Dreaming of high earnings in the UK? From C-suite roles to specialist professions, the UK continues to reward top talent, especially in finance, tech, legal, and healthcare. With the right visa and skillset, international professionals can land six-figure salaries and a rewarding career.
1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Average Salary: £150,000–£300,000+; larger corporations pay up to £500k
- Employers: Tesco, Unilever, AstraZeneca, HSBC, Shell, BP
- Role: Steering strategy, overseeing operations, board reporting.
- Visa: Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) with graduate-level job requirement; hard to sponsor without board-level experience.
- Eligibility: Proven C-suite experience, global business understanding, fluent English.
- Additional Perks: Stock options, bonuses, chauffeur-driven cars, club memberships.
2. Chief Technology Officer (CTO) / IT Director
- Average Salary: £90,000–£200,000; CTO roles reach £320k
- Top Employers: Google UK, Microsoft UK, DeepMind, Barclays, Revolut
- Role: Leading IT strategy, cybersecurity, digital transformation.
- Visa: Skilled Worker visa possible; high salary ensures maximum visa points.
- Tech Stack: Cloud computing (AWS/Azure), cybersecurity, DevOps, AI/ML frameworks.
- In-Demand Skills: Leadership, cross-departmental collaboration, technical architecture.
3. Investment Banker / Director
- Average Salary: £120,000–£300,000 (base + bonuses)
- Employers: Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, UBS, Deutsche Bank, Barclays
- Visa: Skilled Worker visa straightforward with finance roles above the £38,700 threshold.
- Specializations: Mergers and Acquisitions, Equity Capital Markets, Fixed Income Trading.
- Career Path: Analyst → Associate → VP → Director → MD
4. Medical Specialist (Consultant Doctor / Surgeon)
- Salary Range: £80,000–£250,000 depending on specialization
- Employers: NHS Trusts, Bupa, Nuffield Health, private clinics
- Visa: Health and Care Worker Visa simplifies process for internationally qualified professionals.
- Popular Fields: Cardiology, Oncology, Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthetics
- Eligibility: GMC registration, PLAB/UKMLA exams, IELTS/OET
5. Airline Pilot / Air Traffic Controller
- Salary Range: Pilots £80,000–£135,000+; ATC up to £120,000+ with overtime
- Employers: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, EasyJet, NATS (for ATC)
- Visa: Skilled Worker visa applicable; roles often on shortage lists.
- Certifications: ATPL, CAA recognition
- Flight Hours: 1,500+ recommended for captain roles.
6. Data Scientist / Head of Data Engineering / AI Specialist
- Salary Range: £70,000–£220,000 depending on experience
- Employers: DeepMind, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Accenture
- Visa: Skilled Worker visa; alternatively Global Talent visa for tech leaders
- Tools: Python, R, SQL, TensorFlow, Spark
- Fields: FinTech, MedTech, Retail Analytics, Cybersecurity.
7. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) / Head of Finance
- Salary Range: £110,000–£300,000
- Employers: HSBC, Barclays, Unilever, FTSE 100 firms, Big Four (PwC, KPMG, EY, Deloitte)
- Visa: Skilled Worker visa attainable with senior finance roles and professional qualifications
- Certifications: ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CFA
- Key Skills: Financial planning, risk analysis, compliance, investment strategy.
8. Corporate Lawyer / Legal Partner
- Salary Range: £90,000–£200,000+ for top-tier solicitors/partners
- Employers: Magic Circle firms (Linklaters, Allen & Overy), Clifford Chance
- Visa: Skilled Worker visa suitable for corporate legal roles.
- Specializations: Corporate law, tax, commercial litigation, IP law
- Eligibility: UK law degree or conversion, SQE/Bar, English fluency.
9. Head of Compliance / Anti Money Laundering (AML)
- Salary Range: £150,000–£300,000
- Employers: Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, financial institutions, fintech firms
- Visa: Skilled Worker or Global Talent for leading experts.
- Certifications: ICA, CAMS, CISI, ACAMS
- Responsibilities: Risk analysis, KYC, regulatory audits.
10. Petroleum Engineer / Energy Consultant
- Salary Range: £60,000–£150,000+ depending on oil/gas cycles
- Employers: BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, Schlumberger
- Visa: Skilled Worker visa possible; energy sector frequently listed under skilled shortage occupations.
- Skills: Drilling engineering, reservoir simulation, sustainability expertise.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Process
Step-by-Step:
- Get a Job Offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
- Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Apply Online, pay IHS and fees.
- Attend Biometric Appointment.
- Wait 3 Weeks (average) for approval.
Minimum Requirements:
- Job offer in an eligible occupation
- English proficiency (IELTS 4.0+)
- Salary of £26,200+ (or £23k if shortage role)
Visa Duration:
- Usually 5 years (renewable)
- Can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Dependents:
- Spouse and children can apply alongside you.
Countries Eligible
Any non-UK citizen can apply. Popular applicant regions:
- Africa: Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Egypt
- Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines
- Europe: Ukraine, Romania, Poland
- Americas: Canada, USA, Brazil, Colombia
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.
Tips to Land a High Paying Job
- Get certified (CFA, PMP, AWS, CISSP, etc.)
- Build a UK-format CV
- Network on LinkedIn and industry events
- Target UK job boards: Reed, Indeed UK, TotalJobs
- Prepare for video/competency interviews
- Use a licensed sponsor list: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
FAQs
Q: Can I change jobs after getting the visa?
Yes, but your new employer must also be a licensed sponsor.
Q: Can I bring my family?
Yes, Skilled Worker visas allow dependents.
Q: Can I apply without a degree?
Yes, if you meet the skill and salary threshold.
Q: Is there an age limit?
No formal age limit, but you must qualify on skill/points.
Final Thoughts
High-paying jobs in the UK aren’t just for locals. With global demand for skilled professionals, visa pathways like the Skilled Worker and Global Talent visas are opening doors for international talent. Whether you’re a data scientist, doctor, or pilot the UK is hiring, and hiring well.
Start applying, get your certifications, and align your skills with the market. Your £100k+ UK career awaits!