UK’s 10 most popular jobs — one has average salary of £61,000

An expert at CV-Library has shared new data highlighting the UK’s most applied-for jobs — and one boasts an average salary of £61,000. CV-Library analysed thousands of live vacancies to reveal the 10 most popular sectors, painting a clear picture of the hottest careers right now.

Katie Emerton, recruitment expert at CV-Library has also provided five top tips to support candidates in their job hunt — and if you’re looking for a new role, Katie’s advice might help you to stand out from the crowd. The research highlights the UK’s most applied-for jobs, with IT roles currently the most popular. However, if IT is not your thing, there are nine more varied job categories that are attracting many keen applicants with a decent salary paid to those securing a role.

The data is based on the total number of applications per job alongside the most popular role in each, and the expert has detailed the average salary on offer for each category.

This research, carried out by the UK’s largest independent job board, CV-Library, reveals which jobs UK workers are applying for most, with IT and Administration roles stealing the hearts of jobseekers.

IT jobs top the charts for applications per job, with roles such as Software Engineer attracting the highest levels of interest, offering average earnings of more than £61,000.

The sector’s appeal lies in a powerful mix of strong salaries, future-proof skills driven by the rise of AI and automation, and clear progression opportunities – making it a long-term match for jobseekers.

Administration jobs come in second, proving that dependable and versatile roles will never go out of style.

Receptionist positions are the most popular within this sector, with average salaries of £30,800.

With opportunities available across almost every industry, these roles offer a low barrier to entry, stability and use of transferable skills – qualities that make them highly ‘likeable’ in today’s jobs market.

Beyond these frontrunners, some sectors are surprisingly winning the nation’s hearts.

Hospitality and Hotel roles, for example, continue to rack up applications despite typically lower pay.

This suggests jobseekers are prioritising flexible hours, social working environments and people-focused roles over salary alone.

Meanwhile, Arts and Graphic Design remain highly competitive, showing that passion-driven, creative careers still hold strong appeal, with Graphic Designer roles most popular.

Katie said: “These roles attract such high application numbers because they tick a lot of boxes for today’s jobseekers: flexibility, stability and clear progression.

“Roles such as Software Engineer, Marketing Executive and Graphic Designer offer future-proof skills and long-term career potential, while others like Receptionists and Cleaners appeal because they’re widely available, flexible and don’t require lengthy entry routes.

“Together, these jobs feel secure but also rewarding – key to attracting UK candidates to apply.”

For candidates applying for software engineering jobs, Katie Emerton has the following advice on how to stand out:

“Software Engineering roles are in high demand, but employers want proof of what candidates can actually do.

“A degree isn’t the be-all and end-all anymore – creating your own apps, websites or coding projects that you can show to employers will really help you stand out.

“The industry moves quickly, especially with the rise of AI, so candidates need to show they can keep learning and adapt to new technologies.

“Those who have strong technical expertise and problem-solving skills will have a clear edge when applying.”

Katie has also listed five ways candidates can stand out when job hunting:

1 Focus on outcomes, not responsibilities

Use active, measurable language to show the impact you made, not just what you were responsible for.

Avoid vague and generic phrases like “improved”, “led” and “managed”, and instead include numbers, results, and context – what changed because of your work, and how you made it happen.

2 Be selective, not reactive

The UK job market has become two-speed. Some sectors are still hiring and investing, while others are slowing. Rather than applying en masse, focus your efforts on industries with momentum and tailor each application to show you understand where demand is – and how your skills fit that sector’s needs.

3 Lead with skills and behaviour

As skills-first hiring accelerates, employers are looking beyond job titles and qualifications. Jobseekers should lead with capabilities – technical skills, transferable strengths, and behavioural traits like problem-solving and adaptability.

4 Upload your CV to job sites, such as CV-Library

Recruiters and employers often search CV databases to proactively identify candidates, so make sure your CV, professional details or portfolio are regularly updated.

A strong, up-to-date profile – with an optimised headline, summary and experience that highlight your achievements, skills, qualifications, and personality will help increase your visibility and make a stronger first impression.

5 Optimise for AI without sounding like AI

With AI now built into some hiring processes (and growing), your CV needs to be easy for technology to read. Use clear formatting, standard job titles and skills-led language that aligns with job descriptions. Avoid overly polished, generic, or obviously AI-generated phrasing easily spotted by recruiters.

10 most popular jobs Brits are applying for – and the average annual full-time pay:

1. IT Software Engineer – average wage £61,268
2. Administration / Receptionist £30,805
3. Distribution / Delivery Driver £27,847
4. Customer Services / Customer Service Advisor £27,980
5. Marketing Executive £31,869
6. Manufacturing / Surveying / Production Operative £26,819
7. Hospitality / Hotel / Cleaner £25,365
8. Public Sector / Housing Officer £33,000
9. Arts / Graphic Design £30,000
10. Personnel / Recruitment Consultant £35,204