Let's be honest: there is a stigma associated with education. People who do not attend college are frequently thought to have lower earning potential. But, on so many levels, this is incorrect because there are careers that pay well without a degree! It is possible to be successful regardless of your educational background.
We're here to show you. We've prepared a great list of high-paying occupations that don't require a degree. One of these occupations that pay well without a degree might be appropriate for you if you're seeking a way to generate money and get paid what you deserve.
Is it possible to get well-paying work without a degree? Obviously, yes! There are numerous high-paying jobs available. You are not limited in your earning prospects simply because you did not attend college.
Workers with a high school diploma or less make $827 per week. Although this is less than the average bachelor's degree wage, it is not set in stone. Many jobs pay more than that that don't require a degree.
Let's look at the highest-paying careers that don't require a degree to determine which fields might be suited for you.
Jobs that don't require a degree but pay well
These are hands-on occupations in a wide range of intriguing subjects. You can choose one of the following options if you prefer to learn on the job.
- Operator (Power Plant)
Average Annual Pay- $94,790
One of the best careers without a degree is as a power plant operator. You'd be in charge of the systems that create and distribute electricity. As you can expect, this is a high-stress position. On a rotating basis, you'll perform eight or twelve-hour shifts. Although you'll need a lot of on-the-job training to gain the skills and expertise to manage the plant, the average yearly income is excellent.
- Elevator Maintenance and Installation
Average Annual Pay- $97,860
Do you have a knack for putting things back together? If that's the case, you may put your skills to good use as an elevator installation or repairer, one of the highest-paying jobs. To ensure an elevator's proper operation, you'll operate directly in crawl areas and machine rooms. Just be sure you don't have a fear of heights. Working directly in an elevator shaft is also not unusual. Don't worry if you're not an elevator expert; an apprenticeship will teach you everything you need to know.
- Detective or Police Officer
Average Annual Pay- $66,020
Being a police officer or detective allows you to assist in protecting others. You'll be tasked with solving crimes and prosecuting criminals. This includes gathering evidence, apprehending suspects, and calming down potentially dangerous situations. Being a law enforcement officer entails a great deal of risk. It is not for everyone because the job is hard and demanding. While it is one of the better-paying occupations without a degree, you must first complete police training before receiving your badge.
- Railroad workers
Average Annual Pay- $64,150
Your childhood goal of being a train conductor can come true, believe it or not. However, railroad conductors do more than simply that. They are responsible for ensuring that trains run on time and in accordance with safety requirements. Your job title determines where you work. A conductor will obviously travel with the train, while a railroad worker may spend the entire day operating switches in the same yard. While a degree isn't required, you'll likely need a few months of on-the-job training to immerse yourself in the field thoroughly.
- Electrician
Average Annual Pay- $60,040
As an electrician, you can make a difference. It will undoubtedly boost your money account! Your responsibility will be to install, maintain, and repair power, communications, lighting, and other systems in buildings and residences. Working as an electrician can be pretty demanding. You'll be hopping from job to job (not to mention doing a lot of overtime), but the cash is worth it. And, best of all, no college diploma is required. In an apprenticeship, you'll learn everything you need to know.
- Plumber
Average Annual Pay- $59,880
Mario is continually gathering golden coins for a reason. He's making a lot of money in his profession, and you might want to too. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters all fix and maintain piping fixtures and systems, and they are well-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Work can be done in either residential or commercial settings. You may also receive a high volume of emergency calls, as plumbing crises rarely wait until the morning.
- Ironworker
Average Annual Pay- $57,160
Are you made of steel? Perhaps you should pursue a career as an ironworker! When building roads, bridges, and structures, the job includes installing structural steel and iron. This is not a job for the faint of heart. You'll spend a lot of time up high on platforms doing physically tricky labour, but it's one of the few careers that pay well without a degree. Plus, all you need to get started is an apprenticeship.
- Commercial Pilot
Average Annual Pay- $99,640
You can become a commercial pilot without a degree if you want to fly and locate well-paying jobs. It's not the same as being an airline pilot. You'll still need training, but you'll be able to fly various missions, such as carrying skydiver passengers or serving as an air ambulance pilot. It's a terrific profession for adventure seekers and one of the highest-paying careers available without a degree.
- Sheet metal worker
Average Annual Pay- $53,440
A sheet metal worker is another type of construction worker. This job entails producing and installing thin metal sheet goods. It's a physically demanding job, just like any other. As you manoeuvre the metal panels into place, you'll bend, climb, and squat. An apprenticeship will teach you the trade.
Administrative positions that pay well without a college diploma
These vocations are ideal if you wish to work in an office setting. The most excellent administration jobs without a degree are listed here.
- Claim Adjuster
Average Annual Pay- $65,080
You'll be in charge of reviewing insurance claims and approving or denying them as a claims adjuster. Because insurance claims can occur in various locations and settings, you will frequently be required to leave the office. You’ll need to see the damages in person to make your assessment.
While specific jobs do require a bachelor's degree, others do not. Working on the job will provide you with all the information you need.
- Administrative assistant
Average Annual Pay- $62,060
You'll be a manager's right-hand person as an executive assistant. This could entail preparing crucial reports, conducting research, and responding to information requests. Because you'll be answering phones and scheduling meetings, you should be a people person. You might even get some visitors. Prior work experience, good interpersonal skills, and superior computational ability should suffice for this position. It's one of those fantastic occupations that pays well even if you don't have a degree, and it can lead to a variety of options. As a result, executive assistants are frequently promoted to management positions.
Sales-related jobs that pay well without a degree
Perhaps you excel at pointing out all of a product's advantages and enjoy earning commissions. These sales positions might be correct for you!
- Sales representative for wholesale and manufacturing
Average Annual Pay- $69,540
Another of the finest occupations without a degree is a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative. Why? Sales are always profitable! Especially in the retailing and manufacturing industries. As a result, concluding transactions with firms, organisations, and government bodies may be required. Keep in mind that many sales positions are commission-based. To be successful in this profession, you must be a convincing person who can sell anything. You shouldn't need much more than a high school diploma to get started if you're not selling anything too scientific or technical.
- Insurance sales representative
Average Annual Pay- $49,840
There are many different types of insurance, and selling these plans to clients can pay off handsomely. You'll meet with your clients, choose the best coverage, and answer their queries. This is another people-oriented career that requires you to be polite and open. There's a lot of paperwork to deal with as well. You don't need a degree in most states, but you may need training. In addition, you'll need to be licenced in your state. If you can get through the red tape, this is another career that pays well without a college diploma.
- Real Estate Agent
Annual Average Pay- $48,340
If you enjoy watching "House Hunters," it may be time to turn your hobby into a source of income. As a real estate agent, you'll assist individuals in buying and selling homes, and it's one of the high-paying jobs that don't require a degree. It does, however, necessitate a significant amount of effort. You won't have a standard 9 to 5 schedule because your weekends will be spent to house showings. A college diploma is not required in most states. However, they will need you to complete licencing classes and pass a licencing exam to become certified. Being a real estate agent is a career path with no bounds, as you may make as much money as you want. Of course, if you're prepared to put in the effort, this might be one of the highest-paying careers available without a degree.
Without a degree, people-oriented occupations that pay well
Do you enjoy assisting others and interacting with a large number of people throughout the day? Check out these jobs that are people-oriented and pay well.
- Expert in hearing aids
Average Annual Pay- $59,500
A hearing aid expert is another job that helps people select and fit hearing devices for them. As you make it easier for folks to hear again, you'll be able to make a genuine difference. Working as a hearing aid specialist entails working with consumers one-on-one. You may also require some technical knowledge to judge the effectiveness of hearing aids. A high school diploma is sufficient for this employment, and it is one of the most gratifying jobs available without a degree.
- FedEx driver
Average Annual Pay- $52,717
FedEx offers high-paying jobs to its drivers. This employment may be a good fit for you if you enjoy driving and have a routine. Drop boxes and goods off at numerous points along the route. It's a good customer service alternative if you need to make a decent living and don't want to go to school and if you desire to interact with a large number of people throughout the day.
- Flight Attendant
Average Annual Pay- $61,640
Do you appreciate meeting new people and travelling to different places? One of the best careers without a degree is that of a flight attendant. While you will need to complete some training and interact with a large number of customers during the day, there are certain advantages to this profession. Flight attendants frequently get free travel standby, and you'll get the opportunity to meet individuals worldwide. If you want to travel and don't mind working long hours, this could be your career.
Jobs for creatives that pay well without a degree
A creative career is likely to appeal to you if you frequently work on various projects and have a vivid imagination. Here are a few of our favourites.
- Writer/author
Average Annual Pay- $69,510
Although you may have writing deadlines, becoming a writer or novelist often means working on your own schedule from anywhere you want. If you have a way with words or excel in language and literary studies, you might be able to create a profession out of it or do it part-time while looking for work. There are numerous writing specialities, and some industries, such as blogging, white papers, and sales, pay well. Those who choose to establish their own blogs can earn unlimited money. You can work part-time and yet make a reasonable living in this career.
- Social Media Manager
Average Annual Pay- $71,216.
This job does not require any formal education; just prior experience is required. This is an excellent job if you appreciate social media and want to manage and arrange other people's accounts. If you're creative and good at marketing, you'll do well in this position. You don't need a four-year degree to do this, but it helps if you can do a variety of things, such as photography or video editing, or if you can write well.
- Makeup artist
Average Annual Pay: $75,730
Are you stylish and creative? Have you spent years refining your makeup looks? A career as a professional makeup artist could be a little step with a good payoff. You may need to obtain a cosmetology or esthetician licence, and being a professional will include a lot of practice. However, after you have some certifications and experience, this may be a fascinating job that pays well without a degree.
Computer jobs with good income that don't require a degree
Are you fascinated by computers and adept at all things technological? These well-paying occupations without a degree might be precisely what you're looking for!
- Cyber security analyst
Average Annual Pay- $112,974
One of the highest-paying careers without a degree is that of a cyber security analyst, which is suitable for people who enjoy computers and are technologically savvy. A cyber security analyst guards against viruses and digital threats. You won't need a degree to get started, and the average compensation is excellent.
- Web developer
Average Annual Pay- $77,200
Web developers create websites, which is a skill that is in high demand these days. Furthermore, having web design or graphic design expertise is advantageous. You might easily work as a full-time freelancer developing websites for corporations and companies and earn a lot of money.
Apply for and receive well-paying jobs without a degree.
It's comforting to know that there are high-paying careers available in various disciplines that do not require a college diploma. But how do you go about getting one of those positions? See the suggestions below.
Have the correct attitude
First and foremost, maintain a positive outlook. Be patient in your job hunt if you want to replace your current position. If you need a job right now, though, know that it's OK to take work that covers the bills while you look for the career of your dreams.
Also, be willing to expand your knowledge through classes and certificates. Even if you don't want to receive a degree, the job you seek can require or suggest that you learn something new. Prepare to learn!
Where can I get well-paying work without a degree?
Where should you look for fresh employment opportunities? Start by looking at job boards such as Indeed to see what's available. If you've exhausted those choices, try using LinkedIn to network or chatting to acquaintances and friends about opportunities.
Remember to keep your resume up to date and create new acquaintances and connections who can help you get a new career. However, always be sincere and helpful!
Interview advise for getting well-paying jobs without a degree
Prepare for the interview. Choose professional clothing that makes you feel good. Practice answering questions and make sure your résumé is as current and impressive.
It isn't enough to make an excellent first impression. Remember to take notes after the interview, and it's also a good idea to send a thank-you email.
Make a budget for your earnings.
Hopefully, finding a job in a new field that you adore will result in a pay raise. (This is especially true if you choose one of the high-paying careers on our list.) You should also have a financial strategy in place for your new income.
Make sure you stick to a budget and don't blow all your money. Find strategies to save and invest the money you don't need for costs instead to maximise this financial opportunity.
Without a degree, you can get fantastic jobs that pay well!
A college education isn't required if you're working in the correct area. You can find well-paying jobs without a college diploma. Plus, without the burden of student debt, you'll be able to start earning significant money right away.
That will make creating a solid financial plan for the life you want so much easier. When you get employed, all you have to worry about is drafting the ideal self-assessment for your annual review!
All of the jobs listed here pay well without a college diploma. However, keep in mind that accumulating money has less to do with making six figures and more to do with how you manage and organise your earnings!
