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From the day we enter school, educators challenge us to think about our future. It’s a noble thing they do for us; however, their methods are often misguided.
Across the country, teachers, parents and other adults in a position to give advice to minors hammer the importance of a college education after high school. It’s often painted as the only way to success.
The problem? College is not for everyone and is certainly not the only route to success.
Many young adults drown themselves in student loan debt for a degree they never earn or that does not apply to the career they end up in. They also delay income earning by spending four-plus years in school (assuming they don’t start school and drop out halfway through). Meanwhile, respectable trade jobs are left unfilled — jobs that typically require no degree but pay more than many degree-required careers.
If you’re a high school senior who isn’t sure college is the right next step, or a high school graduate without a secondary degree at any stage in your life, consider these 15 careers that don’t require a degree — and pay pretty darn well.
All salary estimates and job outlook statistics come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
1. Air Traffic Controller
Topping the the list is air traffic controller, with a six-digit salary. New job opportunities in this field are expected to grow just 3% over the next decade — compared to the 7% national average for job growth — which means you’ll face tougher competition in this field. Ultimately, the pay and important work (monitoring and directing air traffic) outweigh the challenges.
An associate degree in aviation is the typical path to this position. However, you can also earn a job after working as an air traffic controller for the military or through three years of related industry job experience.
2017 Median Salary: $124,540
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): 3% growth
2. Commercial Pilot
A second top job for non-college grads is also in the airline industry.
While commercial pilots do not need formal schooling beyond a high school diploma, they do require a commercial pilot certificate. Although it offers a high salary, job growth for commercial pilots is on the lower side compared to most other jobs on this list.
2017 Median Salary: $111,930
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): 4% growth
3. First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives
First-line supervisors are needed across most industries. Typically, supervisors work their way up from entry-level positions, some of which require degrees. However, you can work your way up to a first-line supervisor position for police and detectives with just a high school diploma.
Other first-line supervisor positions that are attainable without a degree include supervisors of retail and non-retail sales, as well as supervisors of construction workers or mechanics.
2017 Median Salary: $87,910
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): Not specified by BLS
4. Power Plant Operator, Distributor or Dispatcher
This is a particularly electrifying career choice for those who hold a high school diploma. And all training is on the job.
Those who work at power plants can earn some serious cash. However, due to advancements in technology and changes in energy sources, the number of open positions may decline over the next several years.
2017 Median Salary: $80,440
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): -1% growth (little or no change)
5. Elevator Installer and Repairer
Here’s one career that is sharply going up. Elevator installers and repairers need only a high school diploma and receive training through an on-the-job apprenticeship. Thirty-five states also require installers and repairers to be licensed.
2017 Median Salary: $79,480
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): 12% growth
6. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists typically carry an associate degree that takes three years to earn, but you also have the option to complete a shorter certificate program. By going this route, you may find it more challenging to secure a career and it may be at a lower pay, but doing so would allow you to test the waters before committing to spending the money on a degree.
2017 Median Salary: $74,070
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): 20% growth
7. Web Developer
Many web developers get a bachelor’s or an associate degree, but developers can also be self-taught. If you enjoy coding websites in your spare time, build a portfolio to take to a young startup or an established organization looking for new talent.
You might have more to prove without a degree, but many successful web developers work their way up in companies without any college education. And at the rate that technology and the internet are expanding, web developers enjoy the ultimate job security.
2017 Median Salary: $67,990
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): 15% growth
8. Subway or Streetcar Operator
Enjoy spending time behind the wheel? With a career in transportation, you can spend your day with a new and exciting view at every turn, as long as you can prioritize passenger safety and maintain a clean driving record.
These jobs typically require no special degree and include on-the-job training. However, the future of self-driving vehicles could jeopardize these jobs.
2017 Median Salary: $66,420
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): Not specified by BLS
9. Line Installer and Repairer
Working with power lines and electrical power systems can be hazardous work, so it requires maturity and a respect for safety codes. If you are up to the challenge, you can earn a substantial salary with just your high school diploma and some on-the-job training.
2017 Median Salary: $64,190
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): 8% growth
10. Postal Service Worker
Government jobs are never a bad thing: You get lots of holidays off, and the pay and benefits are great. Postal workers are also able to stay physically fit if they secure a daily, non-driving route.
Due to advancements in technology, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has seen a sharp decline in job growth and might not necessarily need to hire a replacement for every worker who retires. With that said, the USPS is the second largest employer in the United States and drove $71.4 billion in operating revenue in 2016, so jobs are still attainable. Here’s more information on how to become a postal worker.
2017 Median Salary: $57,260
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): -13% growth
11. Electrician
Electricians work a respectable trade and can get all training through an on-the-job apprenticeship. Before you start on this path, you do need a high school diploma.
Electricians earn good money and must be licensed; open positions are expected to grow faster than the national average.
2017 Median Salary: $54,110
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): 9% growth
12. Plumber
My father works as a master plumber (and operates his own plumbing company), so I’m especially thankful for those in this line of work. I’ve seen firsthand the hard work the job requires, but my dad has always been able to provide for his family in the role.
Like electricians, plumbers get on-the-job training but typically require licenses and continuing education.
2017 Median Salary: $52,590
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): 16% growth
13. Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents require great motivation, as the amount they make largely depends on how much effort they put in and how well they market themselves.
Becoming a real estate agent does not require an official degree, but there is some pre-licensing coursework to consider, as well as a licensing exam.
2017 Median Salary: $47,880
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): 6% growth
14. Massage Therapist
Massage therapists work with their hands to provide a healing touch to stressed out and sore patients. No college degree is necessary, but you will have to complete some basic schooling and earn a license before earning employment.
2017 Median Salary: $39,990
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): 26% growth
15. Optician
When you visit the eye doctor, opticians are the ones who help you select frames for your glasses and/or your contact lenses; they are also trained to adjust frames to your face.
Only a high school diploma is needed, but some opticians have earned a certificate or associate degree.
2017 Median Salary: $36,250
Job Outlook (2016 to 2026): 15% growth
What are your favorite careers that don’t require a degree? Tell us in the comments section below.
Timothy Moore is an editor and freelance writer in Ohio. He has been featured on The Penny Hoarder, Glassdoor, The News Wheel and The Ladders, and written on topics including careers, personal finance and the automotive industry.
Steveark says
November 1, 2018 at 1:39 PMThose were great, I’d add that in addition to power plants that chemical plants and oil refineries, paper mills, steel mills and a number of similar facilities all have jobs much like the power plant operator job. I worked at a plant as an engineer and many of the high school degreed only operators earned six figures with some overtime. And that is in a very low wage state like Arkansas. In higher income areas they earned even more. In fact it took engineers several years, if ever, to catch up to the same wages as their operator friends. We even had a number of college grads working as operators because the wages were better than they could get working in the fields they got their college degrees in. Very good information!
David says
November 1, 2018 at 2:12 PMThose are also great ideas, Steveark. And I love your point about degrees – they’re not bad to have, but if you can make more money in a position that doesn’t require one, that’s a pretty smart move.