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The United Kingdom’s economy took a hard hit in the year 2020, with the GDP estimated at GBP 1.96 trillion. However, the country recovered from the virus with strong growth of 7.2% in 2021. The projected GDP for 2022 is now estimated to grow by 5.5%, given the restrictions on economic activity are easing at a considerable rate. With job opportunities in the UK developing rapidly, there is a decent chance for employment despite the fierce competition. Read on to discover the top 10 most popular jobs in the UK and what you can expect to earn from them.
1. Business Analyst
Business analysts conduct different kinds of research and analysis and come up with novel solutions to improve business outcomes. They also suggest methods to improve the processes within the organization. As an aspiring business analyst, you’ll require a technical degree and have a good understanding of how a company operates.
Business Analysts make about GBP 46,665 annually. Since business analysts help companies make more money and achieve their goals, they are among the most in-demand professionals. They may also freelance with several organizations and help them improve their internal systems and outputs.
2. Project Manager

One of the most popular job opportunities in the UK, a project manager earns somewhere around GBP 43,000 annually. Project managers are among the most sought-after professionals in the country and primarily plan, organize, and manage the work associated with a specific assignment. They are also responsible for delivering the project and the results on time, ensuring that it is well within budget and done according to expectations.
Project managers begin at an assistant level and then work upwards in the hierarchy. Since project managers are required across all industries, there is a plethora of opportunities for them. You can easily secure a job as a project manager with a degree in business and related niches.
3. Accountant
Accountants are among the most hired professionals in the United Kingdom. Earning close to GBP 36,171 in a year, accountants mainly keep and interpret the financial records of a company. They largely engage in several finance-related tasks for organizations, large businesses, or individual clients.
Some of the responsibilities of an accountant include- preparing financial reports, filing tax returns, evaluating financial operations, and providing guidance based on financial data.
4. Data Analyst
Another popular job with numerous job opportunities in the UK is that of a data analyst. Data Analysts have a net income of GBP 30,232 annually. They interpret valuable insights from generated data to help support better decision-making. A data analyst identifies the data needed for analysis, collects it via numerous methodologies, prepares the data for speculation, and analyzes the same.
Data analysts also present their data with the aid of visualizations such as graphs and charts. These reports are then compiled and presented to the interested parties, allowing them to make sound business decisions. As a data analyst you can also go on to become a data scientist, which is among the highest paying jobs in the UK today.
5. Nurse

The job of a nurse is just as rewarding as it is demanding. It is one of the most sought-after career options in the UK and can pay somewhere between GBP 22,000 to GBP 44,000 in a year. The final pay depends on your expertise as well as the hospital you work for. To have a successful career as a nurse, you need professional training and also qualifications that vouch for your skills.
As a nurse, you will perform a wide number of physical examinations, collect patient information and medical history, administer a wide range of medications, and coordinate between a patient and their healthcare team. You can also choose a specific niche in the medical realm to work in as a nurse. Some of these are forensic, emergency, diabetes, school, ambulatory nursing, etc.
6. Graphic Designer
If you are someone with a creative flair and a hand for creating visuals, this might be a job for you. Graphic designers earn close to GBP 25,543 annually and can find plenty of job opportunities in the UK. From magazines and corporate reports to brochures and advertisements, graphic designers develop and produce designs that share information. They are experts at combining technology and art to effectively communicate ideas.
Some responsibilities of a graphic designer include meeting with clients to determine the scope of different projects, creating a strategy to reach a specific audience, and creating compelling visuals and graphics that attract them.
7. Software Engineer
A software engineer in the UK earns anywhere between GBP 21,000 to GBP 153,000 annually depending upon their skill-set and level of experience. As a software engineer, you may work in the spheres of app development, web development, or coding for different software. The career of a software engineer is dynamic and requires individuals who can think quickly and provide relevant solutions. Software engineers test, design, analyze, and research different processes and programs before creating a final product that meets the client’s requirements.
8. Veterinary Nurse
The pet industry is booming and veterinary professionals have immense high-paying job opportunities in the UK. As a veterinary nurse, you can earn between GBP 20,000 to GBP 32,000 annually. At this job, you can perform a wide range of procedures such as administering injections, anesthetics and drugs, preparing pets for surgeries, monitoring animals during operations, and performing various diagnostics tests. Therefore, veterinary nurses require a professional medical degree.
Some of the most common employment organizations of veterinary nurses include pharmaceutical manufacturers, animal welfare organizations, government organizations, zoos, animal hospitals, and private veterinary practices.
9. Sales Assistant

A sales assistant takes home an average base salary of GBP 16,977 annually. They work with customers to help them find the products and/or services they require. Sales assistants also need to demonstrate the workings of different products, take and ensure successful payment transactions, arrange stock on shelves around the shop, and handle customer complaints and queries. Excellent communication skills and a likeable personality are additional traits that will help you ace this job.
10. Customer Assistant
Primarily, customer assistants cater to the requirements of different customers. This can vary from company to company. For instance, some organizations may prefer customer assistants working face to face while others have openings for positions over the phone. A customer assistant arranges store displays, handles customer complaints and queries, ensures successful payments, and records customer orders. They receive a base average salary of GBP 16,007 per year.
You need no specific qualifications to work as a customer assistant. However, employers seek individuals who possess remarkable communication skills and are resourceful.
Last thoughts
Most of the job roles mentioned above require some kind of training or qualification. You can easily find programs or certifications to help you get the job you want. Growing your expertise will get you more opportunities and also help you earn more.
Feel free to reach out to us regarding any advice for your next step in education.