Who doesn’t want to be popular and feel like you fit in?
On top of winning the shiny “mr/ms popularity” crown, some of the best things about working in a “popular” profession include: a somewhat affirmation that you’re probably on the right career path, a higher chance that the job probably offers a decent amount of work-life balance or pay or benefits, and finally, there is no need to explain to relatives or a sceptical audience about what you do for a living.
Our data team recently examined over 5,200 job titles in the UK listed on Adzuna in August 2023 and looked into the jobs with the highest clicks per ad. Are you looking for inspiration for your next career path or are you just wanting to have a nosy about which careers are popular among others? Read on to discover the list.
Most competitive jobs among degree holders
PHP Developer
Advertised vacancies: 120
Average advertised salaries: £47,308
The world’s rising interest in AI this year has kicked off an intense race between companies to launch the best AI technology as fast as possible, fuelling rapid growth in the demand for AI talent. While the current market demand for PHP developers has been high – as any business that has a web application or a website would need them for backend services, PHP developers have a promising future as well. They play a key role in designing, implementing and developing AI and machine learning algorithms and systems.
With companies putting a premium on AI expertise, PHP developer roles guarantee a generous benefits package, high job security, and quick career progression.
To break into this field, aspiring developers should learn the PHP language and markup languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript and get familiar with database management knowledge and web design principles. Many employers do expect a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or computer science. Building an eye-catching portfolio and sharing your open-source contributions can help you stand out from the crowd.
Similar sought-after AI-related positions include Research Scientist, Data Analyst, and Information Security Officer.
Finance Director
Advertised vacancies: 3,158
Average advertised salaries: £105,000
With many companies on a tighter budget this year, companies are looking for competent finance directors who can help them best allocate their resources. This leadership role is associated with great pay and benefits, attracting jobseekers to fight for it.
On top of earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and industry certifications like CPA or CFA, candidates typically have extensive leadership experience in the field as well. To be a standout candidate, demonstrate a track record of effective financial management and leadership experience and stay on top of the industry trends.
Software Tester
Advertised vacancies: 222
Average advertised salaries: £51,522
Software testers are responsible for examining software for quality, performance, and user experience; and identifying any flaws or defects. Potentially, software testers can work with AI tools and enhance testing quality. To become a software tester, pursue a degree in software engineering, computer science or related fields. You may also get certified by ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) or BBST (Black-Box Software Testing).
Chief Technology Officer
Advertised vacancies: 177
Average advertised salaries: £89,140
Similar competitive roles: COO
Another senior leadership position! You might wonder, how come there are so many C-Suite roles – as there is usually one headcount for each senior exec position in every company and research has shown that the average tenure of an executive is around 5 years? The reason is that senior to executive-level employees who have been working from home in the last few years are being called back to the office like the rest of us, and many are not happy about that. They want to work remotely as well, especially those with kids at home. CTOs typically have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science, engineering or other related fields.
Nature Conservation Officer
Advertised vacancies: 112
Average advertised salaries: £32,085
Remember the viral cottagecore trend during the pandemic? It looks as though it’s had a lasting impact on many workers. In case you’ve never heard of this trend, cottagecore is an aesthetic that celebrates rural life and sustainability living. Beyond flowy white dress and homemade sourdough recipes, it captures a yearning for a life that is simpler and more tranquil.
Nature conservation officer and other jobs that echo this trend, for example, farm manager and mental health support worker are desired by many jobseekers. Nature conservation officers raise awareness of the natural environment and develop and implement plans to preserve wildlife and the natural habitat. A bachelor’s degree in conservation, ecology, or environmental science is usually required.
15 most popular jobs that require a degree
| Job title | Advertised vacancies, September 2023 | Average advertised salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PHP Developer | 120 | £47,308 |
| 2 | Finance Director | 3,156 | £105,000 |
| 3 | Software Tester | 222 | £51,522 |
| 4 | Chief Technology Officer | 177 | £89,140 |
| 5 | Chief Operating Officer | 304 | £157,085 |
| 6 | Nature Conservation Officer | 112 | £32,085 |
| 7 | Research Scientist | 359 | £39,807 |
| 8 | Bioinformatics Scientist | 129 | £41,690 |
| 9 | Public Administration Manager | 121 | £40,324 |
| 10 | Farm Manager | 169 | £41,349 |
| 11 | Data Analyst | 4,411 | £47,085 |
| 12 | Information Security Officer | 121 | £46,909 |
| 13 | PMO Analyst | 456 | £42,800 |
| 14 | Translator | 428 | £44,888 |
| 15 | Human Resources Director | 432 | £88,917 |
Most competitive jobs that don’t require a degree
Parcel Sorter
Advertised vacancies: 233
Average advertised salaries: £23,044
Parcel sorters usually work in warehouses, examining and organising incoming parcels or letters for distribution. The job requires manual labour but the work environment can be positive and relaxing depending on the manager. With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas just weeks away, employers are usually willing to offer higher hourly wages than usual to attract seasonal mail sorters. There is no degree requirement for this role. Strong work ethic and flexibility will make you stand out from the rest.
Phlebotomist
Advertised vacancies: 110
Average advertised salaries: £28,640
Phlebotomists are responsible for taking blood samples from patients and sending them to the laboratory for testing and analysis. It is one of the medical roles that only require GCSEs or A-levels to enter. Most phlebotomists can be trained on the job. According to the NHS, senior phlebotomists share the same salary bands as dental nurses, assistant practitioners and pharmacy technicians. To stand out, aspiring phlebotomists can showcase soft skills like their attention to detail and their ability to follow instructions and procedures on their CV.
Data Entry Clerk
Advertised vacancies: 267
Average advertised salaries: £23,861
Data entry clerks input and update data into a database and perform routine clerical tasks. It is one of the office jobs that has a low entry bar. Not only that, a lot of the opportunities offer remote working options, perfect for jobseekers who prefer the comfort of their home.
While there is no degree requirement for this role, employers are usually looking for candidates who can showcase their typing skills, as well as time management and attention to detail skills.
Scrum Master
Advertised vacancies: 522
Average advertised salaries: £77,241
Scrum masters are all about productivity. They make sure projects are on track, identify potential roadblocks, and share the progress with management and key stakeholders.
Scrum master is one of the highest paying tech roles that do not require a degree, and there is a clear career path. After years in the field, scrum masters can take on the role of Agile coach, which pays £81,452 on average.
Interior Designer
Advertised vacancies: 516
Average advertised salaries: £39,284
Love watching home makeover shows? Is Bobby Berk your Queer Eye idol? So do many jobseekers, apparently. A degree is not mandatory but aspiring interior designers should consider taking an apprenticeship or a diploma before embarking on their career journey. Flaunting your knowledge of key fabric, design style, and suppliers could set you apart from other candidates.
Delivery Driver
Advertised vacancies: 311
Average advertised salaries: £27,368
Delivery drivers collect and transport goods from one location to another, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries. It is a great option for jobseekers to earn extra cash as Christmas is coming soon. A lot of time delivery drivers get to work alone, and there is minimal office politics, explaining why this role can be popular among jobseekers.
Having a valid driver’s licence is mandatory. Some employers might require a DBS background check and a licence check to make sure there are no previous disqualifications for DD (Dangerous Driving) or DR (Drug Offences).
15 most popular jobs that have no degree requirements
| Job | Advertised vacancies, September 2023 | Average advertised salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parcel Sorter | 233 | £23,044 |
| 2 | Phlebotomist | 110 | £28,640 |
| 3 | Data Entry Clerk | 267 | £23,861 |
| 4 | School Cleaner | 477 | £22,412 |
| 5 | Delivery Driver | 311 | £27,368 |
| 6 | Scrum Master | 522 | £77,241 |
| 7 | Night Warehouse Operative | 177 | £23,961 |
| 8 | Nanny | 154 | £31,336 |
| 9 | Mental Health Support Worker | 1,004 | £25,522 |
| 10 | Night Nurse | 1,151 | £39,737 |
| 11 | Airport Baggage Handler | 174 | £23,654 |
| 12 | Night Cleaner | 253 | £23,860 |
| 13 | Legal Administrative Assistant | 235 | £28,554 |
| 14 | Medical Receptionist | 211 | £21,061 |
| 15 | Interior Designer | 516 | £39,284 |
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