With more people choosing to go to University than ever before, the number of graduate scheme applications has increased, reducing the probability of success for each individual. There are a variety of professions that you can enter without a degree and degree attainment on its own no longer guarantees success.

The average salary in the UK is £27,000. We have collated a list of jobs that you don’t need a degree to do, and that pay more than the national average. No matter why you choose not to go to university, the fact is that it isn’t the right choice for everyone. So, we have featured below a few jobs for you to consider which may help you on your way to achieving career success without higher education.

Hairdresser
Hairdressers are often sought after, because their skills are always needed and they attain the ability to make others look and feel good. There is an opportunity to develop skills in the industry to make you an even more desirable candidate. A senior stylist could earn more than £30,000, and if you choose to open your own salon or find work in the media industry, such as on TV and film sets, your earning potential is higher. You may need to build up your earnings slowly, but the potential is definitely there – and there is no degree needed.

Fire Fighter
Every local community has a fire fighting service. The team have many key roles in addition to their life-saving responsibility that they are most renowned for. Firefighters also work with the community to teach them about fire prevention, which is an incredibly valuable role.. You could earn anything between £28,000 and £55,000 depending on how far up the ladder you manage to climb.

Recruitment Consultant
With more and more jobs appearing on the market every day, it’s important that there are individuals who have the ability to organise and interpret these positions to people who would best suit them. It is estimated that the recruitment industry is worth £30 billion, and this is only likely to increase.

Sales skills are a must for this role, along with a good attitude when dealing with customers. You may be required to work with a whole range of roles, from sourcing educational professionals from overseas to finding tradespeople for a certain project. £38,000 is what you can expect to start with, with commission usually on top of that.

Beautician
Careers in the beauty industry are becoming more prevalent than ever, and the availability of stronger advertising via a variety of social media channels has helped to propel this. By building up a portfolio and undergoing relevant training either at a college or on the job at your local salon, you can use your drive and love of beauty to create a career that you will excel in. You could earn more than £30,000 by opening your own salon, or setting up a freelance business.

Journalist
In a world of non-stop media, there are more opportunities for journalists than ever before – not only in newspapers but also on the television or radio. You will need an NCTJ approved qualification, but if you have good reporting skills, along with a key knowledge of the area you’d like to write about, then you’re already half way there. Add to that a drive to succeed, a proactive nature and a hunger for a story and you may well be on your way to becoming a top journalist – who can expect to earn at least £38,000.

Computer Software Engineer & IT developer
A modern workplace revolves around technology, making the IT department and support one of the most important departments in keeping a company ticking over.

Online courses or specific IT courses can be the first port of call for qualifications, or simply building a portfolio of personal projects will be enough to wow your potential employer. Be prepared to be tasked on your technical skills in the interview, practical knowledge as well as creative thinking is key in IT. Computer Software Engineers can earn a handsome sum upwards of £50,000 as a salary.

Public Relations
Working in the industry of Public Relations demands that you use your initiative and authority to find opportunities which will aid your campaigns and benefit your clients. Being a team player is a must, as is the knowledge of the various methods to leverage your projects so that they gain success. The salary that you can expect will depend on your ability, skills and experience but you may be able to find roles that will pay more than £100,000 for your efforts.

Air Traffic Controller
You don’t need a degree to be an Air Traffic Controller, however you will need other training. National Air Traffic Services provide courses, and you can expect up to five months of training, plus up to four years of on the job training, before you are fully qualified. An understanding of maths, in addition to good reflexes, are essential qualities to have in this role with a salary which can start from around £80,000.

Can’t make your mind up?
If you’re still not sure about the career that you would like to pursue, then don’t worry. There is something to suit everybody, even if you may not have found it in the list above.

To get a basic idea of what’s available for people with your interests and skills, a careers test could be a good option.

To start your research, the National Careers Service is a great website to use. Here, you can get CV and interview advice, and look at lots of different career profiles.

Once you’ve found the right career, it could change your life – so the decision shouldn’t be rushed. Take your time to consider your options, and you will find that the outcome of your deliberations will bring you great rewards in the future.