Top 5 highest-paying (for featured snippet)
1. Air Traffic Controller – £50K–£100K+ (UK) | $130K–$140K (US) [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
2. Commercial Pilot – £40K–£110K+ (UK) | $106,580 median (US) [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
3. Petroleum Engineer / Offshore Drilling Specialist – £40K–£90K+ (UK) | $85K–$110K (US) [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
4. Lift Engineer – £32K–£60K+ (UK) | $95,900 median (US as Elevator Installer/Repairer) [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
5. Detective / Criminal Investigator – £35K–£65K+ (UK) | $95,930 median (US) [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
Full career list (15 careers with UK + US data)
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1. Air Traffic Controller
About the role: You’ll manage aircraft movements in controlled airspace, issuing take-off/landing clearances and ensuring safe separation between planes. It’s high-pressure work requiring intense focus and split-second decision-making. [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
How to become one:
– UK: NATS runs a 12-month training program; you need GCSEs in English and maths, pass aptitude tests, and medical screening. No degree required—training is fully provided. [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
– US: Complete an FAA-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program or gain experience from military; pass medical and background checks. [fortune](https://fortune.com/2025/12/29/top-15-highest-paying-jobs-dont-require-college-degree-detectives-flight-attendants/)
Salary:
– UK: £50K–£70K starting, rising to £90K–£100K+ with experience (Source: NCS, MyPerfectCV) [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
– US: Median $132,250; top 10% earn over $200K (Source: BLS) [fortune](https://fortune.com/2025/12/29/top-15-highest-paying-jobs-dont-require-college-degree-detectives-flight-attendants/)
Time to job-ready: 12–18 months
Who it’s good for: Calm under pressure, excellent spatial awareness, no margin for error
***
2. Commercial Pilot
About the role: Fly aircraft for airlines, cargo, or charter services. Responsibilities include pre-flight checks, navigation, weather assessment, and passenger/cargo safety. [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
How to become one:
– UK: Obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) via an Approved Training Organisation (£80K–£120K total cost); requires Class 1 medical certificate. No degree needed. [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
– US: Earn FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (1,500 flight hours for airline transport); many start via flight schools or military. [fortune](https://fortune.com/2025/12/29/top-15-highest-paying-jobs-dont-require-college-degree-detectives-flight-attendants/)
Salary:
– UK: £40K–£60K entry (first officers), £80K–£110K+ captains (Source: NCS, Prospects) [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
– US: Median $106,580 (airline pilots/copilots/flight engineers) (Source: BLS) [fortune](https://fortune.com/2025/12/29/top-15-highest-paying-jobs-dont-require-college-degree-detectives-flight-attendants/)
Time to job-ready: 12–24 months training + 1,500–3,000 hours flight time
Progression: First Officer → Captain → Training Captain
***
3. Petroleum Engineer / Offshore Drilling Specialist
About the role: Design and supervise oil/gas extraction operations on offshore rigs or drilling sites. Work involves confined environments, extended offshore rotations (2–3 weeks on, 2–3 weeks off), and technical problem-solving. [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
How to become one:
– UK: Start as roustabout or roughneck and progress via OPITO-approved safety certifications (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training). Many advance through experience and specialist training. [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
– US: Similar entry via drilling assistant roles; OSHA safety certs; some pursue associate degrees in petroleum technology (2-year programs).
Salary:
– UK: £40K entry (roustabout), £60K–£90K+ (specialist/supervisor) (Source: Checkatrade, Reed) [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
– US: $85K–$110K for drilling specialists; petroleum engineers average $130K+
Time to job-ready: 8–12 weeks certs, 3–5 years to specialist
Who it’s good for: Physical fitness, comfort with remote/confined environments, teamwork
***
4. Lift Engineer (Elevator Installer/Repairer)
About the role: Install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and moving walkways in commercial and residential buildings. Involves electrical/mechanical troubleshooting and working at heights. [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
How to become one:
– UK: Complete a 3–4 year apprenticeship (NVQ Level 3 in Lift Engineering); employers include Otis, KONE, Schindler. [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
– US: Apprenticeship (National Elevator Industry Educational Program, 4 years) or union training; state licensing required in many areas. [fortune](https://fortune.com/2025/12/29/top-15-highest-paying-jobs-dont-require-college-degree-detectives-flight-attendants/)
Salary:
– UK: £32K–£40K entry, £50K–£60K+ experienced, £70K+ specialists (Source: NCS) [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
– US: Median $95,900; top 10% earn $135K+ (Source: BLS) [fortune](https://fortune.com/2025/12/29/top-15-highest-paying-jobs-dont-require-college-degree-detectives-flight-attendants/)
Time to job-ready: 3–4 years apprenticeship
Progression: Trainee → Qualified engineer → Supervisor → Contracts manager
***
5. Detective / Criminal Investigator
About the role: Investigate serious crimes (homicide, fraud, organized crime), gather evidence, interview witnesses/suspects, and prepare case files for prosecution. [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
How to become one:
– UK: Join police as constable (no degree required; A-levels/equivalent preferred), complete 2-year probation, then apply for detective training via National Investigator Programme. [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
– US: Start as police officer (high school diploma + police academy, 6 months), gain 3–5 years experience, then apply for detective/investigator roles. [fortune](https://fortune.com/2025/12/29/top-15-highest-paying-jobs-dont-require-college-degree-detectives-flight-attendants/)
Salary:
– UK: £35K–£45K detective constable, £50K–£65K+ detective sergeant/inspector (Source: NCS, Police.uk) [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
– US: Median $95,930; top earners exceed $145K (Source: BLS) [fortune](https://fortune.com/2025/12/29/top-15-highest-paying-jobs-dont-require-college-degree-detectives-flight-attendants/)
Time to job-ready: 3–5 years (police → detective)
Demand note: UK government actively recruiting 20,000+ officers
***
6. Electrician
About the role: Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. Work includes wiring, circuit testing, and compliance with safety regulations. [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
How to become one:
– UK: Apprenticeship (3–4 years, NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation) or fast-track courses (18 weeks) + on-site hours for qualification. [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/109137906/6cd221fd-3c3e-45b2-bb7c-007b2c54693b/image.jpg)
– US: Apprenticeship (4–5 years) via IBEW or independent programs; state licensing required.
Salary:
– UK: £25K–£35K entry, £40K–£50K qualified, £60K+ specialist/contractor (Source: NCS, Checkatrade) [ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws](https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-
Key Takeaways
