10 High-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
October 2, 2018 | Career Blog
It is becoming less common for high school graduates to enroll in college. Some might say this is due to the lack of ability to pay the large sums of money that universities charge for classes, but there is another good reason for it. Based on data found from the U.S. Department of Labor, there are a plethora of jobs out there that pay very well without needing a college degree. Granted, some of them may require some additional special training, but nothing that compares to the time and money it takes to go through a two- or four-year college program.
High-Paying Jobs That Do Not Require a College Education
To give you an idea of the type of job opportunities out there that we are referring to, we have made a list of 10 high-paying jobs that do not require a degree.
1. Mail Carrier
Average Salary: $57,000
Expected New Job Openings By 2026: -13%
Job Description: Collecting letters and parcels, sorting incoming letters, selling stamps and other postal products, acquiring customer signatures, distributing through postal trucks.
2. Rail-Track Laying Equipment Operator
Average Salary: $56,060
Expected New Job Openings By 2026: 7,690
Job Description: Laying, repairing and maintaining the track for standard or narrow-gauge railroad equipment used in railroad service or in plant yards, pits, and mines.
3. Wind Turbine Technician
Average Salary: $53,880
Expected New Job Openings By 2026: 5,800
Job Description: Installation and reparation of wind turbines. Wind turbines generate green energy and are the responsibility of Wind Techs.
*Note: This job does typically require and on-the-job apprenticeship.
4. Explosives Works and Earth Drillers
Average Salary: $52,790
Expected New Job Openings By 2026: 5,100
Job Description: Detonating explosives in order to demolish structures or to loosen/remove rock or other materials. Special handling and storage procedures may be performed.
5. Plumber
Average Salary: $52,590
Expected New Job Openings By 2026: 75,200
Job Description: Reading blueprints, installing pipes, and replacing worn parts.
*Note: This job does typically require and on-the-job apprenticeship.
6. Brickmason
Average Salary: $49,770
Expected New Job Openings By 2026: 34,200
Job Description: Laying and binding building materials such as brick and concrete and using mortar and other things to construct and repair walls, partitions, and other structures.
7. Medical Equipment Repairer
Average Salary: $48,070
New Job Openings By 2026: 2,000
Job Description: Repairing, testing, and performing preventative maintenance to medical tools when they break.
8. Construction Equipment Operator
Average Salary: $46,080
Expected New Job Openings By 2026: 52,700
Job Description: Driving and maneuvering large equipment on transportation and building construction sites.
9. Medical Secretary
Average Salary: $34,610
Expected New Job Openings By 2026: 129,000
Job Description: Processing insurance payments, transcribing notes, and preparing reports for doctors.
10. Material Moving Machine Operator (Fork Lift Operator)
Average Salary: $32,090
Expected New Job Openings By 2026: 43,700
Job Description: Using large equipment to move heavy objects on construction, manufacturing, and warehouse sites.
In Conclusion
This list is just the beginning. There are many opportunities available. In fact, in many cases, there are more job openings than there are people to fill them! It just takes a little bit of consideration and understanding of the abilities you possess and what you desire for your future. Contact us today and we will help you figure out what job you are suited best for.