Page 15 | What jobs do people have that pay £200k+?

Diamondpearl123 · 2026-02-07T07:32:45+00:00

I am thinking about making a career change to earn more (aiming for £200k +) but would like to understand what types of roles I should aim for and whether they are realistic for me. Grateful to understand people’s experiences and hopefully start a good discussion. Some questions below. Thank you - What is your job? - What is your salary? - How many years into your career are you? - What are the key qualifications/experience for the role? - What hours do you work?

MissMarplesKnittingNeedles · 09/02/2026 01:11

I didn’t come from an upper middle class background. Dad worked part time and was disabled. Mum was a housewife. Comprehensive school, average university. I’m now on about £170k a year doing consulting in engineering. I found a role I was good at and worked hard to establish my reputation as someone who could deliver high quality work under tight timescales. I could earn more - I’ve got enough time to take on a bit more work.

We do our daughters no favours when we don’t show them what they could achieve.

HoppingPavlova · 09/02/2026 01:40

To be frank, in general, people capable of earning >200 would not be on an internet forum asking how they could achieve this. They are able to work it out independently.

idontgetitdoyou · 09/02/2026 01:54

Laurmolonlabe · 08/02/2026 23:08

Very few- CEO's of blue chip companies, successful city traders, top corporate lawyers, top actuaries. Very successful investment bankers and hedge fund managers. That's it really it's only a few hundred positions like this even in the City of London.

Absolutely not true. Are you in these fields? Most of the roles you've men ruined would be earning much, much more than 200k. You can easily look up the salary of a blue chip CEO.

Starseeking · 09/02/2026 01:58

Existentialistic · 07/02/2026 12:07

This is an interesting thread. Not many people have mentioned things like class, geography, and connections. Here’s my tips to earn big bucks:

Be born in the SE of England to upper middle class parents who can afford to give you a top private education
Make sure you go to university at one of the top universities, e.g. Oxford, Cambridge or at the very least a Russell Group uni
Choose a degree like medicine, law, computer science or at the very least a business type degree.
Make sure your degree has a year of work experience at a top firm included
Have a plummy accent (not difficult if you’ve had a private education) and make friends/connections with wealthy people.
Have a face that fits
If your parents were high-earning professionals, you’ll also have a head start.

What I’m trying to say is that it is extremely difficult for someone born in to a working class family in certain parts of the country, with a crappy state school education and a degree from an ex-poly in media studies, to walk into a job that will end up (after many years) paying such a substantial salary. No matter how hard you work or how many degrees you have. Maybe some people from working class backgrounds who have struck lucky in building their own business and worked extremely hard may reach this eventually. Someone please prove me wrong and tell us that you did not have any of the above advantages, but you have reached a substantial salary. Even so, sociology would tell me that you are a small minority. Good luck OP.

I had to search back through the thread so I could quote your post.

Of the 7 criteria on your list, the only one I sort of meet is the degree, and even then it was just one of the sciences (not medicine) lol I was also born in the Home Counties, though my parents originally came from abroad.

For me and the people I know who earn salaries in this range, the world has changed a lot, and it’s far more achievable for ordinary people who worked hard when young to now be in a highly paid field than it was in the past.

In my circle all of our parents emigrated from Commonwealth countries (not Can, NZ or Aus lol) to the UK, all parents had jobs like nurses, bus conductors, taxi drivers etc. We all went to state schools, other than a couple who won scholarships to private schools.

The common thread we all have is the huge amount of importance our parents placed on education. Working hard enough to get into uni (only a couple Oxbridge/Russell Group), and getting into a decent career path with a solid trajectory following. In my case this was Chartered Accounting/finance purely because I always loved numbers (and still do!). I really enjoy my job as it makes a difference.

Moving jobs regularly also helps. I’ve told this story on MN before however my largest pay increase in moving jobs about 10 years ago was from £87k to £125k, up by 43% in one move for a very similar role in a larger company. The single thing I thank my lucky stars for was not telling my new employer what my old salary was during negotiations. These days if asked current salary, I pivot the question towards the new role being discussed and what I am looking for.

For anyone who doesn’t meet the 7 criteria, keep going and aim high, as in my experience it’s far from impossible (and not even that difficult, as long as you persist!).

TapertandEdkins · 09/02/2026 02:22

I work in the hospitality, industry and earn well over that. I started in a position that most people would turn their noses up at.
I don’t have a degree, all I have is the work I put into building my career.
I have two children and really do feel that I spend plenty of time with them, I definitely wouldn’t have felt that at the beginning of my career, but I really do now.

1HappyTraveller · 09/02/2026 03:53

InMyOpenOnion · 07/02/2026 08:43

I know someone who earns that salary. He's very senior in a niche environment. He assesses the potential wind tunnel effects of large and tall buildings in urban areas. They need to be under a certain level in order to get planning permission. So basically wealthy property developers need his sign off before they can even start building.

Edited

I think that is one of the most “niche” jobs I’ve ever heard of! But makes sense.

ElizaMulvil · 09/02/2026 03:57

Close relative. As someone said, education, education, education plus hard work, hard work, hard work.

G Father left school 12. ( father died in industrial accident so apprentice pay kept him and his mother.) WW2 (refugee), up through the ranks, artillery officer. GMother first in family not to leave school at 13, trained as teacher. DM single parent family, graduate, own business.

Relative - N Comprehensive school, Oxbridge, Bar course, no connections, earns £250k +, 14 years call. Very interesting, hard work. 2 young children, nursery, cleaner, cook. Self employed. (Might have to work through night, at weekends etc. but rarely.) Control over own holidays etc. Most recruits at Chambers now women.

Loves it!

tigerdog · 09/02/2026 04:40

Starseeking · 09/02/2026 01:58

I had to search back through the thread so I could quote your post.

Of the 7 criteria on your list, the only one I sort of meet is the degree, and even then it was just one of the sciences (not medicine) lol I was also born in the Home Counties, though my parents originally came from abroad.

For me and the people I know who earn salaries in this range, the world has changed a lot, and it’s far more achievable for ordinary people who worked hard when young to now be in a highly paid field than it was in the past.

In my circle all of our parents emigrated from Commonwealth countries (not Can, NZ or Aus lol) to the UK, all parents had jobs like nurses, bus conductors, taxi drivers etc. We all went to state schools, other than a couple who won scholarships to private schools.

The common thread we all have is the huge amount of importance our parents placed on education. Working hard enough to get into uni (only a couple Oxbridge/Russell Group), and getting into a decent career path with a solid trajectory following. In my case this was Chartered Accounting/finance purely because I always loved numbers (and still do!). I really enjoy my job as it makes a difference.

Moving jobs regularly also helps. I’ve told this story on MN before however my largest pay increase in moving jobs about 10 years ago was from £87k to £125k, up by 43% in one move for a very similar role in a larger company. The single thing I thank my lucky stars for was not telling my new employer what my old salary was during negotiations. These days if asked current salary, I pivot the question towards the new role being discussed and what I am looking for.

For anyone who doesn’t meet the 7 criteria, keep going and aim high, as in my experience it’s far from impossible (and not even that difficult, as long as you persist!).

Show quote history

I do not fit this criteria….i was born in the SE, true, but very working class and in relative poverty. Mum was a dinner lady. I almost screwed up my education but managed to pull off an excellent set of A Levels whilst working 25 hours a week to be able to afford the bus and lunch at college. Studied English literature and philosophy but at a RG university at least. Screwed up my career choice initially then fell into what I do. I rarely come across people through work with my background though.

Gemstonebeach · 09/02/2026 04:48

I don’t earn that type of money but people I know who do are lawyers, very senior civil servants, work in IT or work in infrastructure.

Goldleafcat · 09/02/2026 06:42

Thequiveringpossum · 07/02/2026 17:21

@PithyViewer sorry! Senior Civil Servant 😊He earnt about £170K as a SCS3 which is Director General.

I thought you meant SCS, the furniture shop - i.e. selling sofas 😅

curious79 · 09/02/2026 06:50

I’m a psychologist and get c£200k - working with businesses. Degree, masters and years of nose to grindstone
IFAs working alongside outfits like St James Capital will often be on £400k+
graduate role at Jane Street Capital - starting salary c£300k - requires impeccable academics and PhD from somewhere like Imperial

FlightsOfFancyAndVoyagesOfRandomWorth · 09/02/2026 06:53

On well over 200k plus equity as a VP of Engineering for start up tech companies after they've gone through the angel funding stage. PhD in computer science and a solid engineering back ground with Google, Apple and Facebook as well as plenty of experience with start up companies going through funding rounds. Don't think it's something you can just move in to if you're not already an engineer.

tooloololoo · 09/02/2026 07:07

I own a company
turnover £945k
i take a salary of £28,000
1 year in the company
8 years in the industry
BA Hons degree
4 hours per day - 7 days a week to keep it ticking along

aged 30, single mum

beAsensible1 · 09/02/2026 07:28

Existentialistic · 07/02/2026 12:07

This is an interesting thread. Not many people have mentioned things like class, geography, and connections. Here’s my tips to earn big bucks:

Be born in the SE of England to upper middle class parents who can afford to give you a top private education
Make sure you go to university at one of the top universities, e.g. Oxford, Cambridge or at the very least a Russell Group uni
Choose a degree like medicine, law, computer science or at the very least a business type degree.
Make sure your degree has a year of work experience at a top firm included
Have a plummy accent (not difficult if you’ve had a private education) and make friends/connections with wealthy people.
Have a face that fits
If your parents were high-earning professionals, you’ll also have a head start.

What I’m trying to say is that it is extremely difficult for someone born in to a working class family in certain parts of the country, with a crappy state school education and a degree from an ex-poly in media studies, to walk into a job that will end up (after many years) paying such a substantial salary. No matter how hard you work or how many degrees you have. Maybe some people from working class backgrounds who have struck lucky in building their own business and worked extremely hard may reach this eventually. Someone please prove me wrong and tell us that you did not have any of the above advantages, but you have reached a substantial salary. Even so, sociology would tell me that you are a small minority. Good luck OP.

Everyone I know and myself who earn this or near is none of these other than from London. All are ethnic minorities and haveMLE accents. Normal uni, good grades chose good sectors. Works hard a, does extra study and reading and gets stuck in.

beAsensible1 · 09/02/2026 07:31

Starseeking · 09/02/2026 01:58

I had to search back through the thread so I could quote your post.

Of the 7 criteria on your list, the only one I sort of meet is the degree, and even then it was just one of the sciences (not medicine) lol I was also born in the Home Counties, though my parents originally came from abroad.

For me and the people I know who earn salaries in this range, the world has changed a lot, and it’s far more achievable for ordinary people who worked hard when young to now be in a highly paid field than it was in the past.

In my circle all of our parents emigrated from Commonwealth countries (not Can, NZ or Aus lol) to the UK, all parents had jobs like nurses, bus conductors, taxi drivers etc. We all went to state schools, other than a couple who won scholarships to private schools.

The common thread we all have is the huge amount of importance our parents placed on education. Working hard enough to get into uni (only a couple Oxbridge/Russell Group), and getting into a decent career path with a solid trajectory following. In my case this was Chartered Accounting/finance purely because I always loved numbers (and still do!). I really enjoy my job as it makes a difference.

Moving jobs regularly also helps. I’ve told this story on MN before however my largest pay increase in moving jobs about 10 years ago was from £87k to £125k, up by 43% in one move for a very similar role in a larger company. The single thing I thank my lucky stars for was not telling my new employer what my old salary was during negotiations. These days if asked current salary, I pivot the question towards the new role being discussed and what I am looking for.

For anyone who doesn’t meet the 7 criteria, keep going and aim high, as in my experience it’s far from impossible (and not even that difficult, as long as you persist!).

Show quote history

Same.

Bungle1985 · 09/02/2026 07:32

My first reaction is to think about all the income tax on 200k!

I’m a musician so completely the wrong person for this this thread as we’re definitely not in it for the money!

BurnoutGP · 09/02/2026 07:33

Bungle1985 · 09/02/2026 07:32

My first reaction is to think about all the income tax on 200k!

I’m a musician so completely the wrong person for this this thread as we’re definitely not in it for the money!

You'd be completely correct and you don't see a huge amount of the extra hard work/responsibilities/time

Neurodiversitydoctor · 09/02/2026 07:41

Senior medic with strategic responsibility across several trusts and local authorities 2 days a week clinical practice. £190K.

But yes born in London to happily married MC parents who valued education.
Russel Group Uni
Speak SSB ( standard southern british- google it, basically BBC english)
Good health ( don't underestimate this one-have had 2 days off sick since starting this role nearly 4 years ago)
Supportive partner and young healthy grandparental help
Stopped at 2 children ( luckily no SEN/ND so were happy enough with multiple care givers/clubs etc)

I have ( and do) work hard but there is an awful lot of good fortune too.

LookingforMaryPoppins · 09/02/2026 07:44

tooloololoo · 09/02/2026 07:07

I own a company
turnover £945k
i take a salary of £28,000
1 year in the company
8 years in the industry
BA Hons degree
4 hours per day - 7 days a week to keep it ticking along

aged 30, single mum

What's the profit and what dividends do you take?

Existentialistic · 09/02/2026 07:46

Starseeking · 09/02/2026 01:58

I had to search back through the thread so I could quote your post.

Of the 7 criteria on your list, the only one I sort of meet is the degree, and even then it was just one of the sciences (not medicine) lol I was also born in the Home Counties, though my parents originally came from abroad.

For me and the people I know who earn salaries in this range, the world has changed a lot, and it’s far more achievable for ordinary people who worked hard when young to now be in a highly paid field than it was in the past.

In my circle all of our parents emigrated from Commonwealth countries (not Can, NZ or Aus lol) to the UK, all parents had jobs like nurses, bus conductors, taxi drivers etc. We all went to state schools, other than a couple who won scholarships to private schools.

The common thread we all have is the huge amount of importance our parents placed on education. Working hard enough to get into uni (only a couple Oxbridge/Russell Group), and getting into a decent career path with a solid trajectory following. In my case this was Chartered Accounting/finance purely because I always loved numbers (and still do!). I really enjoy my job as it makes a difference.

Moving jobs regularly also helps. I’ve told this story on MN before however my largest pay increase in moving jobs about 10 years ago was from £87k to £125k, up by 43% in one move for a very similar role in a larger company. The single thing I thank my lucky stars for was not telling my new employer what my old salary was during negotiations. These days if asked current salary, I pivot the question towards the new role being discussed and what I am looking for.

For anyone who doesn’t meet the 7 criteria, keep going and aim high, as in my experience it’s far from impossible (and not even that difficult, as long as you persist!).

Show quote history

You sound like you’ve done brilliantly - the Home Counties are in the SE though? Much better state schools than in the north (check it out), and salaries in the north also much lower. I rest my case (even though I’m definitely not a lawyer, ha ha). What you have described would have been unachievable if your parents had settled in Newcastle, and you didn’t move down south.

LookingforMaryPoppins · 09/02/2026 07:48

BurnoutGP · 09/02/2026 07:33

You'd be completely correct and you don't see a huge amount of the extra hard work/responsibilities/time

Show quote history

100%

You lose 60pence if every £1 earned between 100 and 125 k which is particularly unfair and kills any incentive.

Somersetlady · 09/02/2026 07:50

Lemondrizzle4A · 07/02/2026 08:21

I didn’t earn anywhere near that as a teacher but the job satisfaction- seeing children thrive was worth far more. Personally considering teachers shape the future generations it’s a pittance but money shouldn’t be your motivator. My DH always said if money is your motivation you will never be happy because you will always want more.
Perhaps what you need to look for is a career that will be both challenging and rewarding but not necessarily in the financial aspect.

The two are not mutually exclusive.

I earn 160k pre tax but on a 25 hour week so I have time to be very present for my children. The hours and therefore income will increase once they both reach secondary school.

Psychologist specialising in performance and sport. Very satisfying job and work with many children from 12+.

You’d need a serious investment of time and money to qualify and get experience in similar but age is not a barrier to entry.

Very best of luck with making this happen OP.

Existentialistic · 09/02/2026 07:50

beAsensible1 · 09/02/2026 07:28

Everyone I know and myself who earn this or near is none of these other than from London. All are ethnic minorities and haveMLE accents. Normal uni, good grades chose good sectors. Works hard a, does extra study and reading and gets stuck in.

Show quote history

London - exactly. Makes a big difference believe me. You hit point 1 in criteria bingo (born in the SE).

Jaffalemons · 09/02/2026 08:05

MintDog · 08/02/2026 21:51

Reading this thread is depressing. I actually feel sorry for people who work all these stupid hours just to be able to have more money, buy stuff and have loads for retirement (If you don't drop dead in the meantime) Sounds horrendous!

Reinforces my decision for walking away from corporate life when I was in my early 30's. You don't actually need this much money to be happy.

OP - find what makes you happy. If it also makes you wealthy then yes, that's a bonus. But don't be that person who dreads every Sunday evening and looks back age 50 thinking christ, I've actually missed all of my childrens life so far.

That and the fact that I'd probably be sacked within a day if I actually had to work for someone else now!

I work part time!

Goldwren1923 · 09/02/2026 08:14

LookingforMaryPoppins · 09/02/2026 07:48

100%

You lose 60pence if every £1 earned between 100 and 125 k which is particularly unfair and kills any incentive.

Show quote history

The incentive is to earn well over 125K. Basically it has to be over 160K to be worthwile
don’t disagree that this cliff is counterproductive though