Kathrine Frich
For many people, school years come with the message that higher education is the only path to a stable future.
Yet across the UK, there are well-paid careers that value experience, training and practical ability more than a university degree.
With dedication and time, these roles can lead to salaries above £40,000.
Estate agent
CV Library experts told The Sun that estate agents in the UK earn an average of £40,174. While a degree is not required, most people enter through courses or apprenticeships that teach the fundamentals of the job.
Demand for housing ensures the field remains active, though newcomers usually start on lower wages. Practical experience often determines how quickly earnings rise.
Plumber
Plumbers typically begin below the £40,000 mark, but CV Library estimates that experienced workers can reach an average salary of £44,429.
Training is essential, and apprenticeships remain the most common entry route. Once certified, plumbers often find steady work due to consistent demand for home repairs and maintenance.
Carpenter
For those who prefer working with timber, carpentry offers another skilled path. According to CV Library, seasoned carpenters can earn around £45,527.
Colleges and apprenticeship schemes provide training, and the role suits people comfortable with physical labour and building tasks.
Construction manager
Construction managers usually come from years working on site before moving into supervisory roles. Industry estimates put average earnings at roughly £60,000.
The position requires experience rather than academic qualifications, as managers are expected to understand the work from the ground up.
Claims adjuster
Claims adjusters investigate insurance claims and assess losses. Idex Consulting told The Sun that the job does not require a degree, though financial experience helps applicants.
The Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters offers professional qualifications, and CV Library reports average pay of £43,959.
Software engineer
University degrees are not mandatory in software engineering, but applicants must prove they can code. Apprenticeships and boot camps offer alternative training routes.
CV Library says annual earnings can exceed £50,000 for those with strong technical skills.
Project manager
Project managers often rise into the role after years in their field. Employers typically prioritise proven experience over academic credentials.
The job suits people ready to coordinate teams and oversee work they once carried out themselves.
Finance manager
CV Library estimates that finance managers earn around £68,156. The role generally goes to workers who have built a solid track record handling budgets and financial systems, regardless of educational background.
Demonstrated reliability is crucial, as the job involves significant responsibility.
Train driver
Train drivers need GCSEs in English and Maths, along with rigorous safety training. Entry usually involves a lower-paid trainee period or working in another rail role first.
Once qualified, drivers earn an average of £60,850, according to CV Library.
Air traffic controller
Air traffic controllers undergo extensive training through apprenticeships and National Air Traffic Services programmes.
Pay reflects the responsibility of the job, with CV Library estimating salaries of up to £64,000 once fully certified.
Pilot
Pilots require specialised training and medical certification rather than university study. The training period is long, but successful candidates often enter high-earning roles with opportunities for travel.
Flight paths and airline contracts influence salary levels, but the profession remains one of the best-paid non-degree options.
Sources: The Sun, CV Library, Idex Consulting, Ladbible.
