They say ‘work smarter, not harder’, and that applies to choosing a job as well as doing it.
It’s all very well earning a decent wage, but if you work all hours, there’s no time to spend it. And for many, work/life balance is worth more than any pay packet.
Even so, money is still a necessity — which means looking to receive as high a salary as possible in as little time as possible.
The average full-time employee in the UK works just under 37 hours each week, while the average annual wage is £35,830 per year.
According to the TUC however, there are a few jobs that massively eclipse these figures, bagging you more cash while leaving more precious time free to enjoy.
Fancy retraining and starting a new career in 2025? These are the highest-earning UK roles that require less than 30 hours’ work a week.
Senior professional at an educational establishment
Working an average of 30 hours each week, these staff take home a healthy £62,920 a year – equating to £40 an hour or £1,210 a week.
Specific roles can include headteacher, dean, bursar, provost, academic manager and registrar, with a remit of planning, organising and co-ordinating the administration, support systems and activities that facilitate the effective running of an educational establishment.
It can take a while to reach these heights though; most jobs require a degree and relevant experience in the field of education.
Solicitor
Also racking up 30 hours a week, solicitors earn an average £57,200 annually, which comes to £37 an hour or £1,100 a week.
But you’ll have to invest in yourself to get there, as training includes a qualifying law degree or postgraduate diploma, or a one-year conversion course for those who graduated in another subject. From there, you have to undertake a one-year legal practice course, followed by a two-year training contract.
Dental practitioner
Dental practitioners could be said to have the best of both worlds, with an average weekly workload of 23 hours alongside a £54,080 annual salary (this comes in at £45 an hour).
The majority of dentists are self-employed and there’s a lower unemployment rate than other industries. That said, a lot of training is required before even entering dental school, and registration with the General Dental Council is a pre-requisite to practise.
Ophthalmic optician
If you fancy nabbing £51,480 a year for 26 hours of work a week – aka £38 an hour or £990 a week – perhaps you should head to Specsavers.
Opticians, optometrists and optologists all come under what Americans call ‘eye doctors’, and test patients’ vision, diagnose defects and disorders, and prescribe glasses or contact lenses as required.
As well as a degree in optometry, to get one of these sweet gigs you need to pass the Professional Qualifying Examination of the General Optical Council and complete a pre-registration year.
Barrister or judge
Can’t get enough of courtroom dramas and love a good debate? Barristers and judges are paid well for their 28 hours of weekly work: £51,480 a year, £990 a week, or £35 an hour.
Ranging from justice of the peace to coroner to magistrate, there are all sorts of roles available in the field.
In England, each requires a qualifying law degree or postgraduate diploma, a one-year Bar Vocational Course followed by pupillage in one of the Inns of Court, while advocates in Scotland need a postgraduate diploma in Legal Practice followed by two years’ training as a solicitor.
For those who wish to become a judge, you can’t just apply. It’s by appointment only, requiring substantial post-qualifying experience in legal practice.
Next on the list was the broad category of ‘journalists, newspaper and periodical editors’, taking home an average £48,360 a year for 30 hours’ work a week. It’s likely this figure is skewed by freelancers and columnists though, as (from experience) you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone in a newsroom with such a leisurely lifestyle.
There was also pharmacists (30 hours a week with a £45,240 average salary), primary and nursery education teaching professionals (28 hours a week with a £40,560 average salary) and podiatrists (22 hours a week with a £37,960 average salary).
Musicians – who work 22 hours a week for a £42,120 average salary – and
dancers and choreographers – averaging at 29 hours a week and a £39,520 salary – made the cut too. But bear in mind success in these industries is extremely variable, relying on everything from natural talent to sheer luck.
And with all of the roles featured, it’s important to note that fewer hours doesn’t necessarily mean less stress. You still need to factor in what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and the level of responsibility you’re happy to take on.
Otherwise, you could still end up burnt out and dreading Monday mornings.
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