home is one of the biggest moments in a person’s life. Estate agents get to be part of that journey, helping families step into their dream spaces.

• Salary: Base pay is £20k–£30k, but with commissions, you could be looking at £60k–£100k+.
• Day to Day: Meeting clients, showing properties, negotiating deals, and handing over keys with a smile.
• Why It’s Amazing: The thrill of closing a big sale never gets old. If you’re friendly, persuasive, and love people, this is one of those jobs where your personality literally pays.

Love selling homes? Boost your career with Training Tale’s Estate Agent Diploma.

6. Software Developer

Behind every app, every website, and every online tool, a developer is making it all work. And the best part? You don’t always need a degree to get started — plenty of coders are self-taught or come from short bootcamps.

• Salary: Around £40k–£50k on average, but specialists can hit £60k+.
• Day to Day: Writing code, fixing bugs, designing apps, and building tools people rely on daily.
• Why It’s Amazing: It’s creative, flexible, and in demand everywhere. If you love problem-solving, this could be one of those easy great-paying jobs that also lets you work remotely or freelance.

7. IT Support Technician

Ever seen an office grind to a halt because someone’s computer wouldn’t turn on? That’s when the IT support hero swoops in. You’re the person everyone turns to when tech goes wrong — and you’ll always be needed.

• Salary: Around £25k on average, with higher pay as you climb into senior roles.
• Day to Day: Setting up equipment, solving computer meltdowns, recovering lost files, and calming down stressed colleagues.
• Why It’s Amazing: You become the go-to problem solver, and that’s a powerful feeling. Plus, it’s a brilliant stepping stone into bigger tech roles if you want to grow.

Want to be the office hero? Learn with Training Tale’s IT Security course.

8. Plumber / Gas Engineer

A leaky pipe at midnight, a broken boiler in winter — when disaster strikes, plumbers and gas engineers are the real MVPs. It’s skilled work, and once you’ve trained, the pay reflects just how vital you are.

• Salary: Typically £30k–£40k, with top earners hitting £50k+.
• Day to Day: Fixing leaks, installing heating systems, keeping water and gas flowing safely.
• Why It’s Amazing: It’s one of those high income jobs no experience can get you started on through apprenticeships. People will always need you, and if you go self-employed, you can set your own rates (and schedule).

Ready to keep homes running? Begin with Training Tale’s Professional Plumbing Course or Gas Engineer Course.

9. Construction Specialist

From bricklayers to joiners, construction specialists shape the world around us. Look at any skyline, any street — someone without a degree helped build it.

• Salary: Varies widely, but skilled trades can easily bring in £40k+, and self-employed workers often do even better.
• Day to Day: Building, repairing, or renovating homes, offices, and public spaces.
• Why It’s Amazing: There’s pride in pointing at a finished project and saying, “I built that.” This is one of those jobs that pay the most without a degree UK if you’re willing to put in the graft.

Dream of building big? Get started with Training Tale’s Construction Site Management Course.

10. Offshore Energy Technician

Imagine working out at sea on a massive oil rig or wind farm, earning solid money while the waves crash around you. It’s tough, but it’s one of the most adventurous careers out there.

• Salary: Often £40k–£60k, sometimes more with shift bonuses.
• Day to Day: Maintaining equipment, ensuring safety, and troubleshooting in challenging environments.
• Why It’s Amazing: The money’s great, but so are the perks — long breaks between shifts, travel, and a real sense of camaraderie with your crew.

11. Firefighter

Not all heroes wear capes — some wear heavy boots and helmets. Firefighters don’t just put out fires; they save lives, rescue people in accidents, and protect communities.

• Salary: Around £30k–£44k, with higher pay for specialists and senior officers.
• Day to Day: Fighting fires, running rescue operations, teaching fire safety, and responding to emergencies.
• Why It’s Amazing: Few jobs are as meaningful. You get respect, teamwork, and the knowledge that you’re making a real difference every single day.

12. Police Officer

Becoming a police officer isn’t about having a degree — it’s about having grit, empathy, and a sense of justice. It’s one of the most respected well-paid jobs without qualifications UK, as long as you’re willing to take on the responsibility.

• Salary: Starting around £26k, rising to £40k+ as you climb ranks.
• Day to Day: Patrolling streets, investigating crimes, protecting communities, and being a reassuring presence when people need it most.
• Why It’s Amazing: It’s not easy, but it’s powerful. Every day is different, and every shift is a chance to make someone feel safer.

13. Sales Executive

If you’re good with people and you’ve got a spark of persuasion in your voice, sales could be your golden ticket. You don’t need a degree, just confidence and drive.

• Salary: Base salaries hover around £25k–£30k, but commissions can easily double (or triple) that. Top earners take home £60k+.
• Day to Day: Calling clients, pitching products, closing deals, and celebrating wins.
• Why It’s Amazing: It’s fast-paced, competitive, and hugely rewarding. If you love a challenge, sales can give you financial freedom quicker than most easy great paying jobs out there.

Ready to close deals? Start with Training Tale’s Sales and Marketing Course.

14. Recruitment Consultant

Recruiters don’t just fill jobs — they change lives. Imagine calling someone to say, “You got the job!” and hearing the excitement in their voice. That’s a daily high you can’t beat.

• Salary: £20k–£30k base, but with commissions, ambitious consultants earn £50k–£70k+.
• Day to Day: Sourcing candidates, building relationships with employers, matching people to roles.
• Why It’s Amazing: It’s people-focused, exciting, and offers huge earning potential if you’re motivated. Plus, every placement you make is a win for two people — the employer and the job seeker.

Want to match people to careers? Learn with Training Tale’s Recruitment Consultant Diploma course.

15. Marketing Executive

Ever wondered who’s behind those clever social media campaigns or eye-catching adverts? Marketers. And you don’t always need a degree to get in — creativity and results matter most.

• Salary: Around £25k–£40k, with senior digital marketers pulling in £50k+.
• Day to Day: Running social media, writing content, planning campaigns, analysing results.
• Why It’s Amazing: It’s creative, fun, and fast-moving. If you’re social-media savvy, this is one of those high paying jobs with no experience that you can start building today with just a portfolio.

Love social media? Explore Training Tale’s Digital Marketing and Advertising Course.

16. Executive Assistant / Personal Assistant

Behind every great boss is a PA who makes it all happen. You’re the organiser, the problem solver, the person they rely on when everything else is chaos.

• Salary: Often £30k–£40k, with senior PAs earning even more.
• Day to Day: Managing diaries, booking travel, arranging meetings, and being the calm in the storm.
• Why It’s Amazing: It’s not just admin — it’s influence. You’ll often sit at the heart of big decisions, and the trust you build is priceless.

Organised and detail-driven? Take Training Tale’s Executive Secretary and PA Training course.

17. Personal Trainer / Fitness Coach

Step into a gym, and you’ll see them: trainers pushing clients to lift that extra rep, cheering them on as they smash their goals. Personal training is more than fitness — it’s about building confidence.

• Salary: Around £20k–£30k to start, but self-employed trainers in big cities can earn £50k+.
• Day to Day: Running sessions, designing workouts, motivating clients, sometimes even becoming their therapist.
• Why It’s Amazing: You get to change lives, one transformation at a time. And the best part? You choose your clients, your hours, and your income ceiling.

Passionate about fitness? Build your path with Training Tale’s Personal Trainer course.

18. Yoga / Pilates Instructor

In a world that’s always rushing, yoga and pilates instructors bring peace. If you love wellness and movement, this path can be as fulfilling as it is profitable.

• Salary: Varies widely, but many instructors make £25k–£40k, with some earning much more through private classes and retreats.
• Day to Day: Leading classes, guiding breathing, helping people improve posture, balance, and mindset.
• Why It’s Amazing: Few careers let you directly improve someone’s physical and mental health every day. It’s not just a job — it’s a lifestyle.

Dream of teaching wellness? Begin with Training Tale’s Professional Pilates Trainer Course.

19. Risk Manager

Think of a risk manager as the person who’s always asking, “What could go wrong?” They don’t say it to be negative — they say it to protect companies from losing money or making mistakes.

• Salary: Around £30k to start, but experienced risk managers can reach £70k–£80k.
• Day to Day: Checking plans, spotting weak points, making strategies safer, and helping businesses avoid big losses.
• Why It’s Amazing: It’s problem-solving at its finest. You get paid to be careful and smart, and you’ll always be valued in industries like banking, insurance, and healthcare.

20. IT Technician / Systems Administrator

Behind every smooth-running office is a tech person who makes sure everything works. They’re often behind the scenes, but trust me — without them, companies grind to a halt.

• Salary: Around £25k–£40k depending on your level of skill.
• Day to Day: Setting up computers, keeping networks safe, updating systems, fixing errors fast.
• Why It’s Amazing: It’s one of those easy high paying jobs to grow into once you’ve got a few tech skills. And from here, you can climb to even bigger roles in IT or cybersecurity.

21. Journalist / Media Creator

Some people dream of being the first to break news, tell stories that matter, or even run a blog that thousands read. Journalism and media can open all those doors.

• Salary: It varies a lot — local reporters may start around £20k–£25k, while experienced journalists can earn £40k+, and media creators can earn even more online.
• Day to Day: Writing, researching, interviewing, creating videos or podcasts, and sharing stories with the world.
• Why It’s Amazing: You get to use your voice and creativity to influence people. And in today’s world, media isn’t just newspapers — it’s YouTube, podcasts, TikTok, and beyond.

22. Logistics / Supply Chain Specialist

Ever wonder how supermarkets never run out of food (well, most of the time)? Or how your online order shows up in just a day or two? That’s the magic of logistics and supply chain specialists.

• Salary: Around £25k–£35k to start, but with experience you can hit £50k+.
• Day to Day: Planning deliveries, managing warehouses, and making sure goods move smoothly from factories to homes.
• Why It’s Amazing: You’re the hidden engine behind the modern world. Without you, nothing gets where it needs to go.

Want to move the world? Learn with Training Tale’s Level 4 Logistics Management and Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management courses.

23. Commercial Pilot (Non-Degree Route)

Becoming a pilot is many people’s childhood dream. And while it’s expensive to train, you don’t always need a degree — just dedication, the right licenses, and a love of the skies.

• Salary: Starting pilots may earn £25k–£30k, but experienced captains can earn £80k–£100k+.
• Day to Day: Flying passengers across the UK or the world, checking aircraft, and ensuring safety.
• Why It’s Amazing: Few jobs are this glamorous or respected. Yes, the training is tough, but the reward of seeing the world from the cockpit is worth it.

24. HGV / Truck Driver

From food to fuel to furniture, truck drivers keep the country moving. It’s not an office job — it’s the open road, a cab to yourself, and a different view every day.

• Salary: Around £30k–£40k, with long-haul or specialist loads paying more.
• Day to Day: Driving goods across the UK and beyond, checking loads, and keeping to schedules.
• Why It’s Amazing: It’s one of those great paying jobs UK workers can get into fairly quickly once you’ve got your HGV licence. For people who love independence, freedom and income are rolled into one.

Love the open road? Start training with Training Tale’s HGV Mechanic Course.

25. Crane Operator

Ever looked at a giant crane swinging steel beams high above the city and thought, “Wow, someone’s up there running that”? That could be you. Crane operators have one of the most powerful seats in construction — literally lifting the future into place.

• Salary: Around £35k–£50k, with overtime and city projects often paying more.
• Day to Day: Sitting high above the ground, moving materials with precision, working closely with site teams to make sure everything lands safely.
• Why It’s Amazing: You’ll never be stuck behind a desk, and there’s a real sense of pride in seeing a skyscraper rise because of your skill. It’s tough, it’s technical, and it pays well without needing a degree.

26. Property Maintenance / Building Services Manager

Every office, hotel, and apartment building needs someone to keep it running. That’s where building services managers step in. You’re not just fixing broken lights — you’re making sure an entire building runs like clockwork.

• Salary: Often £30k–£50k, with more for senior managers in big facilities.
• Day to Day: Managing repairs, overseeing teams of electricians or plumbers, handling emergencies, and keeping tenants or employees happy.
• Why It’s Amazing: It’s part leadership, part problem-solving. You’ll always have variety, and when things go wrong, you’re the hero who makes them right again.

Want to manage buildings? Learn with Training Tale’s Property Management course.

27. Offshore / Marine Roles

Working offshore is not for everyone, but for those who crave adventure, it’s unmatched. Whether it’s on an oil rig, a wind farm, or a marine vessel, you’ll earn big while living a life most people only see in documentaries.

• Salary: £40k–£70k+, with generous bonuses for tough conditions.
• Day to Day: Rotating shifts at sea, maintaining machinery, running safety checks, and often working in extreme weather.
• Why It’s Amazing: The pay is strong, the bonds with your crew are tight, and you get long stretches of time off between shifts. It’s demanding, but it’s one of those high income jobs without a degree that also gives you stories to tell for life.

28. Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Driver

Not everyone wants to sit in an office — some want the open road. HGV drivers keep Britain stocked with everything from food to furniture. Without them, the shelves would be empty.

• Salary: Around £30k–£45k, with higher pay for long-haul routes or specialist cargo.
• Day to Day: Driving across the country (or abroad), loading and unloading goods, planning routes, and keeping to strict schedules.
• Why It’s Amazing: It’s freedom. Just you, the road, and your own space. And for people who like independence, it’s one of the most satisfying, easy great paying jobs around.

29. Freelance Media Producer

Stories shape the world, and journalists are the ones who tell them. But these days, you don’t have to work at a newspaper — many people carve out careers as bloggers, podcasters, or YouTubers.

• Salary: Entry-level is around £22k, but successful freelancers and established journalists can make £50k+.
• Day to Day: Researching, interviewing, writing, or creating videos. Sometimes it’s fast-paced news, other times it’s long, thoughtful features.
• Why It’s Amazing: You have a voice. You influence how people think, what they know, and what they care about. For creative people, it’s one of the most exciting jobs that pay the most without a degree UK when done well.

30. Renewable Energy Technician

The world is shifting toward green energy, and technicians in solar, wind, and other renewables are leading the way. This is a career where you don’t just make money — you make a difference.

• Salary: Around £28k–£40k, but experienced specialists in offshore wind or large solar projects can earn £50k+.
• Day to Day: Installing solar panels, maintaining wind turbines, checking systems, and troubleshooting.
• Why It’s Amazing: You’re part of something bigger — fighting climate change and building a sustainable future. Few careers let you combine well-paid jobs without qualifications UK with the chance to genuinely help the planet.

Care about the planet? Train with Training Tale’s Energy Management Course.

CPD: What It Is, Why It Matters (and How to Pick a Course)

CPD stands for continuing professional development. In simple words, it’s about keeping your skills sharp and adding new ones, even after you’ve started working. Careers don’t stand still — technology changes, rules update, and industries evolve. If you stop learning, you fall behind. But with CPD, you stay relevant and confident.

Here’s why it matters:

• Stay up to date: You’ll always know the latest tools, rules, or techniques.
• Get noticed: Employers love to see proof that you’re serious about improving yourself.
• Progress faster: More skills = more chances for promotions and higher pay.

When you look for a CPD course, make sure it clearly explains what you’ll learn and gives you a certificate you can show to employers. That little piece of paper can open doors.

A Simple Solution: Training Tale

If cost or time worries you, Training Tale makes it easy. Their professional development courses are affordable, self-paced, and designed to fit around busy lives. You can learn at your own speed, whether that’s a few minutes a day or a whole weekend. At the end, you get a free PDF certificate to add to your CV or show to employers. They also have support available anytime, so you never feel stuck learning alone.

With platforms like this, there’s no excuse to stand still. You can keep building your skills without the stress of university fees or rigid schedules.

Trends to Watch (So You Stay Ahead)

The job world is shifting fast, and it’s important to understand where things are heading.

First, AI and automation are changing entry-level office jobs. Tasks that used to be done by humans — like basic admin or data entry — are now handled by machines. That means if you only rely on simple skills, your opportunities may shrink. But here’s the good news: if you can prove you have extra skills through CPD or hands-on training, you’ll stand out.

Second, careers aren’t straight lines anymore. People call it the “squiggly career” path. You might start in one field, then move into another, then try something completely new. And that’s not a failure — it’s the new normal. Many of the best-paid roles today, especially in trades, logistics, and tech, are filled by people who switched careers and never set foot in university.

So what does this mean for you? It means you don’t have to panic if your first job isn’t perfect. You can keep learning, keep switching, and keep climbing. The secret is to stay flexible and keep picking up skills that employers value.

FAQs

What is the highest paying job without a degree?

Air traffic controllers, train drivers, and senior sales professionals can earn £80k–£100k or more without a degree.

What’s the best paid job without a degree?

Train drivers and air traffic controllers are consistently among the best paid non-degree careers in the UK.

What jobs pay $30 an hour in the UK?

Skilled trades like electricians and plumbers, as well as experienced HGV drivers, often earn £25–£30+ per hour.

What jobs pay £80k a year in the UK without experience?

Very few. However, high-commission roles in sales or recruitment can sometimes reach that level quickly if you’re talented and driven.

What jobs earn £10k a month in the UK?

Top-performing estate agents, senior tradespeople running their own business, or self-employed consultants can hit £10k monthly.

What’s the easiest job to make £100k a year?

“Easy” is relative, but high-ticket sales roles and certain commission-based jobs offer the fastest path to six figures.

What is the #1 happiest job in the world?

Surveys often rank teachers, firefighters, and physical therapists as the happiest due to purpose and community impact.

What is the easiest six-figure job?

Commission-heavy sales and trades with lots of overtime are often the most straightforward routes to six figures.

How rare is a £100k salary?

In the UK, only around 5% of workers earn £100k or more per year, making it relatively rare.

Final Thoughts

University isn’t the only way forward. In fact, for many people it’s not even the best way. The truth is, there are dozens of high income jobs without a degree waiting for people who are willing to learn in different ways, take opportunities, and work with passion.

Some roles demand grit and long hours, others reward creativity or people skills, and many can be reached through apprenticeships, bootcamps, or flexible CPD courses. The point is: you have options.

So instead of stressing over student debt or thinking you’ve missed your chance, take this as proof that your future is still wide open. Pick a path, build your skills, and step into a career that pays you well and makes you proud.