Popular Job Sectors in the UK in 2024 for Indian Students

The UK has been a hub of opportunities and has attracted talented individuals worldwide. With a sturdy economy and a broad range of industries, the UK job market provides many career paths for local and international professionals. Check out the most in-demand job sectors in the UK in 2024, including the different roles, salaries, and qualifications required for each industry.
 

Information Technology (IT)

IT is UK's leading industries, with a high demand for skilled professionals. The rapid growth of technology and the integration of digital systems across various sectors have significantly increased IT job opportunities.
 

IT Roles and Salaries 

There are various roles within the IT industry, each with competitive salaries. Here are the in-demand IT positions in the UK:

• IT Manager: £50,000 per annum
• Network Manager: £45,000 per annum
• Systems Engineer: £44,012 per annum
• Project Engineer: £41,043 per annum
• Design Engineer: £40,000 per annum
• Engineer: £38,501 per annum
• Security Engineer: £37,000 per annum
• Field Service Engineer: £31,000 per annum
• Field Engineer: £30,344 per annum
• IT Analyst: £30,000 per annum

Entry Criteria and Qualifications

Employers frequently look for applicants with degrees in mathematics, computer science, or a related subject. Additionally, certifications in specific technologies or programming languages can further enhance a candidate's employability.
 

Healthcare

The healthcare sector significantly contributes to the UK's economy and offers numerous job opportunities for professionals across various disciplines. With an aging population and advances in medical technology, the demand for healthcare professionals is continually growing.
 

Healthcare Roles and Salaries 

Some of the most in-demand healthcare positions in the UK include:
 

• Program Manager: £57,500 per annum
• Business Analyst: £43,797 per annum
• Clinical Manager: £43,182 per annum
• Health Manager: £42,150 per annum
• Nurse Manager: £40,000 per annum
• Technical Analyst: £40,000 per annum
• Business Consultant: £37,430 per annum
• IT Analyst: £30,000 per annum
• Office Manager: £30,000 per annum
• Health Care Assistant: £23,400 per annum

Entry Criteria and Qualifications

Entry requirements for healthcare positions vary depending on the role. Generally, employers seek candidates with relevant degrees, professional certifications, and practical experience in their respective fields.
 

Finance and Accounting

The finance and accounting sectors are crucial to the UK's economy, with a constant demand for skilled professionals. These sectors face challenges due to skills shortages, making them attractive for qualified candidates seeking job opportunities.

Finance and Accounting Roles and Salaries
 

Some famous roles in the finance and accounting sectors include:

• Finance Manager: £46,399 per annum
• Analyst: £37,468 per annum
• Lecturer: £37,056 per annum
• Teacher: £34,468 per annum
• Account Manager: £33,667 per annum
• Instructor: £28,316 per annum
• Assistant Manager: £28,053 per annum
• Advisor: £27,544 per annum
• Account Executive: £27,500 per annum
• Service Assistant: £23,000 per annum

Entry Criteria and Qualifications

Candidates pursuing careers in finance and accounting generally require a degree in a related field, such as accounting, finance, or economics. Professional certifications like ACCA or CIMA can further enhance a candidate's employability.
 

Sales and Marketing

The sales and marketing sectors are vital to the UK economy, with a constant need for skilled professionals to drive business growth. These sectors offer diverse career paths and opportunities for advancement.
 

Sales and Marketing Roles and Salaries
 

Some of the most famous roles in sales and marketing include:

• Director: £67,500 per annum
• Market Manager: £44,962 per annum
• Business Development Manager: £41,803 per annum
• Manager: £40,000 per annum
• Sales Manager: £40,000 per annum
• Sales Consultant: £30,168 per annum
• Sales Executive: £30,000 per annum
• Team Leader: £28,962 per annum
• Supervisor: £28,055 per annum
   

Entry Criteria and Qualifications

Entry requirements for sales and marketing positions vary depending on the role. Generally, employers look for candidates with strong communication, leadership, and negotiation skills and a degree in business, marketing, or a related field.
 

Human Resources (HR)

Human Resources (HR) is critical in managing and developing a company's workforce. HR professionals are responsible for recruiting, training, and retaining talent and managing employee relations and workplace culture.

HR Roles and Salaries 

Some of the most in-demand HR positions in the UK include:

• Human Resources Director: £120,000 per annum
• HR Manager: £50,000 per annum
• HR Business Partner: £45,000 per annum
• HR Advisor: £35,000 per annum
• HR Administrator: £25,000 per annum
   

Entry Criteria and Qualifications 

Candidates pursuing careers in HR typically require a degree in human resources, business, or a related field. Professional certifications like CIPD can further enhance a candidate's employability and career progression.
 

Project Management

Project management is a critical function in various industries, with project managers responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring projects from inception to completion.

Project Management Roles and Salaries

Some popular roles in project management include:

• Project Manager: £45,000 per annum
• Senior Project Manager: £60,000 per annum
• Project Coordinator: £30,000 per annum
• Project Administrator: £25,000 per annum

Entry Criteria and Qualifications

Employers typically seek candidates with strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills and a degree in a related field. Professional certifications, such as PMP or PRINCE2, can further enhance a candidate's employability.

Operations Management

Operations management is essential for the efficient functioning of a company, with operations managers responsible for overseeing an organization's core operations.

Operations Management Roles and Salaries

Some popular roles in operations management include:

• Operations Manager: £50,000 per annum
• Operations Director: £75,000 per annum
• Operations Analyst: £35,000 per annum
• Operations Coordinator: £30,000 per annum
   

Entry Criteria and Qualifications

Candidates pursuing careers in operations management generally require a degree in a related field, such as business or management. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are also essential.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing has experienced significant growth in recent years, with companies increasingly focusing on online marketing strategies to reach their target audiences.

Digital Marketing Roles and Salaries

Some of the most in-demand digital marketing positions in the UK include:

• Digital Marketing Consultant: £45,000 per annum
• Digital Marketing Manager: £40,000 per annum
• SEO Specialist: £35,000 per annum
• Social Media Manager: £30,000 per annum
• Content Marketing Specialist: £30,000 per annum

Entry Criteria and Qualifications

Employers generally seek candidates with a degree in marketing, business, or a related field and solid knowledge of Internet marketing strategies and digital content management.

Retail and Store Management

The retail sector offers various opportunities for professionals to manage store operations, customer service, and inventory management.
 

Retail and Store Management Roles and Salaries

Some popular roles in retail and store management include:

• Store Manager: £30,000 per annum
• Assistant Store Manager: £25,000 per annum
• Retail Supervisor: £22,000 per annum
• Sales Associate: £20,000 per annum

Entry Criteria and Qualifications

Candidates pursuing retail and store management careers generally require vital customer service, communication, and organizational skills. A degree in retail management or a related field may be advantageous for certain positions.
 

Delivery and Logistics

The delivery and logistics sector is essential for the efficient movement of goods and services, offering various roles for professionals with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Delivery and Logistics Roles and Salaries
 

Some popular roles in delivery and logistics include:

• Delivery Driver: £25,000 to £40,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Logistics Manager: £45,000 per annum
• Warehouse Supervisor: £30,000 per annum
• Transport Planner: £30,000 per annum

Entry Criteria and Qualifications
 

Entry requirements for delivery and logistics positions vary depending on the role. Generally, employers look for candidates with good driving skills, a professional driving license, and strong communication and customer service skills.

Best Places to Work in the UK

The number of graduates worldwide is rising, and individuals are seeking top-notch job opportunities in the best working cities. The United Kingdom provides an exceptional working atmosphere with ample opportunities for everyone. 
 

Manchester

Manchester is said to have Europe's fastest-growing digital and tech hubs, making it an excellent place to look for jobs. The city also has a higher employment rate, making it a good choice for those seeking work. Some of the top employers in Manchester include Tesco, PwC, Accenture, Amazon, and McDonald's.

Glasgow

Glasgow is the third most populated city in the UK, known for its vast tech community. The city is said to have excellent internet services and is ranked third in 4G download speeds in the country. Glasgow has good work opportunities for professionals across all industries, making it a good choice for job seekers. Some of the top employers in Glasgow include McDonald's, J.P. Morgan, Tesco, Teleperformance, and Amazon.
 

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a promising city for job seekers, with booming tech companies and high employee salaries. The city is also known for its cultural activities, such as the Edinburgh International Festival, contributing to its high employment opportunities. Edinburgh is excellent not just at recruiting but also at retaining skilled employees. Some of the top employers in Edinburgh include Skyscanner, The University of Edinburgh, Baillie Gifford, Blue Branch Marketing, and The Royal Bank of Scotland. 
 

Sheffield

Sheffield is called the 'Steel City' due to its steel production, which has led many people to look into Sheffield for work purposes. With the increasing cost of living, Sheffield provides an inexpensive option for employees and people new to the city. Some of the top employers in Sheffield include Amazon, McDonald's, HSBC, NHS, and Tesco. 
 

Liverpool

Liverpool is the best city for digital infrastructure and a good location for those wanting a hybrid working method. Living costs in Liverpool fall below the average income, thus providing them with a reasonable salary. Residents are generally satisfied with their jobs, earnings, and daily life. Some of the top employers in Liverpool include Amazon, McDonald's, Tesco, NHS, Barclays, and Unilever. 
 

Bristol

Bristol has the buzz and culture of a big city while keeping the community feel of a friendly, close-knit town. Bristol has a low unemployment rate and has good opportunities for highly skilled workers. Some of the top employers in Bristol include Barnes Group, American Customer Care, Bristol Hospital Health and Care Group, and Bristol, Connecticut. 

Birmingham

Birmingham is the most populated city in the UK and is also known as the birthplace of 'Cadbury's Chocolate.' The city is an excellent place for job seekers and allows them to explore. Birmingham is also said to have many businesses, which help in better employment opportunities in the city. Some of the top employers in Birmingham include National Express (West Midlands Travel), Sainsbury's, Mondelez (Cadbury & Trebor), ASDA, and Royal Bank of Scotland. 

Leeds

Leeds is the fastest-growing cities in the UK, having higher adult working population as compared to other cities. The city has diverse service and industrial sectors, including education, health, science, print and publication, creative, digital, and retail. Leeds is also a city with the highest number of new businesses. Some of the top employers in Leeds include ASDA, KMPG, Tesco, PwC, Deloitte, and Capita. 

Cardiff

Cardiff is said to have Wales's leading financial and business services center, employing 20% of the city's workforce. This sector opens doors to several dynamic job opportunities, making Cardiff a great workplace. Cardiff is also known to have start-up-friendly businesses in the city. Some of the top employers in Cardiff include Starbucks, Amazon, PwC, NHS, and ASDA. 

Newcastle

Newcastle scored at the top of our index for well-being, as it offers low-cost living to employees and has many social perks. Some of the top employers in Newcastle include Accenture, Amazon, McDonald's, NHS, Teleperformance, and Sage.