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Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs Without a College Degree

This article highlights 10 highest-paying jobs without a college degree. You’ll be surprised to see some professional jobs on the list.

Published

2 years ago

September 12, 2022

Praise Shogbade

Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs Without a College Degree

What are some of the highest-paying jobs without a college degree? The truth is that these jobs exist across various career fields. As a matter of fact, there are 6 figure jobs without a college degree.

Over the years, many businesses/companies have eliminated college degrees as a requirement for employment in their organization. In place of college degrees, these employers seek people who can actually do the job. This perspective gives the impression that a college degree does not equal hands-on experience.

While a college degree will help you secure good jobs and equip you with knowledge, not having a degree does not disqualify you from getting some of the highest-paying jobs in the world. That said, here are some of the jobs that don’t require a degree or experience.

10. Firefighter

Average Salary- $52,500

Firefighters are literal heroes. They basically rescue people, animals, buildings, and the environment by extinguishing fires, hazardous ones.

If you choose this path, bear in mind that becoming a firefighter can be quite competitive and may also require you to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). You simply need a postsecondary nondegree award to become a firefighter. The growth of this job is recorded to be 6%.

Many people who have ventured into this career started out as a volunteer. That’s most likely a great place to start!

9. Mortician

Morticians are sometimes called Undertakers or Funeral Directors. They plan the details of a funeral. Morticians often prepare obituaries, arrange for pallbearers and clergy services, and arrange for the opening and closing of a grave.

A mortician in the U.S earns an average annual salary of $60,000. This job is one of the unique jobs that pay well without a degree. To become a mortician, however, you have to be up to 18 years old; you may also need to complete an associate degree from an accredited funeral service or mortuary science program, but only if it is required. You may also have to intern for a while.

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8. Hearing Aid Specialist

Average Salary- $53,000

A Hearing Aid Specialist works hand in hand with an audiologist to fit, fix/distribute and maintain hearing aids for patients who need them.

They conduct screening tests to ensure the aids are in good condition. This particular job offers a mix of both interpersonal and technical/medical work. It is not just an attractive job, it has attractive pay too.

To become a hearing aid specialist, you must at least complete the first and most important step of finishing high school or getting a GED.

7. Executive Assistant

Average Salary- $64,000

Executive Assistance is one of the most attractive jobs in our world today, so, it is amazing to know that it is one of the jobs that don’t require a degree or experience.

An Executive Assistant is a professional charged with the responsibility of managing the schedules and communications of key executives within an organization. They arrange meetings and business events, and they also prioritize emails and phone calls.

An Executive Assistant is also called an Administrative Assistant or an Administrative Support Specialist.

6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers/Cardiovascular Technologists

Average Salary- $70,000

A general term used to describe both medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians is “Diagnostic Imaging Workers”. Medical Sonographers use medical equipment to create images of organs, tissues, and blood vessels to diagnose activities inside the human body.

Cardiovascular Technologists, on the other hand, work with physicians to perform heart-related procedures such as inserting stents or pacemakers. They also conduct tests to diagnose cardiac health problems in patients. Diagnostic Imaging Workers make it big without having to earn a college degree. Employment for this job will however come with training/internship.

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5. IT Manager

Average Salary- $152,000

Simply put, an IT Manager is in charge of a company’s information system and computer network. He is responsible for the overall performance of their electronic network and for fulfilling their information system requirements.

The IT Manager heads the Information Technology team and ensures they install hardware and software that will serve as a resource for identifying problems and finding solutions. They also oversee a staff of technicians who perform repair or maintenance functions.

Some IT Managers earn a degree in Computer Science, however, industry certifications or relevant work experience can qualify you for this position. Most IT Managers work full-time.

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4. Occupational Therapy Assistant

Average Salary- $61,000

An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) helps patients recover, improve and maintain skills needed for daily living and work. Mist times, Occupational Therapy is needed when a person has just been involved in an accident or for aged people who need assistance in performing their day-to-day activities.

These assistants work hand-in-hand with therapists and doctors. They work with these professionals by helping patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and sometimes, therapy offices. Over the years, the job has grown tremendously to become one of the most sought-after and highest-paying jobs in the world.

Perhaps, what makes it more attractive is the fact that you don’t need a college degree to apply for the job. Like many other job options mentioned earlier, you will need the necessary training (internship) before going into the job fully.

3. Product Manager

Average Salary- $109,000

A Product Manager simply identifies the need a particular product will solve, and supervises its manufacturing and production, turning the dream into a reality.

These professionals work in marketing, manufacturing, software development, or other fields. While some product managers may hold a degree in business or any other related field, others gain hands-on experience by working for an organization and taking on leadership roles.

The projected growth rate for this job between 2020-2030 stands at 6%.

2. Real Estate Agent

Average Salary- $52,000

If being a Real Estate Agent is not one of the low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree, I wonder what is. Real Estate Agents (brokers) represent buyers and sellers of a real estate property.

They arrange real estate transactions, representing both parties in negotiations. The sweet part of this job is that it is mostly not a nine-to-five. It is one of the most flexible non-degree jobs ever. Agents get paid by commission based on an agreed percentage from the sale or lease of a property. This is why some properties include an “Agent Fee”.

To work as a professional real estate agent, you will need a license. The procedure of getting a license varies from State to State. In most places, however, a real estate agent must work through a real estate firm, broker, or a more experienced professional.

The easiest way to become a real estate agent is to attach yourself to a more experienced person in the same field and embrace an internship for a while, to learn how things work, especially the legalities involved.

1. Air Traffic Controller

Average Salary- $131,000

Finally on our list of highest-paying jobs without a college degree is the Air Traffic Controller. They direct air traffic from the ground. In case you’re wondering who the set of people that occupy attractive towers with wide glass windows in airports are, here you have your answer. These towers enable Air Traffic Controllers to perform their monitoring duties effectively.

They often work late into the night and even on weekends as the job can be quite tasking/demanding. Simply put, Air Traffic Controllers ensure that people take off, travel, and land safely via aircrafts.

Some Air Traffic Controllers have college degrees, however, you may simply need an associate degree and hands-on training to take this job. It is also one of the Government jobs that pay well without a degree.

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