Best High-Paying Jobs that Don't Require a College Degree

If you don't have a college degree, you might be concerned about your ability to land a high-paying position. While this is going on, earning a college degree is frequently seen as the key to a better financial future. But because of the high cost of tuition, books, accommodation, and other expenses, many people end up with debts totaling tens of thousands of dollars. Many people are starting to explore occupations that don't require a college degree as student loan debt continues to rise.

Even while the average salary for college graduates is greater, some earn comparatively less. Additionally, the median yearly salary for all occupations in the US is $38,640. A small number of positions that pay more than twice as much and simply require a high school certificate exist.

Best High-Paying Jobs Without a College Degree

There are jobs, referred to as middle-skill or new-collar positions, that call for a set of hard skills rather than a four-year college degree. An apprenticeship, certificate program, two-year degree, or vocational training are common ways for employees to acquire these abilities. In addition, employers today look for workers with the proper talents rather than the correct degree. Even paid training programs for job hopefuls may be provided by some businesses.

Meanwhile, here is a list of the best high-paying jobs. These jobs are in high demand, offer good salaries, and also require a college or four-year degree.

Maintenance and Repair Worker

General maintenance and repair workers maintain and repair structures, mechanical equipment, and machinery. They work on the plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning systems in addition to painting and flooring repairs. They typically pick up their talents on the job. Additionally, maintenance and repair employees get a median compensation of $40,850.

Flight Attendant

A flight attendant, sometimes referred to as a cabin attendant or airline stewardess, is in charge of ministering to the passengers' requirements for safety and comfort while they are on board. They carry out a variety of duties, including guiding passengers, demonstrating emergency protocols, and conducting safety inspections. A flight attendant is also the perfect job for somebody who enjoys traveling. These employees make a median annual pay of $59,050.

Community Health Worker

Community health professionals are people whose roles span a continuum from advocating social justice and community empowerment to service delivery and individual and community development. They support health and wellbeing and could engage in neighborhood outreach or concentrate on a certain demographic, such as families or college students.

Additionally, the BLS predicts a 21% increase in employment for community health professionals between 2020 and 2030. And most crucially, for many roles in this industry, the sole educational qualification may be a high school certificate. The median pay for community health professionals is $42,000.

Taxi Driver

Taxi drivers, commonly referred to as taxi drivers, drive passengers to their destinations. In addition, a state or local license may be required in addition to a driver's license for taxi drivers. After that, they may begin their employment by providing rides to those who require a lift to appointments, stores, jobs, and other locations. They are often compensated based on the length of time and distance of each journey.

Although there is a high unemployment rate for these positions, growth is anticipated to be strong. Taxi drivers make an average of $32,320 per year.

Medical Secretary

With a specialized understanding of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory processes, the medical secretary will carry out secretarial activities. A health-related degree is not required to work as a medical secretary. Appointment scheduling, patient billing, assembling and recording of medical records, reporting, and communication are just a few of the responsibilities. Additionally, these workers have a median pay of $37,350.

Ophthalmic Medical Technician

Ophthalmic technicians, also referred to as ophthalmic medical technicians, certified ophthalmic technicians (COT), or allied ophthalmic personnel, are trained medical specialists who collaborate with ophthalmologists to provide patient care. They conduct eye exams, diagnose diseases, and administer treatments for the care of patient's eyes and vision. Furthermore, this employment could merely require postsecondary non-degree training. And these professions make a median annual compensation of $37,940.

Bartender

In bars and restaurants, bartenders interact directly with patrons by mixing and delivering drink orders. However, this position does not require formal education. Bartenders can enroll in programs to better their knowledge of legal guidelines, their ability to mix cocktails, and other abilities. Additionally, bartenders make a median wage of $24,960.

Delivery Truck Driver

A delivery driver, sometimes known as a carrier, gathers goods and delivers them to their final locations. The majority of consumers prefer to order online, and delivery truck drivers are the experts who guarantee that products are delivered securely. This employment could just require a high school diploma. However, you will require training and a clean driving record. So, a delivery truck driver's median annual wage is $37,050.

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers put together, erect, and maintain rooftop or other solar energy conversion systems. The majority of solar panel installations take place outside; they may be done on either business or residential buildings. The median pay for these professionals is currently $46,470.

Restaurant Cook

A restaurant cook is in charge of preparing and cooking a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts as well as making sure the products are fresh, the workspace is tidy, and all required tools are on hand. Cooks are required at restaurants that serve a range of cuisines and tastes. They might be self-taught or have formal training. Cooks at restaurants get a median pay of $28,800.

Security Guard

By enforcing preventative measures, a security guard is a person hired by a government agency or private party to safeguard the employing party's assets (property, people, equipment, money, etc.) from a variety of threats. These threats include waste, damaged property, unsafe worker behavior, criminal activity such as theft, etc.

However, security guards can work in a range of environments, such as screening customers for retail stores or transportation services, keeping an eye on clients and staff during regular business hours, safeguarding buildings and warehouses, etc. Security guards earn a median annual pay of $31,050.

Electrician

In factories, companies, and homes, electricians are responsible for fixing, setting up, and maintaining the electrical power, lighting, and communications systems. Although they are not required to hold degrees, electricians must go through a rigorous apprenticeship program before they can obtain a license to practice on their own. Additionally, these individuals have a median pay of $56,900.

Insurance Sales Agent

By reaching out to potential clients and selling one or more forms of insurance, insurance sales representatives assist insurance firms in gaining new clients. These individuals sometimes referred to as insurance sales agents are in charge of locating sales possibilities for insurance policies and managing a clientele. They also determine risk management techniques, deal with policy extensions, and manage claims. Perhaps all that is required for this vocation is a high school diploma. Additionally, insurance sales professionals make $52,180 on average annually.

Computer Support Specialist

Specialists in network support are also known as those who study, manage and troubleshoot computer networks. Specialists in computer support offer assistance to businesses and consumers of computers. These professionals either look after computer networks or actively assist computer users with technical issues. Computer support experts make an average of $52,690 per year.

Medical Assistant

Medical workers known as medical assistants work as doctors' assistants in hospitals and physician offices. They could take your vital signs, measure your height and weight, and lead you to the examination room. Your symptoms and any health issues will be discussed with medical assistants, who will then relay this information to your doctor. Medical assistants can work without a degree if they so want. Postsecondary non-degree certification is the typical entry-level education for this career. The median pay for medical assistants is $37,190 as well.

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists move the muscles and other soft tissues of the body while providing treatment to their clients. With their touch, therapists assist patients to relax more, reducing stress, healing injuries, enhancing circulation, and relieving pain. They also contribute to their overall health. Although the postsecondary study may be necessary, a degree is not a requirement for becoming a massage therapist. These employees make a median pay of $43,620.

Wind Turbine Technician

A windtech, sometimes referred to as a wind turbine technician, installs, examines, maintains, runs, and fixes wind turbines. Any issue that can lead to an unplanned shutdown of the turbine can be found and fixed by them. Wind turbine technicians can receive training in technical colleges, as well as through extensive on-the-job training. For this job, just a college education could be required. In addition, wind turbine technicians get average compensation of $56,230.

Licensed Practical Nurse and Vocational Nurse

A licensed vocational nurse (LVN), often referred to as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), or vocational nurse, is a person who works in a hospital to provide care for patients who are ill, handicapped, or have various types of injuries. They often do basic health care tasks and hold a postsecondary certificate or diploma. These professions have a median pay of $48,820.

Home Health Aide and Personal Care Aide

Personal care assistants can help with everyday chores like cooking and cleaning in addition to offering company. Home health aides, on the other hand, offer vital services to older citizens and those with disabilities or ongoing medical issues. They might take vital signs, keep an eye on medicine use, and assist with everyday tasks like eating and washing. As the nation's population ages and more individuals want assistance maintaining their houses, job possibilities for these professions are anticipated to be abundant in the years to come. These employees get a median annual pay of $27,080.

Patrol Officer

Patrol personnel patrol designated areas to uphold order, stop criminal activity, enforce the law, and safeguard the neighborhood and its residents. The majority of police officers start out as patrol officers, controlling traffic, issuing fines, looking into accidents and crimes, and responding to pleas for assistance. Despite being necessary to attend the training academy, patrol officers are not required to have a degree in order to perform their duties. For this career, a high school diploma is sufficient. In addition, patrol officers have a median pay of $65,540.

Bottom Line

That's all on the list of the best high-paying jobs. However, bear in mind that there are other elements you will need to take into account even if money is usually a key consideration when picking a profession or career sector. such as if the position will continue to be in demand.

Furthermore, even if these vocations pay well, they also have disadvantages. These include jobs in the transportation industry, where personnel frequently work erratic and lengthy hours. With these, we've determined which high-paying careers are the finest. I hope this information was useful. Please use the comment section to submit any suggestions.