10 Best Cities To Work In The UK In 2024

The UK remains one of the top destinations for international students and professionals. Offering robust opportunities for career growth and transitions, we have enlisted some of the best cities to work in the UK. However, recent visa regulations have led to a 23% decline in the number of Indian students coming to the UK for higher studies, with 32,687 fewer student visas granted in 2024 compared to the previous year. Despite this, Indian students still represent the largest group benefiting from the Graduate Route visa, which allows foreign graduates to work in the UK for two years (three years for PhD holders) after completing their studies. In 2023, 1.14 lakh Graduate Route visas were issued, with 45,600 of those going to Indian nationals.

The UK government’s goal of hosting 600,000 international students by 2030 has already been surpassed, emphasizing the country’s growing appeal. Check out our list of the best cities to work in the UK and find your ideal career spot!

An Introduction to the Best Cities to Work in the UK 2024

Working in the UK offers a unique and vibrant experience, with competitive pay and exposure to a dynamic job market. As of April 2023, the median weekly pay for full-time workers is £682, leading to an annual salary of £34,963—up by 5.8% from the previous year. Part-time roles have a median weekly pay of £241. Salaries vary by age, with those aged 40-49 earning the highest average at £39,491. High-paying roles, such as chief executives and IT directors, offer salaries well above the national median, with chief executives earning up to £84,131.

The UK is a prime destination for international careers, with London alone hosting over 6 million jobs and cities like Manchester and Birmingham emerging as key tech and business hubs. If you’re considering a move, explore the Top cities to work in the UK for excellent career prospects and economic benefits.

Job Opportunity in Sheffield, UK 2024

Sheffield, known as the ‘Steel City,’ stands out as one of the top cities to work in the UK. Renowned for its steel production history, Sheffield offers a blend of affordability and quality of life. The city is notable for its green spaces, with over 60% of its area dedicated to parks and nature. Compared to London, Sheffield’s cost of living is significantly lower, with rents approximately 40% cheaper. This makes Sheffield an attractive option for young professionals and families looking for a balance of vibrant living and economic savings.

Living Cost, Rent, Top Companies & Avg Salary in Sheffield, UK 2024

Top employers in Sheffield, UK	Commuting cost (in Euro)	Rent/mortgage (in Euro)	Average salary (in Euro)
Amazon	£1,622	£9,288	£27,383
McDonald’s
HSBC
NHS
Tesco

Work Opportunity in Glasgow, UK 2024

Glasgow, the third most populated city in the UK, is among the best cities to work in the UK. With a booming tech scene and top-notch internet services—ranking third for 4G download speeds—Glasgow offers excellent job opportunities across diverse industries. It’s a city that combines great career prospects with a high quality of life.

Top Companies in Glasgow, UK	Commuting cost (in Euro)	Rent/mortgage (in Euro)	Average Salary (in Euro)
McDonald’s	£1,929	£9,048	£29,161
J.P. Morgan
Tesco
Teleperformance
Amazon

Read More: 10 best places to visit in Glasgow

Work Opportunity in Liverpool, UK 2024

Liverpool, the fifth largest city in the UK, is a top pick among the finest cities to work in the UK. With an employment rate of 67.5% and over 5,000 job openings, it’s a hub of scalable opportunities. The city is renowned for its beautiful green parks, 16 of which have ‘green flag’ status. Liverpool combines a vibrant arts scene and rich history with affordability and quality of life, making it a fantastic place to both live and work.

Best Companies in Liverpool, UK	Commuting cost (in Euro)	Rent/mortgage (in Euro)	Average Salary (in Euro)
Unilever	£1,684	£8,940	£27,596
McDonald’s
Tesco
NHS
Barclays

Work Opportunity in Bristol, UK 2024

Bristol, with its vibrant music and cultural scene, is one of the best cities to work in the UK. Home to 617,300 people, it boasts a high employment rate of 76.1% and a low joblessness rate. Known for its clean air and green spaces, Bristol combines excellent job opportunities with an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Despite the higher cost of living, its strong business environment and diverse community make it a top choice for living and working.

Best Companies in Bristol, UK	Commuting cost ( in Euro)	Rent/mortgage (in Euro)	Average Salary ( in Euro)
Barnes Group	£1,762	£12,720	£28,355
American Customer Care
Bristol Hospital Health and Care Group
Bristol Connecticut
Barclays

Read more: 7 best places to visit in Bristol

Living Cost, Jobs & Avg. Salary in Leeds, UK 2024

Leeds is one of the fastest-growing cities and ranks among the Top cities to work in the UK. Home to over 480,000 workers and 108,000 companies, it generates over 5% of England’s economic output, surpassing several European countries. With a low cost of living and viable sectors in education, health, and digital industries, Leeds is an excellent choice for career opportunities.

Best Companies in Leeds, UK	Commuting cost ( in Euro)	Rent/mortgage (in Euro)	Average Salary ( in Euro)
ASDA	£1,622	£12,420	£28,257
KMPG
Tesco
PwC
Deloitte

Jobs, Accommodation, Salary in Cardiff, UK 2024

Cardiff is a top choice for work in the UK, with a strong employment rate of 74.6% and a rise in job opportunities over the past year. As Wales’ leading financial and business services hub, the city employs 20% of its workforce in these sectors. With 4,000 job listings, coworking spaces, and seven Michelin Guide restaurants, Cardiff offers a vibrant cultural scene and appealing options for professionals and families alike.

Best Companies in Cardiff, UK	Commuting cost (in Euro)	Rent/mortgage (in Euro)	Average Salary (in Euro)
Starbucks	£1,664	£12,588	£27,497
Amazon
PwC
NHS
ASDA

Work Opportunity in Newcastle, UK 2024

Newcastle is a prime location for work, boasting an annual gross value added of $38.156 billion and ranking second in the UK for graduate job markets. Known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning architecture, and rich history, the city offers affordable living and a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for young professionals and graduates.

Best Companies in Newcastle, UK	Commuting cost (in Euro)	Rent/mortgage (in Euro)	Average Salary (in Euro)
Accenture	£1,570	£10,068	£28,818
Sage
McDonald’s
NHS
Teleperformance

Edinburgh City in the UK 2024

Edinburgh stands out as one of the Prime cities to work in the UK due to its robust financial sector, which constitutes 25% of the city’s economy. With over 6,000 job listings and 23 coworking spaces, the city offers high salaries for tech roles and a lively cultural scene, making it a fantastic place for career growth and vibrant living.

Best Companies in Edinburg, UK	Commuting cost (in Euro)	Rent/mortgage (in Euro)	Average Salary (in Euro)
Skyscanner	£1,929	£18,912	£31,122
The University of Edinburg
Baillie Gifford
Blue Branch Marketing
The Royal Bank of Scotland

Manchester City in the UK 2024

Manchester City is ranked one of the top cities in the UK, especially for young professionals. Renowned for its cultural impact—like introducing bucket hats and Acid House—the city is now a powerhouse in Europe’s digital and tech sectors. With a high employment rate and a thriving job market, Manchester stands out as one of the top destinations for career opportunities and growth.

Best Companies in Manchester, UK	Commuting cost (in Euro)	Rent/mortgage (in Euro)	Average Salary (in Euro)
Tesco	£1,684	£11,712	£29,682
PwC
Accenture
Amazon
McDonald’s

Birmingham City in the UK 2024

Birmingham, the UK’s largest city and the home of Cadbury’s Chocolate, is a top destination for job seekers. It has a vibrant business scene and ranks just behind London in the number of companies, with 4,075 businesses compared to Leeds’ 3,745. This bustling city offers ample job opportunities and a dynamic environment for career growth.

Best Companies in Birmingham, UK	Commuting cost (in Euro)	Rent/mortgage (in Euro)	Average Salary (in Euro)
National Express (West Midlands Travel)	£2,438	£11,424	£28,568
Sainsbury’s
Mondelez (Cadbury & Trebor)
ASDA
Royal Bank of Scotland

5 Awesomesauce Employment Generating Avenues for Indian Students in the UK

• Green Technology & Sustainability

The UK’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 has opened doors for experts in green tech. Indian students specializing in renewable energy, environmental engineering, and sustainability are in demand. Roles such as solar energy engineers and sustainability consultants are popular. Professionals in this sector can earn between £40,000 to £60,000 annually.

• Artificial Intelligence & Robotics

AI and robotics are rapidly growing fields in the UK, particularly in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Indian students skilled in machine learning, data science, and robotics engineering can explore exciting career paths. Roles like AI analysts and automation specialists offer salaries from £50,000 to £70,000.

• Cyber Security

With increasing digital threats, cyber security professionals are essential for safeguarding businesses and critical infrastructure. Indian students with expertise in ethical hacking, penetration testing, and network security are highly sought after. Positions like cyber security analysts and incident response specialists offer salaries of £45,000 to £65,000.

• Fintech & Blockchain

The UK is a global leader in fintech and blockchain innovation, creating vast opportunities for Indian students. Expertise in blockchain development, cryptocurrency, and digital payments is highly valuable. Roles like blockchain developers and fintech analysts can offer salaries between £55,000 and £75,000. 

• Healthcare & Life Sciences

The UK’s healthcare system and advancements in biotechnology present great opportunities for Indian students. Careers in clinical research, bioinformatics, and healthcare data analysis are thriving. Roles like clinical research scientists can earn between £45,000 to £70,000 annually.

Key Takeaways

•  The UK boasts top employers like Amazon, McDonald’s, and ASDA, providing numerous career opportunities across its leading cities.
• The gender pay gap widens significantly after age 30, reaching up to £7,176 annually for women over 50 due to career breaks for caregiving.
• With a median annual salary of £34,963 for full-time workers and top roles earning significantly more, the UK provides attractive financial incentives for those seeking career growth in the best cities to work in the UK.

Read next: 15+ TOEFL accepting universities in the UK

FAQs

Q1. Which cities in the UK offer part-time jobs?
Answer: Manchester and Glasgow are top picks for part-time job opportunities.

Q2. What jobs are in high demand in the UK?
Answer: The UK is buzzing with demand for skilled professionals in tech, healthcare, and sustainability, with these fields seeing impressive growth.

Q3. What are the best suburbs in the UK?
Answer: Top UK suburbs include Stoke Bishop in Bristol and Hove Park in Brighton, known for their green spaces and charming residential vibes.