The 10 jobs that got the biggest pay rises in 2024 as wages jump by up to 9.5%

SOME career paths might be worth going for more than others in 2025, based on new data.

Research by recruiter Hays shared with The Sun has revealed the 10 jobs that received the biggest pay rises between 2023 and last year.

Contract managers, site supervisors, part-qualified accountants are all on the list – they saw pay increases of up to 8% on average.

Risk surveyors, industrial engineers, technology cyber managers and software architects also saw their salaries hiked by up to 9.2%.

But it was a blue collar job that saw the biggest pay rise – a welder or fabricator.

A welder is someone who cuts, joins and shapes metals, usually in the construction or manufacturing industries.

The path to becoming one usually involves going through an apprenticeship route.

Anyone in this engineering and manufacturing sector role would have seen their yearly earnings boosted by 9.5% to an average of £33,500, from around £30,600.

Pam Lindsay-Dunn, chief operating officer of Hays UK and Ireland, said: “Despite a tough labour market, the UK is still grappling with a critical skills shortage.

“Our top ten salary increases from 2024 highlight the areas most in need of talent.

“While these roles may not be the highest paying, they clearly show where skilled professionals are in high demand.

“Engineering roles continue to dominate our salary increase lists, driven by an ageing workforce and a lack of new entrants to the workplace.

“In the tech sector, cyber roles are more crucial than ever as organisations strive to protect themselves from risk.

“Traditional finance and accounting skills remain sought after, with salaries for part-qualified accountants steadily rising.”

The latest guide from Hays also revealed the top five “core” skills employers are looking for in 2025.

The recruiter and jobs platform put communication and interpersonal skills at number one, followed by the ability to adopt to change and ability to learn and upskill.

Workers who can be flexible and adaptable and with good people management skills will also be highly south after, according to Hays.

Harry Gooding, director of skills and learning at Hays, said: “Many of these core skills tend to cross paths and complement each other.

“This is part of what makes these skillsets so valuable; they’re highly transferable.”

How to get a pay rise at work

Asking for a pay rise at work can be a daunting prospect, but there are some tricks you can add to your arsenal.

Bill Richards, UK managing director of jobs platform Indeed, previously gave The Sun his top tips to set you on your way.

The first was knowing your worth – this involves doing your research and using an online salary tool to find out how much someone else in your position earns so you know if you’re underpaid or not.

Timing is another crucial element, he said.

“Where possible, think about your organisation’s recent performance, and your own performance, before knocking on your manager’s door or arranging a virtual meeting.”

Third – if you’ve had a conversation about a pay rise with your boss or HR, and they’re refusing to budget, it might be time to move on and looking for a new job.

Or, you could interview with another company, find out what salary they’re willing to offer you, and then take it to your current boss to barter your current pay.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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