Most people think the only way to get a high-paying job is to move to London, work 80-hour weeks, and sacrifice their sanity.
That’s total BS.
You can land a well-paying, fulfilling job right here in Preston—if you know where to look and how to play the game.
In this post, I’ll break down:
✅ The best-paying jobs in Preston right now (with real salary numbers)
✅ The skills you need to land them (no fluff)
✅ The exact steps to get hired fast
1. The Highest-Paying Jobs in Preston Right Now
💻 Tech & IT (High demand, remote-friendly, £35K–£70K+)
Companies in Preston (and beyond) desperately need IT professionals. Whether it’s cybersecurity, software development, or cloud computing, demand far outweighs supply.
Best-paying roles:
- Software Developer (£40K–£70K+) – Write code, build apps, get paid.
- Cybersecurity Analyst (£45K–£75K+) – Companies will throw money at you to protect their systems.
- Cloud Engineer (£50K–£80K+) – Everyone is moving to the cloud, and they need experts to make it happen.
🚀 How to get in:
- Learn to code (Python, Java, JavaScript) with free online courses (Codecademy, Coursera).
- Get a Google IT or AWS certification (takes 3–6 months).
- Apply to remote jobs too! Preston has IT roles, but don’t limit yourself—companies across the UK hire remote tech talent.
🩺 Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals (£30K–£100K+)
Healthcare isn’t just about being a doctor or nurse. There are tons of high-paying roles in hospitals, private clinics, and pharmaceutical companies.
Best-paying roles:
- Pharmacist (£45K–£60K+) – High demand, great stability.
- Nurse Practitioner (£50K–£70K+) – Advanced nurses earn WAY more.
- Radiographer (£40K–£55K+) – Imaging specialists are in huge demand.
🚀 How to get in:
- Get NHS-funded training for nursing and allied health roles.
- Already in healthcare? Upskill to specialist roles (e.g., go from nurse to nurse practitioner).
- Check private healthcare providers—they often pay more than NHS roles.
🚛 Logistics & Supply Chain (£35K–£60K+)
Thanks to e-commerce, logistics is booming in Preston. You don’t need a degree—just the right qualifications and experience.
Best-paying roles:
- HGV Driver (£40K–£50K) – There’s a massive shortage, and salaries are rising fast.
- Supply Chain Manager (£45K–£60K) – Keep products moving, get paid well.
- Operations Manager (£50K+) – Oversee logistics and earn serious cash.
🚀 How to get in:
- HGV training takes weeks, and drivers are making £40K+ right away.
- Already in logistics? Move into management with an online business course.
- Apply directly to companies like Amazon, Royal Mail, and Aldi—they hire constantly.
🏗️ Engineering & Manufacturing (£40K–£90K+)
Preston is a hub for advanced manufacturing and aerospace (hello, BAE Systems). Engineers here earn some of the highest salaries in the UK.
Best-paying roles:
- Aerospace Engineer (£50K–£90K+) – BAE Systems is always hiring.
- Mechanical Engineer (£40K–£70K+) – Big demand in local factories.
- Project Manager (£50K–£80K+) – Oversee manufacturing projects and get paid big.
🚀 How to get in:
- Engineering grads: BAE and other firms have amazing graduate schemes.
- No degree? Start as a technician and work your way up (apprenticeships available).
- Network—engineering jobs aren’t always advertised. Find people in the industry and ask about openings.
2. How to Actually Get These Jobs (Without Wasting Time)
Now that you know where the money is, let’s talk strategy.
Step 1: Stop Applying Like Everyone Else
The worst thing you can do is apply online, cross your fingers, and wait. That’s what 90% of job seekers do—and it doesn’t work.
Instead:
✅ Check local jobs boards – Preston has tons of great opportunities, but you won’t find them all on national sites. Start with PrestonJobs to see the latest openings right now.
✅ Network smartly – 80% of good jobs come from referrals. Find local events, LinkedIn groups, and industry meetups in Preston.
✅ Customize your CV – Show results. Numbers and achievements > boring job duties.
Step 2: Learn High-Value Skills (For Free or Cheap)
If you’re not earning £35K+, chances are you need better skills. The good news? You can learn most in-demand skills for free.
Examples:
- Tech jobs: Learn coding (Codecademy, freeCodeCamp).
- Healthcare: Look into NHS apprenticeships.
- Logistics: HGV training (government grants available).
- Engineering: Take project management courses to move up.
Step 3: Apply to the Right Companies
Some companies pay better than others. These are the best-paying employers in Preston:
- Tech: Local agencies, plus remote work for UK-wide firms.
- Healthcare: NHS, private hospitals, and pharmaceutical firms.
- Logistics: Amazon, Royal Mail, Aldi distribution centers.
- Engineering: BAE Systems, local manufacturers.
- Bypass generic job boards when possible. Apply using local jobs boards or directly on their careers page!
Final Thoughts: The Jobs Are There—Go Get Them
The highest-paid people don’t have more experience or better degrees—they just know how to find high-value jobs and negotiate like pros.
💡 Key takeaways:
- The best-paying jobs in Preston are in Tech, Healthcare, Logistics, and Engineering.
- You don’t always need a degree—just the right skills.
- Stop mass-applying. Network, make your application brilliant, and focus on results.
Happy Job Hunting!