It is widely agreed upon that getting a college education is the traditional path to a high-paying career, but not all the highest-paying jobs require a four-year college degree. Many influential people made successful careers for themselves without earning a relevant college degree, including Rachael Ray, Henry Ford, and Walt Disney.
If you are looking for a guide to high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree, then this article is for you. It details everything you need to know for your job search for high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree. It also includes tips on how to find jobs that don’t require a degree and the necessary experience and education requirements for each role.
What are Good Jobs that Don’t Require a College Degree?
A few good jobs that don’t require a college degree include administrative functions, handling mechanical equipment, or entry-level positions such as customer service representatives, electricians, firefighters, and flight attendants. Many high-paying jobs do not require a college degree, as long as you are capable of successfully performing the primary job duties.
Why Get a Job that Doesn’t Require a College Degree?
Getting a job that doesn’t require a college degree can prove beneficial for people unable to receive a college education. Attending a four-year college program is expensive, and not everyone is capable of affording it right after high school. There are also several benefits that come with this.
- It will help pay your bills. By securing a job that doesn’t require a college degree, it will help you in being able to afford your current situation. Without worrying about having a college degree, you can get a good-paying job that will offer you financial support and potential opportunity for growth.
- You can save money for formal education. If you are unable to afford an education right out of high school, having a job that doesn’t require a college degree will help you save money to be able to do that.
- It builds your work experience: By getting a job that doesn’t require a degree, you will have the opportunity to gain practical work experience during the time you would be in school.
Is It Easy to Find a Job That Doesn’t Require a College Degree?
A job that does not require you to have a college degree can be easy to find if you have the right skills. There are plenty of opportunities in a variety of fields that do not require formal education, with some of these jobs requiring only a high school diploma or equivalent certification.
Jobs in Demand Now That Don’t Require a College Degree
The job descriptions listed below are in high demand and do not require a four-year degree. These jobs, however, may require special job training. We arranged the job descriptions according to the average annual salary from highest to lowest.
| Job | Average Salary | Outlook | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller | $130,420 | 4% | Associate degree |
| Makeup Artists | $99,990 | 13.8% | Postsecondary non-degree award |
| Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer | $88,540 | 6% | High school diploma or equivalent, apprenticeship |
| Transportation Inspector | $81,320 | 3.6% | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Police and Detectives | $67,290 | 7% | High school diploma or equivalent, modern on-the-job training |
| Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representative | $65,420 | 5% | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Flight Attendant | $59,050 | 30% | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Electrician | $56,900 | 9% | High school diploma, apprenticeship |
| Firefighter | $52,500 | 8% | Postsecondary non-degree award |
| Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents | $51,220 | 4% | High school diploma. licensing requirements |
These job growth statistics have been sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree?
Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers coordinate aircraft movement to keep them at a safe distance from one another. Education requirements for this job title are an associate degree from the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative. You could also choose to be an airline or commercial pilot if you have proper training.
Makeup Artists
Applying makeup to actors to reflect the period, setting, and scenario of their roles, improving or changing the appearance of people participating in productions such as movies, and replicating work exactly to mimic characters’ appearances regularly are all part of this profession. A degree is not required, but it is recommended to have a postsecondary non-degree award.
Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer
Elevator and escalator repairers install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. Installers and repairers of elevators and escalators typically require a high school diploma or equivalent. An apprenticeship program is the most popular way for people to learn how to do the work.
Transportation Inspector
Transportation inspectors examine equipment or items to ensure the safe transport of cargo or people. This job category for safe transport also includes rail transportation inspectors, freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other vehicle inspectors. This job requires you to have a minimum education of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Police and Detectives
A police officer’s job description entails protecting the lives and property of people. Detectives and criminal investigators acquire information and evidence related to potential offenses. Working as a police officer or a detective can be physically demanding, stressful, and dangerous. Before beginning on-the-job training, cops and detectives must complete their agency’s training academy.
Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representative
Sales representatives are non-retail sales workers that can work in a range of businesses and product sales with superior knowledge of items sold. Some activities of sales workers include selling items to companies, government agencies, and other organizations on behalf of wholesalers and manufacturers.
Flight Attendant
To protect the safety and comfort of airline passengers, flight attendants conduct routine services and respond to emergencies. Since airlines run every day and even offer overnight flights, flight attendants have a variety of work arrangements that include evenings, weekends, and holidays. They receive on-the-job training from their employers and must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Electrician
Electricians supply electricity to buildings, houses, transmission lines, and a wide range of equipment. They must have substantial knowledge to work with electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems, and be capable of installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring. You have the option of registering in a technical school or looking for an apprenticeship to gain on-the-job experience.
Firefighter
Firefighters are responsible for managing and extinguishing flames as well as responding to emergencies involving people, property, or the environment. High school education and training in emergency medical services are the educational requirements for firefighters. The majority of firefighters receive education at a fire academy. State and local criteria for other credentials, such as emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, differ.
Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents
Real estate brokers and sales agents assist clients in purchasing, selling, and renting real estate. Real estate brokers and agents must have their licenses in every state. Job applicants must be at least 18 years old, complete several hours of real estate or college courses, and pass a licensing exam, which varies by state.
What Training Do You Need for a Job That Doesn’t Involve a College Degree?
While you may not need a four-year college degree, you will need specific education to help you gain the necessary skills required for specific jobs. If you have at least one of these education requirements, it will be a great asset in your job search.
Associate Degree
An associate’s degree is an undergraduate academic program that you can complete in two years or less. Its purpose is to provide students with the fundamental, technical, and theoretical knowledge and transferable skills that they will need to seek employment or further education in their chosen profession.
Apprenticeship
You can earn a trade credential, or ticket, through an apprenticeship, a combination of on-the-job training, and classroom instruction. You will be qualified to work in a skilled trade once you have completed your apprenticeship program and received your ticket. You can work as an apprentice while still in high school or after graduation.
Postsecondary Non-Degree Award
These programs offer a certificate or another award, rather than a degree. The educational institution gives the student a certificate to signify that the student has completed formal postsecondary education. Some non-degree award programs at postsecondary institutions run only a few weeks, while others might continue up to two years.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help You Get a Job That Doesn’t Require a College Degree?
According to research, 74 and 90 percent of bootcamp graduates landed a programming job within six months of graduation. Not all of these jobs require a college degree because most employers want to see that you have the needed skills for the job.
Attending a coding bootcamp gives you the experience you need in tech if you want to work as a software engineer, software developer, computer programmer, among others. When it comes to salary, the average salary difference between a bootcamp graduate and a degree holder is not much because experience speaks for you.
If you are considering a job that doesn’t require a college degree, below are some coding bootcamps that should be on your radar.
Where to Find Jobs that Don’t Require a College Degree and Pay Well
Job Search Engines
A job search engine collects job listings from various sources such as job boards, corporate websites, and industry groups. Job listings with entry-level education requirements from public and private establishments are available on job search engines such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter.
Social Media Platforms
Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are examples of social media platforms where you can find job listings that do not require formal education. Job postings may be uploaded by companies or shared by people.
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Companies may require the services of people with minimal education, such as a high school diploma, an associate degree, or a certificate. They may also require the services of those who can perform supervisory duties, administrative duties, or medical tasks such as dental hygienists or dental assistants.
Ready to Start Your New Career?
If you’re ready to start your new career, this article is an excellent place to start if you want to earn an excellent annual salary with minimum educational requirements. Take some time to narrow down the list of job opportunities to a few possibilities you’re most interested in, and study up on any other requirements or additional industry certifications you should acquire.
Take a look at the job description and the education requirements, consider the skills and experience you have, and use your relevant skills and training to help you land a high-paying job that doesn’t require a college degree.
Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree FAQ
Aviation jobs like an air traffic controller or commercial pilot, first-line supervisors of police and detectives, elevator and escalator repairers, medical workers like a pharmacy technician or medical sonographer, and professionals in technology have the highest annual salary on average and do not require a college degree.
If you have skills and experience in the profession you’re applying for, you can get a job without a bachelor’s degree. It’s important to remember that there’s always an opportunity for improvement. It would be a great addition to a well-crafted resume and portfolio.
Other credentials include an associate degree, a postsecondary non-degree award, apprenticeships, and technology bootcamps. There are many ways to fulfill the education requirements, and one-year certificate programs, like bootcamps, are one of the most beneficial.
According to Indeed, the average annual salary for people without a college degree but with an associate’s degree earn approximately $43,000 per year, while those with a bachelor’s degree tend to earn around $60,000. However, this varies based on job titles, practical experience, and location. The employment growth projection according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics is about six percent, which is as fast as average for all occupations.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
