Top 20 Highest Paying Jobs UK 2025

The UK job market in 2025 is evolving faster than ever, with technology, healthcare, and finance leading the charge in creating high-paying opportunities. For professionals seeking rewarding careers, the big question remains: which jobs offer the highest salaries in the UK?

With rising living costs and global competition, high-paying jobs are no longer just about prestige—they’re about financial security and long-term stability. Whether you’re a student planning your career, a professional looking to pivot, or simply curious about salary trends, knowing the highest-paying jobs in the UK is crucial.

This article dives deep into the Top 20 Highest Paying Jobs in the UK for 2025, with salaries reaching up to £200K per year. We’ll also explore the trending 20 jobs that are set to dominate the future job market in the UK.

Top 20 Highest Paying Jobs in the UK

Let’s get into the details of the careers that dominate the top of the salary charts in the UK. Each of these roles offers not only financial rewards but also career stability and growth opportunities.

1. Investment Banker

Average Salary: £55,000 – £1,50,000+

Investment banking has always been synonymous with high salaries, and in 2025, it remains one of the most lucrative careers in the UK. Investment bankers work with corporations, governments, and private clients to raise capital, manage assets, and advise on mergers and acquisitions.

On average, investment bankers in London earn between £55K and £150K+ annually, with bonuses often doubling their base salary. The high stress, long hours, and fast-paced environment are balanced by the opportunity to earn life-changing sums of money.

For those with strong analytical skills, financial expertise, and a tolerance for high-pressure work, this career continues to be one of the best-paying in the UK.

2. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Average Salary: £72,292 – £6,00,000+

A CEO holds the top executive position in any company, responsible for making high-level decisions, managing strategies, and ensuring profitability. Their compensation reflects the immense demands and responsibilities of the role.

According to Glassdoor UK data as of September 2025, the average base salary for CEOs in the UK is approximately £160,321 per year, with total pay ranging from about £103,346 (25th percentile) up to £253,533 (75th percentile).
Payscale reports a lower average base salary of around £72,292, though this figure doesn’t include bonuses and other compensation, which can be significant.
In London specifically, CEO compensation is notably higher. Economic Research Institute (ERI) estimates that CEOs in London earn an average base pay of about £387,363, with total pay—when bonuses of approximately £282,736 are included—bringing the sum to well over £600,000 annually

For CEOs in the largest publicly listed companies (FTSE 100), compensation reaches even more extraordinary levels. The median pay among FTSE 100 CEOs in 2024 was around £4.58 million, with some individuals like AstraZeneca’s CEO earning in the range of £14.7 million

“According to Forbes, It is perhaps unsurprising that the highest paid workers in the UK include pilots, finance and IT directors, chief executives and other senior directors and leaders.”

3. Medical Consultant

Average Salary: £93,666 – £2,00,000

Medical consultants are senior doctors who specialize in fields such as cardiology, oncology, or neurology. Their years of training and expertise make them among the highest earners in healthcare.

According to NHS data, consultants in the UK earn between £93,666 and £126,281 annually, depending on seniority and years of experience.
Those working in private practice often supplement their NHS salary, pushing total annual earnings up to £150,000–£200,000.

Summary:
In 2025, a UK medical consultant can expect a salary range of £94K–£200K, depending on specialization and whether they practice privately alongside NHS commitments.

4. Lawyer / Barrister

Average Salary: £68,700 – £1,50,000

Law remains one of the most prestigious and high-paying professions in the UK. Barristers and corporate lawyers, in particular, enjoy lucrative salaries, especially if they practice in London.

The average lawyer salary in the UK is £68,700 per year, with typical ranges between £37,300 and £145,000, according to Check-a-Salary UK.
Barristers, particularly those with established practices, earn much more. Newly qualified barristers may start at £20K–£50K, while experienced ones in commercial or corporate law can exceed £200K annually.

Summary:
In 2025, lawyers in the UK typically earn £68K–£150K, while senior barristers in commercial law or corporate litigation can reach £200K+ annually.

5. IT Director

Average Salary: £95,000 – £1,60,000

Technology is the backbone of modern business, and IT directors are the leaders who ensure systems, networks, and digital strategies run smoothly. With technology at the core of modern business, IT directors are among the best-paid corporate leaders.

According to Glassdoor UK, the average IT Director salary is £122,000 annually, with most earning between £95,000 and £160,000.
London-based IT directors or those in global corporations can earn significantly more, with total pay packages including bonuses exceeding £180K–£200K.

Summary:
In 2025, IT Directors in the UK earn £95K–£160K, with London executives reaching £200K+ depending on company size and performance bonuses.

6. Data Scientist

Average Salary: £62,000 – £1,50,000

Data is the new oil, and data scientists are the ones who refine it into valuable insights. In 2025, the UK job market has placed data science at the heart of industries ranging from finance to healthcare. A skilled data scientist can analyze huge datasets, build predictive models, and help businesses make data-driven decisions.

Glassdoor UK reports that the average data scientist salary is £62,000, with entry-level roles starting around £45K and senior professionals earning up to £95K.
In specialized sectors such as finance and fintech, data scientists can earn over £120K–£150K, particularly in London.

Summary:
In 2025, UK data scientists typically earn £62K–£95K, with elite professionals in finance or AI-focused companies reaching £150K+.

If you have strong skills in mathematics, statistics, and programming (particularly Python, R, or SQL), then data science remains one of the most rewarding careers available.

7. Airline Pilot

Average Salary: £62,000 – £1,50,000

Becoming an airline pilot has long been a dream job for many, and in 2025, it remains one of the highest-paying roles in the UK. Pilots don’t just get to travel the world—they also earn impressive salaries that reflect their responsibility for passenger safety and flight operations.

Airline pilots enjoy one of the most glamorous—and well-paid—careers in aviation.

According to Glassdoor UK, the average airline pilot salary is £88,000 annually, with ranges between £65,000 and £130,000 depending on experience and airline.
Senior captains at major airlines like British Airways can earn between £150K and £200K including allowances and flight bonuses.

Summary:
In 2025, airline pilots in the UK earn £88K–£130K, while senior captains at international carriers can reach £200K+. The role also comes with additional perks like travel benefits, strong union support, and an exciting lifestyle that few careers can match.

“According to StandOut CV, Aircraft Pilots are currently the highest paid workers in the UK, according to ONS data when ordered by average annual full-time salary. For a new starter in this field, it would take just under 17 years... to make the £92,330 average salary from the ONS.”

8. Engineering Manager

Average Salary: £78,000 – £1,40,000

Engineering managers play a vital role in overseeing large teams of engineers and ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the highest standards. In 2025, their salaries reflect the technical and leadership skills required for this position. According to Glassdoor UK, the average engineering manager earns about £78,000 per year, but salaries in specialist industries such as aerospace, energy, and oil & gas can rise significantly higher—often into the £100K to £140K range. Senior managers overseeing major infrastructure or renewable energy projects may even exceed this, particularly in London and the Southeast where demand for skilled professionals is greatest.

9. Marketing Director

Average Salary: £82,000 – £1,45,000

Marketing directors are responsible for driving brand strategies, advertising campaigns, and customer engagement in a competitive business environment. As companies compete for consumer attention, skilled marketing professionals are highly valued. Marketing directors shape branding, digital campaigns, and consumer engagement, making them key players in competitive markets.

The average UK marketing director salary is £101,000 per year, with a range of £82,000 to £145,000, according to Glassdoor.
Directors at global companies or luxury brands often earn bonuses, lifting total pay packages above £160K–£180K.

Summary:
Marketing directors in 2025 typically earn £82K–£145K, with senior London roles surpassing £180K

10. Finance Director

Average Salary: £90,000 – £1,55,000

Finance directors oversee all financial aspects of a company, including budgeting, forecasting, investments, and compliance. They are often second in command to the CEO when it comes to business decision-making.

Glassdoor UK shows the average Finance Director salary at £117,000 annually, with a common range of £90,000 to £155,000.
In multinational corporations, senior finance directors with bonus packages can earn £180K–£200K.

Professionals with strong accounting backgrounds, ACCA or ACA qualifications, and years of financial management experience are most likely to secure these high-paying roles.

Summary:
Finance directors in the UK earn £90K–£155K, with top-level roles in large companies exceeding £200K.

11. Orthodontist

Average Salary: £93,000 – £1,26,000

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and correct irregularities in teeth and jaw alignment. In the UK, their expertise is highly valued, particularly as cosmetic dentistry grows in popularity. Braces, Invisalign, and corrective treatments are in high demand, leading to high-paying opportunities.

According to the British Orthodontic Society, orthodontists in the UK earn an average salary of £97,000 to £180,000 per year, depending on experience and private practice.
NHS-employed orthodontists earn between £93,666 and £126,281, while private practitioners often earn well above £150K annually.

The role requires years of education, including a dentistry degree followed by specialist orthodontic training. However, the financial rewards, job stability, and growing demand for cosmetic treatments make orthodontics one of the top medical professions in terms of salary and prestige

Summary:
Orthodontists in 2025 earn £93K–£126K in the NHS, and £150K–£180K+ in private practice.

12. Commercial Pilot

Average Salary: £55,000 – £1,80,000

Similar to airline pilots, commercial pilots (flying cargo planes, charter flights, and private jets) also earn lucrative salaries. With e-commerce booming and private aviation expanding, commercial pilots are enjoying increased demand.

Glassdoor UK lists the average salary for a commercial pilot at £76,000 annually, with a range of £55,000 to £120,000.
Senior pilots in private aviation or long-haul cargo can earn £130K–£160K, with elite captains exceeding £180K.

While training costs remain high, the return on investment is significant, particularly for those who work their way into international airlines or specialized aviation fields.

Summary:
In 2025, UK commercial pilots earn £55K–£120K, while experienced captains in private or international aviation reach £160K–£180K+.

13. Project Manager (Construction & Tech)

Average Salary: £48,000 – £85,000

Project managers ensure that large-scale projects are completed efficiently, on time, and within budget. They are particularly in demand in two sectors: construction (infrastructure, housing, commercial buildings) and technology (software development, IT systems, AI implementation).

According to Glassdoor UK, the average project manager salary is £63,000 per year, with most earning between £48,000 and £85,000.
Senior project managers in construction or IT firms can reach £100K–£120K, with directors of major projects exceeding £140K annually.

Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential for success in this role, making it one of the most lucrative non-technical jobs in the UK.

Summary:
In 2025, UK project managers earn £48K–£85K on average, while senior-level professionals in large-scale construction and technology projects can earn £120K–£140K.

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14. Management Consultant

Average Salary: £49,000 – £96,000

Management consultants help businesses improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize profitability. Their expertise is highly sought after, particularly in London.

According to Glassdoor UK, the average management consultant salary is £68,000 annually, with a range of £49,000 to £96,000.
Consultants at top firms (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) earn significantly more, with total packages exceeding £120K–£160K, and partners often crossing £200K.

Summary:
In 2025, management consultants in the UK earn £49K–£96K, while elite consultants in global firms earn £160K+, with partners reaching multimillion-pound compensation.

15. Cybersecurity Specialist

Average Salary: £55,000 – £1,50,000

As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, businesses are investing heavily in protecting their digital assets. Cybersecurity specialists are at the frontline of this battle, making their skills both critical and highly paid.

The average cybersecurity salary in the UK is £72,500 per year, with most professionals earning between £55,000 and £100,000, according to Glassdoor.
Senior cybersecurity consultants, ethical hackers, and CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers) earn upwards of £120K–£150K, particularly in finance and defense sectors.

This career doesn’t require as many years of formal education as medicine or law, making it an attractive option for tech-savvy individuals. Certifications like CPDQS, QLS, or CISM can fast-track professionals into high-paying cybersecurity roles.

Summary:
In 2025, cybersecurity specialists earn £55K–£100K, with senior experts reaching £150K+, making this one of the UK’s hottest high-paying careers.

16. Petroleum Engineer

Average Salary: £50,000 – £1,23,000

Petroleum engineers develop techniques to extract oil and gas efficiently. Despite the rise of renewables, this role remains one of the highest-paying in engineering.

According to PayScale UK, the average salary for petroleum engineers is £73,000 annually, with experienced professionals earning £50,000 to £123,000.
Senior engineers working offshore or in international projects can earn £140K–£160K, often with additional benefits.

Summary:
In 2025, petroleum engineers earn £50K–£123K on average, while senior roles in energy companies exceed £160K.

17. Actuary

Average Salary: £44,000 – £1,70,000

Actuaries analyze financial risks using mathematics, statistics, and economics. They play a critical role in the insurance, pension, and investment sectors by forecasting potential risks and advising companies on minimizing financial losses.

The average actuary salary in the UK is £74,000 annually, with a range of £44,000 to £120,000, according to Glassdoor.
Senior actuaries or partners in financial consultancy can earn £140K–£170K.

Summary:
In 2025, actuaries in the UK earn £44K–£120K, while senior roles at financial firms push earnings beyond £170K.

18. Corporate Lawyer

Average Salary: £45,000 – £2,00,000+

Corporate lawyers specialize in mergers, acquisitions, intellectual property, and contract negotiations. They are essential in ensuring companies comply with laws while maximizing profits through business deals.

According to Check-a-Salary UK, the average corporate lawyer salary is £80,000 annually, with most earning £45,000 to £150,000.
At top London law firms, senior lawyers and partners often exceed £200K annually.

Summary:
Corporate lawyers in 2025 earn £45K–£150K, while elite lawyers in London reach £200K+.

19. Surgeon

Average Salary: £94,000 – £1,26,000

Surgeons are among the highest-paid medical professionals in the UK, thanks to their specialized skills and the years of training required to qualify. Whether in orthopedics, neurosurgery, or cardiology, surgeons perform life-saving procedures that demand precision and expertise.

According to NHS data, consultant surgeons earn between £93,666 and £126,281 annually.
Surgeons in private practice or specialized fields (neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery) can earn between £150K and £250K+ annually.

Given the aging population and increasing demand for specialized healthcare, surgeons will continue to remain in high demand across the UK.

Summary:
In 2025, surgeons in the UK earn £94K–£126K in the NHS, while private and specialized surgeons can exceed £250K, making it one of the UK’s most lucrative professions.

20. Risk Manager

Average Salary: £52,000 – £1,05,000

Risk managers help businesses identify potential threats—financial, legal, operational, or cybersecurity-related—and develop strategies to mitigate them. As companies face increasing uncertainty in 2025, the role of risk managers has become more crucial than ever.

According to Glassdoor UK, the average risk manager salary is £74,000 annually, with typical ranges between £52,000 and £105,000.
Senior risk managers in investment banks or multinational corporations can command salaries of £120K–£160K.

This role requires analytical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to anticipate potential crises. For professionals seeking a career that combines strategy with financial security, risk management is one of the most rewarding paths available.

Summary:
In 2025, UK risk managers earn £52K–£105K, with senior finance-sector managers earning £160K+.

Factors That Influence Salaries in the UK

When it comes to salaries, not all careers are created equal. Some professions consistently pay more, and understanding why can help you make better career choices.

Demand and Supply of Skilled Professionals
High-paying jobs often exist in industries where demand far exceeds supply. For example, cybersecurity experts and data scientists are in short supply, pushing salaries higher.
Level of Education and Training
Jobs that require years of study—like doctors, surgeons, and lawyers—naturally command higher salaries because of the expertise and qualifications involved.
Experience and Leadership Roles
Entry-level roles rarely make the top earners list. However, as professionals move into senior positions like directors, managers, and executives, their salaries increase significantly.
Industry Trends and Economic Growth
Technology, renewable energy, and healthcare are booming in the UK. These sectors not only offer stability but also provide some of the most lucrative roles.

Final Words

The UK job market in 2025 presents a wealth of opportunities for professionals seeking high-paying careers. From traditional roles like investment banking, law, and medicine to emerging fields such as AI, renewable energy, and biotechnology, there’s no shortage of lucrative career paths.

If you’re planning your future, the key is to align your skills with market demand. Focus on industries that are growing, invest in education or certifications, and keep an eye on emerging technologies. The future of work in the UK is both exciting and rewarding, with salaries reaching up to £200K for the most in-demand roles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the highest-paying job in the UK in 2025?

The highest-paying jobs in 2025 include investment bankers, CEOs, and surgeons, with salaries reaching up to £200K.

Which industries offer the best-paying jobs in the UK?

Finance, technology, healthcare, law, and engineering are the top-paying industries in the UK.

Do you need a degree for all high-paying jobs in the UK?

Not always—while careers like medicine and law require advanced degrees, fields like cybersecurity and AI often value skills and certifications over formal education.

Can I get a job with just an online course certificate?

Yes—especially in fields like digital marketing, IT, and data analytics. Many employers now prioritize skills over degrees, particularly for entry- and mid-level roles.

How much can an airline pilot earn in the UK?

Airline pilots earn between £90K and £150K annually, with senior captains exceeding £170K.

What are the best online courses for beginners in 2025?

Look into beginner-friendly options in digital marketing, project management, Excel for business, basic coding (HTML/CSS), Health and Social Care and personal productivity.

What are the future highest-paying jobs in the UK?

Emerging high-paying roles include AI engineers, renewable energy experts, biotech researchers, and cybersecurity specialists.

Article Author,

Robert Lawrence

Robert Lawrence is an e-learning specialist and author at Training Express, with over 5 years of experience creating practical resources and strategies to support learners and enhance their professional development.