🍄5 High-Paying UK Jobs That Don't Need a Degree

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Personal Trainer

Average Salary : £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. 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).

Take the bite out of rising vet costs with pet insurance

Veterinarians across the country have reported pressure from corporate managers to prioritize profit. This incentivized higher patient turnover, increased testing, and upselling services. Pet insurance could help you offset some of these rising costs, with some providing up to 90% reimbursement.

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Graphic Designer

Average Salary : £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.

Social Media Influencer

Average Salary : £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.

Electrician

Average Salary : £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 : £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.