The high-paying jobs that DON’T require a degree – earn up to £56k a year
STUDENTS across the country nervously awaiting their A-level results this week can still get a well-paid job even if they don't end up getting into university.
New research from job site Indeed has found 10 roles you don’t need a university degree for that pay more than the average UK annual salary of £27,600.
The top-paying of these is a career as an ethical hacker, which can net you nearly £60,000 a year on average.
Also known as a "penetration tester" – an ethical hacker tests the safety of businesses’ IT systems.
Other careers for non-graduates among the top 10 best-paying include an aviation pilot, a head chef and a mechanic.
Outside of Indeed's data, top paying jobs include being a train driver, where you can earn an average of £47,705 a year.
But before you get too excited about the thought of no more studying, bear in mind that that annual earnings for graduates is higher than for non-graduates.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the annual income for graduates in 2017 (the latest data available) increased at a fast pace as they became older and more experienced in the workplace, before levelling out around the age of 39 at an average of £35,000.
In contrast, annual earnings for those educated to an A* to C grade GCSE standard increased at a more moderate pace and levelled out at around the age of 30 at an average of £19,000.
The top 10 best paid jobs you don't need a degree for
Top jobs you don't need to have gone to university for to nab.
- Ethical hacker - £57,099
Also known as a ‘penetration tester’ – an ethical hacker tests the safety of businesses’ IT systems.
- Construction manager - £54,950
A construction manager oversees as range of operations on a building project.
- Software engineer - £40,102
Software engineers design, maintain and test computer software.
- Maintenance manager - £39,002
This is a varied role, which typically involves managing teams within the manufacturing and engineering industries.
- Sales manager - £37,942
Sales managers need to be able to sell anything from cars and phones to consumers and businesses alike.
- Executive assistant - £35,580
In this role you can work across a number of different industries providing administrative support.
- Pilot - £33,716
You may be surprised at the salary for airline pilots, however, Indeed explains that it’s typically only entry-level pilot jobs that are listed on the site. More experienced pilots tend to be head-hunted by recruiters.
- Fitness manager - £32,670
Roles as a fitness manager can vary from being based within a gym after working your way up from being a personal trainer to working with councils to improve the health and fitness in the area.
- Head chef - £30,982
A head chef can work anywhere from pubs to restaurants to hotels. Their role includes designing menus and cooking dishes.
- Mechanic - £28,285
As a mechanic, you need to be comfortable getting your hands oily under the bonnet of a vehicle.
Bill Richards, UK managing director of Indeed, said: “While having a degree typically increases your long-term earning potential, the cost of gaining one is substantial.
"As a result, many school-leavers will be asking themselves whether the sums of doing a degree add up.”
If you're an A-level student, The Sun has rounded-up everything you need to know on when A-level results day is, what the grade boundaries are, and how Ucas clearing works.
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