In 2024, 80% of UK employers(opens new window) reported that they were struggling to find job candidates with the right skills. It’s a talent shortage of truly epic proportions, to say the least.
On the positive side, this crisis offers unique opportunities for workers. By gaining high income skills, you could step into one of those vacancies — and possibly negotiate a higher salary. Or you could significantly boost your earning potential in your current role.
High income skills are in-demand abilities that companies are willing to pay a premium for. They’re often highly specialised skills or ones that are absolutely vital for business operations. For example, companies in all industries need Data Analysts to wrangle datasets.
These skills can improve your job security, even in the face of disruptions from automation and artificial intelligence (AI). But which areas should you focus on? This guide breaks down high paying skills and why they’re so valuable right now.
What are high income skills?
Obviously, no skill can guarantee you a lucrative salary. But some abilities can open the door to higher-paying roles.
High income skills share a few traits:
- They’re highly desirable for employers.
- They take effort to learn.
- It’s impossible or extremely difficult to automate them.
- They transfer across multiple industries.
Take AI and machine learning, for instance. Over half (55%) of UK employers(opens new window) say they’re facing the biggest talent shortages in these areas. It’s no surprise, then, that Machine Learning Engineers(opens new window) earn an average base salary of £62,000 in the UK.
For upskillers, focusing on high income skills can fast-track career development. For example, Simon Page(opens new window) joined Multiverse’s Data Fellowship programme to learn Tableau and other analytics tools. “I’ve moved roles since [completing the apprenticeship],” Page explains. “I’m now a Brand Experience Manager. I used an example from my apprenticeship in my interview, and I got the job.”
Top high income skills to learn
Not every in demand skill will make sense for your career path. For instance, learning cloud computing could make your application more appealing for tech firms, but it probably wouldn’t help you transition to a digital marketing job. Take the time to research industry trends and browse job ads to see what employers are actually looking for.
Here are a few high income skills to consider as you plan your upskilling journey.
Data analysis
Modern businesses have access to a vast ocean of data. Customer reviews, financial statements, web traffic — the list goes on and on.
But many companies don’t have the talent they need to use this information effectively. The Multiverse Skills Intelligence Report 2024 found that this data skills gap causes the average employee to lose around 25 days of productive time every year.
Multiverse’s data upskilling programmes can help you fill this need and boost your efficiency. These apprenticeships teach you how to apply data analysis methods to real datasets. For example, you could perform a time series analysis on sales data to predict when customers will begin buying winter gear.
Gaining proficiency in data science tools can also give you a competitive edge. The Multiverse report found that 57% of employees have no or basic Microsoft Excel skills, and 86% don’t know how to use Python. Stand out by familiarising yourself with Excel formulas and completing online courses.
Career paths
It’s no exaggeration to say that virtually every industry relies on data analysis. In business and finance, for instance, Data Analysts help leaders make smart investment decisions and interpret financial data. In healthcare, these professionals use data for everything from predicting flu outbreaks to planning the best schedule for nurses.
Here are two careers you can pursue with data analysis skills:
Data Analyst
- Average salary: £36,000*
- Key responsibilities:
- Collect data from many sources, such as financial transactions and surveys
- Clean and organise datasets
- Evaluate data to uncover patterns and answer questions
- Use findings to help stakeholders make informed decisions
Business Intelligence Analyst
- Average salary: £42,000*
- Key responsibilities:
- Analyse business data, such as sales trends and supply chain reports
- Use data to answer questions and solve business problems
- Translate findings into data visualisations
- Assist business leaders with strategic thinking and planning
*All salary information is based on Indeed data.
Generative artificial intelligence and AI tools
Once seen as a distant fantasy, artificial intelligence has quickly become a must-have technology for businesses. Multiverse’s The ROI of AI report(opens new window) found that 74% of tech leaders plan to invest more in this technology in the next one to two years.
But many employees lack the skills to keep up with this rapid adoption. Around half (51%) have received less than five hours of formal AI training, yet many of them consider themselves experts. This disconnect has contributed to the high demand for people with in-depth AI knowledge.
Get ahead of the curve by mastering the top AI skills, such as:
- Machine learning: This popular type of AI uses algorithms (or snippets of code) to automatically perform specific tasks. For example, Netflix(opens new window) uses machine learning to analyse viewer preferences and recommend rom-coms, horror movies, or whatever suits your fancy.
- Programming languages: AI Engineers frequently use Julia and Python to create machine learning models.
- Natural language processing: Complex algorithms interpret human language and generate responses. It’s why you can hold natural-sounding conversations with AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT.
- Prompt engineering: AI platforms generate drastically different outputs based on your input, so writing savvy prompts is key.
While artificial intelligence is relatively new, there are already plenty of resources to help you gain these skills. Multiverse’s AI programmes cover fundamental concepts like data governance, AI ethics, and use cases. You’ll learn how to kickstart AI projects in your current organisation to gain hands-on experience.
Career paths
Like data analysis, AI and machine learning have many applications in all industries, from agriculture to telecommunications. Mastering these high income skills can lead to these careers, among others:
AI Engineer
- Average salary: £62,000
- Key responsibilities:
- Program machine learning models and algorithms
- Design AI solutions for business problems
- Build data pipelines to feed AI models
- Train algorithms
- Test and improve AI systems
Computer Vision Engineer
- Average salary: £63,000
- Key responsibilities:
- Develop algorithms that can recognise images
- Collect and analyse visual data
- Train and test image detection algorithms
- Collaborate with Data Scientists and Software Developers
Cloud computing and cybersecurity
Many companies have fully embraced cloud storage. It makes sense. Remote employees can access cloud data from home, and there’s no risk of physical servers getting wiped out in a flood or fire.
But this shift has also led to new concerns about data privacy and security. In April 2025, 43% of UK businesses(opens new window) reported that they had fallen victim to a cybersecurity breach or attack in the previous 12 months. That’s why many companies are searching for job candidates with the technical knowledge to protect their information.
Cloud computing focuses on building and maintaining cloud infrastructure. Here are a few skills you’ll need:
- Familiarity with popular cloud services: Many businesses rely on pre-built platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. Master the basics with an AWS Certification(opens new window) or the Azure Fundamentals(opens new window) certificate.
- Database management: Use SQL and NoSQL to build and organise databases.
- Programming languages: Cloud Engineers often use JavaScript and Ruby to develop cloud software.
Cybersecurity is also in high demand, with approximately 44% of UK businesses experiencing a skills gap(opens new window) in this area. Focus on high income skills like:
- Intrusion detection: Use software to automatically scan networks for suspicious activity.
- Incident response: Know how to react quickly if a data breach or hack occurs.
- Communication skills: Even educated professionals can fall for phishing scams and other threats. You’ll need to teach your colleagues how to avoid them.
CompTIA’s Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification(opens new window) is a great way to start building these foundational skills.
Career paths
These in-demand skills can help you qualify for several tech roles, including:
Cloud Engineer:
- Average salary: £76,000
- Key responsibilities:
- Develop cloud-based applications and systems
- Manage cloud databases
- Secure data in the cloud
Cybersecurity Analyst:
- Average salary: £45,000
- Key responsibilities:
- Install security protocols
- Assess the risk of security threats
- Use ethical hacking to test for weaknesses
- Respond promptly to incidents to limit damage
Software development
Businesses rely on Software Developers for everything from mobile apps to web development. They design and maintain applications to provide the best user experience.
Essential software development skills include:
- Coding software with C++, Java, and other programming languages
- Debugging software
- User experience testing
- Soft skills like problem solving and creative thinking
Some Software Developers teach themselves how to write code and build their skills with personal projects. But a structured learning programme is usually much more efficient. Multiverse’s Software Engineering programmes combine educational modules with hands-on learning opportunities.
Career paths
There are many career opportunities in software development, including:
Software Engineer
- Average salary: £49,000
- Key responsibilities:
- Build software based on user requirements and client specifications
- Write code for applications
- Create software documentation
Front-end Developer
- Average salary: £46,000
- Key responsibilities:
- Design the user-facing site of websites
- Create wireframes
- Improve the user experience
Back-end Developer
- Average salary: £59,000
- Key responsibilities:
- Develop the server-side features of applications
- Use frameworks like Laravel and Ruby on Rails to speed up web development
Sales and business development
Skilled sales professionals focus on identifying promising leads and moving customers from the awareness phase to the final purchase.
High-paying sales skills include:
- Consultative or technical sales: Learning about each client’s needs and developing custom solutions. This approach requires in-depth product knowledge.
- Traditional sales: Promoting standard products and services to leads.
- Digital marketing: Using channels like social media and email to advertise brands.
- Emotional intelligence: Know how to read clients and adapt your sales techniques.
Many Sales Representatives learn these high income skills on the job, but you can also take online courses from companies like HubSpot Academy and Dale Carnegie.
Career paths
Sales skills can lead to many potentially lucrative roles, such as:
Account Executive
- Average salary: £36,000
- Key responsibilities:
- Nurturing client relationships
- Closing deals
- Managing client accounts and troubleshooting issues
Business Development Representative
- Average salary: £32,000
- Key responsibilities:
- Locating and qualifying leads
- Researching growth opportunities
- Collaborating with Product Developers
Leadership and project management
Even the most effective teams need someone to help them coordinate their efforts and make sure they have all the right resources. That’s where project management professionals come in.
These specialists have a unique combination of soft skills and technical abilities. Here are a few of their high-paying skills:
- Familiarity with project management tools like Asana and Trello
- Leadership skills
- Proficiency in Agile and Scrum methodologies
Career Path
Strong management skills can prepare you for this in demand role:
Project Manager
- Average salary: £45,000
- Key responsibilities:
- Liaise between the client and the project team
- Keep everything moving on schedule and within budget
- Maintain high quality standards
Why learning high income skills matters in 2025
Upskilling isn’t just about adding a few new lines to your resume. It’s an investment in your professional growth and a pathway to financial independence.
Here are a few benefits of gaining high paying skills:
- Adapt to the changing job market: Automation, AI, and even remote work are shaking up roles in all industries. Gaining in demand skills can help you future-proof your career in these exciting times.
- Boost your earning potential: Obviously, growing your salary is the primary reason to focus on high income skills. The average weekly earnings for employees in Great Britain are £716(opens new window), or around £37,000 annually. Many of these careers on this list have higher average salaries — in some cases, almost twice as high.
And, of course, you’ll get the personal satisfaction of continuous learning and career growth.
Boost your earning potential with Multiverse
In a competitive job market, high income skills are the key to financial and professional growth. Software engineering, project management, and other abilities can help you qualify for more advanced roles — and possibly lead to a healthy salary bump.
With a Multiverse apprenticeship, you can gain valuable skills while working at your current role. Your employer covers all the costs, so you don’t even need to spend anything to increase your earning potential and skillset — a win-win situation.
Browse our programmes for more information, or fill out our quick application(opens new window).
