The UK’s most-applied for jobs in 2026 - and the wage you possibly can anticipate from them

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Your help makes all of the distinction. Learn extra In a time when jobs within the UK are more and more troublesome to return by, it might probably pay to be armed with information - significantly relating to which roles are most sought-after.

With unemployment operating above 5 per cent and better numbers of individuals making use of for every emptiness, it may be demoralising for these on the lookout for new work if functions or interviews don’t go to plan.

However there are nonetheless jobs round, and whereas unemployment is predicted to go up barely additional this yr, in the long run that ought to drop as rates of interest fall, companies begin to spend extra on initiatives and personnel - and industries familiarize yourself with what degree of hiring their AI plans would profit from, in fact.

CV-Library has compiled probably the most in-demand roles that brits are making use of for just lately, based mostly on whole functions per emptiness and highlighting the typical salaries you possibly can anticipate for them.

Most needed and highest paying

Maybe it’s no shock however jobs in IT and particularly as a software program engineer stays probably the most sought-after function.

It’s a high-paying, expert job requiring specific information and any suggestion that AI may wipe out such a sector are completely unfounded for now - the truth is it’s seen as a future-proofed job in some roles, given the required degree of information.

As well as, “clear development alternatives” are an essential a part of future prospects on this space, in addition to a robust wage in extra of £60,000 per yr.

Prime ten

If technical information isn’t in your skillset, concern not - the highest ten most utilized for jobs characteristic a large mixture of roles.

Administration, buyer providers roles and hospitality jobs all characteristic prominently, alongside a clutch of design and advertising and marketing sorts of jobs.

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Cleaner was the most well-liked sort of function amongst hospitality employees being utilized for, whereas supply drivers made the highest three - each providing salaries between £25k and £26k.

Receptionists took second place behind these much-wanted software program engineer roles, with these jobs averaging near incomes £31,000 yearly.

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(CV-Library) Katie Emerton, recruitment professional at CV-Library, stated: “These roles appeal to such excessive software numbers as a result of they tick numerous bins for right now’s jobseekers: flexibility, stability and clear development.

“Roles equivalent to software program engineer, advertising and marketing govt and graphic designer provide future-proof expertise and long-term profession potential, whereas others like receptionists and cleaners attraction as a result of they’re broadly accessible, versatile and don’t require prolonged entry routes.

“Collectively, these jobs really feel safe but additionally rewarding – key to attracting UK candidates to use.”

What’s subsequent in 2026?

Additional analysis from CV-Library has proven that whereas many companies had paused employment choices whereas awaiting readability from the Autumn Funds, nearly three-quarters (71 per cent) of companies “have been ready to extend hiring, both reasonably or considerably, all through 2026”.

Amongst these already doing so, engineering, hospitality, and building sectors have been displaying indicators of progress in late 2025, with engineering as a sector having the upper variety of open roles - over 377,000 throughout the ultimate three months of final yr.

Lee Biggins, CEO of CV-Library, famous there have been “cautious indicators of a restoration” however pointed to the big selection of prices companies are going through as they weigh up whether or not or to not rent extra employees.

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(Getty Pictures/iStockphoto) “Larger enterprise charges, employment prices, and an employment rights invoice that brings better threat to hiring could but derail any restoration,” he stated. “And it is a fear that Millennials of their prime early-career section are being hit hardest in the case of the discount in payrolled workers.”

By way of what individuals is perhaps looking for, Jobhire.ai performed an evaluation which claimed distant roles have been now greater than 4 occasions as robust to land as workplace or hybrid roles - regardless of seek for distant jobs being up 85 per cent.

In the meantime, the British Retail Consortium says their newest survey of CFOs and finance administrators confirmed growing anxiousness over labour prices for 2026.

Helen Dickinson, chief govt on the BRC, stated: “The economic system is predicted to stay fragile, with weak wage progress, unemployment rising, and low shopper confidence, all pointing in the direction of falling demand. On the identical time, companies face sharply larger prices, from rising enter costs and wage payments to new burdens created by authorities coverage.

“All of us need extra high-quality, well-paid jobs. However retail has already misplaced 250,000 roles prior to now 5 years, and youth unemployment is climbing quick. The Employment Rights Act is the most important shakeup of employment guidelines in a era, and the way it's delivered will make or break job alternatives.”