Back in December, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) released its Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings – thus revealing the best paid jobs in the UK for 2013*. Do you think you have what it takes to work in one of the most prestigious jobs in the UK? As well as including salaries, below you will also see how to work your way up to securing such a sought after (and well paid) role.
Head of major organisations
Includes: CEOs and Company Presidents with more than 500 staff
Median Gross Pay: £84,453
Annual Change: +5.6%
Pay Range: £23,388 – £126,229
How to get there: Many successful CEOs don’t actually have any formal qualifications. A good aptitude for business, strong leadership skills, experience leading teams and a knack for making profits is often all that’s required.
Aircraft Pilots
Includes: Flight Engineers and Flying Instructors
Median Gross Pay: £78,356
Annual Change: -0.4%
Pay Range: £56,017 – £82,944
How to get there: Make sure you have GCSEs, A Levels and have learnt to fly obviously. You will need to have flown for 150 hours before you can even start to pursue a commercial pilot’s licence. To pass this includes undertaking nine theoretical exams and 25 more hours of flight training. It is estimated to cost around £60,000 to train to become a pilot so the generous salary will be well worth it in the end.
Marketing Directors
Includes: Sales Directors
Median Gross Pay: £68,438
Annual Change: +4.2%
Pay Range: £24,000 – £104,636
How to get there: A relevant degree or a qualification from the Chartered Institute of Marketing and a lot of experience.
Transport Associate Professionals
Includes: Air Traffic Controllers and Ship and Hovercraft Officers
Median Gross Pay: £64,889
Annual Change: +6.7%
Pay Range: £37,443 – £88,829
How to get there: You will need five GCSEs and a couple A Levels. Furthermore, you will need to undergo an online skills assessment, a cognitive computer test, realistic scenario tests and competency interviews. It is a competitive industry – only 25 out of every 3,000 applicants are accepted into the National Air Traffic Services training course each year.
Medical Practitioners
Includes: Surgeons, Anaesthetists, Consultants, GPs, Physicians, Psychiatrists, Clinicians, Registrars
Median Gross Pay: £63,677
Annual Change: +4.4%
Pay Range: £19,123 – £131,298
How to get there: It’s hard work to get into the medical profession. As well as an initial five to six year medical degree, be prepared for about 10 years of postgraduate training. Being academic is almost a necessity because there will be a lot of reading, studying and exams during your training.
Company Lawyers
Includes: Patent Attorney
Median Gross Pay: £63,484
Annual Change: +10.2%
Pay Range: £29,161 – £93,847
How to get there: As well as good GCSEs, A levels and a degree, you will also need to complete a post-graduate legal qualification. You will also need years of practice as a solicitor before becoming a lawyer so prepare to work incredibly hard if you want to make it to the top.
Public Relations Directors
Includes: Communication Directors, Media Directors, Publicity Managers and Advertising Directors
Median Gross Pay: £60,486
Annual Change: Unknown
Pay Range: £51,869 – £66,088
How to get there: To become a PR director, you will either need journalism experience or a BA or MA in Public Relations.
Senior Police Officers
Includes: Chief Inspectors, Chief Superintendents, Chief Constables, Chief Officers and Police Commissioners
Median Gross Pay: £57,664
Annual Change: -2.2%
Pay Range: £50,791 – £63,103
How to get there: The only way to become a senior police officer is to work your way up from the lowest ranks.
Information Technology Directors
Includes: Telecommunications Directors and CIOs
Median Gross Pay: £55,426
Annual Change: -11.5%
Pay Range: £30,240 – £76,335
How to get there: A degree will help significantly – the Information Technology for Business degree is a well-recognised route. Once you have gained your qualifications, IT and management skills are needed which you will pick up through your work experience.
Senior Officers in Protective Services
Includes: Top officers in the armed forces, fire services, ambulance services and prison services
Median Gross Pay: £54,539
Annual Change: -1%
Pay Range: £44,446 – £63,481
How to get there: Prison governors are required to pass the National Offender Management Service graduate programme. Fire-fighters can gain qualifications through the Institute of Fire Engineers and to work in the armed forces, you need to pass an Army Officer Selection Board followed by officer training.
*The data was taken from a sample of employees paid via PAYE and works out the median gross salary. The total salaries do not take into account bonuses, celebrities or those who are self-employed.
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