20 high-paying jobs that don't require a degree: earn up to £60k

With student debt at record levels, new research shows you don’t need to go to university to land a well-paid job.

While a fancy degree was once the golden ticket for a lucrative career, this is no longer the case.

Today, many employers value practical skills and experience just as much as formal qualifications.

In fact, hands-on training or an apprenticeship can get you further and faster in some careers – without the debt.

According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average UK salary is £37,600.

However, research reported in The Sun has found that a host of jobs without degree requirements pay well above that, with some topping £60,000 a year.

As part of the data, jobs site CV-Library has identified 20 of the UK’s best “squiggly careers” – roles where people often change industries, retrain mid-career, or learn on the job.

So, which roles came out on top for non-graduates?

20 high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree

Source: The Sun/CV-Library

What about student loans?

Of course, salaries aren’t the only factor we need to consider.

According to data from the Student Loans Company, the average debt for those who started in 2023/24 is expected to be £42,900.

However, you can access many of the high-paying roles on this list via apprenticeships, vocational courses, or on-the-job training.

The value of practical skills

One striking feature on this list is the prominence of skilled trades.

Carpenters, plumbers and electricians all earn upwards of £35,000 and are in short supply. Unlike some office jobs, these roles are challenging to outsource or automate.

Meanwhile, healthcare assistants and police officers highlight another reality: the public sector continues to offer steady, well-paid work with long-term pensions.

And in fields such as IT support, once you’ve got your foot in the door, professional certifications can quickly result in higher-paying technical roles.

Help with retraining

Worried about the cost of switching careers? Luckily, there are several options available:

• Learner Support: a Government initiative to help with things such as travel or childcare costs
• Skills bootcamps: free, Government-funded training courses in sectors such as construction and green energy
• Advanced learner loans: cover the cost of college or training, repayable only once you’re earning
• Charitable grants: especially for those changing careers after redundancy or leaving other sectors

Future-proofing your career 

It’s worth noting that AI and automation may eventually affect some roles, particularly in sales, administration and customer service.

However, the jobs on this list tend to rely heavily on human skills – empathy, physical ability and face-to-face communication – making them far harder to replace.

And with demand for tradespeople, drivers and carers showing no signs of slowing, the security they offer is every bit as valuable as the salary.

Human jobs that robots and AI are stealing

GCSEs alone can unlock big salaries

And with GCSE results landing last week, it’s easy to worry about kids and grandkids who didn’t achieve what they hoped.

However, it’s not just apprenticeships or vocational training that can lead to impressive pay packets.

According to jobs site Adzuna, some of the UK’s highest-earning roles are open to people with GCSEs alone – and in many cases, earnings rival or beat graduate jobs.

Scaffolding is one standout. The average wage for a scaffolder sits at around £49,675, but some report taking home six figures thanks to overtime and specialist projects.

Mobile HGV technicians – mechanics who keep lorries and heavy vehicles on the road – typically earn £49,545, while qualified electricians average £48,419.

Have your say

Would you encourage your children to go to university, or steer them towards a trade and debt-free earnings?

And do you see these “squiggly” careers as more future-proof in an AI world?

We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.