MANY students who graduate from university are uncertain about the type of career they want to go into.
But those motivated by money, may be interested in the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), which reveals the official figures for the UK’s highest and lowest paid jobs.
And once again, company directors and chief executives continue to dominate the number one spot with an average salary of £187,213 – nearly 20 times the amount earned by library assistants, who languish at the bottom of the pay list.
The survey, which is conducted annually by the Office of National Statistics, maps the average pay for full-time workers from around 300 trades and professions to determine, among other things, the highest and lowest paid jobs in the UK.
Here are its latest findings:
1. Directors and Chief Executives (£187,213) Role models: Marjorie Scardino, the Pearson chief executive, was the first woman to run a FTSE 100 company, last year she earned £4,166.523. While a good degree and a Masters will stand you in good stead, it is not a necessary requirement – captains of industries such as Lord Sugar and Sir Richard Branson both started their career with no qualifications.
2. Brokers (£112,994) – Their basic salary may only put them second on the list, but with City bonuses continuing to defy the recession, brokers are among the highest paid in the land. A good degree from a top university is essential, preferably with a focus on business, economics or finance. Role models: Carla Antunes da Silva JP Morgan Banks; Abigail West Credit Suisse Banks and Joanna Parsons RBS Non-life insurance
3. Financial managers and chartered secretaries (£82,404) – Both roles are highly regarded by their organisation. With chartered secretaries advising on the financial implications of certain courses of action and financial managers ensuring regulatory compliance. A good degree is essential – in law, business and accountancy would give you the advantage. Role models: Julia Wilson, financial director at private equity firm 3i and Jann Brown, FD at Cairn Energy.
4. Medical practitioners (£74,220) – expect to work hard: a four or five year medical degree followed by a two year foundation programme. Worth all the effort for the monetary rewards once qualified. Role models: Valerie Lund is a Professor of Rhinology at the UCL Ear Institute, and Honorary Consultant Rhinologist at the Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital.
5. Aircraft pilots and flight engineers (£62,799) – Surprisingly a degree is not essential for this career. Competition is fierce, however, and intensive on-the-job training involves working towards the commercial pilot’s licence (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence.
6. Air traffic controllers (£57,963) – while education to degree level isn’t a prerequisite, a significant number of graduates are entering the profession, usually via the National Air Traffic Services (NATS).
7. Marketing and sales managers (£55,644) – Entry-level positions tend to be occupied by graduates, although there are opportunities for those with HNDs.
8. Solicitors, lawyers, judges and coroners (£54,979) – Mostly a degree is required, although solicitor status might be achieved by taking the legal executive route. Role models: Divorce lawyer, Fiona Shackleton, who is reputed to have been paid a cool £1m for handling Sir Paul McCartney’s divorce from Heather Mills.
9. Police officers (Inspectors and above) (£54,156) – again, a profession for which entry is not the preserve of degree holders. A clean criminal record and tact and diplomacy are essential.
10. Finance and investment analysts (£49,732) –A a good degree is essential, with economics, maths, business studies or accountancy giving you the edge.
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