The United Kingdom economy is evolving rapidly in recent years, with certain sectors experiencing a significant increase in demand for workers. Industries such as technology, healthcare, and sustainability are experience the fastest growth in the history of the country, which is driven by both innovation and the change in needs of the society.
If you are an immigrant or job seeker wanting to relocate to UK but not sure if you will secure a job as soon as you get to the country, this post will be a stepping stone for you.
There are lots of high job demand in the UK, which we are going to list a good numbers of them, how to find high paying jobs for immigrants, general requirements and qualification, expected salary and how to apply.
Sectors With High Job Demand In United Kingdom
Here is a list of some industries that has witnessed substantial growth in recent years leading to a high demand for workers:
1. Healthcare Professionals:
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is facing unprecedented challenges, currently their healthcare system is overwhelmed with shortage of healthcare workers due to their aging population, effects of the pandemic, and staffing shortages caused by Brexit. This has led to a high demand for qualified healthcare workers.
In fact, nursing alone accounts for nearly 20% of vacancies in the NHS. The UK government has responded by positively recruiting immigrant workers to bridge this gap, making it a great opportunity for foreign healthcare workers looking to move to the UK.
Key Positions in Demand:
- Nurses: Nurses with specialization in ICU, mental health, emergency care, and elderly care are high in demand.
- General Practitioners (GPs): GPs are in high demand, especially in rural and underserved communities.
- Surgeons and Specialists: Experts in fields such as cardiology, anesthesiology, and orthopedics are also high in demand.
- Healthcare Assistants (HCAs): With flexible entry requirements, HCAs play important roles in all hospitals and care facilities.
- Allied Health Professionals: Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, and dental professionals are also in high demand.
Expected Salary:
- Nurses: Starting salary for nurses in the UK is around £25,000, but with experience and specialization, this can rise to £40,000 or more.
- Doctors: Junior doctors earn roughly £29,000, but specialists and consultants can earn something higher of £75,000 annually. Surgeons and other high level specialists earns something around six-figure at senior levels.
How To Apply:
For foreign applicants, registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or the General Medical Council (GMC) is important but also depends on your profession. Once you are an accredited healthcare worker in the UK, you can use the NHS Jobs website to find and apply for job openings across the UK that aligns with your skill and qualification.
2. IT and Tech Professionals:
The world has gone digital, so a cyber threats increased, which is also affecting the economy of many countries that generates most of its revenue from Information technology. This has resulted to an increase in the demand for digital experts in the UK like software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and IT support.
The best part of this kind of jobs is that employers are looking for workers who will work from the comforts of their homes
Key Positions in Demand:
- Software Developers: There is an increased demand for experts in languages like Python, Java, and C++ is a golden ticket.
- Data Scientists: Companies all over UK are looking for Data scientists to help them in collecting, analyzing and interpreting data.
- Cybersecurity Experts: With hacking and other digital threats on the rise, companies are in high demand for skilled cybersecurity experts.
- IT Support Analysts: As the backbone of any company’s IT department, these experts keep systems running smoothly and help troubleshoot issues.
Salary Expectations:
- IT Support Analysts: Entry-level positions generally start around £25,000, with option for an increase as you gain more experience.
- Software Developers & Data Scientists: Mid-level professionals can expect salaries between £50,000 and £65,000.
- Cybersecurity Experts & Senior Software Engineers: Senior roles in high demand areas can expect salaries between £60,000 to £80,000, with some even reaching six figures depending on the area of specialization.
How to Apply: Start your job search on major platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and tech-specific job boards like Technojobs and CWJobs.
For foreign workers, make sure to focus on companies offering visa sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa. Tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Facebook are great options too, but don’t overlook smaller startups. Many of these nimble companies are eager to recruit skilled foreign workers and also assist with visa sponsorship application.
3. Skilled Tradespeople:
The UK’s skilled trades sector is experiencing a surge in demand, creating opportunities for professionals in fields like electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, bricklaying, plastering, and HVAC. This people are the unsung heroes keeping things running smoothly in homes and businesses across the UK.
In-Demand Positions:
- Electricians: Electricians are in high demand for electrical installations and repairs of faulty wiring.
- Plumbers: The UK needs skilled plumbers now more than ever to help with fixing leaky faucets to installing entire plumbing systems.
- Carpenters: Skilled carpenters are needed in building and repairing structures.
- Bricklayers and Plasterers: With construction projects multiplying by the day, bricklayers and plasterers are now in high demand for building new structures and renovations.
- HVAC Technicians: Someone has to ensure that homes and businesses stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. HVAC technicians provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services.
Average Salary Expectations: Skilled trades come with high earning potential. Entry-level salaries for most trades start around £25,000, but experienced professionals, especially electricians and plumbers, can earn up to £40,000 per year.
How to Apply: Having the right qualifications is key. You need to complete at least an NVQ, City & Guilds certification, or have apprenticeship certificate showing that you are a professional trades person.
Once you have the necessary credentials and qualifications, securing a job is usually the easy part. Many tradespeople get job offers through word of mouth, local job boards, trade specific recruitment agencies, or even online platforms like Checkatrade, Rated People, and MyBuilder.
4. Engineers:
The UK’s engineering sector is experiencing a surge in demand, driven by infrastructure development and a focus on sustainability. This presents good opportunities for skilled engineers, including foreign workers.
Engineering is one of those timeless professions. Whether you’re constructing towering skyscrapers or maintaining the UK’s energy grid, engineers are the foundation of progress. Right now, the UK is calling for skilled engineers to spearhead its growing projects in various sectors.
In-Demand Positions:
- Civil Engineers: Responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of roads, bridges, tunnels, and other public infrastructure.
- Mechanical Engineers: From vehicles to renewable energy systems, mechanical engineers are needed in both traditional and innovative technologies.
- Electrical Engineers: Needed to develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical systems in power generation and other industries.
- Project Engineers: Manage and oversee engineering projects from start to finish, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
- Structural Engineers: Specialize in the design and analysis of structures, ensuring safety and stability.
Salary Expectations:
- Entry-Level: £30,000 – £50,000 per year
- Mid-Level: £50,000 – £80,000 per year
- Senior-Level: £60,000 – £100,000+ per year
How to Apply:
- Professional Registration: Register with recognized bodies like the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
- Networking: Connect with professionals in the engineering field through industry events and online platforms.
- Job Boards: Use job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and sector-specific platforms to find suitable opportunities.
5. Finance and Legal Sectors:
The UK’s financial and legal sectors continues to grow strong and demanding, companies are looking for skilled experts, especially skilled professionals like financial managers and directors to help navigate through financial risks and legal compliance in the market.
Top Roles in Demand:
- Financial Managers and Directors: Businesses are seeking financial experts to guide them through economic challenges and ensure proper financial planning and risk management.
- Corporate Lawyers: Legal professionals that specializes in corporate and intellectual property law are in high demand due to the complex legal frameworks businesses operate within.
Salary Expectations:
- Financial Managers and Directors: £60,000 – £120,000 per year
- Corporate Lawyers: £50,000 – £100,000 per year
How to Apply:
- Research: Identify companies and institutions in your desired field.
- Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experience.
- Network: Connect with professionals in your field through industry events or online platforms.
- Job Boards: Use job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and sector-specific platforms.
6. Education and Training:
The education sector in the UK is experiencing growth, especially in STEM and special educational needs (SEN). This presents opportunities for skilled professionals in these areas.
- STEM Educators: The focus on innovation and technology is fueling the demand for educators in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. As the UK aims to produce a workforce ready to tackle future challenges, there is a significant push for STEM educators who can inspire and equip the next generation of leaders in these fields.
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teachers: To address the increasing demand for support for students with special educational needs, teaching assistants and specialists are in high demand.
Salary Expectations:
- STEM Educators: £30,000 – £50,000 per year (based on qualifications and experience)
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teachers: £25,000 – £40,000 per year
How to Apply:
- Research: Identify schools and institutions in your desired field.
- Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experience.
- Networking: Connect with education professionals through industry events or online platforms.
- Job Boards: use job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and education-specific platforms.
Salary Expectations For Immigrants For High Job Demand In The UK
Here is a table summarizing salary expectations for immigrants in some of the UK’s most in-demand jobs. These is just a guide, the actual salaries depends on your experience, qualifications, location and the specific job position.
| Job Role | Entry-Level Salary | Mid-Level Salary | Senior-Level Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurses (Healthcare) | £25,000 – £30,000 | £30,000 – £40,000 | £45,000 – £55,000+ |
| Doctors (Healthcare) | £29,000 – £45,000 | £50,000 – £75,000 | £80,000 – £150,000+ |
| Software Developers (Tech) | £30,000 – £40,000 | £50,000 – £70,000 | £80,000 – £100,000+ |
| Cybersecurity Experts (Tech) | £35,000 – £50,000 | £60,000 – £80,000 | £90,000 – £120,000+ |
| Civil Engineers | £30,000 – £35,000 | £40,000 – £60,000 | £70,000 – £100,000+ |
| Electricians (Skilled Trades) | £25,000 – £30,000 | £35,000 – £45,000 | £50,000+ |
| Financial Managers (Finance) | £35,000 – £50,000 | £60,000 – £90,000 | £100,000 – £150,000+ |
| Corporate Lawyers (Legal) | £45,000 – £65,000 | £70,000 – £120,000 | £130,000 – £200,000+ |
| STEM Educators (Education) | £25,000 – £30,000 | £35,000 – £50,000 | £50,000 – £70,000+ |
| SEN Teachers (Education) | £25,000 – £35,000 | £40,000 – £50,000 | £55,000+ |
Conclusion
The UK economy is undergoing significant upwards and downwards changes. While some sectors are experience massive decline of skilled workers others are experiencing and increase. This post on high job demand in the UK will help you know some of the sectors that needs more workers and also where to channel your energy on.
FAQs
1. What are the most in-demand jobs in the UK for 2024-2025? The most in-demand jobs include software developers, cybersecurity experts, healthcare professionals, engineers, and AI specialists.
2. Is there a shortage of healthcare workers in the UK? Yes, there is a growing shortage of nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals, driven by an aging population and increased healthcare demands.
3. What sectors are seeing the highest job growth? Sectors such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and sustainability are experiencing the most significant growth.
4. How can I prepare for a career in a high-demand sector? Acquiring specialized skills, gaining relevant experience, and staying updated on industry trends are key steps to securing a job in these growing sectors.
5. Are green jobs really becoming more popular? Yes, green jobs are on the rise as sustainability and environmental awareness become more central to business practices and government policies.