Even though earning a bachelor’s degree is a fantastic way to launch a successful career, this level of education isn’t the best fit for everyone. When it comes to getting a job in certain fields, having relevant work experience, training, internships, and certifications are just as vital, if not more significant, than having a degree from an accredited four-year institution.
Jobs that do not require a bachelor’s degree yet pay the highest salaries
The following is a list of high-paying positions that do not necessitate the completion of a four-year college degree in order to be considered for employment.
1. Mechanic of industrial machinery and equipment
Industrial machinery mechanics are responsible for ensuring that machines function as they should by identifying and fixing problems in the machinery and products before they cause any harm.
You only need a high school diploma or its equivalent to get started in this industry, and after a few years of on-the-job training, you’ll be qualified to work as a full-fledged industrial machinery technician.
Although an associate’s degree in industrial maintenance is required for some positions, the majority of employment do not require this level of education.
An example of a job ad that requires the typical amount of education and training may be found below:
Salary range from $59,840 to $79,270 (median)
The growth forecast is at 19%.
2. A technician who works on elevators and escalators (installer and repairer)
Consider pursuing a profession as an elevator or escalator mechanic if you don’t mind working in confined places on a regular basis. Installers and repairmen frequently perform their job in confined spaces including machine rooms, elevator shafts, and hallways.
Elevator technicians often need a high school graduation or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) in addition to receiving on-the-job training through an apprenticeship in order to gain entry-level employment. Check the regulations in your state before submitting your application because the majority of states require workers to have licenses before they can work.
Median salary: $97,860
The growth forecast is 6%.
3. Commercial pilot
Pilots who work in the commercial sector are trained to operate a wide variety of aircraft, including airplanes and helicopters. They also participate in unplanned flight activities such as aerial application, charter flights, and aerial tours in addition to their regularly scheduled flight operations.
Training from a vocational school, and oftentimes an associate’s degree as well, is required for the majority of pilot employment. You’ll also need training on the job, and you’ll have to satisfy the requirements set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), but you should be able to complete the relevant certifications and log the required 1,500 flight hours in a span of no more than two years.
Median salary: $134,630
The growth forecast is 13%.
4. a specialist in radiation therapy
Radiation therapists are the healthcare professionals that give radiation therapy for cancer and other life-threatening conditions.
Although an associate’s degree in radiation therapy is typically required for employment as a radiation therapist, high school diplomas and GEDs are acceptable entry requirements for radiation therapy programs. Before you can begin working, you are going to be required to obtain not just a national certification but also any additional licenses or certifications that are mandated by your state.
Median salary: $82,790
The growth forecast is 9%.
5. Dental hygienist
Dental hygienists are members of the medical community who specialize in the prevention and treatment of dental illnesses. Dentists, on the other hand, are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree and must have finished extra training at a dental school. Hygienists, on the other hand, only need an associate’s degree.
You only need a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) to enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. After graduation, you will need to acquire additional licensing from the Commission on Dental Accreditation in order to work as a dental hygienist without a bachelor’s degree. The requirements for this licensing vary depending on the state (CODA).
You also have the option to attend a vocational school or earn an associate’s degree, which is the more typical option. These training programs provide education that is up to date with current industry requirements and can assist you in getting ready for a career as a dental hygienist.
Here is an example of a job listing for a dental hygienist that includes the education that is often required:
Median salary: $77,810
Growth forecasted to be 11%
6. Sonographer in the medical field
Sonographers in the medical field create images of internal body organs by operating specialized imaging equipment and performing diagnostic procedures in settings such as hospitals, doctor’s offices, and medical and diagnostic laboratories.
After graduating from high school, you have the opportunity to enroll in a recognized sonography program at a community college, vocational school, or other postsecondary institution, where you can work toward earning an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate.
After completing your formal education, you will need to have some clinical experience in order to be eligible for the requisite licensing in order to begin working.
Median salary: $77,740
The growth forecast is 14%.
7. a person who specializes in making up (theatrical and performance)
You can earn a six-figure wage working behind the scenes on major motion pictures with just a certificate from a technical school or an apprenticeship as an esthetician. This type of job is becoming increasingly popular.
A person who is skilled in the art of applying and removing makeup in accordance with industry standards is known as a make-up artist. In addition to this, they make prosthetics for performers, apply them, and equip them with wigs so that they can better get into character.
Makeup artists are not required to have a specific level of education to practice their craft, although many do choose to enroll in cosmetology programs at vocational colleges, which provide students with knowledge about topics connected to beauty.
The following advertisement for a freelance makeup artist in the beginning of their career exemplifies what employers in the industry look for in potential candidates:
Median salary: $134,750
Growth of at least 15% is anticipated.
8. Web developer
Web developers are responsible for the creation of websites as well as ensuring its functionality and aesthetic appeal. They have the option of working independently or working in-house at an agency doing anything like designing computer systems or advertising, for example.
The minimum educational qualification for a career as a web developer might range anywhere from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree; however, on-the-job training is extremely rare to nonexistent.
Web developers who are successful have a strong willingness to learn new things, excellent problem-solving skills, and a keen eye for detail.
The following is an illustration of an entry-level position that may be performed remotely and has requirements that are knowledge and experience based:
Median salary: $77,030
The growth forecast is 13%.
9. Analyst specializing in information security
Information security analysts are responsible for preventing sensitive company data from being compromised or stolen as a result of malicious cyberattacks.
You do not need a bachelor’s degree in computer science in order to apply for positions as a security analyst if you have the requisite expertise and have either taught yourself or picked it up through paid work connected to the field.
After graduating from high school, you could immediately enroll in a program at a vocational school that specializes in cybersecurity. In addition, many IT departments provide on-the-job training, during which prospective cybersecurity analysts can observe working professionals in the field.
Median salary: $102,600
The growth forecast is 33%.
10. Manager of the transportation system
Transportation managers are responsible for ensuring the security and efficacy of the transportation of goods and often persons as well.
Although a bachelor’s degree is required for the majority of these positions, there are a few exceptions. In addition to training, you will need to finish a certification program (such as a transportation certification program) in order to be eligible for entry-level work as a transport manager even if you do not have a bachelor’s degree.
To be qualified for this important role in transportation management, you will need extensive knowledge of the transportation industry and logistics, in addition to an average of five years of work experience in a field related to transportation management, such as logistics and supply chain management.
Median salary: $98,230
Growth estimates range from 4% to 8%.
11. Designer for both commercial and industrial use
Industrial and commercial designers are responsible for the creation of brand new items from the ground up. This process begins with market research and continues with the physical realization of a product design. They operate in a range of businesses, such as the manufacturing and design industries, and are responsible for the appearance, functionality, quality, and safety of the manufactured goods.
They frequently divide their time between the office and various other locations, such as testing facilities, design centers, product manufacturing centers, exhibition sites for customers, and users’ homes or places of employment.
It is imperative that students interested in this line of work carefully select their high school elective courses. Before enrolling in a community college or technical school, you should develop your first portfolio by taking a variety of classes, including those in the arts, business, and computer science.
Median salary: $77,030
The growth forecast is 6%.
How to get work that pays well even without a college degree
Keep in mind that just because there is “no degree” required does not indicate that there are no educational requirements.
Employers will see that you have what it takes to succeed in the job field of their choosing if you have relevant work experience, training, and any necessary certifications.
The following is a list of some of the choices that are available to individuals who do not possess a degree but are interested in high-paying jobs:
Pursue some other form of schooling.
Individuals who have completed certificate programs are in a better position to quickly respond to changes in market demand than those who have earned college degrees. This translates to the fact that you can gain the necessary employment qualifications in a shorter length of time and begin earning a greater pay sooner as a result of this.
You will be equipped with the information and practical experience necessary for success through these alternatives to college degrees:
- associate degrees
- programs leading to certifications offered by vocational or technical schools
- brief education programs
- boot camps that teach both coding and non-technical skills
- education for the profession (also called vocational training)
- apprenticeships
Get the training you need to be fully prepared to enter the workforce.
Schools offering vocational training provide students with both the hands-on experience and academic grounding necessary to enter the profession with little delay. In addition, they are a lot more affordable than a degree that takes four years to complete.
Training schools used to only provide education for positions in certain industries, such as the automotive industry; however, they have since expanded their scope to include education for positions in a wide variety of other industries, such as tourism management and computer network administration.
Many people who are looking for work make the common error of assuming that only paid occupations can count toward the essential experience that is specified in job advertisements while they are actually looking through job listings.
You can, however, strengthen the work experience section of your resume by acquiring valuable technical skills and transferable skills through vocational training combined with relevant experiences such as personal projects and internships. In this way, you can pick up valuable technical skills and transferable skills.
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