You are sorely mistaken if you think you need a college degree from an Ivy League university to make a lot of money. Many jobs pay well and do not require a degree.
Many jobs require on-the-job training or certification rather than years of training (and student loan debt). With dedication and hard work, they can provide financial stability and advancement opportunities just like any other career. This article looks at some of the highest paying jobs without a college degree.
What is considered a “highly paid” job?
If you've googled "high-paying jobs without a degree," chances are you've come across listings for six-figure incomes and other high numbers. But it's important to note that these salaries are often the outliers, not the norm.
However, there are many jobs that pay well above the industry average. When I researched this topic myself, I was surprised to find that most jobs labeled "high paying" started with an annual salary of just $30,000 a year. Also, most had an average salary of around $50,000 and a cap of almost $75,000 a year.
The highest paying jobs without a degree
This extensive list of jobs you can get without a bachelor's degree is based on data from sources likeDepartment of Labor Statistics. It doesn't claim to be comprehensive, but it should still give a good impression of jobs that don't require a college degree.
Of course, factors like experience level and the state you live in also play a role in earning potential. If any of the following career paths interest you, research the position and see how you can get involved in each career path.
Here is a list of some of the highest paying jobs without a degree:
- patrolman: Patrolmen are responsible for maintaining law and order by patrolling specific areas and responding to calls for help.
- Executive Assistant: Executive assistants provide administrative support to top executives.
- Realtor: Real estate agents help people buy, sell, and rent real estate.
- Electrician: Electricians install and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and other buildings.
- Butler: Flight attendants ensure the comfort and safety of passengers.
- construction manager: Site managers oversee the planning and execution of construction projects.
- Web developer: Web developers design and develop websites to meet customer needs or business objectives.
- air conditioning technician: HVAC technicians install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems.
- plumber: Plumbers install pipes to transport water or gas in residential or commercial buildings.
- diesel mecanic: Diesel mechanics examine and diagnose problems with diesel engines and repair or replace faulty parts.
- Medical billing specialist: Medical billing specialists process insurance claims for services rendered by professionals or institutions in the medical field.
- solar installer: Installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems.
- excavator driver: Heavy machine operators operate large machines such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes.
- truck driver: Truckers transport goods using commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks or vans.
- Sales representative: Sales representatives sell products or services to customers and businesses.
- Carpenter: Carpenters build, install, and repair structures made of wood and other materials.
- security: Security guards protect property from vandalism, theft, or criminal activity.
- sound technician: Sound engineers work with sound technology for recording studios, film projects, and live events.
- hearing aid specialist: Hearing aid specialists help fit and adjust hearing aids to meet the needs of their clients.
- cosmetician: Estheticians provide cosmetic services such as haircuts, styling, and makeup.
- mason and mason: Masons build walls, walkways, and other structures with bricks, stone blocks, cement blocks, and other materials.
- Worker of iron and steel structures: Iron and steel workers erect beams and columns to form the frame of buildings.
- commercial pilots: An airline pilot requires a commercial pilot license to operate aircraft to carry passengers or cargo.
- software developer: A computer programmer designs, creates, and maintains computer software.
- Director general: Business managers manage the day-to-day running of a business or organization. Many companies are more concerned with experience than management training.
- front line supervisor: Supervisors lead and coordinate employees across multiple industries.
- specialized repair: Learn how to repair specific equipment and machines, such as elevators, wind turbines, and escalators.
- Postmaster y Postman (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.): Postmasters and postal assistants are responsible for distributing mail, packages, and other materials within a given area.
- traffic inspectors: People inspect vehicles to make sure they meet safety and operational standards.
- Operators of oil pumping systems or refineries: Operators of pumping systems and gas plants control pumps, valves, and other production equipment to extract oil or gas from wells.
- plant operators: Power plant operators control the machines that generate electricity in power plants.
- Repair of signals and switches (train): Signal and point repairmen maintain and repair the signaling systems and tracks of the railway networks.
- lighting technicians and media and communication technicians: Lighting technicians and media and communications equipment workers assemble, maintain, and operate audio, video, projection, and lighting systems in various settings, such as concert halls and theaters.
- air traffic controller: Air traffic controllers monitor the movements of aircraft on the runways and in the air to ensure the safe arrival of passengers at their destinations.
- Farmers, ranchers and other property managers: Farmers, ranchers, and other farm managers oversee crops and livestock on farms.
- Metro and tram operators: Subway and tram operators drive passenger-carrying vehicles on subway systems or city streets.
- car insurance adjuster: Auto insurance adjusters examine damaged vehicles to determine the cost of repairs.
- Sports athletes and competitors: These competitors compete in professional or amateur sporting events.
- Justice officer and simultaneous subtitles: Court officers and subtitles record spoken conversations in court proceedings, conferences, or other situations.
- fire inspectors and investigators: Fire inspectors and investigators identify the causes of fires and make recommendations to prevent future incidents.
- IT support specialist: Computer support specialists provide technical assistance to individuals or organizations experiencing computer problems.
- detectives: Detectives and investigators collect evidence, question witnesses and solve crimes.
- Knowledge: Supervisors help teams achieve their goals by providing guidance, training, and support in various niches, such as: B. in a prison, auto shop, or construction site. You are responsible for setting team goals, assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and helping team members overcome obstacles.
- air mechanics: Aircraft mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft components to ensure their safe operation.
- Stationary engineers and boiler operators: Stationary engineers and boiler operators maintain, operate, and repair stationary engines, boilers, and related equipment.
- rural workers: Farm labor companies provide temporary employment, transportation, and housing for farmworkers.
- building and construction inspectors: Building and construction inspectors inspect construction sites to ensure safety standards are being met.
- property manager: Property managers oversee the operation of residential and commercial properties, including the leasing of tenants and the collection of rent.
Most of these jobs can be divided into 3 main categories
As you read through these options, you may notice a few main categories that most of these jobs fall under:
- Forced labor (sometimes called manual labor)
- basic technique
- management/supervisory positions
Regardless of what sounds interesting, you can expect an hourly wage of around $20 per hour, increasing to $40 per hour with experience (once you've completed all the necessary training).
What is the highest paying job that does not require a college degree?
What are the highest paying jobs is a tough question, as it depends on the type of job and the skills it brings with it. However, with experience and hard work, it is possible to have a good life without a college degree.
Are there any jobs that pay more than $100,000 that don't require a bachelor's degree?
It is possible to earn more than $100,000 without a college degree or even a high school diploma, but it usually requires years of experience and hard work. Choosing a high-paying job that allows you to grow from scratch, gain valuable experience, and scale is a great way to hit six figures and beyond.
To each his own: but what about self-employment?
There are very few freelance jobs that make the list based on the numbers. This is strange since home businesses have enormous income potential.
The median income from self-employment is highly skewed due to median wage variables. Let's consider being a real estate agent, for example. Some realtors bust it and earn a comfortable 6-figure salary, while others make enough to pay the bills or treat it more like a hobby for a few extra bucks.
After all, self-employment has some of the highest earning potential without a degree, but it also carries the highest risk of not receiving a paycheck. There is some risk in doing this, but the reward can be lucrative if you are willing to put in the extra bit of work and take the leap of faith.
The best paid freelance or self-employed jobs without a degree
These jobs requireno previous experienceor a bachelor's degree, making them ideal for teens, college students, stay-at-home moms, or anyone looking to earn extra income.
- freelance writer:freelance writingit is an excellent profession to earn a living without the need for a college degree. You can start with small jobs, such as B. writing content for websites and blogs, or even books. With experience and hard work, you can build a client base that will pay for your services.
- social media administrator– Social media managers create content and strategies to keep brands engaged with their audiences across all platforms. They also help companies measure engagement, analyze data, and report results.
- graphic designer: Graphic designers use digital tools to create logos, website designs, packaging materials, marketing materials, and more. You can work for an agency or freelance.
- virtual assistant: Virtual assistants provide administrative support to individuals and businesses from remote locations. Duties may include scheduling appointments, researching topics, and coordinating events.
- Realtor: Real estate agents help clients buy and sell real estate. They advise on mortgage loans, property inspections, valuations and market trends.
- blogger: Bloggers write and post content on their website or blog. You can earn money from sponsored posts, ads, affiliate links, product sales, and much more.
- Photographer: Photographers take photos for various purposes on platforms like Shutterstock, for example. B. For commercial, editorial and archival photography. They usually specialize in a specific type of photography, such as wedding or portrait photography.
- Service provider for artisans.: These providers offer plumbing, carpentry, electrical, painting and more. They can also help with minor home repairs or plumbing projects.
- man of influence: Influencers are people with a significant presence on social networks who use their platforms to promote products and services. You can also earn money through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and product collaborations.
- E-commerce (selling products): E-commerce is buying and selling products online. You can build your website or use an existing platform like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy to sell your products.
- Pregnancy and obstetrics(Lactation Consultant, Doula, etc.): Maternity and midwifery professionals provide services such as prenatal care, postpartum care, lactation counselling, doula services, and more.
- I am a consultant:I am a consultantHelp families develop healthy sleep habits and routines for their children. They advise on various matters such as bedtime, afternoon naps, and waking up at night.
- management consultant: Business consultants provide advice and guidance to small businesses on financial management, marketing, operations and more.
- Coach: Coaches get paid to help people achieve their goals in various niches e.g.navigate maternity, improving mental health, nutrition and personal development. They also help set and achieve goals.
How to choose a career without a degree
Choosing the right career without a degree is easier than ever. We live in an age where you can learn just about anything at the click of a button and gain valuable experience in a given industry.
So where do you start? Here are some tips to help you find the right career for you:
1. Research the labor market: Take some time to research and understand the different industries, job profiles, and options available. Conduct a job search to see if the career you aspire to is in high demand and has an opportunity for job growth projected into the next decade and beyond.
2. Identify your skills and interests: Instead of just settling for the highest paying job, find out what skills you have, what you like to do, and how they apply to different careers.
3. Red: Reach out to people in the industry that interest you and ask for their experiences and advice on where to go next. If you are interested, they can also advise you.
4. Try different roles: Apply for internships or volunteering to get a feel for the job and see if it's something you'd like to do.
5. Consider professional certifications: Consult courses or programs that will certify you in a specific area. This can be a great way to gain the skills and experience you need for a specific career.
6. Don't be afraid to take risks.: Being open to exploring different possibilities and taking risks. You never know what could lead you to the career of your dreams.
Find a job that matches your skills
so many unique itemswell paying jobstoday with very few educational requirements. There's no reason to settle for a job that doesn't match your skill set. We all have different life goals and abilities that make us unique. So it makes sense to have a job that fits your goals. And if you try it one way and find you don't like it, don't be afraid to go back and try again.
Have fun looking for a job!
This article was produced byWealth of Geeks.
jaydee peeked
website |+ Publications
JayDee is a mother, writer and physical therapist. She is passionate about helping women live their best lives through community and education. In addition to her work as a health blogger and mom, she loves to travel the world and explore nature with her family.