Thousands of students are receiving their A-Level results today, with a record number accepted into university or college. UCAS reports that 262,820 students are entering higher education. However, university is not the only route to a well-paid career.
Estate Agent Leads the List
Jobs site Indeed has revealed the top-paying careers that can earn almost £50,000 a year without a degree. Estate agent tops the list with an average pay of £49,694. However, an estate agent's salary typically combines a base income with sales bonuses or commission, so it can vary depending on house sales.
A total of 228,990 UK 18-year-olds have been accepted at their first university or college choice.
Other High-Paying Roles
Indeed says the average salary for a sales manager is £45,058 a year, while a computer games tester can expect typical annual pay of £44,668. These roles may not require a degree, but they likely require other forms of training or upskilling.
These salaries are for candidates with experience and knowledge of the role, so starting pay in these industries will be lower. Job seekers should read each job description carefully to check required skills and experience.
Employers Value Skills Over Qualifications
Indeed's latest data shows graduate job postings are down around 7% year on year, at their lowest level for this point in the year since 2020. Summer job postings are at a four-year low.
Matt Price, Senior Director at Indeed, said: "You don't necessarily need a degree to impress an employer. Focus on the skills you've built through previous jobs, apprenticeships, volunteering or even personal projects.
"Think about real examples that show how you've solved problems, worked as part of a team or dealt with customers, as these can be just as valuable as formal qualifications.
"More employers are looking beyond qualifications and placing greater value on practical skills and potential - they want to know what you can bring to the job, regardless of how you got there."
Average Salaries for Top Roles
- Estate agent - £49,694 per year
- Sales manager - £45,058 per year
- Computer games tester - £44,668 per year
- Plumber - £36,478 per year
- Prison officer - £34,980 per year
- Builder - £34,380 per year
- Firefighter - £32,220 per year
- Recruitment consultant - £29,588 per year
- IT technician - £28,749 per year
- Flight attendant - £25,420 per year
