Top in-Demand Occupations in the UK

The UK has a strong need for skilled workers in areas like healthcare, engineering, IT, and education. As the workforce ages and the economy changes, the government updates its Shortage Occupation List to bring in talent from abroad. Knowing which jobs are in demand can help you land a job and get a skilled worker visa. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting out, focusing on these in-demand roles can really boost your chances of building a successful career in the UK.

Occupations	Average Salaries (per annum)
Engineering	£43,511
IT	£35,000
Marketing & Sales	£35,000
HR	£32,842
Healthcare	£27,993
Teachers	£35,100
Accountants	£33,713
Hospitality	£28,008
Nursing	£39,371

 

Why Work in the UK?

The UK has a lively job market with great job prospects and a good quality of life. There’s a real need for skilled workers in areas like healthcare, tech, education, and finance. Working in the UK can also help you grow your career and even lead to permanent residency.

• There are over 1.1 million job openings in the UK for 2024, according to the ONS.
• In healthcare, there’s a big need for more than 150,000 roles, particularly for nurses and care workers.
• The tech industry saw a boost with around 90,000 new jobs popping up in 2023, growing by 8.4%.
• Average salaries ranging between £40,000 and £65,000 a year.
• Over 30,000 teaching jobs available in STEM subjects throughout the UK.

Migrate with a UK Work Visa

Moving to the UK with a work visa is a great chance for skilled professionals and talented people to grow their careers in one of the top economies. The UK has different visa options for various jobs like healthcare, tech, education, and business. Whether you are just starting out, have years of experience, or are starting your own business, the UK has clear ways for you to live and work here legally. Additionally, many work visas can lead to permanent residency and British citizenship down the line.

*Want to apply for a UK work visa? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process.

 

Types of UK work visas

The UK offers many work visas for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, temporary workers, and more. Each type is aimed at different job sectors, skills, and situations. Picking the right visa depends on your job, whether you have an employer sponsoring you, and what your long-term plans are, like if you want to settle down or get permanent residency.

UK Work Visa Type	Description
Skilled Worker Visa	For those who have a job offer from an employer in the UK.
Health and Care Worker Visa	For medical workers employed by the NHS or in adult social care.
Global Business Mobility Visa	For overseas employees transferred to the UK for business-related purposes.
Scale-up Visa	For skilled workers joining fast-growing UK businesses in highly skilled roles.
Graduate Visa	For international graduates of UK institutions to work or look for work in the UK.
High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa	For graduates from top global universities to work in the UK without needing a job offer.
Start-up Visa	For new entrepreneurs wanting to start an innovative business in the UK.
Innovator Founder Visa	For experienced business people with a scalable idea that has support from an approved UK body.
Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Visa	For short-term agricultural jobs, including fruit picking and horticulture.
Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa	For artists and entertainers with short-term creative contracts in the UK.
Temporary Work – Charity Worker Visa	For individuals volunteering in unpaid roles at UK-registered charities.
Global Talent Visa	For outstanding professionals in areas like science, tech, arts, and education.

List of High-Demand Jobs in the UK

The UK has plenty of good jobs that pay well, especially in the top industries. If you are thinking about moving to the UK or looking at job options around the world, here is a list of some of the top in demand jobs in the UK, including average salaries.

1. IT & Software Jobs in the UK

The UK’s tech industry continues to expand, with growing demand for developers, cybersecurity experts, and AI specialists.

Average Salary: £65,000/year

Salary Range: £45,000 to £100,000/year

2. Engineering Jobs in the UK

Engineers are highly sought after across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, aerospace, and manufacturing.

Average Salary: £55,000/year

Salary Range: £38,000 to £90,000/year

 

3. Accounting & Finance Jobs in the UK

Finance professionals remain in high demand, particularly in London’s financial district and major UK cities.

Average Salary: £60,000/year

Salary Range: £40,000 to £120,000/year

 

4. Human Resources Jobs in the UK

HR professionals are essential in today’s workplace, with demand growing in both private and public sectors.

Average Salary: £50,000/year

Salary Range: £35,000 to £85,000/year

 

5. Hospitality Jobs in the UK

The UK’s hospitality sector is rebounding, especially in London, Manchester, and tourist hubs.

Average Salary: £30,000/year

Salary Range: £22,000 to £50,000/year

 

6. Sales & Marketing Jobs in the UK

Sales and marketing professionals play a key role in driving business across industries, with increasing roles in digital marketing.

Average Salary: £50,000/year

Salary Range: £30,000 to £95,000/year

 

7. Healthcare Jobs in the UK

The NHS and private sector continue to recruit healthcare workers including doctors, therapists, and support staff.

Average Salary: £45,000/year

Salary Range: £28,000 to £85,000/year

 

8. Teaching Jobs in the UK

Teachers, especially in subjects like math, physics, and computing, are in high demand across UK schools.

Average Salary: £38,000/year

Salary Range: £28,000 to £55,000/year

 

9. Nursing Jobs in the UK

Nurses are among the most in-demand professionals in the UK, with attractive relocation packages and fast-track visa options.

Average Salary: £35,000/year

Salary Range: £28,407 to £49,000/year

*Want to work in the UK? Sign up with Y-Axis to assist you with the process.

 

Eligibility Criteria for UK work visa 

You can qualify for a UK work visa if you have:

• A job offer from a UK employer that the Home Office accepts.
• A Certificate of Sponsorship linked to a specific job and an occupation code.
• Your job matches the required skill level, which is RQF 3 or higher.
• Your salary must meet the minimum, usually at least £25,600 or the standard rate for your position, but in some cases, it could be more, like £38,700.

 

• Show that you can speak English at B1 level or better.
• Meet the points-based system, you need at least 70 points:
• 20 points for having an approved job offer.
• 20 points for the right skill level.
• 10 points for your English skills.
• The last 20 points can come from your salary, being in a shortage job, or having a PhD.

*Want to check your eligibility to the UK? Try the FREE Y-Axis UK immigration points calculator and get an instant score!

 

Requirements to Work in the UK

You must fulfill the below requirements to apply for a work visa in the UK:

• Valid Work Visa: Most non-UK citizens need a visa, like the Skilled Worker Visa, to work legally in the UK.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): You need this from a UK employer who is licensed by the Home Office.
• Job Offer from a UK Employer: The job must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet certain salary and skill level requirements.
• Proof of English Language Skills: You will need to show that you can read, write, speak, and understand English, usually at CEFR Level B1 or higher.
• Salary Requirements: Your salary must meet the set standards (typically £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, depending on the job).
• Job Skill Level: The job should meet the required RQF level, which is Level 3 or above based on the visa type.
• Financial Proof (if needed): You might have to prove you have enough funds to support yourself upon arrival, usually around £1,270.
• Clean Criminal Record (if needed): For some jobs, especially in healthcare or education, you’ll need to provide a police clearance certificate.
• Tuberculosis Test (if needed): If you're coming from a specific country and staying more than 6 months, you’ll need this test.
• Visa Fee and Healthcare Surcharge: You will need to pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge to use NHS services.

 

How to Apply for Jobs in the UK?

You can follow the below steps to apply for a job in the UK:

Step 1: Look for jobs that fit what you want.

Step 2: Create a CV and cover letter like the ones used in the UK.

Step 3: Send out your applications and keep track of the replies.

Step 4: Get a job offer from a UK company.

Step 5: Apply for your UK work visa.

Step 6: Travel to the UK and start your new job.

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the world's No.1 overseas Immigration consultant, providing unbiased and innovative immigration assistance for 25+ years.

Our team of experts will assist you with:

• Check free eligibility through the Y-Axis UK Immigration Points Calculator
• Filling out the application form
• Assistance to migrate to the UK
• Assistance to apply for a UK work visa.
• Arranging the requirements
• Looking for jobs in the UK? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services to find the right one!