What are the best-paid jobs in the UK?

Are you looking to earn the big bucks or see where a career choice might take you? We analysed the latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) to identify the highest-paying jobs in the UK. The average salaries mentioned are for full-time positions and reflect gross annual pay, excluding bonuses. Read on to find out what roles are the best-paid jobs in the country.

What are the highest-paying jobs in the UK?

We've compiled an extensive list of the UK's highest-paying jobs based on data from the ONS.

While our list highlights the jobs that pay well, it's important to remember that salaries can vary significantly based on factors like experience, location, and individual companies, and they aren't tied to just the job title.

Also, don't dismiss a job solely because it doesn't meet your desired salary. Employee benefits packages can significantly enhance the value of a role, offering perks like pension contributions, medical cover, and flexible working.

1. Chief Executives and Senior Officials

National average salary: £84,131

Unsurprisingly, chief executives like CEOs and Managing Directors have the best-paying jobs. After all, they're the highest-ranking individuals in an organisation. It's hard to land a C-suite role unless you start your own business, work your way up the ranks, and serve on a board of directors beforehand.

ONS survey data suggest that a starting salary for executive jobs could be around £39,000 but, at the top end, reach over £125,000.

Learn how to write an executive CV with our guide.

2. Marketing, Sales, and Advertising Directors

National average salary: £83,015

Every business needs senior executives to oversee the organisation's marketing, sales, and advertising efforts. Larger companies might have specialised directors, such as a Digital Marketing Director or an SEO Director, while smaller companies may combine the responsibilities into a single position, like a Sales and Marketing Director.

These director positions command significant salaries, ranging between £39,000 and £122,000.

Discover how to write a marketing CV with our guide.

3. Information Technology Directors

National average salary: £80,000

Information Technology (IT) Directors play a crucial executive role in today's digital age, responsible for shaping and a company's technological landscape. They manage IT infrastructure, oversee cybersecurity, and develop IT policies and procedures.

These positions often require a degree in a related field and a highly specialised skill set. It's no wonder salaries for IT Directors usually start at £42,000 and quickly increase to over £100,000.

4. Public Relations and Communications Directors

National average salary: £79,886

Public Relations (PR) Director positions are incredibly varied. They exist in the public and private sectors, in-house, and agency-side. A PR and Comms Director tightly manages the communications strategy to protect and enhance the organisation's public image and navigate the complex media landscape.

This senior executive role warrants a high salary, particularly in large corporations with prominent public profiles, as the stakes are much higher. In these companies, salaries typically exceed £85,000.

5. Directors in Logistics, Warehousing and Transport

National average salary: £72,177

The transport and logistics sector is more than getting from A to B. Where timely movement and the production and storage of goods are essential, Directors in Logistics, Warehousing, and Transport keep businesses running smoothly.

These senior executives may oversee an entire supply chain, manage storage facilities, or focus on moving goods by road, rail, or sea. They're the backbone of any business that relies on physical products, and their expertise is reflected in their salary.

6. Aircraft Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers

National average salary: £71,676

Aircraft Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers have a lot of responsibility in the aviation industry. While daily duties may include navigating and piloting aircraft, preparing flight plans, and authorising flight departures and arrivals, their ultimate duty is ensuring the safe movement and regulation of air traffic.

Given these roles' immense responsibility, it's no surprise that the most experienced workers can earn over £135,000, according to UCAS.

7. Financial Managers and Directors

National average salary: £70,000

The finance sector boasts incredibly well-paid jobs because of its critical role in the economy and the advanced expertise required. Financial Managers and Directors are among the top earners because they are crucial for driving the growth and success of businesses.

The roles require a deep understanding of complex finance modelling and analysis, financial systems and procedures, gratisafhalen.be and statutory legislation and regulations. ONS data suggests Finance Directors can earn more than £165,000.

8. Functional Managers and Directors NEC

National average salary: £69,933

ONS data tells us that Functional Managers and Directors, classified as "not elsewhere classified," are well-compensated regardless of the industry. The senior leaders oversee a particular function area of an organisation and are responsible for managing, owning, and providing resources for projects to help the business meet its goals.

The exact responsibilities, and therefore salary, of a Functional Manager and Director will depend on whether the company has a flat structure or a functional structure. That said, it's common for these roles to reach £95,000.

Explore our guide on how to upgrade your CV for a manager position.

9. Transport Associate Professionals

National average salary: £66,278

Transport Associate Professionals is a broad category that describes roles supporting the transportation sector but is not high-tier management. Jobs may include Logistics Coordinators, Transport Administrators, and Freight Forwarders. This tells us that the transport and logistics sector has plenty of jobs that pay well in the UK, even at a lower level.

10. Specialist Medical Practitioners

National average salary: £66,123

Specialist Medical Practitioners are doctors who specialise in particular areas of modern medicine, such as cardiology, obstetrics, or oncology. They treat and prevent illness through specialised testing, diagnostic, and treatment methods, including surgical, physical, and psychiatric techniques.

Unlike general practitioners, Specialist Medical Practitioners undergo extensive training to become experts in their field. While the average salary is around £66,000, those in the private sector, particularly experienced specialists, can easily earn six-figure salaries.

Find out how to brush up your medical CV with our guide.

11. Head Teachers and Principals

National average salary: £66,014

Head Teachers and Principals manage schools, colleges, and other educational establishments. They are responsible for creating an environment where staff excel and students thrive. To become a Head Teacher or wiki.vst.hs-furtwangen.de Principal, you must first be a qualified teacher with several years of experience as a Senior Manager or Deputy Head at a school.

Salaries for this role vary based on the type of educational institution and whether it's public or private. In an optimal setting, it's possible for earnings to reach over £76,000.

12. Train and Tram Drivers

National average salary: £64,348

Train and Tram Drivers are the drivers of locomotives, including diesel, [users.atw.hu](http://users.atw.hu/samp-info-forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=ba77b71b1924f030f5f26e015e7bc632&action=profile