In the world of business, it’s all about supply and demand. High demand and low supply mean prices rise. Low demand and high supply? You’ve guessed it… customers just won’t pay a premium.
Well the job market is no different. If you’re lucky enough to have the skills currently in high demand, you can expect higher wages and the ability to take your pick from competing job offers.
In great news for students and recent graduates, there are plenty of jobs in demand in the UK. In the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit-related changes, the economy is witnessing skills and worker shortages across the board.
With this in mind, we take a look at six of the most needed jobs in the UK. Armed with this knowledge, get your job hunt off to the best possible start and land that dream position.
Table of Contents
- Programmers and Software Developers
- Cyber Security Specialists
- Health Services and Residential Care
- Architects
- Graphic Designers
- Physical Scientists
- 6 Most in demand jobs in the UK
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The UK government has a shortage occupation list, which includes many skilled (and varied) roles such as nurses, geoscientists, artists, software developers and architects. This list is updated regularly, reflecting the best careers in the UK if you’re job hunting.
It also means that if you’re applying for a work visa to the country, you’re more likely to succeed if you’ve secured a high demand job meeting the salary threshold. Eligible applicants only need to be paid 80% of the jobs normal going rate to qualify.
We’ll take a look at a selection of these high demand jobs in the UK, and the skills you’ll need to succeed.
1. Programmers and Software Developers
The UK (along with countries all over the world) is currently grappling with the digital skills gap. This means anyone with IT and software development skills is in high demand. With starting salaries sitting around £26,000, it’s certainly a lucrative option.
If you’re looking for a future-proofed career in tech, working on your software development skills (especially coding) is a smart strategy.
Related Degrees: Software Design, Computer Sciences or Information Technology.
2. Cyber Security Specialists
Related to the digital skills shortage, cyber security is another of the most in demand jobs in the UK. Salaries similarly start at around £25,000. It’s a vital part of helping private companies and government organisations keep people’s information safe. You might be building cyber-defences one day and setting up encrypted communications another… so thinking on your feet is key.
Related Degrees: Information Systems, Cyber security or Cybernetics.
3. Health Services and Residential Care
Health service jobs are in high demand across the board. This is particularly the case for managerial roles, as well as full-time nursing jobs. So if you’re thinking about retraining and love making a positive difference in people’s lives – this could be a fantastic career for you.
Health service roles (including nursing) average around £30,000, whilst jobs in care start at £21,000. It’s certainly not an easy career path, but one that’s incredibly rewarding.
Related Degrees: Health care, Nursing or Public Health.
4. Architects
It may be surprising, but roles related to architecture are among the most wanted jobs in the UK. It’s a job that requires a unique mix of skills – maths and engineering, creativity, communication and teamwork. For this reason, training takes (at least!) seven years.
Salaries start around £28,000 however, so if you’re planning your studies and thinking long term - architecture is a safe bet.
Related Degrees: Architecture and Design or Architectural Sociology.
5. Graphic Designers
In our increasingly image-led world, graphic designers are more in demand than ever. Whether it’s logos, digital banners, websites, packaging or traditional print – the skills of design-savvy individuals are essential. Starting salaries are slightly lower than other jobs on this list (at £18,800) – but this can quickly increase with experience.
Related Degrees: Graphic Design, Creative Arts or Computer Graphics.
6. Physical Scientists
The oil, gas and mining industries are currently facing a shortage of appropriately skilled scientists. This makes physical science roles some of the most high demand jobs in the UK – great for STEM students!
Starting wages are also high, at around £29,000. These industries are making great strides towards increased sustainability, with opportunities for lessening their environmental impact. So if you’ve got the appropriate skills, what are you waiting for?
Related Degrees: Geophysics, Geology or Geochemistry.
If you’re searching for post-graduate employment, having an understanding of what jobs are in demand in the UK will get you off to the best possible start. We’ve previously written about how to make cv stand out, as well as some of the unusual stem careers – so take a look at this!
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Other in-demand Jobs in the UK with avg annual salary
- Pilot - £76,500
- University Professor - £75,115
- Human Resources Director - £71,248
- Actuary - £60,020
- Investment Banker Analyst - £59,021
- Primary School Teacher - £58,400
- Java Developer - £55,381
- Product Manager - £49,550
- Marketing Specialist - £40,648
- Project Manager - £40,351
- Information Technology Manager - £40,607
- Data Scientist - £33,627
- Graphic Designer - £31,500
- Business Analyst - £31,429
- Accountant - £29,707
- Copywriter - £29,480
- Administrative Assistant - £21,700
Source: Grabjobs
6 Most in demand jobs in the UK
| S no | Most in demand jobs UK | Average starting salaries |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Programmers and Software Developers | £26,000 |
| 2 | Cyber Security Specialists | £25,000 |
| 3 | Health Services and Residential Care | £21,000 - £30,000 |
| 4 | Architects | £28,000 |
| 5 | Graphic Designers | £18,800 |
| 6 | Physical Scientists | £29,000 |
Also read: What degrees to most billionaires have?
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