A level results day: 10 of the best paid jobs in the UK without a university degree

While summer is all about relaxing and enjoying yourself, many students will have been dreading today, Thursday August 15.

This is because it’s A level results day – where students across the country will find out whether or not they have the grades they need to get into university.

If you don’t get the results you wanted – don’t fear. University isn’t the only path you can take to success. Heck, Bill Gates famously dropped out of Harvard University to co-found Microsoft in 1975, and now he’s the richest man in the world – worth a cool £67billion.

So, if university isn’t for you, job search site Indeed has released a list of the highest paying jobs in the UK you can get without a university degree.

10. Mechanic

Average salary: £28,734

The most common route to becoming a mechanic is to become a trainee or an apprentice, which provides you with on-the-job training. This way, you’ll earn money while gaining the experience you need to progress in your career.

9. Head Chef

Average salary: £30,867

Head chefs can get paid up to £50,000 per year, but your entry level salary will be closer to £16,000. If you have a passion for food, get experience working in a kitchen or head to a culinary school to learn more about your trade.

8. Pilot

Average salary: £32,691

To become a pilot in the UK, you will need to get an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL) which will take 18 months of training on the full-time course. However, gaining your ATPL can be extremely expensive with the average course costing between £60,000 and £90,000. Alternatively, some airlines have pilot training schemes where you can train with the company to get your licence. The good news is that pilots can earn up to £140,000 per year once fully qualified.

7. Executive Assistant

Average salary: £33,150

The main role of an executive assistant is to provide support to a senior executive or a company director, helping to organise their schedule. You will do everything from taking minutes to booking flights. This job requires no degree, but a high level of motivation and organisation is recommended. Alternatively you can do a nationally recognised diploma to help give you the leg up.

6. Fitness Manager

Average salary: £34,374

Whether you’re looking after a sole gym or taking responsibility for the brand, a fitness manager overseas the maintenance and smooth running of the facilities they look after. You will also be in charge of attracting new clients, recruiting staff and generating revenue. To work your way up to manager status, start by working in a fitness centre and moving your way up through the ranks.

5. Sales Manager

Average salary: £37,991

Sales Managers are responsible for motivating their sales team to hit targets along with recruiting new staff and training team members. To become a sales manager, start as a member of the sales team and gain the experience needed to lead your team.

4. Maintenance Manager

Average Salary: £38,675

With an average salary of up to £60,000 per year and a working week of 35 to 40 hours, this job can include the maintenance of a number of areas. You can often get an apprenticeship and work your way up from there.

3. Software Engineer

Average salary: £39,097

If you’re tech smart, you can become a software developer and engineer without a degree. Look for an entry level job or start by freelancing or you can even do an apprenticeship. A strong interest in programming languages, frameworks and development methods is imperative. As you move up the ranks you can begin to earn as much as £70,000 per year.

2. Construction Manager

Average salary: £53,118

You will be responsible for organising the work on building projects and making sure the work is done safely, within budget and on time. This responsibility means you need to be highly organised and pay attention to every detail. To get started, get experience as a surveyor and site supervisor and work your way up from there.

1. Ethical Hacker

Average salary: £56,547

If you know your way around a computer – and in to someone else’s computer – then this is the perfect way to ethically use your skills. In this role you will intentionally penetrate a company’s network in order to help them identify potential security threats. Ethical Hackers are invaluable to a business, and the best news is that you don’t need a degree. Just extensive experience with computer systems and you can supplement this by taking an ethical hacker course.