You never know, you might be studying one of the highest paying degrees in the UK.
University isn't all about the highest paying degrees and which jobs they'll lead to, but you can't deny that it's a pretty big deciding factor. Who doesn't want to earn the big bucks once they graduate?
If you're stuck on what to study at university, you're not the only one. We've got the highest paying degrees and jobs to help you make a start on your decision.
Of course, don't let wages or job prospects lead you to a choice that is far removed from what you actually want to do — this is purely a starting point to help you think about your choices.
And if you want to move to the big shiny city after uni, we've got how much you need to earn to live in London — spoiler alert, a lot.
Below are some of the highest paying jobs in the UK with a degree to help inspire your career decision.
If you're not looking for a full-time, committed job, we've got the best online jobs for students that are flexible enough to fit around your studies.
Top 10 highest paying jobs in the UK with degree
Money isn't everything, but it certainly helps. No one is going to blame you for thinking ahead about your career prospects, especially trying to work out what might give you the best wage.
After all, you'll spend a good few years, if not more, at university, so why not have a great paying career to look forward to?
These are the top 10 highest paying jobs in the UK with a degree, if they tickle your fancy, keep them in mind — you might end up earning some cash money.
1. Finance Manager
- Average Salary: £39,000
- Starting Salary: £27,000
- Highest Salary: £60,000
2. Medical Practitioner
- Average Salary: £65,070
- Starting Salary: £40,257
- Highest Salary: £119,133
3. Vet
- Average salary: £50,000
- Starting salary: £32,000
- Highest salary: £70,000
4. Orthodontist
- Average Salary: £98,777
- Starting Salary: £29,250
- Highest Salary: £200,000
5. Architect
- Average Salary: £65,000
- Starting Salary: £34,000
- Highest Salary: £67,000+
6. Lawyer
- Average Salary: £61,000
- Starting Salary: £30,000
- Highest Salary: £150,000+
7. Back-end developer
- Average Salary: £46,725
- Starting Salary: £29,000
- Highest Salary: £75,000
8. Actuary
- Average Salary: £25,000
- Starting Salary: £70,000
- Highest Salary: £200,000
9. Chemical engineer
- Average Salary: £36,000
- Starting Salary: £28,000
- Highest Salary: £65,000
10. Chartered accountant
- Average Salary: £35,600
- Starting Salary: £23,700
- Highest Salary: £85,500
Highest paying Master's degrees UK
Most of the jobs above don't require a specific master's per se (though can be studied to support your learning and application). In fact, most qualifications for those roles are done through a training provider, or require you to build a portfolio and gain work experience (e.g. to be a creative director).
If you're after a job that allows for training and learning (like an apprenticeship), check out the best graduate schemes in the UK.
1. Masters in Finance
Most jobs you see that require heavy use of numbers are bound to pay high salaries. Some financial jobs require a degree (or desire one), like a financial analyst or management accountant. With a master's in finance, you're looking at starting salaries of £41,000+.
2. Masters in Computer Science
Again, a very number-based qualification to have but with a different way of working. Computer science is a broad field but usually consists of specialising in various programming languages, learning complex systems and refining existing systems within companies. In terms of starting salary with a computer science master's degree, you're looking at around £42,000 a year to start with.
3. Masters in Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering involves designing structures that serve the general public, such as bridges, dams, walkways and the like. It's a highly in-demand career and starts with a salary of around £41,000+
4. Masters in Medical Sciences
There are absolutely tons of master's degrees in medical sciences, but more often than not, practitioners must have a masters in this field. In fact, over 90.1% of postgraduates get employed. The salary range is broad, depending on the discipline and whether you decide to use your degree for something non-clinical instead. If you decide to pursue the clinical path, salaries will be high from around £30k-£40k+.
If you're about to graduate and you want help prepping for your career and job journey, check out our graduate interview questions and answers to help you feel more confident, as well as competency-based interview questions.
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