Previous experience is undoubtedly a great thing to have in your back pocket when looking to secure the best-paid jobs. However, many high-paying jobs are accessible with no prior experience. Jobs with a high average salary requiring no previous experience are ideal for school leavers and individuals making a career change.
Within our list of high-paying jobs is a selection requiring no background knowledge or formal qualifications. Others offer on-the-job training, require college-based training, such as a high school diploma, might require security background checks, as well as a few that need a university degree but no previous experience. So, we highlight many opportunities that match your circumstances, whether you are pivoting careers because of changes in the job market or want to earn good money straight out of school.
26 High-Paying Jobs With No Experience - By Average Salary
All of the jobs below offer a decent salary without previous experience. Your starting salary may be lower than the average salary stated, but as you gain experience through on-the-job training, your pay will increase, leading to the highest-paying jobs.
1. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (MP)
Member of Parliament Average Salary: £81,900 per year
Members of Parliament have the highest salary with no experience. You can enter the profession as an independent candidate or by joining a political party and campaigning for votes from your constituency. Involvement in student politics will help your chances, and the following apprenticeships and schemes offer alternative routes to becoming an MP:
-
The Parliamentary Academy Scheme
-
Undergraduate Sandwich Student Placements
-
Speaker's Parliamentary Placement Scheme
-
Parliamentary Work Placement and Apprenticeship Programme
-
The House of Commons Apprenticeship Scheme
-
House of Lords Apprenticeship Scheme
Member of Parliament Job Search | Member of Parliament Career Advice
2. TRAIN DRIVER
Train Driver Average Salary: £53,100 per year
Train Drivers have the second-highest paying jobs with no experience. With just a few GCSEs, you can begin a Train Driver Advanced Apprenticeship offered by a train operating company. Training typically lasts for 12-24 months, and you could choose to become a London Underground Driver.
While many envision modern trains when they think of rail transportation, there's a niche but passionate market for classic rail experiences. Steam train experiences, in particular, have become a sought-after adventure for tourists and enthusiasts alike. These trips provide passengers with a nostalgic journey back in time, offering the sights, sounds, and sensations of the golden era of rail travel. Often run by dedicated volunteers and rail aficionados, steam train journeys take meticulous planning, operation, and maintenance, ensuring that these magnificent machines are preserved for future generations.
The role of a Train Driver is not just limited to driving modern locomotives. Some drivers specialize in operating these vintage steam engines, requiring an additional set of skills and knowledge about the mechanics of older machinery. This specialization can be incredibly rewarding, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction. Being a part of preserving history and sharing it with the world is a unique aspect of this profession that not many others can claim. Moreover, with the increasing popularity of vintage rail tourism, there's a growing demand for drivers who can handle these beautiful behemoths of the past.
Train Driver Job Search | Train Driver Career Advice
3. SALES MANAGER
Sales Manager Average Salary: £43,600 per year
Sales Managers have the third-highest paying jobs with no experience. Sales Managers are responsible for finding potential clients, developing sales strategies, and overseeing sales staff. With no work experience, you may need a bachelor’s degree to pass the interview process. However, smaller companies may consider you if you have the right personal traits and a high school diploma in Managing a Sales Team, Operational Sales Planning, or Finance for Sales Managers.
Sales Manager Job Search | Sales Manager Career Advice
4. FIREFIGHTER
Firefighter Average Salary: £24,700 per year
Firefighters have the fourth-highest paying jobs with no experience. Firefighters fight fires, promote fire safety, and attend emergency incidents like car accidents. With good problem-solving skills and a couple of GCSEs, you could apply to take the Fire Service Practical Selection Test.
You must also pass online tests for numeracy, reading, and judgement to qualify. You could complete a Level 2 Certificate in Fire and Rescue Services to improve your odds of passing the application process.
Firefighter Job Search | Firefighter Career Advice
5. COPYWRITER
Copywriter Average Salary: £27,600 per year
Copywriters have the fifth-highest paying jobs with no experience. A Bachelor’s Degree in English or Journalism will undoubtedly help you secure roles with the highest salary but are by no means required to become a copywriter. You could write a blog to show off your writing skills and find a junior role to get started and gain practical experience.
Copywriter Job Search | Copywriter Career Advice
6. INTERPRETER AND TRANSLATOR
Interpreter and Translator Average Salary: £31,600 per year
Interpreters and Translators have the sixth-highest paying jobs with no experience. You will need to be able to speak, read, and write in more than one language to start the application process for a job interpreting or translating. Many companies prefer candidates who have completed a postgraduate qualification, such as Interpreting Studies, Translation and Interpreting, or Languages and Interpreting.
Interpreter and Translator Job Search | Interpreter and Translator Career Advice
7. SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Sales Representative Average Salary: £38,800 per year
Sales Representatives have the seventh-highest paying jobs with no experience. If you are confident and can demonstrate persuasion or negotiation, you could land a sales job without previous experience. Sales jobs exist across many industries, and you may need to find new clients or sell to existing or walk-in customers.
Sales Representative Job Search | Sales Representative Career Advice
8. NUCLEAR TECHNICIAN
Nuclear Technician Average Salary: £32,100 per year
Nuclear Technicians have the eighth-highest paying jobs with no experience. Nuclear Technicians operate equipment and monitor radiation levels in locations such as nuclear power stations. You will be considered for the role if you have a Nuclear Engineering Degree, a Level 3 Diploma in Integrated Nuclear Engineering and Science, or a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Nuclear Engineering. Another option is to enrol in a Nuclear Technician Higher Apprenticeship.
Nuclear Technician Job Search | Nuclear Technician Career Advice
9. DIGITAL MARKETING EXECUTIVE
Digital Marketing Executive Average Salary: £27,800 per year
Digital Marketing Executives have the ninth-highest paying jobs with no experience. You find work in a junior position if you have a good understanding of online media and reasonable computer skills. You could join a Digital Marketer Advanced Apprenticeship or earn a Level 3 Certificate in Digital Marketing and Analytics.
Digital Marketing Executive Job Search | Digital Marketing Executive Career Advice
10. TRAINEE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Trainee Air Traffic Controller Average Salary: £26,100 per year
Trainee Air Traffic Controllers have the tenth-highest paying jobs with no experience. You can join a trainee scheme with five GCSEs or enrol in the National Air Traffic Services Apprenticeship Program to earn your Air Traffic Control Licence, which is required before you can manage airspace and help pilots land safely.
Trainee Air Traffic Controller Job Search | Trainee Air Traffic Controller Career Advice
11. POLICE OFFICER
Police Officer Average Salary: £29,400 per year
Police Officers have the eleventh-highest yearly salary with no experience. Police investigate crimes and maintain law, often working in stressful situations. If you have a university degree, you can join the Police Now Graduate Leadership Scheme.
However, Police Officer candidates do not need a degree. You can join the work-based Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship Programme or the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme if you have A Levels or a Level 3 Diploma.
In addition to the good salary, the police profession is also respected by people. Whether in daily life or in dangerous moments, police officers dedicate their efforts.
If you have police friends or have been helped by police officers, and you want to give them a gift to express your love and support, customized police challenge coins are a good choice. You can customize his name or image into a Police Challenge Coin, which not only represents support but is also a symbol of honor.
Police Officer Job Search | Police Officer Career Advice
12. COMPUTER GAMES TESTER
Computer Games Tester Average Salary: £37,800 per year
Computer Games Testers have the twelfth-highest yearly salary with no experience. You can become a Games Tester with an A Level in Computing or a Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media. You could alternatively find an employer who supports the Software Tester Higher Apprenticeship.
Computer Games Tester Job Search | Computer Games Tester Career Advice
13. JUNIOR ESTATE AGENT/REAL ESTATE AGENT
Junior Estate Agent Average Salary: £19,800 per year
Junior Estate Agents have the thirteenth-highest yearly salary with no experience. To become a Trainee Real Estate Agent you need GCSEs in English and Maths or find an employer supporting the Junior Estate Agent Intermediate Apprenticeship.
Junior Estate Agent Job Search | Junior Estate Agent Career Advice
14. LANDSCAPING AND GROUNDSKEEPING WORKER
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Worker Average Salary: £20,000 per year
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers have the fourteenth-highest yearly salary with no experience. Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Can operate as independent contractors or work for a business or landscaping firm.
You could join an apprenticeship scheme to start working in this position or earn a Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture Skills or a Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills.
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Worker Job Search | Landscaping and Groundskeeping Worker Career Advice
15. MERCHANDISER
Merchandiser Average Salary: £27,500 per year
Merchandisers have the fifteenth-highest yearly salary with no experience. Completing a college course such as the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Retail Operations, Level 2 Certificate in Fashion Retail, or Level 3 Diploma in Retail Skills Visual Merchandising will help you sail through the application process.
If you have a Marketing or Fashion Buying and Merchandising Degree, you will be in high demand and earn a high yearly salary.
Merchandiser Job Search | Merchandiser Career Advice
16. BOOKKEEPER
Bookkeeper Average Salary: £27,300 per year
Bookkeepers have the sixteenth-highest yearly salary with no experience. To successfully complete the job application process for a bookkeeping role, you will need a Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping, Accounting, or Manual and Computerised Bookkeeping.
You could also enter the accounting profession through an Accounts and Finance Assistant Intermediate Apprenticeship. Some employers consider trainees with five GCSEs, including English and maths.
Bookkeeper Job Search | Bookkeeper Career Advice
17. DELIVERY DRIVER
Delivery Driver Average Salary: £14,300 per year
Delivery Drivers have the seventeenth-highest yearly salary with no experience. Basic maths and English skills with a good driving record may be all an employer demands. However, you could find opportunities by joining an Urban Driver Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship or Express Delivery Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
Delivery Driver Job Search | Delivery Driver Career Advice
18. CONSTRUCTION WORKER
Construction Worker Average Salary: £27,100 per year
Construction Workers have the eighteenth-highest yearly salary with no experience. Physical stamina and good practical skills will secure you a Construction Worker position.
You can earn more or increase your employment odds if you take the Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills or Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations. To train or work in construction in the UK, you must apply for a Construction Skills Certification Scheme Card.
Construction Worker Job Search | Construction Worker Career Advice
19. RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT
Recruitment Consultant Average Salary: £27,300 per year
Recruitment Consultants have the nineteenth-highest yearly salary with no experience. You will need a Human Resources Degree to secure a Recruitment Consultant position. However, you could achieve consultant status by completing an Intermediate Recruitment Resources Apprenticeship.
Recruitment Consultant Job Search | Recruitment Consultant Career Advice
20. PRISON OFFICER
Prison Officer Average Salary: £29,200 per year
Prison Officers have the twentieth-highest paying jobs with no experience. You do not need any qualifications to become a Prison Officer. However, you will need to pass an online test and attend an assessment day. The application process is designed to assess your numeracy, writing, reading, fitness, eyesight, health, and personal qualities. You must also pass Enhanced Background Checks.
Prison Officer Job Search | Prison Officer Career Advice
21. TRAVEL AGENT
Travel Agent Average Salary: £19,400 per year
Travel Agents have the twenty-first-highest paying jobs with no experience. You can become a Travel Agent by completing a Level 3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism or, with some GCSEs, become a trainee with on-the-job training. Other career-entry opportunities exist through the Travel Consultant Advanced Apprenticeship.
Travel Agent Job Search | Travel Agent Career Advice
22. VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Virtual Assistant Average Salary: £24,000 per year
Virtual Assistants have the twenty-second-highest paying jobs with no experience. A Virtual Assistant needs excellent computer and communication skills for scheduling meetings and completing administrative tasks. With GCSEs, you could secure a position or find more opportunities by earning the Level 2 International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) Certificate in IT User Skills or a Level 2 Diploma in Business and Administration.
Virtual Assistant Job Search | Virtual Assistant Career Advice
23. BARTENDER
Bartender Average Salary: £16,200 per year
Bartenders have the twenty-third-highest paying jobs with no experience. Employers seek individuals with good customer service skills, teamwork, and communication skills. While qualifications are not required, you could earn a higher yearly salary with a Level 1 Award in Professional Food and Beverage Service Skills, a Level 1 Award in Introduction to Employment in the Hospitality Industry, or a Level 2 Certificate in Professional Food and Beverage Service.
Bartender Job Search | Bartender Career Advice
24. DATA ENTRY KEYER
Data Entry Keyer Average Salary: £17,600 per year
Data Entry Keyers have the twenty-fourth-highest paying jobs with no experience. You do not need a Computer Science Degree to work in data entry, just attention to detail and familiarity with spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.
To catch the eye of prospective employers, you could complete the Level 1 Certificate for IT Users or the Level 2 International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) Certificate in IT User Skills.
Data Entry Keyer Job Search | Data Entry Keyer Career Advice
25. FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Flight Attendant Average Salary: £12,900 per year
Flight Attendants have the twenty-fifth-highest paying jobs with no experience. Good customer service skills for ensuring the well-being of passengers are a must for airline applicants. You can begin your career through a Cabin Crew Advanced Apprenticeship, which comprises college and on-the-job training. You must be physically fit, over 18, be able to swim, and pass an Enhanced Background Check.
Flight Attendant Job Search | Flight Attendant Career Advice
26. REFUSE COLLECTOR
Refuse Collector Average Salary: £12,400 per year
Refuse Collectors have the twenty-sixth-highest paying jobs with no experience. You must be over 18 years of age to work in Refuse Collection and, for driving roles, have an LGV Licence. While no qualifications are needed, you can enter the career through an Intermediate Waste Resource Operative Apprenticeship.
Refuse Collector Job Search | Refuse Collector Career Advice
High-Paying Jobs FAQs
Here we answer your questions on the highest-paying jobs with no previous experience. Before applying for jobs, we recommend updating your CV with one of our free CV templates.
WHAT JOBS PAY THE MOST FOR NO EXPERIENCE?
No experience roles that have a high yearly salary include MP, Train Driver, Sales Manager, and many more. Although many jobs require no work experience, you may need a degree, high school diploma, GCSEs, or enrolment into an apprenticeship scheme.
If you have some unique ideas or particularly like painting design, you can also try to put these ideas into practice by selling custom metal pins. Exquisite pins have a wide audience and are very practical. Whether it is sold as decorations to people who like to dress up and want to personalize their outfits, or customized as some souvenirs for sale, it is a good choice.
WHAT IS THE HIGHEST-PAYING BEGINNER JOB?
The highest yearly salary for beginner jobs includes roles such as Trainee Estate Agent, Sales Representative, Delivery Driver, Prison Officer, and Virtual Assistant. Shift allowances can also add significantly to your yearly salary, so if you do not mind working evenings, nights, weekends, or Bank Holidays, look out for these opportunities.