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Top 20 High Paying Jobs With No Degree in the UK

University isn’t for everyone. And the good news? It doesn’t have to be. If you’re looking for high paying jobs with no degree, the opportunities are out there and growing fast. In fact, almost half of UK workers don’t hold a degree, yet many of them are pulling in salaries that easily rival graduate roles.

The reason is simple: employers want results, not just a certificate. They value skills, reliability, and real-world know-how—and you can build all of that without sitting in a lecture hall for three or four years. With average student debt now topping £45,000, skipping university can save you decades of repayments and get you earning much sooner.

This is where apprenticeships, vocational routes, and CPD-accredited courses with providers like Training Tale come in. These paths let you learn skills that businesses actually need—whether it’s project management, cyber security, or trades like plumbing and electrical work. You get practical training, respected certifications, and the confidence to step into a job that pays well and feels secure.

Below, we’ve put together a simple table of the 20 best no-degree careers in the UK, with short descriptions and salary ranges. Think of it as your cheat sheet to careers that can change your life—without a degree holding you back.

20 High Paying Jobs With No Degree in the UK

1. Train Driver (National Rail)

Train Driver

Average Salary: £49,000 – £73,000+ (with top salaries reaching £90,000)

National rail drivers operate longer routes across the UK. They handle complex signalling systems and weather changes, and keep passengers safe across busy networks.

Picture yourself at the controls of a train, travelling across the countryside and into major cities, keeping everything safe and on schedule.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Strong focus
  • Technical awareness
  • Clear communication
  • Responsibility

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

2. Air Traffic Controller

Average Salary: £46,000 – £100,000+

Air traffic controllers keep the skies safe. They guide aircraft during take-off, landing, and in flight—managing workload, weather, and tight timelines.

Now imagine sitting in a control tower, headset on, calmly directing planes through changing clouds and busy airspace. Your focus makes all the difference.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Calm under pressure
  • Quick decision-making
  • Crystal-clear communication
  • Excellent focus

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

3. Commercial Pilot

Commercial Pilot

Average Salary: £50,000 – £100,000+

Commercial pilots fly passengers and cargo across regions and continents. Training is tough, but you don’t need a degree—licences and flight hours are what matter most.

Picture yourself above the clouds at sunrise, guiding a jet smoothly through golden light. You check the instruments, talk to ATC, and keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Precision and discipline
  • Excellent judgement
  • Teamwork and communication
  • Focus on safety

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

4. Software Developer

Average Salary: £30,000 – £75,000+

Software developers build the apps and tools we use daily. No degree? No problem—projects, portfolios, and real results are what really open doors here. It’s one of the highest paying jobs uk without degree for those who enjoy problem-solving.

Imagine shipping your first feature and seeing people use it. You fix a tricky bug, push the update, and suddenly everything just works—satisfying, right?

Skills you’ll need:

  • Logical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Curiosity
  • Clear communication

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

5. Data Analyst

Data Analyst

Average Salary: £28,000 – £62,000+

Data analysts turn numbers into stories. You’ll clean data, build dashboards, and help companies make smarter choices—fast. It’s among the jobs that pay the most without a degree UK, especially if you specialise.

Imagine opening a messy spreadsheet and turning it into a clear, simple story that changes a company’s next move. That’s powerful.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Excel or SQL basics
  • Critical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Storytelling with data

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

6. Cyber Security Analyst

Average Salary: £35,000 – £60,000+

Cybersecurity analysts protect businesses from hackers and cyber threats. You don’t need a degree—industry certificates and a problem-solving mindset can get you in.

Imagine spotting a suspicious login at 2 a.m., stopping it in its tracks, and knowing you just saved a company from a big breach. That’s pretty powerful.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Analytical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Tech curiosity
  • Attention to detail

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

7. Business / Project Manager

Average Salary: £29,000 – £75,000+

Project managers keep everything running smoothly—budgets, people, and deadlines. Many start as coordinators and work their way up, showing leadership and organisation.

Picture leading a team on a new build, keeping things on track and celebrating together when it’s complete. You’re the one who made it all happen.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Organisation
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Decision-making

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

8. Construction Manager

Construction Manager

Average Salary: £27,000 – £65,000+

Construction managers oversee building projects from start to finish. You can work your way up from trade roles into management—no degree needed.

Think about walking onto a busy site, hard hat on, and everyone looks to you for direction. You’ve got the plan, the schedule, and the confidence.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Organisation
  • Health and safety awareness
  • Leadership
  • Practical thinking

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

9. Offshore Drilling Worker

Average Salary: £30,000 – £60,000+

Offshore drilling workers work on oil rigs, often in tough conditions—but with big rewards. This is one of those great paying jobs with no experience, since training and certifications can be earned on the job.

Imagine the ocean stretching around you, the rig buzzing with activity, and knowing your skills are in demand worldwide.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Practical skills
  • Physical fitness
  • Safety awareness
  • Teamwork

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

10. Wind Turbine Technician

Wind Turbine Technician

Average Salary: £25,000 – £47,000+

Wind turbine technicians maintain and repair turbines onshore and offshore. The renewable sector is growing fast, and it’s full of high income jobs no experience required to start—apprenticeships and safety training will set you up.

Picture yourself at the top of a turbine, the wind in your face, knowing you’re helping power thousands of homes with clean energy.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Practical hands-on skills
  • Safety awareness
  • Physical fitness
  • Problem-solving

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

 11. Electrician

Average Salary: £26,000 – £45,000+ (self-employed can earn more)

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, offices, and big sites. It’s hands-on, rewarding, and always in demand.

Imagine walking into a site, toolkit ready, and solving a power issue that others can’t. The lights flick on, people thank you, and you know your skills are valued.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Practical skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to safety
  • Reliability

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

12. Plumber / Heating Engineer

Average Salary: £24,000 – £46,000+ (self-employed often more)

Plumbers and heating engineers keep homes and businesses running—fixing leaks, installing boilers, and handling urgent callouts. It’s one of the well-paid jobs without qualifications UK that can be built through apprenticeships.

Picture saving the day when a burst pipe floods a kitchen. You stop the leak, fix the issue, and leave with a smile (and a solid payday).

Skills you’ll need:

  • Practical hands-on skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Customer service
  • Safety awareness

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

13. HGV/LGV Driver

HGV (LGV) Driver

Average Salary: £27,000 – £47,000+

HGV and LGV drivers transport goods across the UK and Europe. It’s steady, essential work—and training can be completed quickly.

Imagine heading out at dawn, roads quiet, delivering goods that keep businesses running. You’ve got freedom, steady hours, and respect.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Focus for long journeys
  • Safety awareness
  • Responsibility
  • Time management

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

 14. Lift Engineer

Average Salary: £22,000 – £45,000+

Lift engineers install and maintain lifts in residential blocks, offices, and commercial sites. It’s technical, practical, and always in demand.

Picture yourself fixing a high-rise lift at night—everyone’s waiting, and you’re the one who gets it moving again. That moment of relief makes it worthwhile.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Mechanical skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Safety awareness
  • Precision

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

15. Rope Access Technician

Average Salary: £30,000 – £47,000+ (senior roles can go higher)

Rope access technicians work at height on buildings, turbines, and offshore rigs. It’s adventurous, well-paid, and surprisingly accessible with training—one of those easy high paying jobs if you enjoy heights.

Imagine dangling from a rope on a London skyscraper, fixing or inspecting something, with the city spread out below you. Exciting? Definitely.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Physical fitness
  • Confidence at height
  • Safety awareness
  • Teamwork

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

16. Insurance Broker

Insurance Broker

Average Salary: £20,000 – £65,000+ (with commission, often much more)

Insurance brokers help clients find the right cover for homes, cars, or businesses. It’s people-focused and financially rewarding, especially once you build a client base.

Imagine advising someone on a policy that protects their family or business—and earning a healthy commission for doing it right.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Sales mindset
  • Organisation

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

17. Estate Agent

Average Salary: £23,000 – £40,000+ (top performers earn more with commission)

Estate agents help people buy, sell, or rent property. It’s fast-moving and rewarding, especially if you’re motivated by sales. This can be one of the best paying jobs with no experience if you’re driven and persuasive.

Picture handing over the keys to a new homeowner and seeing their excitement—you made that happen.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Sales and persuasion
  • Organisation
  • Confidence
  • Customer service

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

18. Royal Navy Engineering Technician

Royal Navy Engineering Technician

Average Salary: £26,000 – £64,000+ (with career progression)

Engineering technicians in the Royal Navy work on submarines, ships, and advanced systems. It’s adventurous, structured, and comes with strong benefits.

Picture working below deck, keeping the engines running smoothly, and being part of a close-knit team travelling the world.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Technical curiosity
  • Teamwork
  • Focus
  • Responsibility

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

19. Commercial Diver

Average Salary: £40,000+ (offshore divers often earn £600+ per day)

Commercial divers work underwater on construction, inspection, or maintenance projects. It’s adventurous, tough, but very well paid.

Imagine descending into the deep, torchlight cutting through the water, fixing structures that no one else can reach. That thrill—and the pay—makes it worthwhile.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Physical fitness
  • Safety awareness
  • Calm under pressure
  • Problem-solving

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

20. Sales Manager

Average Salary: £22,000 – £70,000+ (plus big bonuses)

Sales managers lead teams, set targets, and drive results. It’s one of the classic high income jobs without a degree because your earnings grow with your performance.

Picture leading a team that smashes sales targets—and celebrating as both you and your team enjoy the rewards.

Skills you’ll need:

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Strategic thinking
  • Motivation

Find the Course That Suits You!

At Training Tale, you can prepare with:

How to Get Started Without a Degree

Finding your way into high paying jobs with no degree is not only possible—it’s becoming the new normal. In fact, government figures show that around 43% of UK workers do not hold a university degree, yet many are thriving in careers that rival graduate-level pay. The secret? Targeted training, recognised certifications, and building skills that employers value today.

Apprenticeships and Vocational Training

Apprenticeships remain one of the strongest pathways into trades, transport, and technical roles. You earn while you learn, gaining nationally recognised qualifications while avoiding student debt. For example, rail apprenticeships can lead straight into driving roles with salaries above £60,000, while construction apprenticeships often lead into management positions paying £40,000–£70,000.

Online Courses and CPD Certifications

Not every career requires years of training. Increasingly, employers accept CPD-accredited online courses as proof of commitment and competence. Platforms like Training Tale offer flexible, industry-relevant programmes in areas such as:

  • Level 5 Diploma in Health and Safety at Work – a must-have for anyone entering construction, engineering, or site management.
  • Data Analytics Course (Beginner) – perfect for building a career in data analysis without a technical degree.
  • Professional Plumbing or Electrician Courses – giving you the practical foundation to move into well-paid trades.
  • PRINCE2® Foundation Certification Training – a respected credential that can fast-track you into project management roles.

The advantage? These courses are affordable, accessible, and can be completed around your existing schedule. Many learners start applying their new skills within weeks, not years.

Networking, Mentorship, and Portfolio Building

While training gets you job-ready, relationships open the doors. Statistics show that up to 85% of jobs are secured through networking. Connecting with industry professionals, joining trade groups, or finding a mentor can dramatically shorten your journey. For digital careers like IT, data, or design, building a portfolio of real projects is just as valuable as a degree. Employers want to see what you can do, not just read it on a CV.

Pros & Cons of No-Degree High-Paying Careers

Choosing a no-degree path comes with incredible advantages—but it also requires realism and drive.

Pros

  • Faster Entry: Many roles, like train driving or cyber security, can be accessed within 12–24 months of training.
  • Less Debt: With average UK student debt above £45,000, avoiding university can save you decades of repayments.
  • Practical Learning: Instead of theory-heavy lectures, you gain skills you can use from day one.

Cons

  • Proving Yourself: You may need to show results and certifications to compete with degree holders.
  • Career Ceilings: Certain professions (medicine, law) still require degrees.
  • Self-Drive Required: You must be motivated to keep upskilling—through CPD, workplace training, or mentoring.

The good news is that modern CPD courses, like those at Training Tale, help you keep climbing the ladder and avoid stagnation. With continuous learning, career ceilings become much less of a concern.

Conclusion

Your career doesn’t need a degree to succeed—it needs clarity, skills, and action. Across the UK, thousands are entering six-figure industries through apprenticeships, vocational training, and flexible online learning.

A degree is no longer the golden ticket to success. Whether you dream of managing projects, fixing turbines, or writing code, your skills are what count—and those can be learned faster and more affordably than ever before.

Explore your strengths, identify the industries that excite you, and start with a course that puts you on track. Training Tale offers a wide range of Professional Development Courses designed for real-world careers. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll join the growing group of professionals proving that success comes from action—not from a piece of paper.

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