You can be employed in one of the best jobs without a degree. This is possible because some industries find hands-on training, internships, and other relevant work experience as important as a four-year college degree.
However, most job postings still require a minimum educational level for applicants. Unfortunately, more and more young Americans are finding college unaffordable. Consequently, many people are hunting for a route to livelihood that does not involve the heavy burden of student loan debts.
There’s no denying that getting a college degree is plausible, but other career routes do not require one. Here is a list of the 12 highest-paying jobs without a degree:
1. Commercial and Airline Pilot
Well, there you have it! We bet you never knew that a degree is not a criterion for becoming a pilot. All you would require is some vocational training or an Associate’s degree. Next, put in the flight hours, earn your FAA certifications, and earn $148,900 annually.
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2. Information Security Analyst
Earning an information security analyst certification from online learning sites like Coursera or Udemy is possible. It doesn’t end there; upskilling would be needed, so you may want to intern or volunteer with an organization before starting your job hunting. The demand for information security analysts stands at about 168,900. Also, the job pays roughly $112,000 annually.
3. Escalator and Elevator Technician
Skyscrapers and high-rise residential buildings are now commonplace in the US, so much so that there is a teeming demand for technicians to help install and maintain elevators and their less common variant, escalators, in these buildings. These technicians only need to learn on the job through an Apprenticeship and are on their way to earning $99,999 annually.
4. Animator and Special Effects Artist
Some tech-savvy high school graduates already have this skill and freelance with it. An added certification could be of advantage if they need a stable job. Likewise, a polished work portfolio is necessary to prove their work experience. With the right combination of skills, you can end up working for large organizations like Disney or Pixar. The job pays as high as $98,950 annually.
5. Supply Chain Manager
Managing large warehouses can be a bit complicated. Without a degree of any sort, you can nail a job handling the logistics involved in transporting, storing, and distributing commodities. With a high school diploma and about 5 years of initial work experience, you could be lined up to earn $98,560 annually.
6. Police Detective and First-Line Supervisor
This line of occupation also does not require a college degree. With your high school diploma, you could qualify to go for the statutory police academy training. With many years of experience on the job, you could become a police supervisor or detective. These folks pocket about $96,290 in annual salary.
7. Radiation Therapist
The field of medicine generally sports high-paying jobs. However, this one does not require a four-year college degree. Instead, you are good to go with an Associate degree and some clinical experience or certification. Radiation therapists earn about $89,530, and there is a 15,900-strong demand for them around the country.
8. Tram and Subway Operator
The job is just a bit more technical than a cab driver’s. Our point? All you need is a high school diploma to nail one. However, despite being underrated, tram and subway operators earn about $88,2260 annually. Like elevator technicians, tram and subway operators learn on the job.
9. Power Transmission Line Installer and Repairer
You’ve probably seen reels of these folks on social media, working on high electric pylons to install or maintain power lines. Well, they earn about $82,340 annually, and most of them only have a high school diploma and some technical training to become electricians. The only caveat is to steer clear of this occupation if you suffer from acrophobia.
10. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists are not dentists but are a complementary specialty. To practice as a dental hygienist, you only need an Associate’s degree in that field. Some states would require you to be licensed before practicing. Dental hygienists earn about $81,400 annually.
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11. Web Developer
Some employers insist on hiring web developers with college degrees, however, some don’t make it a criteria. Some companies don’t even require web developers to possess extensive work experience. There is a demand for some 216,700 web developers in the US. That role pays an average salary of $80,730.
12. Flight Attendant
A high school diploma, aesthetics, medical and physical fitness, and excellent communication skills are all you need to become a flight attendant. It’s a no-brainer that you would have to go through flight attendant training. There’s a demand for 111,100 flight attendants in the US alone, and the role pays about $63,760 annually.
These are just a few of the best-paying jobs that don’t require a degree or experience in the United States. Weigh the odds and make your choice.