Top Jobs That Pay £100K a Year Without a Degree in the UK

Introduction

When you think of a six-figure salary in the UK, you might picture doctors, lawyers, or financial analysts — all of whom typically have university degrees. But the truth is, you don’t need to follow a traditional academic path to reach a £100,000+ annual income.

In this guide, you’ll find jobs that pay £100K a year without a degree in the UK. These careers are based on skills, experience, performance, or entrepreneurial drive, rather than academic qualifications. Whether you’re a school leaver, career changer, or simply not interested in university, this blog gives you practical insights into building a six-figure career from the ground up.

Is It Possible to Make £100K a Year Without a Degree in the UK?

What Counts More Than a Degree Today?

Employers and clients today value:

• Results over qualifications
• Experience, portfolio, or proof of performance
• Specialized skills in tech, sales, construction, media, or trade
• Certifications or training that can be completed in months

You can climb to six-figures through freelancing, running your own business, working in high-commission roles, or offering specialist services that solve real problems.

What Industries Reward Skills Over Education?

You’ll find six-figure earners in:

• Real estate and sales
• Tech and digital marketing
• Construction and skilled trades
• E-commerce and self-employment
• Media, coaching, and consultancy
• Oil & gas, offshore work

These industries often care more about what you can do, not where (or if) you studied.

Can You Transition Later in Life?

Yes. Many six-figure earners started in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. You’re never too late to:

• Learn a trade
• Start a business
• Build a side hustle
• Offer freelance services
• Upskill with online training

Top Jobs That Pay £100K a Year Without a Degree in the UK

Each role below includes what makes it unique, how to get started, how much you can earn, and the pros and cons to help you make informed decisions.

1. Property Developer or Buy-to-Let Landlord

Why It Pays Well

Real estate is a proven path to wealth. You can buy, renovate, and sell homes or rent them out for long-term passive income.

How to Get Started

• Start small: a single flat or fixer-upper
• Learn from books, YouTube, or property mentors
• Secure financing through mortgages or investor capital
• Use property forums like Property Hub UK

Training Needed

• None legally required, but property investment courses help
• Understand local planning laws, buy-to-let regulations, and tax

Salary Potential

• Flipping profit per property: £20K–£100K+
• Rental income: £2K/month per property = £24K/year
• With 4–5 properties or deals: £100K+

Pros

• Build long-term wealth
• Passive income from rentals
• Equity growth over time

Cons

• Requires capital or access to finance
• Risk of property market downturn
• Management and maintenance hassle

2. High-End Sales Executive (Tech, Real Estate, Finance)

Why It Pays Well

Sales roles with high-ticket items offer uncapped commissions. Many reps earn base salaries of £30K–£50K and top up their income with performance bonuses and commission.

How to Get Started

• Start as a junior or trainee in SaaS (software), fintech, or real estate
• Expert in selling via online courses or mentorship
• Use LinkedIn to network and land interviews

Training Needed

• None required, but sales training like Sandler or Challenger Sales helps
• Familiarity with CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot) is advantageous.

Salary Potential

• Base + commission: £50K–£150K+
• High performers often exceed £100K by year 2–3

Pros

• Fast track to big income
• No formal education barriers
• Remote and hybrid options

Cons

• High pressure and performance targets
• Income can fluctuate

3. Entrepreneur or Business Owner

Why It Pays Well

Owning a business means your income isn’t capped. Many non-graduate founders in trades, cleaning services, catering, coaching, or online businesses earn six figures annually.

How to Get Started

• Identify a local or online need
• Begin with a lean approach — provide a service that incurs minimal costs
• Use social media and Google Business Profile for marketing
• Scale by hiring or outsourcing

Training Needed

• Self-learning through podcasts, YouTube, books
• Platforms like Coursera, Skillshare for skills (e.g., marketing, finance)

Salary Potential

• First year: £10K–£40K
• With growth and scale: £100K–£250K+

Pros

• Unlimited income
• Full control over your career
• Opportunity to sell or franchise

Cons

• High risk
• Irregular early income
• Requires marketing and sales know-how

4. Influencer / YouTuber / Streamer

Why It Pays Well

Online creators who build large audiences monetise through sponsorships, ads, merchandise, or memberships. Top UK influencers easily clear £100K+ a year.

How to Get Started

• Pick a niche: gaming, lifestyle, business, travel, etc.
• Use platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, Instagram
• Post consistently and engage with your audience
• Monetise through YouTube ads, Patreon, brand deals, affiliate links

Training Needed

• Learn editing, SEO, and branding via YouTube or courses
• No formal training required

Salary Potential

• Small creator: £0–£30K
• Mid-tier: £40K–£100K
• Top influencers: £100K–£1M+

Pros

• Creative freedom
• Location independent
• Scalable audience and revenue

Cons

• No guaranteed income
• High competition and platform changes
• Burnout from content pressure

5. Commercial Pilot (Modular Training Route)

Why It Pays Well

Pilots command high salaries due to their expertise and responsibility. You can train part-time and without attending university through the modular route.

How to Get Started

• Get a Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
• Progress to CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence)
• Train with flight schools in the UK — often while employed

Training Needed

• Civil Aviation Authority-approved courses
• Expect to spend £60K–£80K total
• Takes 2–3 years via modular route

Salary Potential

• Regional pilots: £40K–£60K
• Charter & commercial pilots: £100K–£150K

Pros

• Prestige and global opportunities
• Structured progression
• High job satisfaction

Cons

• Expensive training upfront
• Competitive and regulated
• Medical and background checks required

6. Electrician or Plumber with an Established Business

Why It Pays Well

Once you’re certified and experienced, becoming self-employed or running your own team can lead to exceptional earnings. Emergency callouts, large-scale installations, and contracts with landlords or councils can generate well over £100K/year.

How to Get Started

• Start with a Level 2 and 3 NVQ in electrical or plumbing installation
• Complete an apprenticeship or training course
• Register with Gas Safe (plumbing) or become a Part P electrician
• Begin taking on private clients, then expand

Training Needed

• City & Guilds or EAL certifications
• NICEIC registration (for electricians)
• Business setup knowledge (pricing, invoicing, compliance)

Salary Potential

• Employed: £30K–£45K
• Self-employed with team: £80K–£150K+

Pros

• Evergreen demand
• Be your own boss
• Charge premium for emergency or evening services

Cons

• Physically demanding
• Equipment and liability insurance costs
• Time required to build client base

7. Self-Employed Consultant (Marketing, IT, Sales, Coaching)

Why It Pays Well

If you have experience in a skill or industry, you can offer consulting services to businesses. Whether it’s helping companies improve their marketing, close more sales, or fix tech problems — consulting clients pay for results.

How to Get Started

• Pick a niche you’re experienced in
• Build a portfolio or case studies
• Market yourself via LinkedIn, Upwork, or cold outreach
• Set a daily or project-based rate

Training Needed

• No degree needed — results and referrals speak louder
• Take niche online courses to stay current
• Build a website and use testimonials to establish credibility

Salary Potential

• New consultants: £200/day
• Experienced: £500–£1,000/day = £100K+ annually

Pros

• Work from anywhere
• Control over clients and pricing
• High-income potential with few clients

Cons

• Feast-or-famine cycles
• Requires ongoing marketing
• Need strong communication and sales skills

8. E-Commerce Seller (Amazon FBA, Dropshipping, Shopify)

Why It Pays Well

You can sell physical or digital products via platforms like Amazon, Etsy, eBay, or your own Shopify store. Many UK sellers earn six figures annually — especially those selling in bulk, private-label goods, or subscription boxes.

How to Get Started

• Choose a product niche (tools, beauty, pets, etc.)
• Source suppliers via Alibaba or UK manufacturers
• Use Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) or build a Shopify site
• Market through social media and SEO

Training Needed

• Learn SEO, product sourcing, paid ads
• Take courses on Udemy, YouTube, or join seller forums
• No formal education required

Salary Potential

• Early stage: £10K–£40K
• With volume, systems, and ads: £100K–£500K+

Pros

• Passive income potential
• Can be automated or outsourced
• Sell to global markets from your laptop

Cons

• High competition and thin margins
• Risk of ad overspend or slow-moving stock
• Constant need to adapt to platform changes

9. Senior Freelance Developer or Web Designer

Why It Pays Well

If you’re highly skilled in web development, app design, or UX/UI, UK and global clients will pay premium freelance rates — without caring about your degree.

How to Get Started

• Learn coding: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, etc.
• Build a GitHub portfolio and complete small projects
• Join platforms like Upwork, Toptal, Freelancer, or pitch directly to businesses
• Specialise in a niche like Shopify dev, SaaS dashboards, or UX audits

Training Needed

• No degree needed — self-taught coders are welcome
• Use Codecademy, FreeCodeCamp, Scrimba, etc.

Salary Potential

• Freelancer: £300–£700/day
• Monthly: £100K–£150K+ if booked consistently

Pros

• Remote and flexible
• Huge global demand
• High-income ceiling if skilled

Cons

• Must constantly upskill
• Isolation (unless working in teams)
• Client hunting can be time-consuming

10. Day Trader or Crypto Investor (High Risk)

Why It Pays Well

Traders who manage to consistently profit from forex, stocks, or crypto can earn well into the six figures. But it’s high risk and not recommended without thorough education and discipline.

How to Get Started

• Open a brokerage account (IG, eToro, etc.)
• Learn technical analysis and trading psychology
• Begin with a demo account or limited funds
• Study charts, trends, and risk management

Training Needed

• Online courses from BabyPips, Investopedia, or YouTube
• Practice through simulation tools

Salary Potential

• New trader: Variable
• Skilled trader: £100K+ annually, often more in bull markets

Pros

• Flexible, location-independent
• No formal education needed
• Scalable as your capital grows

Cons

• Extremely volatile and stressful
• Emotional discipline is critical
• 90% of traders lose money initially

11. Oil & Gas Contractor (Offshore Specialist Roles)

Why It Pays Well

Offshore jobs are physically demanding but pay premiums for risk and remoteness. Roles like diver, supervisor, welder, or drill operator can exceed £100K/year.

How to Get Started

• Begin as a roustabout or deckhand
• Gain certifications and on-the-job promotions
• Get BOSIET, HUET, and MIST training
• Specialise in high-skill areas like underwater welding

Training Needed

• Offshore safety certs
• Technical trade qualifications
• Physical fitness and experience

Salary Potential

• £100K–£200K+ with overtime and bonuses

Pros

• Excellent day rate
• Time off between rotations
• Long-term savings potential

Cons

• Hazardous work
• Remote locations
• Long periods away from family

12. Professional Sports Coach or Athlete Agent

Why It Pays Well

The UK has a strong sports and athletics culture. Top-level personal trainers, performance coaches, or sports agents representing athletes can earn over six figures a year — especially in football, rugby, and boxing.

How to Get Started

• Start as a personal trainer or sports mentor
• Build a reputation and network
• Get certified through REPs or CIMSPA-accredited bodies
• Work with clubs, academies, or privately

Training Needed

• Personal trainer Level 3
• Sports psychology, coaching, or nutrition add-ons
• Agent roles may require business/legal knowledge

Salary Potential

• Top-tier coaches: £80K–£150K+
• Agents make 10–20% from athlete contracts or sponsorships

Pros

• Work in competitive, exciting industries
• Influence rising talent
• Combine passion and profit

Cons

• Competitive and network-driven
• Weekend and evening work
• Inconsistent early income

Job Comparison Table at a Glance

Job Role	Avg Earnings	Training Required	Work Style	Risk Level
Property Developer	£70K–£250K+	Self-taught	Entrepreneurial	Medium
Tech Sales Exec	£50K–£150K	CRM & Sales Skills	Remote/Hybrid	Low
YouTuber / Streamer	£0–£500K+	Content Creation	Creative/Freelance	High
Electrician (Self-employed)	£80K–£150K+	NVQ + Registration	Trade	Low
E-Commerce Seller	£100K–£500K+	Online Skills, Marketing	Online	Medium
Freelance Dev / Designer	£100K–£150K	Coding Skills	Remote	Medium
Day Trader / Crypto	Variable (0–£200K)	Charts, Analysis, Capital	Remote	High
Oil & Gas Contractor	£100K–£200K+	Offshore Training	Labour-intensive	High

How to Choose the Right £100K Path Without a Degree

Earning six figures without a degree is absolutely possible, but choosing the right path for you depends on several personal factors.

Ask Yourself:

• Do you want a physical or digital career?
  → If you enjoy working with your hands, consider trades or construction.
  → Prefer laptops and creative tools? Go with freelancing or digital content creation.
• How much time can you invest upfront?
  → Roles like pilot or oil & gas require months (even years) of training.
  → Sales or freelancing can generate income faster but need hustle and learning on the job.
• Are you okay with risk and inconsistency?
  → Entrepreneurship and trading have high upside but also volatility.
  → Trades and consulting offer more stable, repeatable income.
• Would you prefer to work for yourself or for other people?
  → Business owners and freelancers thrive on independence.
  → Train drivers or salespeople might prefer structure and teamwork.

Top Tools & Platforms to Get Started

Here’s a curated table of platforms and tools that can help you get started in each category:

Purpose	Tool/Platform	Description
Learn coding/design	FreeCodeCamp, Scrimba, Codecademy	Free or low-cost dev and design courses
Trade certification	City & Guilds, NICEIC, Gas Safe	UK-approved certifications for trades
Sales & business skills	Udemy, Skillshare, Sandler Training	Master sales, negotiation, and branding
Freelancing & consulting	Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn	Find clients and gigs globally
E-commerce setup	Shopify, Amazon Seller, Etsy	Build and sell your own products online
Property investment learning	PropertyHub, Progressive Property	Learn property development strategies
Social media content creation	Canva, TubeBuddy, CapCut	Tools for content, thumbnails, editing

Pros and Cons of Earning £100K Without a Degree

Here’s a quick bullet list to help you weigh up the lifestyle, benefits, and challenges:

Pros

• No student debt
• Flexible learning and entry paths
• Many remote or self-employed options
• Ability to start earning quickly
• Your earnings depend on your performance, not on having a diploma.

Cons

• Higher personal responsibility and self-management
• No “safety net” of credentials for fallback
• You must prove your value constantly
• Can take longer to reach six figures without early support

Conclusion

You no longer need a university degree to live a high-earning, flexible, and fulfilling career in the UK. In fact, some of the most profitable roles today are open to anyone with the drive to learn, adapt, and execute.

From starting your own online store, to flipping properties, to becoming a top-tier consultant or tradesperson, your six-figure future is no longer tied to a diploma.

FAQ

Can I really earn £100K without any qualifications?

Yes, but you’ll need to develop marketable skills, gather real-world experience, and deliver tangible results — be it in sales, a trade, or a freelance field.

How long will it take to earn six figures?

Depends on the path. For example:

• A skilled sales exec might reach it within 2–3 years
• A trader or creator could spike in 1 year or take 5+
• An electrician with a growing team might get there by year 4

What if I struggled in school — can I still do this?

Absolutely. Most of the roles listed here don’t care about exam scores or grades. If you’re willing to learn, stay disciplined, and show up consistently, your background won’t hold you back.