11 jobs that don’t require a university degree and how much you could earn - including air traffic controller and police constable

The old idea that a good job only can be acquired with a degree has been debunked over and over. While some careers may require a degree, it’s certainly not the case for them all, and there’s absolutely no reason why you couldn’t score a top paying job without building up a massive student debt.

In fact, a study by Aviva shows that 24% of former university students in the UK regret going to university in the first place.

From police constables and air traffic controllers, to Royal Navy officers and visual effect artists, there are loads of jobs on the market that you don’t need a degree for.

According to salary data compiled from the government’s National Career Service  you can make up to £80,000 annually in some jobs despite not having a degree, although that’s not to say you won’t need to do an apprenticeship or take a series of tests as part of your training.

Here are 11 well paid jobs that don’t require a university degree and how much you could earn.

11 well paid jobs that don’t require a university degree

Air Traffic Controller - Pay: £18,000 to £43,000

Requirements: You need to be 18 or older and have at least five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade 4 or above (previously A-C) or Scottish Nationals 5 Grade A-C or equivalent, including English and maths. You must meet the basic medical requirements set by the Civil Aviation Authority as well as be fit mentally and physically.

Solicitor - Pay £25,000 to £100,000

Requirements: Since being approved in 2015, the new solicitor apprenticeship (level 7) is the way to go. This does however require good A levels as well as the need to pass several hard exams that can take up to six years to complete. The pay might be worth the hard work though.

Junior 2D artist - visual effects - Pay from £18,000 to £50,000 once qualified

Requirements: This is an easier one and requires only a short practical course or an apprenticeship via an academy like NextGen or London MetFilm School.

Laboratory technician - Pay £17,000 to £30,000 plus

Requirements: Two year apprenticeships with different employers is the way to go here. Good A levels in science is a great help.

Police constable - Pay £19,000 to £41,000

Requirements: Becoming a police constable does not require any formal qualifications. However, a police constable degree apprenticeship is recommended, usually requiring  4 or 5 GCSE levels at grades 9 to 4.

Environmental conservation officer - Pay from £19,000

Requirements: Landex has a list of several environmental conservation officer apprenticeships to pursue.

Professional services - Pay £18,000 to £80,000 plus depending on specialism

Requirements: Companies such as Deloitte and PwC offer professional services higher apprenticeships for people with A level to reach the required qualifications.

Computer forensic analyst (cyber security) - Pay £25,000 to £50,000

Requirements: Cyber security higher level 4 apprenticeships are offered by major infrastructure and energy companies and security services.

Nuclear engineer - Pay £25,000 to £58,000

Requirements: National Nuclear Laboratory offers apprenticeships and the ministry of Defence has a new nuclear undergraduate engineering apprenticeship. There are also several on-the-job training positions available in this high demand sector.

Youth worker - Pay £18,000 to £33,000

Requirements: There are several apprenticeships available, although most enter youth work through paid employment or voluntary work.

Royal Navy officer - Pay from £27,300 to £46,000

Requirements: 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) or above and 2 to 3 A levels. You will also need to pass several physical and mental tests and a fitness test and an interview. If you pass, training takes place at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth.