13 Best Highest-Paying Entry-level Jobs in the UK 2027

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13 Best Highest-Paying Entry-level Jobs in the UK 2027

The highest-paying entry-level jobs in the UK in 2027 include investment banking analysts, Trainee Solicitors, Cybersecurity Analysts, Data Analysts, AI and Data Engineers, renewable energy engineers, and specialist graduate roles in finance, engineering, healthcare, marketing, and supply chain management.

Starting salaries can range from £25,000 to £70,000+ per year, depending on the role, employer, location, qualifications, and bonus structure.

1. Investment Banking Analyst – Best for Highest Starting Salary

London bulge-bracket banks such as Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley offer some of the UK’s highest-paying graduate opportunities. First-year analyst compensation can include a substantial base salary plus performance-related bonuses.

What the job involves:

Building financial models and pitch materials for mergers, IPOs, and capital raises
Working on deal teams under senior bankers
Analysing companies, markets, and financial performance
Supporting mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions
Developing presentations and financial analysis for clients

Starting salary: Approximately £55,000–£70,000 base, with bonuses potentially increasing total compensation.

2. Trainee Solicitor at a Major Commercial Law Firm

Trainee solicitors at large London commercial law firms are among the UK’s highest-paid graduate entrants.

For example, A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance and Freshfields currently publish first-year trainee salaries of £56,000 and second-year salaries of £61,000. Clifford Chance and A&O Shearman also publish a £150,000 salary for newly qualified lawyers.

These figures apply to specific major commercial firms and should not be treated as representative of all trainee solicitors across the UK.

A UK law degree can provide the academic foundation for students interested in becoming solicitors, barristers or legal advisers. See LLB Law (Hons) degree for more information.

What the job involves:

Rotating across four six-month seats in different practice areas (M&A, finance, litigation, real estate)
Drafting contracts, conducting due diligence, and supporting deal or case teams
Studying for a qualification (SQE) alongside paid training

Starting salary: £56,000-£61,000

3. AI or Data Engineer – Best for a Growing Technology Field

AI, data engineering, and machine learning are increasingly important areas of the UK technology sector. Skills England’s research highlights the growing importance of AI and digital skills across the UK workforce.

The UK government’s AI skills research provides further information about AI skills and workforce demand.

What the job involves:

Building data pipelines
Supporting machine learning systems
Preparing and processing datasets
Working with cloud platforms
Supporting model deployment and MLOps
Collaborating with data scientists and software engineers

Starting salary: Around £35,000 to £49,000 on average across relevant digital and IT graduate roles, with specialist positions potentially paying more.

4. NHS Band 5 – Nurse, Midwife, or Allied Health Professional

NHS Band 5 roles encompass many registered healthcare positions, such as newly qualified nurses and other healthcare professionals.

For current NHS salary information, see the NHS Employers 2026/27 pay scales.

What the job involves:

Providing direct patient care
Working in hospitals or community settings
Following clinical procedures
Working with multidisciplinary healthcare teams
Developing specialist clinical skills

Starting salary: Check the current NHS Band 5 pay scale, as rates are updated annually

5. FMCG Graduate Scheme – Marketing and Brand Careers

Fast-moving consumer goods companies such as Unilever and Procter & Gamble recruit graduates into marketing, brand management, supply chain, finance, and commercial roles.

A Business Studies degree can help students develop knowledge across marketing, finance, operations and strategic management.

What the job involves:

Rotating across commercial or functional teams
Supporting brand-management projects
Working on product and marketing decisions
Analysing consumer behaviour
Developing commercial skills through structured training

Starting salary: Approximately £32,000–£36,000.

6. Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineers work on technologies and systems that generate sustainable power, including wind, solar, hydrogen and biomass.

What the job involves:

Develop renewable-energy systems.
Evaluate sustainable technologies.
Analyse energy performance.
Support low-carbon projects.
Work with engineering and environmental teams.

Published salary range: £31,000–£61,000.

7. Cybersecurity Analyst – Best for Cybersecurity Careers

Cybersecurity professionals help organisations protect systems, networks, applications, and data from cyber threats.

What the job involves:

Monitoring systems for security threats
Investigating suspicious activity
Supporting vulnerability assessments
Assisting with incident response
Implementing security controls
Developing cybersecurity knowledge and certifications

Starting salary: Approximately £30,000–£40,000.

8. Supply Chain Analyst – Best for Business and Logistics

Supply chain careers are suitable for graduates interested in business operations, logistics, purchasing and data analysis.

What the job involves:

Analysing supply chain data
Monitoring stock levels
Supporting procurement
Improving logistics processes
Working with suppliers
Identifying ways to reduce costs and delays

Starting salary: Approximately £28,000–£40,000+, depending on employer and location.

9. Civil Engineer – Best for Infrastructure Careers

Civil engineering provides opportunities to work on buildings, roads, bridges, railways, water systems and other major infrastructure projects.

What the job involves:

Designing infrastructure
Preparing technical drawings
Analysing construction requirements
Managing project work
Inspecting construction sites
Working with architects, contractors and engineers

Starting salary: Approximately £28,000–£40,000+, depending on employer and location

10. Management Accountant – Best for Accounting Graduates

Management accounting can provide a strong entry point into corporate finance and business management for graduates with degrees in accounting or finance.

What the job involves:

Preparing management reports
Analysing company costs
Creating budgets and forecasts
Monitoring financial performance
Supporting business planning
Providing financial information to managers

Starting salary: Approximately £28,000–£40,000+, depending on employer and professional qualifications.

11. Graduate Supply Chain Analyst

Supply chain analysis is a more appropriate entry-level route than starting directly as a supply chain manager.

Graduates can enter supply chain careers through roles involving procurement, inventory, logistics, planning and data analysis before progressing into management.

What the job involves

Analysing supply chain data
Monitoring stock levels
Supporting procurement
Tracking deliveries
Working with suppliers
Identifying operational inefficiencies
Improving logistics processes

Starting salary range: £28,000–£50,000.

12. Data Analyst or Junior Data Scientist – Best for Entry into Data

Data analysis provides an accessible route into technology and analytical careers for graduates from a range of academic backgrounds.

The National Careers Service data analyst information outlines the skills and activities associated with analytical careers.

What the job involves:

Cleaning and analysing datasets
Creating reports and dashboards
Using SQL, Python, Excel, or BI platforms
Identifying trends and patterns
Supporting business decision-making

Starting salary: Approximately £27,500–£37,892 depending on employer and role.

13. HR Officer – Best for People and Business Careers

Human resources is an entry-level business career that combines people management, recruitment, employment practices and administration.

What the job involves:

Supporting recruitment
Managing employee records
Supporting training and development
Assisting with workplace policies
Supporting employee relations
Helping managers with HR processes

Starting salary: Approximately £25,000–£35,000, with progression into HR management increasing earning potential.

Conclusion

A high-paying career in the UK can start with the right entry-level opportunity. From finance and law to AI, cybersecurity, healthcare and engineering, graduates have a wide range of career paths to explore in 2027.

Look beyond the starting salary and choose a role that matches your skills, interests and long-term career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest-paying entry-level job in the UK?

Investment banking analyst roles can offer some of the highest starting salaries, with leading London firms often paying around £50,000–£60,000 before bonuses.

What is the average graduate starting salary in the UK?

Graduate scheme salaries vary by sector and employer, but recent data puts typical starting pay around £32,000, with top schemes paying significantly more.

Are London graduate jobs better paid?

London graduate roles often offer higher salaries, especially in finance, law and consulting. However, higher pay should be considered alongside London’s generally higher cost of living.

Which jobs pay well with a degree?

Finance, law, technology, engineering, healthcare and data careers can offer strong graduate salaries. Pay depends on your qualification, sector, employer, location and experience.