Job seekers have a plethora of options ahead as recruitment firm Hays reports the top 10 most in-demand professions for 2024, including social workers, quantity surveyors in construction, and cybersecurity directors.

With the average salary in the UK reaching £33,000 annually, job seekers in these fields might have the opportunity to double their earnings compared to the average.

The list for 2024's most popular job positions, based on employer demand and nationwide job postings, includes roles significantly higher than the average salary.

This list comes at a time when more than half of the workforce (51%) plans to look for new jobs in the upcoming year, as per Hays.

Many of these positions require formal qualifications and training, along with proven skills.

Specialized social workers continue to be in high demand due to the increased and complex care needs across the UK, Hays reports.

Other popular positions include cybersecurity managers, energy/emission managers, accountants, and special educational needs teaching assistants, reflecting various sector demands.

The highest-paid jobs for 2024 are cybersecurity managers (with an average salary of nearly £84,000) and engineering project managers (£61,750).

As the focus on sustainability rises, energy/carbon emission managers are essential for organizations aiming for net-zero progress. They rank fifth on the list with an average salary of £61,550 annually.

Supplier relationship directors are also on the list, with an average salary of £58,600.

Desperately needed in schools are experienced Special Education (Sen) teachers, earning an average annual salary of £23,000.

For those in construction, quantity surveyors are the most sought-after, earning an average of £51,000 at mid-level.

Accountants remain in demand, with newcomers in large firms earning an average of £49,458.

It is noted that cybersecurity managers (average salary nearly £84,000) and engineering project managers (£61,750) are among the top-paying jobs.