“You have to attend college to get a good job.”
That is a popular phrase that many of us have heard at one time or the other as we’re growing up, etched in our minds like words on tombstones.
Even though averagely, college graduates, in the long run, do earn more and online colleges are reducing the costs, the current labor market is full of sustainable careers that don’t necessarily require a degree.
Exploring more details, it looks as though a major shift in employer preference is manifesting in certain fields, such as information technology (IT) and manufacturing, where on-the-job trainings and soft skills are regarded as more valuable than a formal educational background.
Therefore, individuals bringing these required skill sets to the table are now in high demand, particularly since many organizations now offer assistantship programs or even fully paid training for high-achieving members of their workforce.
In this time and season, it just may be more about the right skill set than the right schooling.
10 High Paying Jobs Without A College Degree
- Landscape Architect
- Elevator Mechanic
- Real Estate Broker
- Margin Department Supervisor
- Air Traffic Controller
- Automobile Service Station Manager
- Flight Services Manager
- Lead Carpenter
- Director of Security
- Cable Supervisor
If you have decided to not attend a four-year college right out of high school, or are looking for a fresh start at a new career path, 25 of the highest paying careers with virtually no degree are featured below.
Landscape Architect
Job Description: Typically their duties include designing functional yet attractive outdoor areas and parks for varying clients.
Educational Requirements: Mostly a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture is preferred. An internship experience is highly valued. Average Annual Salary: $65,760
Elevator Mechanic
Job Description: The duties of an elevator mechanic include repairing the elevators and fulfilling routine preventative maintenance when needed. Installation and repairing control systems or adjusting and inspecting safety controls are other frequent work tasks.
Educational Requirements: Mostly a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field is preferred along with years of experience in related positions. Average Annual Salary: $78,608
Real Estate Broker
Job Description: Real estate brokers sell houses and files the paperwork for the transactions. Additionally, they help clients with their loan agreements.
Educational Requirements: High school diploma or it’s equivalent. However, a college degree in finance or related field is an advantage. Average Annual Salary: $56,730
Margin Department Supervisor
Job Description: A Margin Department Supervisor is charged with overseeing a company’s credit department, which is responsible for managing customers’ credit accounts and approves or denies credit to customers.
Educational Requirements: Knowledge of all basic processes is needed. Average Annual Salary: $74,799
Air Traffic Controller (ATC)
Job Description: Air traffic controller duties include monitoring and directing in-air traffic, including regimented take off/landing, and in rare cases in-air emergencies.
Educational Requirements: A college degree is not a requirement, but experience is highly valued. A cumulative of work experience and formal education is generally preferred. Average Annual Salary: $124,540
Automobile Service Station Manager
Job Description: Basically, the duties of the Service Station Manager is to run the day-to-day operations of a gas station.
Educational Requirements: High school diploma or it’s equivalent. Some employers prefer a Bachelor’s degree in management or similar field and/or years of experience in automotive service management. Average Annual Salary: $45,204
Flight Service Manager
Job Description: A flight service manager is responsible for scheduling flight crews as well as addressing customer complaints and filing of paperwork when necessary.
Educational Requirements: Mostly a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in aviation management or related field is preferred. Completing an internship program is highly valued. Average Annual Salary: $64,042
Lead Carpenter
Job Description: Job duties include analyzing construction plans, creating project timelines, and managing/overseeing team production activities.
Educational Requirements: High school diploma or it’s equivalent. Lead Carpenters mostly begin their careers as skilled apprentices. Average Annual Salary: $51,150
Director of Security
Job Description: The duties of a director of security include reviewing and implementing security department policies along with ensuring relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations are obeyed.
Educational Requirements: Mostly a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field is preferred along with several years of experience in related positions. Average Annual Salary: $78,608
Cable Supervisor
Job Description: Cable Supervisor work duties include interpreting cable specifications, troubleshooting issues with cable equipment, and also hiring and training any new cable technicians.
Educational Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent. Also, technical school education or an internship/assistantship is an advantage. Average Annual Salary: $51,112
Other notable mentions are:
| Job | Average Annual Salary |
| Freelance Photographer | $36,630 |
| Information Technology (IT) Technician | $41,305 |
| Personal Trainer | $38,222 |
| Criminal Investigator | $58,582 |
| Funeral Director | $56,850 – $80,000 |
| Commercial Pilot | $78,740 |
| Brick Mason | $42,900 |
| Truck Driving | $53,199 |
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operator | $72,384 |
| Postal Service Worker | $57,260 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $31,750 |
| Fire Fighting | $49,080. |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | $33,380 |
| Medical Coder | $45,035 |
| Railroad Jobs | $59,780 |
Over the last 10 years, records have shown that the average cost of a 4-year private degree has risen by over $7,000 by 2019, perhaps making the dream of getting that beloved college degree for some people hardly attainable.
There are a many careers paths that you can follow without an actual college degree, but most need either a trade school certification or just experience and working your way up through the ranks.