If you’re looking for work in Ely UK, you’ll find a job market that balances good pay, flexible options, and a welcoming community feel. Many entry-level roles in retail and hospitality start around £19,000–£22,000 a year, while skilled positions in healthcare, education, and tech can range from £28,000 to £45,000+ annually.
Employers here increasingly offer hybrid or remote work especially for admin, digital, and professional services roles while others provide on-site positions with strong team environments. Whether you’re starting your career, returning to work, or aiming for a senior post, Ely offers a mix of part-time, full-time, and contract opportunities so you can build a career that fits your lifestyle.
Why Work in Ely UK?
Ely’s location just 15 miles north of Cambridge makes it attractive to commuters and professionals seeking a quieter lifestyle without losing access to major business hubs. The city combines a strong local economy with excellent transport links, making it easier for residents to work both locally and in surrounding towns.
Top Industries and Employers in Ely:
Ely’s economy benefits from a mix of traditional sectors and modern businesses. Here are the most active industries:
1. Education
With several schools and colleges, Ely has consistent demand for teachers, administrative staff, and support roles. King’s Ely School and local academies are major employers.
2. Healthcare and Social Care
Healthcare services through the NHS and private providers create jobs for nurses, healthcare assistants, and social care workers. Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust frequently advertises vacancies in the area.
3. Retail and Hospitality
Ely’s bustling city centre, weekly markets, and tourist attractions like Ely Cathedral generate steady work in retail, cafés, restaurants, and hotels.
4. Manufacturing and Logistics
Industrial estates on the outskirts of Ely provide opportunities in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. Companies often recruit forklift drivers, production workers, and logistics coordinators.
5. Professional Services and Tech
Close ties to Cambridge’s tech scene have encouraged small businesses and startups to base themselves in Ely. Roles in digital marketing, IT, finance, and administration are on the rise.
Where to Find Jobs in Ely UK?
To streamline your search, start with these trusted platforms:
- Indeed and Reed – Broad listings across all sectors
- Cambridge News Jobs – Local job board with frequent Ely postings
- NHS Jobs – Healthcare and public sector roles
- LinkedIn – Great for networking and finding professional vacancies
- Recruitment agencies – Local agencies like Compass Point Recruitment specialize in Ely and Cambridgeshire positions
Check Also: Jobs in Bridgwater UK
Tips:
- Tailor your CV to the role and highlight local experience or transferable skills.
- Network locally by attending community or business events.
- Highlight flexibility—employers in smaller cities value adaptable team members.
- Showcase digital skills—even traditional industries now look for tech-savvy candidates.
Current Demand / Sectors Hiring Most:
- Customer service and support roles remain in steady demand. Ely has many vacancies for Customer Service Representative / Advisor roles.
- Delivery and logistics roles are growing, including delivery driver and parcel distribution jobs.
- Care work (health and social care) is consistently needed.
- Retail, cleaning and hospitality also contribute many entry-level and part-time roles.
- Technical and manufacturing roles are less frequent but present, especially in engineering support and technician apprenticeships.
Key Employers:
- Public sector and organisations such as Royal Mail appear in delivery and operational roles in the Ely area.
- Nurseries like The Maltings Day Nursery and Wigwam Nurseries Ltd are active in early years and childcare roles.
- Local councils and public services (healthcare, social care) are also major employers, including Princess of Wales Hospital and NHS Trusts.
- Small and medium businesses offer customer service, logistics, and administrative jobs.
Salary Ranges by Role:
| Role Type | Typical Pay / Range in Ely |
|---|---|
| Customer Service Representative / Advisor | £19,000 – £24,000 per year, median around £22,000 |
| Support Engineer | £28,000 – £37,000 per year, with senior positions potentially higher |
| Delivery / Driver roles | £12 – £13.50 per hour |
| Administrative / Finance | Finance and analysis roles advertised at £50,000 – £65,000 per year |
| Early Years / Childcare Leadership | Deputy Manager roles in nurseries £27,000 – £33,000 per year |
Popular Job Types & Roles:
- Care, cleaning, hospitality, retail: care assistants, cleaners, hospitality staff, retail sales assistants.
- Technical and manufacturing: support engineering, technician and mechanic apprenticeships.
- Administrative and finance: office support, customer service/admin functions, accounting apprenticeships and financial analyst roles.
Employment Types & Conditions:
- Full-time vs Part-time vs Temporary/Seasonal:
Many roles are part-time (especially in care, retail, hospitality) or temporary (seasonal delivery work). Some full-time jobs in finance, admin and technical sectors. - Flexible Hours, Shift Work:
Shifts are common in customer service, delivery and hospitality. Also part of term-time hours in school transport and care. - Remote or Hybrid Options:
Some customer support roles offer remote or hybrid working.
Qualifications, Skills & Training:
Commonly Required Skills in Ely:
- Communication skills (verbal and written) for customer, care and administrative roles.
- Reliability, punctuality and ability to work shifts or flexible hours.
- Basic digital skills (MS Office, customer management systems).
- For driver or delivery roles: valid driver’s licence.
Apprenticeship and Vocational Training Options:
- Electrical Technician apprenticeships with Anglian Water in Ely.
- Industrial Mechanic apprenticeships around Ely and surrounding areas.
- Early Years Practitioner (Level 2) apprenticeship roles.
- Public services or environmental apprenticeships such as Ranger or National Trust opportunities.
Certifications that Help:
- First Aid and Food Hygiene for hospitality and early years roles.
- Driving licence (clean) for delivery and transport jobs.
- Care qualifications (e.g. NVQ in Care).
- Customer service training or certificates for entry-level support roles.
How to Search for Jobs in Ely:
- Use local job boards such as Indeed, Totaljobs and Adzuna.
- Check recruitment agencies in Ely for administrative, sales, care and industrial sectors.
- Search apprenticeship portals like GOV.UK’s Find an Apprenticeship for training and entry-level roles.
- Apply directly through employers’ websites for larger companies or public sector jobs.
- Network locally, especially for care and hospitality where many roles are advertised word-of-mouth.
Living and Working in Ely:
Ely is known for its high quality of life. Short commutes, green spaces, and a friendly community make it appealing to professionals and families alike. With more businesses moving out of large cities, Ely is poised for steady job growth across multiple sectors.
Conclusion:
Ely UK offers a diverse job market with competitive salaries, flexible work options, and opportunities across education, healthcare, retail, logistics, and tech. Its strong community, scenic surroundings, and proximity to Cambridge make it ideal for both career growth and work-life balance. By using the right job platforms and tailoring your approach, you can secure a role that matches your skills and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What types of jobs are most common in Ely UK?
Education, healthcare, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, logistics, and tech roles are the most common. There’s a healthy mix of entry-level, skilled, and senior positions.
Are remote or hybrid jobs available in Ely UK?
Yes. Many employers in professional services, admin, and tech now offer hybrid or fully remote options alongside traditional on-site roles.
What is the average salary for jobs in Ely UK?
Salaries typically range from £19,000 for entry-level roles in retail or hospitality to £45,000+ for experienced professionals in healthcare, education, and tech.
