The 6 top paying industries in 2025

In this article, we reveal the highest paid industries for marketing, digital, communications, ecommerce, product and bids job titles. If you're looking for a new job in one of the top paying sectors, this is the resource for you. If you're a hiring manager, looking for more salary advice, access our salary benchmarking tool here.

We understand that pay is the most important factor in a job search in 2025. Economic pressures are continuing to take it's toll, and everyone is relying on higher incomes to meet increasing costs. As a result, we weren't surprised when our salary survey revealed that pay remains the most important factor in 2025 job searches. 

To help you navigate the job market, we're breaking down the highest paying industries in 2025.

Top 6 highest paid sectors

Our salary survey received over 1,300 respondents across the marketing, digital, ecommerce, communications, product, design and bids skill sets. This revealed the average salary for each job title and industry.

According to our data, the following six sectors have the highest paying jobs.

#1 Technology

The technology sector, usually including SaaS, FinTech, Cybersecurity and HealthTech businesses, offers the highest paying jobs in the UK. As a highly regulated space, job descriptions usually require niche skill sets and expert knowledge of the sector. This means that quality candidates tend to be in short supply, resulting in higher salaries.

Finding top talent can be difficult in this field. With many candidates looking for high-paying jobs, the technology industry is highly attractive and generates hundreds of applications.

The average salary of those employed in the technology sector is £90,000.

#2 Financial services

The financial services (FS) sector, made up on banking, FinTech and investment businesses, was the second highest paid industry. Businesses in this space have to adhere to strict regulations. Customer-facing teams must ensure information is accurate and clear, especially regarding financial risks. Employees must have a strong knowledge of any regulations that apply to their company, or learn them quickly.

Because of these regulations, most FS businesses search for talent from within their sector. This limited the talent pool and creates strong competition for the best talent. As a result, those with financial services experience can often command high salaries.

The average salary of those employed in the financial services sector is £88,000.

#3 Travel, leisure and entertainment

Businesses within the travel, leisure and entertainment sector come third on our list of top paying industries. For some, this may be surprising, with the Deloitte Consumer Tracker "showing that total net spending in the leisure sector fell from -8.5% in Q3 2024 to -10% in Q4 2024." However, in this industry, salary largely depends on your job title.

Over a third of respondents to our salary survey from the travel, leisure and entertainment industries held a 'Head of' title or higher. These titles are among the highest paying jobs in the UK. For instance, a Marketing Director can expect to earn between £100,000 - £160,000.

You should be aware that policy changes coming in April 2025 may impact salaries in the UK. For example, business rates relief for the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors will decrease from 75% to 40%.

The average salary of those employed in the travel, leisure and entertainment sector is £82,000.

#4 Media and telecommunications

The media and telecoms industry, comprised of publishing, news and broadcasting businesses, is the fourth highest paid sector. Similar to the travel, leisure and entertainment industries, pay in these organisations largely depends on your job title.

35% of respondents in this sector held the 'Head of' job title or above. Additionally, 20% of those work in product management - the highest paid skill set overall. 

The average salary of those employed in the media and telecommunications sector is £82,000.

#5 Healthcare

The healthcare sector, including HealthTech, medical and insurance businesses, sits fourth on our list. This sector offers higher wages thanks to a combination of the two factors we've already discussed - seniority of job titles and the highly-regulated nature of the roles. 

A significant proportion of salary survey respondents (40%) held a 'Head of' or higher job title in the heath sector. Additionally, they were often long-standing employees. Over a quarter of respondents had been in their role for more than 2 years.

The average salary of those employed in the healthcare sector is £78,000.

#6 Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)

The FMCG industry, which include cosmetics, vitamins and food and beverage companies, is the fifth highest paid sector. Amazon, ecommerce, and marketplace professionals largely comprise this industry. These employees were most likely to receive a higher wage last year, with 60% reporting a pay rise.

"There's been a greater demand for ecommerce talent," says Director, Adrian Ramani, "which has driven salaries up." Those interested in a higher paid job, should consider shifting into an ecommerce career. Demand for talent to maintain Amazon and Marketplace shops is strong and only expected to grow in 2025.

The average salary of those employed in the FMCG sector is £75,000.

Which sectors are hiring in 2025?

We asked hiring managers in each sector whether they intend to hire in 2025. 55% of companies told us they would be hiring this year. Although this is lower than 2024, we expect hiring intentions to increase as the year progresses.

Political changes around the world are still taking effect, making it difficult to plan recruitment strategies for the year. As businesses see the impact these new policies have, they will be able to make more informed decisions and start recruiting.

The top five sectors intending to grow in 2025

The following five industries will be experiencing the most growth, according to our data.

#1 Healthcare

They are hiring for digital marketing, data analytics and social media and content employees.

#2 Real estate and construction

Real estate and construction businesses are looking for marketing, bid management and communications talent.

#3 Business services

B2B organisations are searching for marketing, social media, content and data analytics staff.

#4 Professional services

The professional services sector are recruiting for marketing, bid management and design talent.

#5 Technology

Technology teams will be investing in marketing, social media, content and product management candidates.

Ready to start your search?

Whether you're looking for a new role this year, or growing your team, our expert recruiters can help you. Our team specialises by industry, meaning they have grown networks of excellent candidates and hiring managers who are searching for the next great connection.