Top UK Jobs Paying Over £120k

Finding high paying jobs in the UK that offer salaries over £120,000 can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Yet, many sectors consistently offer these lucrative opportunities. Whether you’re starting a job search or considering a career change, understanding which roles pay well, where they are located, and what qualifications you need is essential. I’ll walk you through some of the top-paying jobs in the UK, the key areas where these roles are concentrated, and the qualifications that can help you get there.

City skyline with financial district buildings

High Paying Jobs in Finance and Banking

The finance sector remains one of the most reliable sources of high salaries in the UK. Roles such as investment bankers, hedge fund managers, and senior financial analysts often earn well above £120,000, especially in London.

Where to Find These Jobs

• London is the financial heart of the UK, with the City of London and Canary Wharf hosting many top banks and investment firms.

• Edinburgh and Manchester also have growing financial sectors offering competitive salaries.

  
  

How to Get Into Finance

• A degree in finance, economics, or business is usually required.

• Professional qualifications like the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or ACA (Association of Chartered Accountants) can significantly boost your chances.

• Experience in internships or graduate schemes at major banks is highly valuable.

  
  

Technology Roles That Pay Over 120K

Tech jobs have surged in demand, and senior roles in software engineering, data science, and IT architecture often come with six-figure salaries.

Key Locations

• London and Cambridge are tech hubs with many startups and established companies.

• Cities like Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh also have growing tech scenes.

  
  

Qualifications and Skills Needed

• A degree in computer science, software engineering, or related fields is common.

• Certifications in cloud computing (AWS, Azure), cybersecurity, or data analytics add value.

• Building a strong portfolio of projects or contributing to open-source software can help you stand out.

  
  

Legal Careers with High Salaries

Senior lawyers, especially those specializing in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, or intellectual property, can earn salaries exceeding £120,000.

Where These Jobs Are Found

• London dominates the legal market, with many top law firms headquartered there.

• Other cities like Birmingham and Manchester also offer opportunities but with slightly lower pay scales.

  
  

How to Qualify

• A law degree followed by the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) is essential.

• Gaining experience through training contracts or pupillages at reputable firms is critical.

• Specializing in lucrative areas of law can increase earning potential.

  
  

Legal book and gavel symbolizing high paying legal careers

Medical and Healthcare Professions

Certain medical specialists, such as surgeons, anesthetists, and consultants, earn salaries above £120,000, particularly in private practice or senior NHS roles.

Locations with Opportunities

• London and the South East have many private hospitals and specialist clinics.

• Major cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow also offer high-paying medical roles.

  
  

Qualifications Required

• Medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) followed by specialist training.

• Membership of Royal Colleges relevant to your specialty.

• Continuous professional development and experience in high-demand specialties.

  
  

Executive and Management Positions

Senior executives such as CEOs, CFOs, and directors in large companies often command salaries well over £120,000.

Where These Roles Are Based

• London is the hub for corporate headquarters.

• Other cities with large corporate offices include Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.

  
  

How to Reach These Roles

• A strong educational background, often including an MBA.

• Extensive experience in leadership roles.

• Proven track record of managing teams and delivering business results.

  
  

Modern office building in London representing executive career opportunities

Tips for a Successful Job Search in High Paying Jobs

• Network actively: Many high paying jobs are filled through connections and referrals.

• Tailor your CV and cover letter: Highlight relevant qualifications and achievements.

• Consider recruitment agencies: Specialized recruiters can open doors to exclusive roles.

• Keep learning: Continuous professional development keeps you competitive.

• Be open to relocation: Some of the best-paying jobs are concentrated in specific cities.

  
  

Summary

While the UK job market is notorious for stagnant low pay there are lots of industries out there that pay well. We have lots of tip and advice to help you get there.