You’ve probably been told at some point that skipping university means settling for less. Maybe a careers adviser nudged you towards a degree path, or you simply assumed the best-paid jobs were behind a door only a 2:1 could open. The thing is, the data tells a very different story.
The average gross annual salary in the UK sits at £37,430, and the average salary difference between workers with a Master’s degree and those with no degree is only about 10%. When you consider that many graduates leave university with £40,000-£60,000 in debt and spend the first few years of their career earning not much more than a qualified tradesperson, the calculation starts to look very different.
This guide covers the highest paying jobs in the UK in 2026 that don’t require a degree – with real salary figures, genuine entry routes, and the honest truth about what each path involves.
Why No-Degree Careers Are More Valuable Than Ever in 2026
The UK job market has shifted significantly. Skills shortages in trades, transport, technology, and energy are pushing salaries up for people with practical expertise. Employers increasingly care about what you can do, not where you studied.
In England, every 1 in 8 people is working a high-paying job without a degree. And with the cost of an undergraduate degree now running to tens of thousands of pounds, the financial case for skipping university and going straight into a well-paid career is stronger than it’s ever been.
The key is knowing which paths offer the best combination of salary, job security, and genuine progression – and that’s exactly what this guide is here to help you find.
The Highest Paying Jobs in the UK in 2026 (No Degree Required)
1. Air Traffic Controller – Up to £100,000+
This is the big one. Qualified air traffic controllers at busy units like Swanwick Centre or Heathrow Tower can earn from £100,000 a year inclusive of shift pay. Even newly qualified controllers earn between £48,000 and £54,000.
The route in is through the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) training scheme. Trainees earn a basic salary of £22,375 while at college and receive accommodation support; after completing basic training (around 12-15 months), this rises to £36,000.
You’ll need strong spatial awareness, excellent concentration, and the ability to stay calm under real pressure. No degree required – just the aptitude, the right personality, and the determination to get through a demanding training programme.
How to get started: Apply directly to NATS when recruitment opens. Competition is fierce, so practise aptitude tests early and research the role thoroughly before applying.
2. Train Driver – Average £48,500, Up to £65,000+
Train driving has become one of the most searched no-degree careers in the UK for good reason. The average train driver salary in the UK is £48,500 per year, with starting salaries around £30,000 and the highest salaries often exceeding £65,000.
London is particularly lucrative. The average train driver salary in London is £58,795, with experienced professionals regularly exceeding £69,000.
You enter through trainee driver schemes run by individual rail operators such as TfL, LNER, Avanti, or Scotrail. Training is fully paid and typically takes 12-18 months. You’ll need to pass psychometric tests, medical assessments, and a colour vision test.
Browse Transport and Logistics jobs on UKJobsAlert to find current train operator vacancies and trainee driver applications.
3. Offshore Energy Worker – £40,000 to £90,000+
The UK’s offshore oil, gas, and growing wind energy sectors offer some of the most competitive salaries available to people without degrees. Entry-level offshore roles typically start at £40,000-£45,000, with experienced or specialist roles earning £90,000 or more.
The work involves living on offshore platforms for rotational shifts (typically two weeks on, two weeks off), which suits some people brilliantly and others not at all. Roles span drilling operations, electrical engineering, rigging, safety management, and maintenance.
Entry routes include vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, and industry training such as the OPITO BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) certification. Many people start in related onshore roles first and transition offshore.
4. Electrician – £35,000 to £65,000+
Electricians are in serious demand across the UK and the shortage shows no sign of easing. The push towards electric vehicles, heat pumps, solar panels, and smart home systems means the country needs vastly more qualified electrical workers than it currently has.
Qualification is through a Level 3 Electrical Installation apprenticeship or an NVQ route, typically taking 3-4 years. Once qualified and experienced, particularly as a self-employed contractor, earnings of £50,000-£65,000 are very achievable. Senior electricians in commercial or industrial settings can earn more.
This is one of those careers where skills genuinely compound over time – every job adds to your experience and your rates.
Find Electrician and Construction & Trades vacancies on UKJobsAlert.
5. Sales Manager – £40,000 to £75,000+
Sales management is one of the clearest paths to a six-figure income without any formal academic qualifications. In sectors like technology, financial services, or industrial supply, senior sales managers with a strong track record regularly earn £70,000-£80,000 or more when base salary and commission are combined.
The route in is usually starting as a sales executive or business development representative and building a track record. No degree required – employers care about your numbers, your drive, and your ability to build relationships.
This is a meritocracy more than almost any other profession. If you can sell, you will earn well.
6. Network Engineer (IT) – £35,000 to £55,000+
Network engineers design and manage the systems that keep people and businesses connected. The average salary is around £39,000, with starting salaries of £31,000 and experienced professionals earning up to £50,000 or more.
The no-degree entry route runs through industry certifications. Cisco’s CCNA qualification teaches you how to build and manage network systems, while CompTIA Network+ helps you establish, maintain, troubleshoot, and secure networks. Both can be self-studied and completed within months for a few hundred pounds.
IT is arguably the fastest route from no qualifications to a well-paid, globally in-demand career. Bootcamps, online courses, and certifications have replaced degrees as the currency employers actually care about.
7. Cyber Security Analyst – £35,000 to £70,000+
Cyber security is one of the most acute skills shortages in the entire UK economy. Organisations across finance, healthcare, government, and retail are desperately hiring people who can protect their systems – and they often can’t find enough.
Entry without a degree typically involves CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+, or vendor-specific certifications from Microsoft or Cisco. Some analysts also complete bootcamps or apprenticeships. Once you’ve got a couple of years of experience in a Security Operations Centre (SOC) analyst role, progression into higher-earning positions is fast.
8. Plumber or Heating Engineer – £35,000 to £60,000+
Like electricians, experienced plumbers – particularly those qualified in gas work (Gas Safe registered) and renewable heating systems like heat pumps – are increasingly well-compensated. The heat pump installation market is growing fast as the UK pushes towards net zero, creating new earning opportunities for heating engineers willing to upskill.
Qualification routes include apprenticeships and NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Plumbing and Heating. Self-employed plumbers in London and the South East regularly take home £55,000-£65,000.
9. Estate Agent / Property Professional – £25,000 to £80,000+
Estate agency is one of the classic no-degree, high-earning careers in the UK. While entry-level negotiator roles start modestly, successful property professionals who build a reputation and move into management or specialist commercial property can earn very well indeed.
Progression is typically from negotiator to senior negotiator to branch manager, with significant commission at each stage. There are professional qualifications available through ARLA Propertymark and NAEA Propertymark, but none are legally required to work in the industry.
10. Personal Trainer / Fitness Professional – £25,000 to £60,000+
Self-employed personal trainers with a strong client base and smart business approach can earn very well. The salary range for personal trainers in the UK is £20,000 to £60,000, with the higher end reflecting trainers who combine one-to-one sessions with online coaching, group fitness, and fitness content.
Qualification is through a Level 2 Gym Instructor Award followed by a Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma, typically completable in 3-6 months. This is one of the lower barriers to entry on this list – but earnings are also more variable, and building a client base takes time and hustle.
Salary Comparison Table
| Career | Entry Salary | Average Salary | Experienced/Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller | £36,000 | £48,000-£54,000 | £100,000+ |
| Train Driver | £30,000 | £48,500 | £65,000+ |
| Offshore Energy Worker | £40,000 | £55,000-£65,000 | £90,000+ |
| Electrician | £25,000 | £38,000-£48,000 | £65,000+ |
| Sales Manager | £28,000 | £45,000-£55,000 | £75,000+ |
| Network Engineer | £31,000 | £39,000-£45,000 | £55,000+ |
| Cyber Security Analyst | £28,000 | £38,000-£50,000 | £70,000+ |
| Plumber/Heating Engineer | £22,000 | £35,000-£45,000 | £60,000+ |
| Estate Agent (Senior) | £20,000 | £35,000-£45,000 | £80,000+ |
| Personal Trainer | £18,000 | £28,000-£40,000 | £60,000+ |
Sources: Reed Salary Guide 2025/26, Glassdoor, National Careers Service, NATS, Check-a-Salary
How to Get Into These Careers: Your Route Map
Trades (Electrician, Plumber) The most straightforward path is a Level 3 apprenticeship through an employer, usually taking 3-4 years with a wage from day one. Alternatively, full-time college courses followed by NVQ assessments in the workplace work well for people who want a faster track. Look at City & Guilds, NICEIC, and JIB (Joint Industry Board) for relevant qualifications.
Transport (Train Driver, Air Traffic Controller) Both require direct applications to the relevant employers or schemes. For train driving, monitor all UK rail operators for trainee intake windows – they don’t open constantly. For ATC, visit the NATS website and be ready for a rigorous assessment process.
Technology (Network Engineer, Cyber Security) Start with CompTIA A+ for a foundation, then specialise into either networking (Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+) or security (CompTIA Security+). Self-study via platforms like TryHackMe, Udemy, or Coursera can get you to certification level for under £500. Many people land their first tech role within 12-18 months of starting from scratch.
Sales You literally just apply for a junior sales role and start building your track record. Entry-level business development representative (BDR) positions often ask only for a good attitude, clear communication, and resilience. The rest – the earnings, the progression – comes from performance.
Check our Career Advice articles on UKJobsAlert for more guidance on CVs, interviews, and career change strategies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming trades are a fallback option. The UK faces a serious skills shortage in the trades. Electricians, plumbers, and heating engineers are not settling – they’re making deliberate, smart career choices. Apprentices earn a salary from day one and graduate with no debt, while university leavers often start their careers with tens of thousands of pounds to repay.
Chasing the title, not the trajectory. A £24,000 sales executive job with uncapped commission and rapid progression to management will likely earn you more over five years than a £32,000 corporate admin role with a set pay scale.
Ignoring regional variation. Train driver salaries in London are around 20% higher than the national average. Offshore work is concentrated in Aberdeen and the northeast of England. Electricians in the South East command higher rates. Location matters.
Underestimating certification costs and timelines. IT certifications are cheap and fast compared to a degree. Trades apprenticeships take longer but you’re earning throughout. Factor in the real-world economics before deciding.
Waiting for the “perfect” moment to start. The best time to begin an electrician apprenticeship, apply to a NATS scheme, or start studying for CompTIA is today. These paths reward early starters and penalise procrastination.
Quick Win Action Plan: What to Do This Week
If you’re drawn to trades: Apply to three electrical or plumbing contractors in your area asking about Level 3 apprenticeship opportunities. Check the government’s Find an Apprenticeship service at gov.uk.
If tech interests you: Sign up for a free trial on TryHackMe (cyber security) or complete the free Google IT Support Certificate on Coursera to test whether IT is genuinely right for you.
If you want to drive trains: Follow all the major UK rail operators on LinkedIn and set up job alerts – trainee driver intakes are competitive and move quickly.
If you’re thinking about sales: Update your CV today, highlight any customer-facing experience you have, and apply for three junior sales roles this week. You’ll be surprised how quickly a good interview converts.
Set up job alerts for any of these categories on UKJobsAlert and you’ll hear about relevant vacancies as soon as they’re posted.
What This Looks Like in Practice
Tom left sixth form in Leeds without going to university and started a Level 3 electrical apprenticeship at 18. Four years later, qualified and Gas Safe registered, he earned £38,000 employed. At 25, he went self-employed. He now earns over £55,000 and is upskilling in heat pump installations to capitalise on the renewable heating boom.
Priya spent five years working in retail management. At 27, she spent six months studying for her CompTIA Security+ certification in the evenings while working. She landed a junior SOC analyst role at £32,000, moved to a mid-level cyber analyst post within 18 months at £46,000, and is now a senior analyst at £62,000 at 31.
Neither has a degree. Both earn well above the UK median. Both made deliberate choices, invested time in a focused way, and reaped the results.
5. FAQs
Q: What is the highest paying job in the UK without a degree? A: Air traffic controllers at major hubs like Heathrow or the NATS Swanwick Centre are among the highest earners without a degree, with experienced controllers earning over £100,000 per year inclusive of shift allowances. Train drivers, offshore energy workers, and experienced sales managers in technology or financial services also regularly earn £65,000-£90,000 without holding a university degree.
Q: Can you earn over £50,000 without a degree in the UK? A: Yes, many careers offer £50,000+ without a degree. Train drivers average £48,500 nationally and significantly more in London. Experienced electricians, plumbers, offshore workers, sales managers, and IT professionals regularly exceed £50,000. Air traffic controllers frequently earn over £80,000-£100,000. The key is choosing a high-demand sector and investing in recognised qualifications or training schemes.
Q: What are the best no-degree jobs for school leavers in 2026? A: The best entry points for school leavers are electrical or plumbing apprenticeships (which pay from day one and lead to strong long-term earnings), IT certifications (fast, affordable, and in high demand), and entry-level sales roles (low barriers, merit-based progression). Train driver and air traffic controller trainee schemes are also worth targeting, though these are competitive.
Q: Are trades still worth it in 2026? A: More than ever. The UK faces a critical shortage of qualified electricians, plumbers, and heating engineers, which is pushing wages up. The government’s net zero commitments mean demand for heat pump engineers and solar installers is growing fast. Experienced tradespeople, especially the self-employed, regularly earn £50,000-£65,000 and beyond.
Q: How do I get into IT without a degree in the UK? A: Start with entry-level certifications like CompTIA A+, then specialise into networking (Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+) or cyber security (CompTIA Security+, TryHackMe pathways). Use online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or free resources at Cybrary and TryHackMe. Many people land their first IT role within 12-18 months of beginning. Apprenticeships in IT support and cyber security are also widely available through the government’s Find an Apprenticeship service.
Q: Is a degree really necessary for high earnings in the UK? A: Not at all. The salary premium for having a degree over no degree has narrowed significantly. Many of the UK’s highest-paid no-degree workers in trades, technology, transport, and energy earn more than the average graduate – and they did so without accumulating student debt. The critical factor is choosing a high-demand, skills-based career and investing in the relevant qualifications or training.
Q: What jobs pay well with no experience and no degree? A: Entry-level positions in IT support, sales, and logistics management can be entered with no prior experience and offer decent starting salaries with strong upward progression. Apprenticeships in the trades also offer paid entry from day one. As you build experience, earnings rise substantially.
Q: Where can I find jobs in these careers in the UK? A: UKJobsAlert lists vacancies across all major no-degree career categories including Construction & Trades, IT & Technology, Transport & Logistics, Retail & Sales, and Engineering. You can set up job alerts to be notified of new vacancies as they’re posted. Government apprenticeship listings are available at gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.