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The results of the 2009 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) have revealed the official figures for the UK's highest and lowest paid jobs. Company directors and chief executives continue to dominate the number one spot with an average salary of £172,716 per year -- approximately 13 per cent lower than in 2008.
The survey, which was conducted by the Office of National Statistics, covers the average pay for full-time workers from around 300 trades and professions. Last years' survey also revealed that the average weekly pay for UK employees grew by 2.0 per cent in the year to April 2009 to reach £489 per week.
Here are 10 top paying jobs in the UK.
Directors and Chief Executives
What they do*: Directors and CEOs are responsible for a company's overall performance and answerable to its share-holders.
How to get there: The likes of Sir Richard Branson and Sir Alan Sugar are in the minority of UK chief executives, with the majority traditionally requiring a degree and possibly an MBA.
What they earn: £172,716
Brokers
What they do: Their basic salary may only position them as second on the list but, with some city brokers earning bonuses in excess of £2m a year their place in real terms can be much higher. A broker manages the investment portfolio of private clients or companies by buying or selling stocks and shares to generate the maximum return on investment.
How to get there: A degree in any discipline although a business, economics or finance degree would be advantageous.
What they earn: £133,845
Financial Managers and Chartered Secretaries
What they do: Financial managers provide advice, financial and strategic support -- such as budgetary controls or financial implications of a particular course of action -- to organisations to enable them to make effective business decisions. Chartered secretaries work at board level to ensure that an organisation complies with regulations and provide legal, personnel, property and financial advice. With their key business knowledge across a wide range of operational areas, chartered secretaries are highly valued by their organisations.
How to get there: Financial Managers require a degree in any discipline coupled with professional accountancy qualifications. The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators recommends that entrants have a degree in law or business.
What they earn: £78,926
Medical Practitioners
What they do: Medical Practitioners provide primary and ongoing care in the community for patients. They are skilled in diagnosing a patient's condition based on physical, psychological and social factors and recommend patients for further treatment or referred to hospital clinic if required.
How to get there: A degree in medicine is essential obtained over a five-year period (or four years for a graduate entry programme), followed by a two-year foundation programme whereby junior doctors will earn up to £35,000 per year.
What they earn: £73,598
Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
What they do: Exactly what it says on the tin -- to fly commercial, business or freight aircraft on short- or long-haul flights.
How to get there: A-levels/HND are sufficient and pilots must undertake an intensive training programme to obtain their commercial pilot's licence (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot's Licence from a CAA-approved training school. Oh, and you'll need a good pair of sunglasses, too.
What they earn: £70,595
Air traffic Controllers
What they do: With more than 200 million passengers travelling to and from UK airports every year, air traffic controllers really do have their work cut out. Their job is to manage the safe take-off and landing of several aircraft at the same time by monitoring and controlling an aircraft's height, speed and course.
How to get there: Contrary to common assumptions, entry is not the preserve of university degree holders, although an increasing number of graduates are entering the profession. The minimum requirement is five GCSEs (grades A-C including English and Maths) in addition to two A-levels/GNVQ advanced level. Most people enter the profession via the National Air Traffic Services (NATS).
What they earn: £64,045
Police Officers (Inspectors and above)
What they do: A detective police inspector is a middle manager who is responsible for supervising the ranks of constable and sergeant and acting as a link between the investigating team and senior officers. And they are usually the public face of the Force - responsible for ensuring good community relations. Tact and diplomacy are essential characteristics, unlike Inspector Clouseau who famously commented, "Madame, that is by far the ugliest nose I have ever seen and I compliment you on it, it suits you!"
How to get there: No formal requirements, entry is open to anyone with a clean criminal record.
What they earn: £56,421
Solicitors, Lawyers, Judges and Coroners
What they do: Solicitors fall into two categories: commercial and non-commercial. Broadly speaking, they provide a wide range of legal support and advice to business and private clients on issues such as landlord and tenancy agreements, buying and selling property or matrimony. Judges are the arbitrators appointed to oversee the legal proceedings in court. Coroners direct and conduct the post-mortem investigation to determine the cause and responsibility for an accidental, unexplained or violent death.
How to get there: Solicitor - degree (any discipline) or via the legal executive route. Judge - qualification upon completing minimum seven years as a practising solicitor. Coroner - must be a qualified barrister, solicitor or medical doctor.
What they earn: £55,723
Marketing and Sales Managers
What they do: Marketing and sales managers are tasked with developing and launching new products into the marketplace, implementing marketing plans, creating brand awareness and, ultimately, increasing sales.
How to get there: Marketers typically enter the profession upon graduation (a degree in Marketing or Business is not necessary but is advantageous) or after completing either a HNC or HND. Professional marketing and sales qualifications can be obtained through the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
What they earn: £54,963
Purchasing Managers
What they do: Purchasing Managers are responsible for buying equipment, goods and services for their company. Their main aims are comparing costs, quality and service in order to get the best value for their employer. In larger organisations they run a purchasing department and lead a team of buyers and administrators.
How to get there: One way to start is as an administrator or assistant in a company's purchasing department. For some jobs, employers may prefer you to have qualifications and technical knowledge in your particular industry. You may be able to join some large companies through a management training scheme.
What they earn: £54,675
*Job descriptions: files from CareerBuilder.co.uk, careersadvice.direct.gov.uk