Top News

A university degree is not necessarily the key to unlocking an outstanding career.

For countless young people, heading to university at 18 to obtain a degree has long appeared to be the only reliable route to a well-paid job. However, with tuition fees in England rising to a maximum of £9,790 per year for full-time students for the 2026/27 academic year, and those who have already graduated struggling with high interest rates on repayments, the prospect of attending university altogether is becoming increasingly unattractive.

But according to one accountant on social media, there are numerous career paths available that require no university education whatsoever, yet offer significantly higher salaries than the typical graduate wage. Airic Z shared data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on the six highest-paying jobs in the UK that don't require a degree.

In his Instagram post, he noted that many of the roles he highlighted do require separate training or an apprenticeship, but can deliver a considerably better "return on investment" compared to pursuing a degree. He also pointed out that on average, each job earns at least 50% more than the average graduate salary, which is £30,500.

1. Crane drivers

Airic claimed that crane drivers earn an average of £49,682 a year, placing them sixth on the list of highest-paying roles. Bear in mind, however, that this reflects an average salary rather than an entry-level wage. According to the National Careers Service, starting salaries typically sit around £25,000 a year, while seasoned drivers can command up to £52,000.

Crane driving can be pursued via an apprenticeship, such as the Lifting Technician Level 2 Intermediate apprenticeship, or the Port Operative Level 2 Intermediate apprenticeship for those wishing to operate gantry cranes and lifting equipment at cargo terminals. These programmes generally take between 1 and 2 years to complete, combining hands-on workplace training with off-site study.

2. Electrical trades

A career in an electrical trade, such as becoming an electrician, could yield an average salary of £51,348 a year, according to the accountancy firm. The National Careers Service puts electrician salaries at between £26,000 for new starters and £45,000 for experienced tradespeople, though there remains plenty of scope to surpass these figures.

Trade roles such as electricians, plumbers, and builders rank amongst the most sought-after apprenticeship pathways. Aspiring electricians should explore the Installation and Maintenance Electrician or Domestic Electrician apprenticeship routes. Training as an electrician through an armed forces apprenticeship is also a viable option.

3. Rail transport operatives

Airic listed the average salary for rail transport operatives at £58,329. A rail transport operative is not a train driver, but it is a safety-critical role responsible for supporting train operations, maintaining infrastructure, and controlling movement across the rail network.

These positions can include signallers, who are responsible for operating train signals, and electrical control room operators, who maintain electrical supplies across railways, as well as crossing keepers, who manage the movement of crossing barriers.

Entry into these careers is possible through Network Rail's 18-month Rail Infrastructure Operations apprenticeship, with further details available on the company's website.

4. Rail and rolling stock builders

A rail and rolling stock builder, also sometimes referred to as a rail engineer, is someone who constructs, tests, fits, and repairs a range of rail vehicles, rolling stock components, and train engines. According to Airic, a career in this field could earn you an average of £65,069 per year - more than double the average graduate salary.

While a degree in an engineering discipline can provide useful knowledge and skills for this role, What Uni recommends exploring diplomas in rail engineering operative competence and rail engineering track maintenance rather than pursuing a degree. A medical examination will also be required before commencing work in this field, given the safety-critical nature of working in close proximity to train tracks.

5. Train and tram drivers

Continuing the transport theme, the second-highest-paying roles for non-graduates in the UK are train and tram drivers, who command an average salary of £73,202, according to the accountant. However, the National Careers Service places the upper-end average for this position at approximately £60,000.

Prospective candidates can apply for a place on a Train Driver Level 3 Advanced apprenticeship directly through a train operating company. The course typically takes between 1 and 2 years to complete, combining on-the-job training with classroom-based learning through a training provider.

Alternatively, it is possible to become a train driver by first working as a rail passenger assistant, train conductor, or revenue officer with a train company, before applying for a trainee driver position once sufficient experience has been gained. This is also a well-trodden route to becoming a London Underground driver with Transport for London.

6. Air traffic controllers and aircraft pilots

A career in air traffic control or as an aircraft pilot could see you earning around £130,560. To qualify as an air traffic controller, candidates must complete an apprenticeship such as the Aviation Flight Operations Co-ordinator Level 3 Advanced, Aviation Operations Manager Level 4 Higher, or Air Traffic Controller Level 5 Higher. Entry into the profession is also achievable via an armed forces apprenticeship with the Royal Air Force or Royal Navy.

Those looking to become a pilot without a degree will need to enrol in a pilot training programme with a passenger airline or train through a private flying school. This route can be extraordinarily costly, however, with Private Pilot Licences (PPL) ranging from £8,000 to £15,000, and Commercial Pilot Licences (ATPL) averaging in excess of £100,000.

While a university degree in pilot studies remains an option, students will still be required to fund the flight training component on top of standard tuition fees. Alternatively, aspiring pilots can pursue their wings through the Royal Air Force (RAF).