The landscape of employment is shifting, with a notable increase in demand for jobs that do not require prolonged desk work and offer salaries exceeding £40,000 annually. This trend comes as concerns about artificial intelligence impacting traditional white-collar roles continue to grow.

Data from the job search site CV-Library indicates a robust market for positions such as estate agents, vehicle technicians, electricians, and quantity surveyors, all of which boast higher-than-average earnings and a significant number of advertised vacancies over the past year. Estate agents lead the list with nearly 29,000 openings, while quantity surveyors command the highest average salary at over £61,000.

In-Demand Roles and Salaries

Estate agents, responsible for managing property transactions, are the most sought-after role, with 28,837 vacancies posted in the last 12 months, and an average salary of £42,066. While the role involves some desk-based administrative tasks, a substantial portion includes client interaction and property viewings.

Other highly demanded jobs include:

  • Vehicle technicians/mechanics: With 9,153 vacancies and an average salary of £41,540, these professionals inspect, service, and repair vehicles, primarily working in automotive workshops.
  • Electricians: A total of 7,399 job postings at an average of £48,093, electricians install and maintain electrical systems in various settings, from homes to industrial sites.
  • Maintenance engineers: Filling 6,561 roles with an average pay of £46,841, these individuals install, service, and repair industrial machinery.
  • Quantity surveyors: The highest-paid on the list with 3,855 vacancies and an average salary of £61,272, they manage construction project costs and risks.
  • Building control inspectors: With 3,813 openings and an average salary of £58,611, they ensure buildings meet safety regulations.
  • Lift engineers: 2,814 vacancies exist for lift engineers, who install, service, and repair lifts and escalators, earning an average of £40,900.
  • Fire risk assessors: 2,519 positions are available for fire risk assessors, who conduct safety assessments and provide consultancy, with an average salary of £48,881.
  • Plumbers: 2,202 vacancies for plumbers, who install and repair water and heating systems, with an average salary of £47,315.
  • Firefighters: 1,078 job postings for firefighters, who respond to emergencies, earning an average of £42,235.

AI's Influence on the Job Market

Industry experts note that roles requiring a tangible human element or specialized skills are less susceptible to automation by AI. Alec Stanwell of CV-Library stated that AI's primary impact is on administrative tasks, while jobs demanding a human touch or skilled trades are likely to remain robust. This, coupled with the rising cost of university education, is making apprenticeships and vocational qualifications increasingly attractive pathways into these well-compensated, non-desk-based careers.