Were you one of those people who wanted to finish school and dive headfirst into the world of work? (Or, let’s be honest, just didn’t get the grades for higher education).

It doesn’t necessarily have to impact your earnings. Though it’s true that people who are university educated tend to earn more, it isn’t the only way to bag a successful, high-paying career.

In actual fact, there are so many jobs that don’t require a degree, but still pay the big bucks. (Disclaimer: all require hard work and dedication. Nothing is handed to us on a plate, remember.)

Interested to find out which path you could follow? Whether you’re leaving school this summer or thinking of a career change in later life, here are the 7 best-paying jobs in the UK without a degree.

Personal Trainer

Average Salary in 2023: £40,041 (Source: Glassdoor and The Fitness Group)

Would you prefer to spend your spare time in the gym over studying? That’s the first clue that a career in health and fitness might be for you.

Though you get to avoid uni here, becoming a PT still requires some level of education.

In the UK, you generally need to complete a Level 3 Personal Trainer course, alongside a Level 2 Gym Instructing course. The course also needs to be approved by CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity).

The length of the course depends on which one you take, but can be completed in as little as three weeks or up to 12 weeks.

PT courses delve into the understanding of the human body, specifically exercise physiology, biomechanics, and other elements of anatomy. You’ll also learn how to design personalised exercise regimes for clients based on their fitness levels, goals and needs.

Pilot

Average Salary in 2023: £40,000 – £81,666 (Source – Glassdoor and The Pilot Guys.)

Calling all intrepid travellers, fancy getting to see the world as your job? If so, it’s time to apply to flight school.

While you don’t need a degree, a huge amount of hard work is needed before you can be trusted to take people on holiday. In the UK, aspiring pilots usually follow a similar route: getting a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), and then an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). The above requires passing theory exams, completing flight training, and getting a Class 1 medical certificate.

Many airlines have different schemes. For example, EasyJet offer a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence which gives you the ‘ins and outs of standard operating procedures’ for the airline. A lot of the training is in a simulator (which sounds SO fun), and once you graduate, you’ll be a qualified Co-Pilot with easyJet with a Type Rating.

The course takes 18-22 months and is ‘tagged.’ This means you’ll be guaranteed a Co-Pilot role on an easyJet Airbus A320.

However, you do have to dig deep financially, which is why the role of a pilot is a lucrative one. This particular EasyJet course costs around €100,529 (£84,823), so you’d best get saving. (Don’t be disheartened, as it is possible to get a loan for pilot training in the UK.)

As for British Airways, they recruit via their Pilot Pathway schemes. One of these is the Speedbird Pilot Academy Cadet programme, which provides fully-funded flight training for selected candidates. The course is full-time and takes 18-24 months. Those successful will bag a job as a British Airways Pilot.

Mortgage Advisor

Average Salary in 2023: £46,466 – £81,666 (Source – Reed)

If you fancy your feet more firmly on the ground, how about becoming a mortgage advisor?

In the UK, hopefuls must complete a CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice), a Level 3 qualification, which is the equivalent of an A-Level. It’s approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Once passed, you’ll also need to register with the FCA as an ‘approved person,’ which shows you meet its criteria for honesty, integrity, competence, and suitability.

Following this, there are multiple ways to break into the industry. Work experience via apprenticeships and trainee schemes are popular, as is employer-provided training. This is where you can earn your CeMAP on the job, as many firms offer the course as employee development.

Graphic Designer

Average Salary in 2023: £24,390 (Source – Payscale)

Are you more of the creative type? While traditionally, many graphic designers complete a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design or similar, it’s not a dealbreaker.

You can do college courses, from an A-level in Graphic Communication to a Level 2 Technical Award in Graphic Design. Or, there’s the Foundation Diploma option, where you spend a year studying art and design.

Failing that, there are so many online short courses available these days. These allow you to develop your skills – particularly on design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign – in your own time.

Once you’ve mastered the software and found your niche, it’s all about building up your portfolio. Does your friend run a business and need some logos or designs developed? Offer them your services. Or, create high-quality personal projects that showcase your talents and creativity.

Unfortunately, graphic design is a competitive industry, so you’ll also need to spend a good amount of time networking. Keep up with industry trends, connect with other designers, and attend specific networking events. The latter especially will help you scope out potential clients to offer your services as a freelancer.

Similarly, keep an eye out for salaried graphic designer vacancies.

Social Media Influencer

Average Salary in 2023: £35,144 – unlimited (Source – Glassdoor)

OK, so you can’t always guarantee this is a career. But you certainly don’t need a degree.

First, you need to find your niche. What are you passionate about? Why is your content different to other people’s? Is it authentic? Once you’ve developed your brand, the next step is posting consistent and engaging content. You’ll also need to engage in online conversations that align with your values as a way of connecting with your target audience.

Often, people grow their followers as a side hustle while working a full-time job. Which, can often seem like you’re working two full-time roles. Other times, one post can completely blow up, and you’re thrown in at the deep end.

Either way, once your followers increase and you achieve a genuinely active fan base, that’s when you’ll start to see brands reaching out to work with you.

As your online presence grows (around the 150,000 followers mark), you’ll likely receive more collaboration offers and brand deals. At this point, managing everything might feel a little overwhelming, which is where management comes in.

Many managers consider this follower amount as a good baseline to start working with an influencer.

Electrician

Average Salary in 2023: £36,000 (Source – Reed)

On the more traditional route, training to become an electrician can bring home the bacon without having to spend three years at uni.

In the UK, there are several paths you can follow. This includes an apprenticeship, a Level 2 or 3 diploma, or a Domestic Installer course. You’ll also need to obtain a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Installations.

Many professionals prefer the apprenticeship route, which combines classroom education with on-the-job training. You can also train alongside qualified electricians. Either way takes around three to four years.

Train Driver

Average Salary in 2023: £48,500 – £61,000 (Source – Reed and Glassdoor)

From planes to trains, if public transport interests you, how about driving them? Plus, what better way to experience the best of the British countryside?

According to the Government website, you can become a train driver by applying to a train operating company for a place on a Train Driver Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

It takes between one and two years, and combines classroom learning and on-the-job training.

Alternatively, you could start as a train conductor, rail passenger assistant, or revenue officer with a train company and apply for a trainee driver position once you’ve gained experience in the industry. Apparently, this is one of the most common ways people become London Underground drivers.

Were you one of those people who wanted to finish school and dive headfirst into the world of work? (Or, let’s be honest, just didn’t get the grades for higher education).

It doesn’t necessarily have to impact your earnings. Though it’s true that people who are university educated tend to earn more, it isn’t the only way to bag a successful, high-paying career.

In actual fact, there are so many jobs that don’t require a degree, but still pay the big bucks. (Disclaimer: all require hard work and dedication. Nothing is handed to us on a plate, remember.)

Interested to find out which path you could follow? Whether you’re leaving school this summer or thinking of a career change in later life, here are the 7 best-paying jobs in the UK without a degree.

Personal Trainer

Average Salary in 2023: £40,041 (Source: Glassdoor and The Fitness Group)

Would you prefer to spend your spare time in the gym over studying? That’s the first clue that a career in health and fitness might be for you.

Though you get to avoid uni here, becoming a PT still requires some level of education.

In the UK, you generally need to complete a Level 3 Personal Trainer course, alongside a Level 2 Gym Instructing course. The course also needs to be approved by CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity).

The length of the course depends on which one you take, but can be completed in as little as three weeks or up to 12 weeks.

PT courses delve into the understanding of the human body, specifically exercise physiology, biomechanics, and other elements of anatomy. You’ll also learn how to design personalised exercise regimes for clients based on their fitness levels, goals and needs.

Pilot

Average Salary in 2023: £40,000 – £81,666 (Source – Glassdoor and The Pilot Guys.)

Calling all intrepid travellers, fancy getting to see the world as your job? If so, it’s time to apply to flight school.

While you don’t need a degree, a huge amount of hard work is needed before you can be trusted to take people on holiday. In the UK, aspiring pilots usually follow a similar route: getting a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), and then an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). The above requires passing theory exams, completing flight training, and getting a Class 1 medical certificate.

Many airlines have different schemes. For example, EasyJet offer a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence which gives you the ‘ins and outs of standard operating procedures’ for the airline. A lot of the training is in a simulator (which sounds SO fun), and once you graduate, you’ll be a qualified Co-Pilot with easyJet with a Type Rating.

The course takes 18-22 months and is ‘tagged.’ This means you’ll be guaranteed a Co-Pilot role on an easyJet Airbus A320.

However, you do have to dig deep financially, which is why the role of a pilot is a lucrative one. This particular EasyJet course costs around €100,529 (£84,823), so you’d best get saving. (Don’t be disheartened, as it is possible to get a loan for pilot training in the UK.)

As for British Airways, they recruit via their Pilot Pathway schemes. One of these is the Speedbird Pilot Academy Cadet programme, which provides fully-funded flight training for selected candidates. The course is full-time and takes 18-24 months. Those successful will bag a job as a British Airways Pilot.

Mortgage Advisor

Average Salary in 2023: £46,466 – £81,666 (Source – Reed)

If you fancy your feet more firmly on the ground, how about becoming a mortgage advisor?

In the UK, hopefuls must complete a CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice), a Level 3 qualification, which is the equivalent of an A-Level. It’s approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Once passed, you’ll also need to register with the FCA as an ‘approved person,’ which shows you meet its criteria for honesty, integrity, competence, and suitability.

Following this, there are multiple ways to break into the industry. Work experience via apprenticeships and trainee schemes are popular, as is employer-provided training. This is where you can earn your CeMAP on the job, as many firms offer the course as employee development.

Graphic Designer

Average Salary in 2023: £24,390 (Source – Payscale)

Are you more of the creative type? While traditionally, many graphic designers complete a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design or similar, it’s not a dealbreaker.

You can do college courses, from an A-level in Graphic Communication to a Level 2 Technical Award in Graphic Design. Or, there’s the Foundation Diploma option, where you spend a year studying art and design.

Failing that, there are so many online short courses available these days. These allow you to develop your skills – particularly on design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign – in your own time.

Once you’ve mastered the software and found your niche, it’s all about building up your portfolio. Does your friend run a business and need some logos or designs developed? Offer them your services. Or, create high-quality personal projects that showcase your talents and creativity.

Unfortunately, graphic design is a competitive industry, so you’ll also need to spend a good amount of time networking. Keep up with industry trends, connect with other designers, and attend specific networking events. The latter especially will help you scope out potential clients to offer your services as a freelancer.

Similarly, keep an eye out for salaried graphic designer vacancies.

Social Media Influencer

Average Salary in 2023: £35,144 – unlimited (Source – Glassdoor)

OK, so you can’t always guarantee this is a career. But you certainly don’t need a degree.

First, you need to find your niche. What are you passionate about? Why is your content different to other people’s? Is it authentic? Once you’ve developed your brand, the next step is posting consistent and engaging content. You’ll also need to engage in online conversations that align with your values as a way of connecting with your target audience.

Often, people grow their followers as a side hustle while working a full-time job. Which, can often seem like you’re working two full-time roles. Other times, one post can completely blow up, and you’re thrown in at the deep end.

Either way, once your followers increase and you achieve a genuinely active fan base, that’s when you’ll start to see brands reaching out to work with you.

As your online presence grows (around the 150,000 followers mark), you’ll likely receive more collaboration offers and brand deals. At this point, managing everything might feel a little overwhelming, which is where management comes in.

Many managers consider this follower amount as a good baseline to start working with an influencer.

Electrician

Average Salary in 2023: £36,000 (Source – Reed)

On the more traditional route, training to become an electrician can bring home the bacon without having to spend three years at uni.

In the UK, there are several paths you can follow. This includes an apprenticeship, a Level 2 or 3 diploma, or a Domestic Installer course. You’ll also need to obtain a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Installations.

Many professionals prefer the apprenticeship route, which combines classroom education with on-the-job training. You can also train alongside qualified electricians. Either way takes around three to four years.

Train Driver

Average Salary in 2023: £48,500 – £61,000 (Source – Reed and Glassdoor)

From planes to trains, if public transport interests you, how about driving them? Plus, what better way to experience the best of the British countryside?

According to the Government website, you can become a train driver by applying to a train operating company for a place on a Train Driver Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

It takes between one and two years, and combines classroom learning and on-the-job training.

Alternatively, you could start as a train conductor, rail passenger assistant, or revenue officer with a train company and apply for a trainee driver position once you’ve gained experience in the industry. Apparently, this is one of the most common ways people become London Underground drivers.

High-street chain Games Workshop, which sells tabletop miniatures and wargames, gave its employees a treat last month, to the tune of £18 million.

The company – which has 1,500 staff at its Nottingham headquarters and thousands more in offices and stores around the world – handed each of them a bonus payment estimated at £6,500, citing a year of strong sales and profit growth.

‘We put people first and invest in them for the long-term,’ it said on its website. ‘Our remarkable people work hard, support one another and strive for quality above all else.’

As modern workers continue to demand more than just a salary from their bosses, an employer that sweetens the deal like this has a better chance of attracting (and keeping) talent.

So, if you’re on the job hunt right now, Metro has rounded up a selection of UK firms that share the wealth.

Greggs

Greggs is a staple part of British culture. But it’s not just iconic products that the fast-food bakery chain is known for. Among those who work – or have worked – for the company, it’s also famed for offering some pretty generous perks.

As part of its mission statement, the chain has promised to distribute 10% of its annual revenue – which amounted to £203.9 million in 2024 – among colleagues.

This meant its 33,000 employees shared a record £20.5 million bonus this year. And while everyone who had worked at the chain for at least six months was entitled to the payment, those with more than six years’ service who worked more than 20 hours a week were awarded an extra £850 extra as part of the scheme.

Additionally, Greggs increased its pension contributions to 7% in 2025, up from 6% last year.

Chief executive, Roisin Currie, said at the time: ‘Our people have worked tirelessly to deliver on our strategic ambition to further establish Greggs as a multi-channel food-to-go retailer, and I want to acknowledge their efforts.’

British Airways

Cabin crew and ground staff at British Airways were gifted a profit-sharing bonus this year, as part of the new three-year pay deal that provides a 10.5% wage increase for thousands of employees.

Alongside an immediate pay rise, the airline’s entire workforce now benefit from the scheme (previously reserved for senior managers and pilots) which includes a minimum bonus of £1,000 and a maximum of 4% of their salary, tied to BA’s annual operating margin.

In a recent ballot, this updated scheme was supported by 86% of British Airways staff.

Emirates

Just last month, Dubai-based airline Emirates – which counts 2,779 British nationals among its 120,000 employees – revealed it would be offering staff a share of its record £4.56 billion annual profit.

The initiative will see each worker get the equivalent to 22 weeks of basic salary as a bonus, marking a significant windfall for many.

It’s not the first time the carrier has been noted for its generosity either: these payouts are an ongoing thing for Emirates, which has dished out up to 24 weeks’ wages per person in previous profitable years.

Rolls-Royce

After recording profits had doubled to £1.1 billion in the first half of last year, Rolls-Royce thanked its 42,000 workers worldwide (21,000 of whom are UK-based) with the equivalent of £700 each in shares.

The engineering giant announced that each staff member would receive 150 shares, with their total value coming in at £30 million.

Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO, told employees: ‘These results have been made possible thanks to your hard work and our collective actions… It is therefore important that you share in our success.’

According to its 2024 full-year results, posted in February, the company is now due to pay out dividends of 6p per share within the coming months.

Barclays

Another employer going down the route of ‘bonus shares’ is Barclays, which awarded its 90,000 staff members a stake in the company worth around £500 back in February.

Following a rise in profits, the bank awarded 170 Barclays shares to each worker (excluding its most senior level), in an effort to ‘to thank them and better align their efforts with shareholders’ interests’.

Employees will have to retain their shares until 2026 – when the company concludes its three-year financial plan – which group chief executive CS Venkatakrishnan hopes ‘will enable all colleagues to benefit tangibly from the firm’s progress,’ during that time.

While this is a one-off move for Barclays has made such a move, it offers a range of additional incentives such as aligned employee and executive director pay, and was named in Linkedin’s top 10 UK employers for 2024.

Childbase Partnership Ltd

Childbase Partnership, which operates 44 nurseries across England – has been 100% employee-owned since 2017 — the first Early Years organisation to adopt this model in the UK.

As such, every colleague within the company is a ‘partner’ and receives an equal tax-free Dividend Payment when the business has a successful year. Past payouts have ranged from £750 to £3,000 per person, with the total split equally between staff (irrespective of job title or hierarchy) depending on the number of hours worked.

On top of this, partners who’ve worked there for over 15 years are rewarded through long-service dinners and events, bonus cash payments from £500 to £3,500, and an extra paid week of annual leave in milestone years.

Schuh

Footwear retail company Schuh has a long history of sharing profits with employees. In 2011, when Tennessee-based Genesco Inc. bought the company for £125 million, staff received a £37.3 million piece of the pie.

Then, in 2015,3,500 workers lucked out when they received profit-related bonuses totalling £25 million.

The amount each person got was dependent on their length of service and salary: for example, a full-time store manager on a wage of £34,000 received £14,000, while a sales advisor with five years of service at £14,000 a year was awarded £3,000.

While big bonuses such as the above don’t seem to have happened since, Schuh still has some attractive qualities for employees, including a free pair of shoes each year and your birthday off.

Riverford Organic Farmers

Not into corporate life but still want to own a stake in a business? Riverford Organic Farmers, an organic farm and vegetable box delivery company, has been employee-owned since June 2018.

In 2023, the company became 100% employee-owned when founder Guy Singh-Watson sold his final 23% of shares.

The company is also an Employee Trust, which means all staff (known as co-owners) receive equal benefits as well as an equal percentage ofannual profits.

This year, the Devon-based firm announced it’d be sharing a £1.3 million payout with over 1,000 staff — meaning workers would receive around £1,000 each.

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay is also offered, alongside flexible working options and a referral bonus.

John Lewis

John Lewis is perhaps the most well-known example of a 100% employee-owned company. The John Lewis Partnership means all workers are ‘Partners’ and part-owners of the business.

Previously, the John Lewis bonus scheme meant employees were equally distributed around 10% of all company profits. However, in 2025, the scheme was suspended for a third consecutive year after the business decided to invest in other areas. This is despite profits rising by 73% to £97m last year.

It’s not all doom and gloom for workers, though. Instead of the bonus, the retailer focused on increasing employee pay by 7.4%, along with redistributing earnings to make improvements to stores and supply chain.

Chairman Jason Tarry said he was ‘determined to pay a bonus’ as soon as possible, but that ‘will depend on where we are at the time.’

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