We’re brought up to believe the only way to get a high-paying job is with a 4-year degree. But who wants to deal with the college hassles and growing student loan debt?
Rejoice! Those days are over.
There’s a growing trend of careers emphasizing skills over education. Plus, they bring with them some hefty annual salaries.
Ready to fatten your paycheck? Let’s look at 9 high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree.
1. Powerhouse/Electrical-Power Line Technicians
Help keep the lights on as an electrical technician! This career specializes in repairing, inspecting, and maintaining the electrical equipment used in power stations and in-service relays.
While you don’t need a college degree to break into this field, some employers prefer applicants who have completed some electronics classes from a trade school or community college. Experience as an on-the-job electrician is also helpful.
You can expect a median annual wage of $80,200 for this in demand and growing career field.
2. Dental Hygienists
If you’re looking for healthcare jobs that don’t require a college degree, look no further then dental hygienists. This solid and stable career only requires two-year associates training to get started.
Dental hygienists work at taking x-rays, clean teeth, and provide preventative dental care for patients. They also assist the dentist with procedures such as filling cavities, applying crowns, and other highly skilled dental work.
The median annual income is $73,000 with a steady career outlook. As long as people are going to the dentist, hygienists will be in demand.
3. Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Can’t get enough crime TV? Bring the investigations to life as a detective or crime scene investigator.
To get started in this field, all you need is a high school diploma. After that, more on-the-job training and college classwork may help with career advancement. You can then expect a median annual salary of $81,920.
As a detective or investigator, you’ll be gathering facts and evidence to help solve crimes. You’ll conduct interviews, examine evidence, and take part in arrests or police raids. Detectives usually specialize in one law enforcement area, such as fraud or homicide.
4. Elevator Installers and Repair Technicians
An area expected to grow in leaps and bounds through 2026 is the elevator technician field. It’s an under-represented profession that remains in high demand. These workers install, repair, and inspect elevators, moving walkways, escalators, and other lifts.
Training comes from an on-the-job apprenticeship program. All you need is a high school diploma to get started. Depending on what state you live in, you may need to get licensed once your apprenticeship is complete.
The median annual wage for this career is about $79,780. Check out this site to discover more about wages for tradesmen.
5. Website Developers
Do you spend your life online and enjoy all things techy? Then a career in website development may be your calling.
Creating websites for businesses and entrepreneurs remain in high demand. A high school diploma is enough to get started, though sometimes an associate’s degree helps.
The average pay is about $66,000, but this field includes other perks. Many website developers work for companies, yet there’s a growing trend to branch out with your own clients. This allows you to work remotely from anywhere in the world with a WiFi connection.
6. Real Estate Agents
If you desire a career that’s all about location, location, location, then you were born to be a real estate agent. And lucky for you, it’s one of those careers that don’t require a degree!
Real estate agents can specialize in all forms of properties, such as homes, retail spaces, multi-family units, and commercial buildings. From buying, selling, and financing properties, real estate agents have it all covered.
To become an agent, all you need is to pass a State exam to get your license. Median salaries go around $58,350 per year.
7. Computer Support Technicians
When something goes wrong with your computer, help is just a call to IT away. If you enjoy these techy problem-solving situations, become an IT hero in the form of a computer support technician.
An IT tech is more than telling someone to try turning their computer off then back on again. They get to the bottom of computer equipment or software issues for both IT employees or non-IT users. This help can be over the phone, in-person, or online.
Most computer techs don’t need a college degree, only some computer knowledge. Taking a few courses in computer technology is helpful, and some have their associate’s degree.
Job growth for this career is faster than average with a median wage of $63,000 a year.
8. Radiation Therapists
If you want to help cancer patients and those needing radiation therapy, becoming a radiation therapist doesn’t require you to get a 4-year degree.
Radiation therapists administer radioactive drugs to patients undergoing scans and imaging procedures. They also operate the equipment for radiation treatments and watch the patient’s reactions during treatment.
An associate’s degree for this career is helpful, but not mandatory to get your foot in the door. For jobs requiring a State license, a degree may a prerequisite depending on what State you are in.
This field will continue to grow in demand with an average annual salary of $80,000.
9. Air Traffic Controllers
For one of the highest paying careers that don’t require a degree, consider becoming an air traffic controller.
Working in this field brings on a high level of stress, which is why the average annual salary is $122,000. Directing passenger and cargo planes safely through the air and on the ground without causing any crashes or collisions is intense.
Most of the training comes from on-the-job work, which can be long and rigorous. Some positions do require an associate’s degree.
Skip the University Hassles with Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
Forget wasting years in school only to end it drowning in student debt. These high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree prove you can have your fat paycheck without the university hassles.
Ready for more career advice? Keep checking out our blog for more career posts!
