Right, let’s address the elephant in the room: there’s a definite stigma surrounding educational qualifications. The assumption often goes that those without a university degree are destined for lower paying jobs. But that’s simply not the case! There’s a wealth of high paying jobs without a university degree.
Success is absolutely achievable regardless of your educational background, and that’s exactly what we’re here to prove. So, listen up! You can land fantastic, high paying jobs without a university degree.
We’ve compiled a fantastic list of high paying jobs without a university degree. These high paying roles could be ideal for you if you’re looking for a way to progress in your career, earn what you deserve, and make money.
Is it possible to get high paying jobs without a university degree?
Absolutely! There are many high paying jobs available. You still have options for making a good living even if you didn’t attend university. To help you decide which areas might suit you best, let’s explore some of the high paying jobs without a university degree.
These are practical, high earning occupations in a variety of exciting fields. If you prefer to learn on the job, any of these options could be a great choice.
1. Power Plant Operator
Average Annual Salary: £27,796
Education required: Completion of secondary school or equivalent
Operating a power plant is one of the fantastic high paying jobs without a university degree. In this role, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the generation and distribution of electricity. As you might expect, this can be a demanding job in terms of both technical skills and pressure.
Shift work is common, with typical rotations between eight and twelve hours. While the average annual salary is excellent, extensive on-the-job training is required to develop the necessary skills and expertise to manage the plant effectively.
2. Lift Installers and Technicians
Average Annual Salary: £29,350
Education required: Completion of secondary school or equivalent
Do you have a knack for fixing things? If so, then installing and repairing lifts – also known as elevators – could be a great fit for your skills, and it’s another high paying job option. Ensuring a lift operates smoothly requires working in machinery rooms and confined spaces, so a good head for heights is essential.
Don’t be surprised if some of your work involves being directly in a lift shaft. But fear not, if you’re new to the world of lifts, an apprenticeship scheme will provide you with the necessary training and knowledge.
3. Detective or Police Constable
Average Annual Salary: £41,481
Education required: Completion of secondary school followed by police training
If you’re passionate about public safety, a career as a detective or police constable (officer) could be a great choice. You’ll have the opportunity to investigate crimes, apprehend offenders, and make a real difference in your community. This involves gathering evidence, apprehending criminals, and de-escalating potentially dangerous situations.
Of course, being a law enforcement officer comes with inherent risks. It’s a demanding and challenging career, not ideal for those seeking a low-stress role. Although it’s one of the high paying jobs without a university degree requirement, obtaining your badge involves attending police training college.
4. Railway Workers
Average Annual Salary: £40,104
Education required: Completion of secondary school or equivalent
Did you dream of becoming a train driver as a child? Well, that dream can become a reality! But railway personnel do more than just follow the tracks. They’re responsible for ensuring trains run safely and on schedule. The specific role you take will determine where you work.
While some railway workers, like shunters, might spend their days operating points in the same yard, train drivers will obviously be travelling on the trains themselves. While a university degree isn’t necessary, several months of on-the-job training are often required to get started in this field.
5. Electrician
Average Annual Salary: £35,000
Education required: Completion of secondary school or equivalent, followed by an electrical apprenticeship
Brighten up your career with a career in electrics! It’ll definitely give your bank balance a boost. You’ll be responsible for installing, maintaining, and fixing electrical wiring, communication systems, lighting, and other systems in homes and businesses.
An electrician’s life can be quite busy. There may be a lot of overtime and the need to travel between jobs, but the pay is good. The best part is that a university degree isn’t required. An apprenticeship scheme will teach you everything you need to know.
6. Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter
Average Annual Salary: £37,599
Education required: Completion of secondary school or its equivalent, followed by an apprenticeship scheme
Just like Mario collecting his golden coins, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters can also earn good money without a university degree! They carry out high-paying maintenance and repair work on pipework and fixtures in both residential and commercial buildings.
Because plumbing emergencies rarely wait for sunrise, you might also expect a lot of call-outs. The good news is that this profession offers apprenticeship schemes that will teach you everything you need to know.
7. Ironworker
Average Annual Salary: £52,769
Education required: Completion of secondary school or its equivalent, followed by an apprenticeship scheme
Think you’re tough as iron? Then consider a career as an ironworker! These skilled individuals are responsible for installing structural steel frames in bridges, buildings, and other constructions. It’s not a job for the faint-hearted, as you’ll often be working at heights.
But if you’re looking for a high paying jobs without a university degree, then this could be a great option. And the best part? You can get started through an apprenticeship scheme.
8. Commercial Pilot
Average Annual Salary: £28,000
Education required: A commercial pilot’s licence
If you crave the skies and adventure, then becoming a commercial pilot for hire could be a fantastic career choice, and it doesn’t require a university degree!
Commercial pilots differ slightly from airline pilots. Once qualified, you could fly air ambulances, transport skydivers, or undertake a variety of other missions. It’s a perfect career for those who enjoy a challenge and exploring new places.
9. Sheet Metal Worker
Average Annual Salary: £26,470
Education required: Completion of secondary school or its equivalent, followed by an apprenticeship scheme
Sheet metal workers are a skilled trade within the construction industry. They specialise in shaping, cutting, and assembling thin sheets of metal into various products used in buildings, appliances, and more.
It’s a physically demanding job that requires strength, stamina, and good hand-eye coordination. You’ll be bending, cutting, drilling, and fitting metal sheets, often working at heights or in awkward positions. The good news is that you can learn the necessary skills through an apprenticeship scheme.
10. Claims Adjuster
Average Annual Salary: £44,367
Education required: High school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions
Claims adjusters play a vital role in the insurance industry. They assess insurance claims and determine whether to approve or deny them. This often involves visiting the scene of the incident to inspect damage and interview relevant parties. The role can be varied, requiring travel to different locations.
While some claims adjuster positions may require a bachelor’s degree, many don’t. You can gain the necessary knowledge and skills through on-the-job training provided by your employer.
11. Executive Assistant
Average Annual Salary: £42,268
Education required: High school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions
This role offers the opportunity to be a manager’s trusted confidante and right-hand person. You’ll provide vital support by preparing key reports, conducting research, and handling information inquiries. Excellent interpersonal skills are a must, as you’ll answer phones, arrange meetings, and potentially receive visitors.
While relevant experience is advantageous, the key qualities we seek are strong communication skills and proficiency in using computer software. This role presents a fantastic opportunity for a good salary without the requirement of a degree, and progression into managerial positions is a common career path for successful executive assistants.
12. Postmaster
Average Annual Salary: £27,300
Education: Completion of secondary school or equivalent qualification.
Do you have a passion for administration and a desire to contribute to the smooth running of a large organisation? If so, then a role with the Royal Mail could be ideal for you. Before becoming a postmaster, you’ll need to gain experience working within the Royal Mail.
A postmaster, also known as a postal superintendent, is responsible for the overall efficient operation of a post office branch. This includes tasks like:
- Staff management
- Overseeing daily operations
- Ensuring customer satisfaction
Key Skills include: Strong planning and organisational skills, Excellent customer service focus.
The Royal Mail offers opportunities for progression from entry-level positions to managerial roles, so there’s a clear career path for those who are successful.
13. Court Reporter
Average Annual Salary: £32,911
Education required: High school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions
Do you impress people with your typing speed and accuracy? Consider court reporting, one of the high paying jobs without a university degree.
In the British court system, court reporters (sometimes called stenographers) play a vital role by capturing proceedings verbatim. This requires excellent concentration and the ability to type very quickly and accurately.
Similar to a simultaneous captioner who transcribes press conferences, meetings, and other events, a court reporter ensures a permanent record of court proceedings.
The good news? You don’t need a lengthy degree program to qualify! Many community colleges in the UK offer certificate programs in court reporting.
So, if you have a knack for language and a fast typing speed, court reporting could be your perfect career path!
14. Sales Representative
Average Annual Salary: £37,693
Education required: High school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions
Looking for a dynamic career path with good earning potential? Consider a role as a sales representative in the wholesale and manufacturing industry!
You’ll be responsible for securing deals with businesses, organisations, and even government agencies. The wholesale and manufacturing sector is a constant hive of activity, so there’s always the potential to close profitable sales.
As a sales rep, your success is often linked to commission. This means strong persuasion skills and the ability to close deals are essential. Unless you’re selling highly technical or scientific products, a formal degree isn’t usually required.
So, if you’re a persuasive and results-oriented individual, a sales career in wholesale and manufacturing could be your perfect fit!
15. Insurance Sales Representative
Average Annual Income: £26,069
Education required: High school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions
Imagine yourself meeting with clients and recommending the best insurance policies to suit their individual needs. You’ll answer their questions, explain complex concepts in clear terms, and build trusting relationships.
Be prepared to talk and listen! This role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills. You’ll also need to be honest and transparent in your dealings with clients.
There’s some paperwork involved, but that’s to be expected! While a degree isn’t usually mandatory, some training might be necessary. You’ll also need to obtain a license from your local authority to sell insurance.
Think you can overcome these hurdles? An insurance sales career offers excellent earning potential and the satisfaction of helping people secure their future.
Forget the misconception that a university degree is essential for a high paying job. This list proves there are fantastic opportunities across various industries.
From electricians and plumbers to commercial pilots and court reporters, these careers offer excellent salaries without the need for years of university study.
Many roles require apprenticeships or on-the-job training, so you can gain the necessary skills and qualifications while earning.
So, if you’re looking for a rewarding career path that pays well, don’t feel pressured to pursue a university degree. Explore the exciting possibilities that await you!
