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

Are you looking for a high-paying job, but don’t want to invest in a graduate degree? There are plenty of high-paying jobs that require only a high school diploma and a few others that don’t require a formal educational certificate at all. So, if you would rather not spend years in college, just know that there are plenty of job opportunities for those without a degree. Continue reading to learn more and see the best high-paying jobs for those without a college degree, according to the best jobs ranking from reviewed data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you don’t have a college degree, you may be wondering if it is possible to get a high-paying job. Meanwhile, getting a college degree is often deemed as the pathway to a brighter financial future. But the cost of tuition, books, lodging, and more can be expensive, and it drives many into tens of thousands of dollars in debt. And with student loan debt climbing, many people are beginning to look for careers that don’t require a college degree.

Although college graduates certainly earn higher wages on average, some make relatively little. Moreover, the median annual wage for all jobs in the United States is $38,640. There are a handful of jobs that require only a high school diploma or an equivalent education that pays more than double that.

Best High-Paying Jobs Without a College Degree

Furthermore, there are jobs, known as middle-skill or new-collar jobs that do not necessarily require a four-year college degree, but rather require certain hard skills. Such skills can often be obtained by employees through vocational training, an apprenticeship, a certificate program, or a two-year degree program. Moreover, companies nowadays, search for employees with the right skills, instead of the right degree. Some companies may even offer paid training programs for job candidates.

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 fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings. They paint, repair flooring, and work on plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning, and heating systems. Generally, they learn their skills on the job. Moreover, the median salary of maintenance and repair workers is $40,850.

Flight Attendant

A flight attendant otherwise known as a cabin attendant or airline stewardess is responsible for attending to the safety and comfort needs of passengers aboard a flight. They perform a range of tasks including demonstrating emergency procedures, directing passengers, and performing safety checks. Moreover, a flight attendant is an ideal position for anyone who loves to travel. The median salary of these workers is $59,050.

Community Health Worker

Community health workers are individuals who function along a continuum ranging from individual and community development to service delivery and promoting community empowerment and social justice. They promote health and wellness and may be involved in community-wide outreach or focus on specific groups such as families or college students.

Moreover, according to BLS, community health workers will see a 21% employment growth between 2020 and 2030. And most importantly, a high school diploma may be the only educational requirement for many positions in this career. Meanwhile, the median salary of community health workers is $42,000.

Taxi Driver

Taxi drivers, also known as cab drivers, transport clients to their destinations via automobile. Moreover, taxi drivers may need a state or municipal license in addition to a driver’s license. After that, they can start working by offering rides to people who need a lift to appointments, shopping, jobs, and more. They are usually paid according to the distance and the time taken to complete each trip.

These jobs have a high unemployment rate but are expected to see significant growth in the future. The median salary of taxi drivers is $32,320.

Medical Secretary

The Medical Secretary will perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. You don’t need an education in health care to work as a medical secretary. Duties will include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence. Moreover, the median salary of these professionals is $37,350.

Ophthalmic Medical Technician

Ophthalmic technicians, also known as ophthalmic medical technicians, certified ophthalmic technicians (COT), or allied ophthalmic personnel, are skilled medical professionals who work with ophthalmologists to provide patient care perform eye exams, diagnose diseases and administer treatments in caring for patients’ eyes and eyesight. Moreover, only postsecondary non-degree education may be needed for this position. And the median salary of these professionals is $37,940.

Bartender

Bartenders work directly with customers by mixing and serving drink orders in restaurants and lounges. However, there are no formal education requirements for this job. Meanwhile, bartenders may take classes to help them understand government regulations, learn how to mix drinks, and improve their skills. Moreover, the median salary of bartenders is $24,960.

Delivery Truck Driver

A Delivery Driver, or Carrier, collects items and transports them to their destinations. Ordering online is the most preferred shopping method for people, and delivery truck drivers are the professionals who make sure packages are delivered safely. Only high school education may be required for this occupation. However, you will need a good driving record and training. Then, the median salary of delivery truck drivers is $37,050.

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy. Most solar panel installations are done outdoors, they may work on residential or commercial properties. Meanwhile, the median salary of these professionals is $46,470.

Restaurant Cook

A restaurant cook is someone whose responsibility it is to prepare and cook various appetizers, entrees, and desserts; to ensure the ingredients used are fresh; to make sure the work area is clean, and to have any necessary equipment readily available. They are needed in establishments catering to a variety of tastes and cuisines, and cooks may be self-taught or go through a training program. The median salary of restaurant cooks is $28,800.

Security Guard

A security guard is a person employed by a government or private party to protect the employing party’s assets (property, people, equipment, money, etc.) from a variety of hazards (such as waste, damaged property, unsafe worker behavior, criminal activity such as theft, etc.) by enforcing preventative measures.

However, security guards can find employment in a variety of settings, such as screening passengers for transit services, watching over customers and employees during business hours, securing buildings and warehouses, etc. Meanwhile, the median salary of security guards is $31,050.

Electrician

Electricians are tasked with repairing, installing, and maintaining control systems, lighting, communications, and electrical power in factories, businesses, and residences. Although they don’t need degrees, electricians do have to complete extensive training as an apprentice before they can be licensed to work independently. Moreover, the median salary of these professionals is $56,900.

Insurance Sales Agent

Insurance sales agents help insurance companies generate new business by contacting potential customers and selling one or more types of insurance. Also known as Insurance Sales Agents, these professionals are responsible for identifying sales opportunities for insurance plans and overseeing a portfolio of clients. They also identify risk management strategies, handle policy renewals, and track claims. Only high school education may be needed for this profession. Moreover, the median salary of insurance sales agents is $52,180.

Computer Support Specialist

Also known as network support specialists analyze, troubleshoot, and maintain computer networks. Computer support specialists assist computer users and organizations. These specialists either maintain computer networks or provide technical help directly to computer users. The median salary of computer support specialists is $52,690.

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are health care professionals who assist doctors in clinics and medical offices. They may show you to the exam room, take your vital signs, and check your height and weight. Medical assistants will ask about your symptoms and health concerns and pass that information on to your doctor. Medical assistants don’t need a degree to do their job. The common entry-level education for this profession is postsecondary non-degree certification. Moreover, the median salary for medical assistants is $37,190.

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. With their touch, therapists relieve pain, help heal injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of clients. Massage therapists don’t need a degree, although postsecondary training might be required to become a massage therapist. The median salary of these workers is $43,620.

Wind Turbine Technician

A wind turbine technician, also known as a windtech, installs, inspects, maintains, operates, and repairs wind turbines. They are able to diagnose and fix any problem that could cause the turbine to shut down unexpectedly. Technical schools offer training for wind turbine technicians, and they can also learn their skills through long-term on-the-job training. Only postsecondary education may be needed for this profession. Moreover, the median salary of wind turbine technicians is $56,230.

Licensed Practical Nurse and Vocational Nurse

A licensed vocational nurse (LVN), also known as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), or vocational nurse, is someone who works in a hospital to care for disabled, sick, or otherwise injured patients. They usually have a postsecondary certificate or diploma and perform basic patient care duties. The median salary of these professionals is $48,820.

Home Health Aide and Personal Care Aide

Personal care aides may provide companionship as well as assist with daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning. On the other hand, home health aides provide essential services to seniors and those with chronic conditions or disabilities. They may measure vital signs, monitor medication usage, and help with activities of daily living such as bathing and eating. Job opportunities for these professions are expected to be plentiful in the years to come as the country’s population ages and people need help staying in their homes. The median salary for these workers is $27,080.

Patrol Officer

Patrol officers patrol assigned areas to maintain order, prevent illegal activity, enforce laws, and protect the community and citizens. Most police officers will begin their careers as patrol officers, directing traffic, writing tickets, investigating accidents and crimes, and responding to calls for help. Although patrol officers are required to attend the training academy, they don’t need a degree to do their work. Only high school education is needed for this profession. Moreover, the median salary of patrol officers is $65,540.

Final Thoughts on the Best High-Paying Jobs

That’s all on the list of the best high-paying jobs. However, while salary is always a major factor when choosing a job or career field, keep in mind that there are other factors that you will need to consider. Such as whether the job will still be in demand in the future.

Moreover, although these jobs pay well, they certainly have drawbacks. These include careers in the transportation sector, which often require employees to work long and irregular hours. With these, we’ve come to the conclusion of the best high-paying jobs. Hope this article was helpful? be sure to drop any suggestions using the comment box. Moreover, click here to check out other similar articles.