Jobs that pay well

Chief Executives and Directors

What they do*: Directors and CEOs are accountable to shareholders for a company's overall success.

Sir Richard Branson and Sir Alan Sugar are in the minority among UK top executives, with the majority typically needing a degree and potentially an MBA.

They make £151,046 each year.

Brokers

What they do: Their base pay may only rank them second on the list, but with some city brokers receiving bonuses in excess of £2 million per year, their real-world status may be substantially higher. A broker handles individual customers' or corporations' investment portfolios by buying and selling stocks and shares to maximize return on investment.

A degree in any area is required, however a business, economics, or finance degree would be preferable.

They make £115,612 each year.

Senior executives and corporate executives

What they do: Corporate Managers (or Business Managers) hold a variety of responsibilities based on the size of the company. Managers carry out their responsibilities through organizing, planning, inspiring, and controlling.

How to get there: An engineering degree in business management or a bachelor's degree in business management from an authorized institution is required.

They make £107,951 each year.

Managers of Finance (and Chartered Secretaries)

What they do: Financial managers advise and provide organizations with financial and strategic support, such as budgetary controls or the financial consequences of a certain course of action, to allow them to make successful business choices. Chartered secretaries function at the board level to verify that an organization's rules are followed, as well as to give legal, personnel, property, and financial assistance. Chartered secretaries are highly regarded by their organizations due to their important business expertise across a broad variety of operational sectors.

Here's how to get there: A degree in any area, as well as professional accounting certifications, are required for Financial Managers. Entrants should have a degree in law or business, according to the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.

They make £83,396 each year.

Medical Professionals

What they do: Medical practitioners offer primary and continuous treatment to individuals in their communities. They are trained to diagnose a patient's condition based on physical, psychological, and social characteristics and to send patients to hospital clinics if necessary.

Here's how to get there: A five-year medical degree (or four years for a graduate entrance course) is required, followed by a two-year foundation curriculum in which junior physicians may earn up to £35,000 per year.

They make £76,000 each year.

Aviators and flight engineers

What they do: They operate commercial, business, or freight planes on short- or long-haul trips. Flight engineers work on aircraft and associated technological development.

Here's how to get there: A-levels/HND are adequate, however pilots must complete an intense training program at a CAA-approved training school to get their commercial pilot's licence (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot's Licence. You'll also need a nice set of sunglasses. A degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering, avionics, or air transport engineering is required to become a flight engineer.

They make £68,582 each year.

Controllers of air traffic

What they do: With over 200 million passengers passing through UK airports each year, air traffic controllers have their job cut out for them. Their role is to oversee the safe take-off and landing of several airplanes at the same time by monitoring and managing the height, speed, and direction of each aircraft.

Here's how to get there: Contrary to popular belief, entrance is not limited to university degrees, albeit an increasing number of graduates are joining the industry. Five GCSEs (grades A-C including English and Maths) are required, as well as two A-levels/GNVQ advanced level. The majority of individuals join the field via the National Air Traffic Services (NATS).

They make £59,228 each year.

Managers of Marketing and Sales

What they do: Marketing and sales managers are in charge of designing and releasing new items into the market, executing marketing strategies, raising brand recognition, and eventually boosting sales.

Marketers often begin the industry after graduating (a degree in Marketing or Business is not required but is useful) or after finishing an HNC or HND. The Chartered Institute of Marketing offers professional marketing and sales certifications.

They make £57,276 each year.

Officers of the law (Inspectors and above)

They do the following: A detective police inspector is a middle manager who supervises the levels of constable and sergeant while also serving as a liaison between the investigative team and higher officers. And they are generally the Force's public face, in charge of maintaining excellent community relations. Unlike Inspector Clouseau, who famously said, "Madame, it is by far the worst nose I have ever seen and I praise you on it, it suits you!"

Here's how to get there: There are no official qualifications for entrance; anybody with a clean criminal record is welcome.

They make £56,931 each year.

Lawyers, Solicitors, Judges, and Coroners

They do the following: Solicitors are classified into two types: commercial and non-commercial. In general, they provide a broad variety of legal services and guidance to both corporate and individual customers on topics such as landlord and tenant agreements, buying and selling property, and marriage. Judges are arbitrators who are appointed to supervise legal procedures in court. Coroners direct and perform post-mortem investigations to identify the reason and liability for an unintentional, inexplicable, or violent death.

Here's how to get there: Solicitor - a bachelor's degree in any area or the legal executive path. Judges are appointed after serving a minimum of seven years as a practicing lawyer. Coroner - A trained lawyer, attorney, or medical practitioner is required.

They make £55,723 each year.