If you’re spending 40+ hours a week at a job, shouldn’t it at least be somewhere that treats you well and pays you what you’re worth?
Yet, most people settle for:
❌ Terrible bosses who micromanage every move
❌ Stagnant salaries with no real career growth
❌ Toxic work environments that drain your energy before you even start your day
You don’t have to settle.
Preston is home to some of the best employers in the UK—companies that pay well, invest in their employees, and offer real work-life balance.
So, let’s get into it.
✅ The top companies in Preston that actually treat employees well
✅ How to land a job at these companies—even if you don’t have the “perfect” CV
✅ Salary insights and perks to watch for
Most job seekers only focus on salary. “How much can I make?” And yes, money matters (I’m all about getting paid what you’re worth). But what if you land a high-paying job at a company that:
Sounds miserable, right?
Instead, the smartest professionals focus on total compensation and quality of life:
✅ Competitive salary + performance-based raises
✅ Work-life balance (not just an empty promise)
✅ Growth opportunities—so you're not stuck in the same role for 5 years
✅ A company culture that doesn’t suck
That’s what this list is about: companies in Preston that tick ALL the boxes.
These are companies that pay well, treat employees fairly, and have a great work culture. (And yes, they’re actually hiring.)
💰 Avg. Salary: £40,000 - £70,000+
🎯 Best for: Engineers, IT professionals, project managers
BAE Systems is one of the UK’s biggest aerospace and defence companies. If you’re in engineering, tech, or project management, this is one of the highest-paying employers in Preston.
Why people love working here:
✅ Great salaries + benefits (think pension plans, bonuses, and private healthcare)
✅ Job stability—defence contracts = long-term security
✅ Real career growth—many employees get promotions within 2-3 years
How to land a job at BAE Systems:
🔥 Don’t just send a CV—network with current employees (many jobs aren’t even listed online)
🔥 Emphasize problem-solving skills—they hire people who can think critically, not just follow instructions
🔥 Have a strong LinkedIn profile (recruiters actively search for engineers & tech specialists)
🚀 Who’s hiring? Check out BAE’s careers page
💰 Avg. Salary: £22,000 - £45,000
🎯 Best for: Retail managers, supply chain specialists, customer service pros
If you’re looking for a retail job that actually pays well and treats employees fairly, Booths is the best choice in Preston.
Why people love working here:
✅ Above-average pay for retail jobs (plus discounts and perks)
✅ Genuine work-life balance—no being forced into extra shifts
✅ A supportive culture (unlike big chains where you’re just a number)
How to land a job at Booths:
🔥 Emphasize customer experience skills—they care about service, not just sales
🔥 Show leadership potential—even for entry-level roles, they promote internally
🔥 Apply directly on their site (they don’t always list jobs on mainstream boards)
🚀 Who’s hiring? Check Booths' job openings
💰 Avg. Salary: £25,000 - £60,000+
🎯 Best for: Nurses, medical staff, HR, finance, IT
Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, or even an admin professional, working for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a solid choice.
Why people love working here:
✅ Competitive NHS salaries (plus strong pensions & benefits)
✅ Huge career growth opportunities (from training to leadership programs)
✅ Supportive work culture (especially compared to private healthcare jobs)
How to land a job here:
🔥 Get your CV NHS-ready—highlight patient care, teamwork, and efficiency
🔥 For non-medical roles, emphasize transferable skills (admin, finance, HR)
🔥 Use NHS Jobs—most positions are only listed on NHS Jobs
🚀 Who’s hiring? Check out current NHS jobs
💰 Avg. Salary: £26,000 - £50,000+
🎯 Best for: Admin, finance, customer service, policy roles
Want job security, work-life balance, and solid benefits? Government jobs with the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) are a great option.
Why people love working here:
✅ Stable jobs with great pensions & benefits
✅ Flexible work options (hybrid & remote roles available)
✅ Opportunities for promotions & salary increases
How to land a job at DWP:
🔥 Tailor your CV for Civil Service applications—they use a specific scoring system
🔥 Prepare for competency-based interviews (focus on problem-solving & teamwork)
🔥 Check their dedicated job portal—most roles aren’t on standard job sites
🚀 Who’s hiring? Browse DWP vacancies
💰 Avg. Salary: £35,000 - £80,000+
🎯 Best for: Engineers, project managers, safety specialists, technical professionals
If you’re in engineering, manufacturing, or the energy sector, Westinghouse Springfields (part of the global Westinghouse Electric Company) is one of the best places to work in Preston.
This company is a global leader in nuclear fuel manufacturing, meaning high-paying, stable jobs with opportunities for international collaboration.
Why people love working here:
✅ Great salaries + strong benefits package (including pensions & bonuses)
✅ Cutting-edge work in energy innovation
✅ Strong career growth paths—many employees move into leadership roles
How to land a job at Westinghouse:
🔥 Highlight technical skills + problem-solving abilities—they want innovators
🔥 Network with current employees on LinkedIn—many hires come from referrals
🔥 Stay up to date on energy sector trends—mentioning industry shifts in interviews shows you’re engaged
🚀 Who’s hiring? Check Westinghouse careers
Most people settle for any job they can get, but you don’t have to.
✅ The best companies pay well
✅ They offer career growth
✅ They treat employees like actual human beings (not replaceable robots)
If you’re applying for jobs in Preston, aim for companies that:
🔹 Pay above-market salaries (don’t waste time on lowball offers)
🔹 Invest in employees (career growth = higher earnings in the long run)
🔹 Have great cultures (no toxic work environments!)
🚀 Want to land a job at one of these companies?
Start by optimising your CV and applying strategically. I cover the exact process in my other guide: How to Write a CV That Gets You a Job in Preston (Real Examples)
Check out the latest jobs here at Preston Jobs!
Now, go get that high-paying job you actually enjoy. 💰🔥