
16 High Paying Jobs With No DEGREE
So, you might be wondering; Can I really get a high paying job without a college degree?
A simple answer to this question is YES. Nonetheless, it’s still highly advised that one should get a college degree, especially if you’re interested in working in a highly specialized field such as engineering, finance, medicine, and so on.
In the world and global economy we live in today, gone are the days where a person had to spend four years or more in college in order to get a good job. In our modern world, unlike in the past, having a college degree now is no guarantee that you’ll get a high-paying job.
In today’s economy, where technology is breaking economic, social, and mental barriers, the old narrative requiring a person to have a university degree to land a job or a high-paying job is seldom true today, although most jobs still require a person to have a degree or some level of tertiary education.
You see, although degrees were a prerequisite, our current world is shifting focus from degrees and certificates oriented qualifications to a skills and experience based model. If you possess a set of skills that an employer requires, they would be willing to pay you huge sums for your skill, and you do not necessarily need a college degree to land the job, either, but you might need some experience or a track record.
So today, I’ve compiled a list of some of the highest-paying jobs that don’t require a university degree. Some of these jobs require physical skills and others soft skills. Some of them require experience and others not so much. These jobs have also been recognized by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as some of the highest-paying jobs, which pay five figures or more annually, that don’t require a full university degree.
In summary, the sixteen high-paying jobs that don’t require any degree are:
- Computer Programming
- First-line Supervisors of Installers & Other Related Jobs
- Funeral Service Director
- Voice Over Artist
- Flight Attendant
- Business Copywriter
- Security and Protocol
- Postmaster
- Dental Hygienist
- Farm or Factory Manager
- Supply Chain and Logistics Manager
- Postal Service Worker
- Police Officer
- Real Estate Agent
- Construction Equipment
- Plumber
Now let’s get started:
1. Computer Programming
Guess what, you don’t need a college degree to learn how to program computers, and no, I’m not saying it’s easier to learn without a formal degree, but it’s very possible. In fact, techrepublic.com made a list of 15 global companies who have scrapped the requirement for a degree for some of their top positions. Google, Apple, IBM, and Ernest & Young are among the many.
Now I’m not saying you would definitely land a job with these guys as a programmer, but this gives an idea of how large the opportunities are. Annual salaries of programmers begin from about $84,000, and when allowances and incentives are added, you know, for sure they are good money.
2. First-line Supervisors of Installers & Other Related Jobs
The only thing you might need is the ability to understand work processes and also human relationship skills. Annual salaries of supervisors begin from about $60,000 and sometimes run up to $100,000.
3. Funeral Service Director
The truth is that you may not have to be around coffins all the time, but you would be required to plan and direct the ceremonies. This job has an annual salary of about $57,000. You might need to have a diploma or take some certificate courses in order to obtain some official status.
4. Voice Over Artist
The past five years have seen the rise of voice over companies and many individuals sell their voice over gigs on various freelancing platforms. From personal encounters and surveys on different freelancing platforms, voice over professionals earn about $45,000 annually and can be more for anyone with an established track record, however, voice over professionals get paid per hour spent on a project.
5. Flight Attendant
6. Bussiness Copywriter
Copywriting is a skill that a lot of freelancers and regular employees and companies are earning a huge income from. You actually don’t need a degree to learn these skills as there are numerous online platforms that offer courses you can take for free or for a little fee. Annual salary is in the five-figure range and only varies according to the company, business, or organization.
7. Security and Protocol
Although it can be a risky job, the pay is good, and service hours are somewhat flexible, even that you’ll most probably run in shifts. Depending on the company or out that you work with. You might be required to take special courses to keep your skills sharp though. Salaries are also in the five-figure range.
8. Postmaster
While assigning day-to-day work to employees, postmasters earn an average annual wage of $77,000 as of 2018. If this is a career you’re hoping to peruse, you will need only a high school degree or its equivalent and relevant experience.
9. Dental Hygienist
As a dental hygienist, you can find employment in clinics or hospitals, or you could even work in the private sector and partner with other health care providers.
10. Farm or Factory Manager
The mean annual pay is almost $70,000. The usual requirement is a diploma or an associate degree to begin with.
11. Supply Chain and Logistics Manager
Becoming a logistics or supply chain expert does not require a degree. Sure, you might need some professional certification, but most companies would rather hire you based on your ability and skill in managing that area. If you have those checked, you would most probably be hired.
12. Postal Service Worker
A high school diploma or equivalent and a written exam are the only requirements for this role. Postal service workers earn about $59,000 annually.
13. Police Officer
If this is something that you might be interested in, in order to become a police officer, you must have a high school degree, undergo physical training, graduate from a training academy, and receive on-the-job training. The median pay for cops in the United States is around $63,000 annually.
14. Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents work with clients to find properties to rent, sell, or own. Real estate agents don’t need a college degree, but you must complete a select number of hours in a real estate class and pass a licensing exam.
15. Construction Equipment Operator
16. Plumber
Plumbers are skilled workers with specialized knowledge on household piping and equipment. They install and repair pipes carrying liquids and gases that might cause permanent damage to homes.
On average plumbers earn an annual salary of about $54,000. If this is something you’re interested in, you will need an apprenticeship or a certificate from a technical school to qualify for this role. Some states in America also require plumbers to be licensed.
You can also search online for other jobs that don’t require a college degree. For example, you could become an actor, an entrepreneur, a musician, an artist, and many many more.