The Highest-Paid Apprenticeships 2026

What's an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are school leaver schemes designed to you the work experience, job-specific skills and qualifications you need to start your career.

They’re a great alternative to university or college, and give you the chance to climb up the career ladder earlier than the 'regular' route.

Apprenticeships aren't just for people who want to get into plumbing, bricklaying or carpentry. There's so much more you can do, with apprenticeships available in a huge range of job roles and industries.

Whether you want to become a veterinary nurse, a graphic designer or a banker, some of the UK’s top employers are on the look out for career-conscious school and college leavers (like you).

The best part? Apprenticeships are PAID. That's why you're here: to explore the best-paying apprenticeships available to you.

The Highest-Paid Apprenticeships by Industry

These are the highest-paid apprenticeships by industry in the UK. They're based on thousands of apprenticeship reviews, written by real apprentices who've done an apprenticeship in the last year and told us how much they earn.

1. Transport and Logistics - £24,364

2. Banking - £24,612

3. Property - £24,561

4. Legal & Law - £24,560

5. Hospitality - £24,020

6. Technology - £24,003

7. Sciences - £23,814

8. Financial Services - £23,697

9. FMCG & Retail - £22,581

10. Accountancy & Tax - £22,502

11. Construction - £22,103

12. Marketing - £21,695

13. Design - £21,540

14. Engineering & Manufacturing - £21,142

15. Business - £20,985

The Highest-Paid Apprenticeships by Industry and Level

These are based on thousands of apprentice-written reviews of apprenticeship schemes on our website. Apprentices let us know how much they get paid, along with other details, over the past year.

Level 2 (Intermediate) Apprenticeships

A Level 2 apprenticeship is your first step on the apprenticeship journey. Schemes last anywhere between 12-18 months.

The entry requirements for level 2 apprenticeships vary from scheme to scheme. Employers usually look for applicants with two or more GCSEs, including passes in English and Maths.

If you don’t have GCSE's, don't worry! You still have options. A T-Level Foundation Year is a great way of getting the qualifications and skills you need.

1. Sciences - £25,958

2. Transport & Logistics - £25,200

3. Legal & Law - £24,000

4. Property - £24,000

5. Banking - £22,800

6. Financial Services - £21,000

7. Hospitality - £19,200

8. Construction - £19,136

Level 3 (Advanced) Apprenticeships

Level 3 apprenticeships are the next step up on the apprenticeship journey. You'll work full-time for a company and study towards nationally certified qualifications on the side.

This includes a National Vocational Qualification (level 3), and a knowledge-based qualification. These are equivalent to two A-level passes and also qualify candidates for Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4/5).

The entry requirements for level 3 apprenticeships are typically 5 GCSEs (including English and Maths).

1. Banking £24,000

2. Hospitality - £24,000

3. Property - £24,000

4. Transport & Logistics - £23,384

5. Legal & Law - £22,800

6. Financial Services - £22,662

7. Design - £22,112

8. Construction - £21,600

Level 4 and 5 Apprenticeships

Above the age of 18? A Level 4 and 5 apprenticeships, also called higher apprenticeships, are for you.

Higher apprenticeships usually last between two and four years, where you'll spend time on the job while working towards a nationally-recognised qualification which could include a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a foundation degree.

You'll need two or more A-Levels (or equivalent - like a Level 3 apprenticeship) in subjects that are relevant to the scheme you're interested in.

1. Hospitality - £28,250

2. FMCG & Retail - £27,300

3. Transport & Logistics - £26,150

4. Accountancy & Tax - £26,000

5. Legal & Law - £25,480

6. Banking - £25,386

7. Property - £25,283

8. Financial Services - £25,000

Degree Apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships (Level 6/7) are the last stop on your apprenticeship journey.

You'll study towards an undergraduate or master’s degree and gain three to five years of work experience at the same time.

To qualify, you'll need A-Levels and a certain number of UCAS points. Higher Apprenticeship are accepted, too.

1. Banking - £26,260

2. Accountancy & Tax - £26,250

3. Financial Services - £26,125

4. Technology - £26,008

5. Legal & Law - £25,962

6. Design - £25,000

7. Property - £24,960

8. FMCG & Retail - £24,632

The Highest-Paid Apprenticeships by Location

If you're looking to move to a city for your apprenticeship, you're in the right place.

Below you'll find the average salaries for apprentices in different regions across the UK. Apprenticeships based in London tend to pay higher because the costs of living and travel are more expensive compared to the rest of the country.

These are based on thousands of real apprentice-written reviews of apprenticeship schemes on our website. Apprentices let us know how much they get paid, along with other details, over the past year.

1. London - £25,000

2. West Midlands - £24,000

3. North East - £23,568

4. East of England - £23,498

5. Scotland - £23,137

6. Yorkshire & The Humber - £23,000

7. East Midlands - £22,195

8. South West - £22,112

9. North West - £22,055

10. South East - £22,000

11. Wales - £21,600

How do I apply?

So there we are… the best-paid apprenticeships for school and college leavers.

However, the apprenticeship that offers the highest salary might not necessarily be the right scheme for you.

Our advice would be to choose an apprenticeship based on the content of the course, the employer and the opportunities they offer. Choose the apprenticeship that gives you the greatest chance of starting your dream career.

So how do you find and apply for apprenticeships? Well, you’re in the right place. You can apply for apprenticeships right here with us on Higherin.

You will also need to prepare items such as an apprenticeship personal statement, cover letter and CV for your application. And if you're successful and invited for the next steps, we have advice for interviews and apprenticeship assessment centres too.

Good luck!