What is the highest paying job without a degree?

Air traffic controller (£40k–£100k+ after training), commercial pilot, train driver (£50k–£70k once qualified), oil and gas technician, software engineer (degree apprenticeship route), and electrician/plumber running their own business all routinely earn £50k+ without a university degree.

What apprenticeships pay the most?

Degree apprenticeships at large engineering, finance and tech employers (PwC, Deloitte, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, JLR, BT, Lloyds) typically pay £20k–£28k in year one and £35k–£50k on completion. Nuclear, oil and gas, and rail apprenticeships are often at the top end.

Can you earn six figures without a degree?

Yes, in several routes: experienced trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) with their own business, senior software roles after a degree apprenticeship, commercial pilots, train drivers in London, offshore oil/gas, niche engineering, and successful self-employment (e.g. specialist contractors). It takes 5–10 years of focused experience.

Are trades still well paid?

Very. Qualified electricians, plumbers, gas engineers and HVAC technicians regularly earn £35k–£60k as employees and £60k–£100k+ self-employed. Demand outstrips supply, especially in London and the South-East, and renewables/heat-pump work is growing fast.

What jobs pay the most for school leavers?

First-year pay leaders: degree apprenticeships at big finance/engineering firms (£22k–£28k), military officer cadet schemes (£20k–£32k), nuclear and rail apprenticeships (£18k–£24k), and London Underground driver routes (after probation). All come with training and a clear pay progression.

Is university still worth it for higher pay?

It depends on the degree and what you do with it. Medicine, dentistry, law, engineering and computer science degrees from strong universities still pay well long-term. For most other paths, a degree apprenticeship gets you the same earning power without the £40k+ debt.

UK salary guide, 2026

Well-paid jobs without a degree

Real UK careers paying £35k–£100k+ that don't need a university degree. Salary ranges, entry routes and live apprenticeships you can actually apply for.

Browse live roles See top apprenticeships

Top-paying routes

Air traffic controller

£40k £100k+

NATS apprenticeship + on-the-job training. Highly competitive entry.

Train driver

£50k £70k

Apprenticeships and trainee schemes from 18. London Underground at the top end.

Electrician (self-employed)

£35k £80k+

Level 3 electrical installation apprenticeship JIB-graded start your own business.

Software engineer

£28k £80k+

Degree apprenticeship at a major tech, finance or consulting firm.

HVAC / heat pump engineer

£32k £60k+

Plumbing + gas + low-carbon heating qualifications. Booming demand from net-zero.

Quantity surveyor

£28k £65k+

Degree apprenticeship (RICS accredited) or HNC route via a construction employer.

Salary ranges are typical UK 2024–2026 employer data. Top-end figures reflect 5–10 years' experience or self-employment.

FAQs

What is the highest paying job without a degree?: Air traffic controller (£40k–£100k+ after training), commercial pilot, train driver (£50k–£70k once qualified), oil and gas technician, software engineer (degree apprenticeship route), and electrician/plumber running their own business all routinely earn £50k+ without a university degree.
What apprenticeships pay the most?: Degree apprenticeships at large engineering, finance and tech employers (PwC, Deloitte, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, JLR, BT, Lloyds) typically pay £20k–£28k in year one and £35k–£50k on completion. Nuclear, oil and gas, and rail apprenticeships are often at the top end. See apprentice pay by sector and the 2026 minimum
Can you earn six figures without a degree?: Yes, in several routes: experienced trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) with their own business, senior software roles after a degree apprenticeship, commercial pilots, train drivers in London, offshore oil/gas, niche engineering, and successful self-employment (e.g. specialist contractors). It takes 5–10 years of focused experience.
Are trades still well paid?: Very. Qualified electricians, plumbers, gas engineers and HVAC technicians regularly earn £35k–£60k as employees and £60k–£100k+ self-employed. Demand outstrips supply, especially in London and the South-East, and renewables/heat-pump work is growing fast.
What jobs pay the most for school leavers?: First-year pay leaders: degree apprenticeships at big finance/engineering firms (£22k–£28k), military officer cadet schemes (£20k–£32k), nuclear and rail apprenticeships (£18k–£24k), and London Underground driver routes (after probation). All come with training and a clear pay progression.
Is university still worth it for higher pay?: It depends on the degree and what you do with it. Medicine, dentistry, law, engineering and computer science degrees from strong universities still pay well long-term. For most other paths, a degree apprenticeship gets you the same earning power without the £40k+ debt.

Find the highest-paying path for you

The free quiz matches your strengths to well-paid UK careers, and the live apprenticeships that get you there.

What are the best-paid UK jobs you can get without a degree?

Well-paid UK careers you can enter without a degree include electricians, gas and heating engineers, HGV drivers, air traffic and rail roles, nuclear and energy technicians, software developers, cyber security analysts, quantity surveyors and site managers. Most are reached through a Level 3 apprenticeship, then a higher or degree apprenticeship paid for by the employer.

Last reviewed 9 September 2026 by the Shine careers team.

Part of Shine's apprenticeship guide series, plain-English answers, updated regularly.