Have you ever considered what the highest-paying jobs in the country are?
Are you interested in learning how to secure one of these positions? Well, based on a recent survey conducted by The Office of National Statistics (ONS), we can now identify the top 5 professions with the highest earners in the UK. Here’s a brief overview of these high-paying jobs and the potential paths to entering them:
- Brokers: The highest earners in the UK are brokers, which includes stockbrokers, stock exchange traders, foreign exchange dealers, and insurance brokers, with an average income of £133,868. Their salaries have increased by 6.2% in the past year, though the Wealth Management Association did not provide a specific reason for this raise. While there are no formal academic requirements to become a broker, many companies prefer candidates with a degree or equivalent qualification.
- CEOs: This category encompasses chief executive officers, chief medical officers, vice presidents, and government officials (grade 5 or above), who earn an average salary of £123,577, with some individuals making up to £142,686 annually. To justify such high earnings, CEOs must demonstrate exceptional performance in their roles and meet the standard qualifications expected for the position, including relevant experience, a strong track record of sound business decisions, and the possibility of holding an MBA or financial qualifications.
- Marketing Directors: Marketing directors and sales directors earn an average of £87,890, which has seen a slight decrease of 2.5% due to efficiency cuts. However, individuals in these roles can earn up to £110,010 after obtaining a degree, gaining a year’s experience as a marketing or project lead, and possibly obtaining a qualification from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
- Airplane Pilots: This category includes various aviation jobs, such as airline first officers, flight engineers, flight instructors, and helicopter pilots. Their average salary is £86,915, ranging from £68,354 to £89,928 annually, with a slight decrease due to the rise of budget airlines and lower wages. To pursue these careers, one needs to have good GCSEs in math, English, science, and a second language, along with at least two A-levels. Additionally, candidates must possess a Class 1 medical certificate, a private pilot license with 170 flight hours, a commercial pilot license (often costing over £100,000 and taking two years to obtain), and accumulate 1,500 flight hours to fully qualify as a commercial pilot.
- Financial Managers and Directors: Financial managers and directors represent a wholly different category of high earners, potentially making up to £104,849 before taxes. Their salaries have increased by £2.4 over the past year, reflecting concerns among business owners in the pre-Brexit era. Companies are now seeking highly skilled professionals who can not only manage finances but also identify risks and opportunities. To enter these roles, candidates should hold a relevant degree and a recognized accounting or corporate finance qualification from a professional body, such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales or the ACCA