Top Paying Cities In The UK
What are the top-paying cities in the UK? What does it take to live in the UK, and what are the things you should look out for when planning to live in the UK, this is more are what will be discussed in this article.
The United Kingdom has continued its dominance as one of the most popular countries in the world. From its historical culture to its wonderful holiday destination, the UK has everything you can ever dream of. To top it all, the United Kingdom is blessed with beautiful cities.
The United Kingdom comprises 76 beautiful cities. 55 cities are in England, eight in Scotland, seven in Wales, and six in Northern Ireland. Each city in the United Kingdom has its culture and what they most popular for.
However, the cities in the UK differ when it comes to the earnings of their workforce. All workers in the UK are well-paid, however, some cities are known for their huge pay and this is due to some factors. Not to bore you with long talks, Let’s check out the top-paying cities in the UK and the details you need to know about these cities.
TOP PAYING CITIES IN THE UK
- St Albans
Topping the list of top-paying cities in the UK is St. Albans. St Albans is a cathedral city in Hertfordshire, England, east of Hemel Hempstead and west of Hatfield.
St Albans was the first major town on the old Roman road of Watling Street for travelers heading north and became the city of Verulamium. It is within the London commuter belt and the Greater London Built-up Area.
The city is known for its cultural life, with regular concerts and theatre productions held at venues across the city. It is also known for housing sport-loving fans. Residents of this city are blessed with well-paying jobs.
Workers in St Albans are also entitled to a good pay grade. St Albans’s salary growth rate is 7.25% per year based on changes in average salary between 2022 and 2023, which is 4.71% higher than the average salary growth rate in St Albans over the past 10 years.
The average weekly hours worked in St Albans is currently 37.5 hours. The average male works 38 hours per week and the average female works 37.4 hours per week.
According to the figures published by the ONS for 2023, female wages in St Albans average £33,618, and male wages average £39,530. The average salary in St Albans is £31,912 per year.
- London
Also making the list of top-paying cities in the UK is London.
With a population of around 8.8 million, London is the capital and largest city of England, and the United Kingdom. It is also the largest city in Western Europe by metropolitan area, with a population of 14.8 million.
London is ranked among the world’s global cities. The city houses top brands and companies in industries like sports, technology, health care, media, education, tourism, transport, and a host of others.
Being Europe’s third-most populous city, London’s diverse cultures encompass over 300 languages.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average salary for a full-time employee in London is £41,866, higher than the national average of £33,000. The income of a worker living in London is determined by various factors and this includes their job type and experience. A teacher in inner London can expect to be paid between £36,745 and £56,959 a year, according to the Department of Education.
Note that the cost of living in London is significantly higher than in other parts of the UK.
- Cambridge
Cambridge is a city and non-metropolitan district in the county of Cambridgeshire, England. It is the county town of Cambridgeshire and is located on the River Cam, north of London.
The average (mean) salary in Cambridge is £39,909 per year. The top 20% of workers in Cambridge earn an average of £51,051 per year. Whereas the bottom 20% of workers only earn £17,259 per year.
Just like the other cities in the UK, salaries in Cambridge are determined by the level of experience and qualification of such employees.
In Cambridge, employees with two to five years of experience typically earn an average of 32% more than entry-level and junior workers in all industries and fields. Individuals with more than five years of experience tend to earn an average of 36% more than those with less than five years of experience.
- Milton Keynes
Also making the list of top-paying cities in the UK is Milton Keynes. Located in Buckinghamshire, England, about 50 miles (80 km) north-west of London, workers in Milton Keynes are well paid. The average salary in Milton Keynes is GBP 52,788 per year. The most typical earning is GBP 25,133. Salaries are different between men and women. Men receive an average salary of GBP 58,906. Women receive a salary of GBP 39,899.
Talking of the careers with the highest pay, Management & Business top the list average income of GBP 81,526, and Logistics, Road, and Railway with an income of GBP 78,228. Bachelor’s Degree holders earn an average salary of GBP 65,111 with the second most paid education level being a Masters’s Degree with a salary of GBP 53,487.
- Oxford
Undoubtedly one of the most popular cities in the UK, not many will be surprised to see Oxford on the list of top-paying cities in the UK. Oxford is home to the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
Blessed with a striving economy that includes manufacturing, publishing, and science-based industries as well as education, sports, entertainment, breweries, research, and tourism, the Oxford workforce is well-paid.
The average salary in Oxford is £35,898.77 while the hourly average pay in Oxford is £17.26. On the other hand, the starting salary in Oxford is £20,800.00 per year or £10.00 per hour.
How to get a well-paying job in the UK
The United Kingdom authorities have ensured that all workers are well paid. However, salaries tend to differ based on work experience, location, and the type of job. Getting a well-paying job in the UK is not difficult, however, there are certain requirements you must meet.
The requirements needed to get a well-paying job in the UK are:
1. Certifications: You must possess certificates that prove you are an expert in your field of study. Employee are advised to get professional certificates in their field as this will be an added advantage when applying for a role.
2. Experience: The years of experience you have in your field will also play a huge role in you securing a good job. Boosting over 5 years of experience in your field of study is a great way to go when seeking a well-paying job.
3. Communication Skills: Good communication skills in the UK will lead you to a good job. Perfect your communication skills and be sure of success.
4. Research: There are various online platforms you can surf when trying to get a job. Visit these platforms to apply for the job that suits your standards. You can also visit the official websites of firms that might be interested in your service. Pitch yourself to them and give reasons why you should be considered for a role in their organization.
5. Attend Seminars: Attending seminars that are in line with your field of study can also help secure that dream job. Oftentimes, tips about getting a well-paying job are shared at this seminar. The seminar also allows you to connect with like minds.
Highest-paying jobs in the UK
According to analysis of official ONS data, Chief executive and senior-level roles are perhaps unsurprisingly the highest-paid jobs in the UK. Marketing, sales, and advertising directors, doctors, headteachers, and airline pilots also come in the top 10. Listed below are the highest-paying jobs in the UK.
- Chief financial officer – £124,677
- Vice president of sales – £98,687
- Orthodontist – £94,658
- Nephrologist – £94,118
- Ophthalmologist – £93,331
- Anaesthesiologist – £93,072
- Pediatrician – £92,864
- Plastic surgeon – £90,531
- Dermatologist – £86,734
- Tax director – £89,619
Conclusion
The top-paying cities in the UK have been revealed in this article. The UK has one of the biggest economies in the world and workers are well-paid. Over the years, some cities have become famous for pay grades.
St Albans, London, Oxford, Cambridge, and Milton Keynes are ranked among the top-paying cities in the UK. The average salary in Oxford is £35,898.77 while the hourly average pay in Oxford is £17.26. On the other hand, the starting salary in Oxford is £20,800.00 per year or £10.00 per hour. The average salary in Milton Keynes is £52,788 GBP per year while the average (mean) salary in Cambridge is £39,909 per year.
Workers in St Albans earn an average salary of £31,912 per year while the average salary for a full-time employee in London is £41,866, higher than the national average of £33,000. Securing a well-paying job in the UK demands the employee possess all necessary skills and certifications and have experience in that field.