If you fancy making a bob or two it's best to avoid waiting tables or fitting car tyres, but you probably didn't need the latest Government figures to tell you that.

You'll probably also have guessed that our stethoscope-wielding friends are near the top of the list of Britain's highest earners. Figures from the Government's Office for National Statistics show that doctors' average salary in 2005 was a chunky £81,744, just ahead of city traders.

The Annual Survey Of Hours And Earnings, which covers average pay in more than 300 professions, also reveals that average pay across all jobs was £28,210 in 2005.

Here's the top 10 of Britain's best-paid jobs:

1. Company Directors

Search for jobs as a company director

Pay:£171,509

Job description:Oversees all aspects of a company, including its goals and policies.

Qualifications:Generally, at least a bachelor degree or MBA and considerable work experience.

2. Doctors

Search for jobs as a doctor

Pay:£81,744

Job description:Diagnose and treat illness, disease and infection in patients admitted into hospital or treated in outpatient clinics.

Qualifications:A five-year degree in medicine, usually with at least three A levels at grades ABB or above in maths and two science subjects. In Scotland: five H grades and two science Advanced Highers, one of which must be chemistry.

3. Brokers

Pay:£80,233

Search for jobs as a broker

Job description:Managing investments for clients or companies. Buy and sell stocks, shares and other financial products to get the best return for their clients.

Qualifications:Normally a degree, usually 2:1 or above, in any subject, but economics, business, finance or accountancy could increase your chances.

4. Financial Managers and Chartered Secretaries

Search for jobs as a financial manager or chartered secretary

Pay:£79,545

Job description:Financial Managers oversee the preparation of financial reports, direct investment activities and implement cash-management strategies. Chartered Secretaries are senior professionals qualified in corporate law, finance, governance, company secretaryship and management.

Qualifications:For Financial Managers, a degree and accountancy qualifications. For Chartered Secretaries, the IQS enable you to become a Chartered Secretary and use the letters ACIS or FCIS after your name.

5. Civil Servants (Senior)

Search for jobs as a civil servant

Pay:£71,824

Job description:They manage the NHS, administer the social security system, calculate and collect taxes, run the courts, help ministers implement legislation, devise policy responses, engage with European and international institutions and much more.

Qualifications:Good degree; Ph.D. preferred.