Introduction:
So, if you want to change the field right now or just seeing what is out there. We are going to cover a list of the highest paying jobs without a degree. We have chosen these jobs from 50 different job opportunities because these are the most practical with the lowest barrier to entry. Be sure to stick around to the very end of this article, Highest Paying Jobs without Degree. So, let’s get started without further ado.
Top High-Paying Careers Without a College Degree:
1. Insurance Sales Agent:
The first job on our list is to become an insurance sales agent. This person helps individuals and businesses find the right insurance policy. This job involves good communication skills, including lots of talking on the phone. You also have to maintain a good portfolio for growth and recommendations.
There are lots of insurance jobs with commissions on top of base pay. This is a great incentive based on their output. This job can pay you 50,000 dollars per year on average. But working your way up over time could potentially make six figures or more.
Insurance companies offer free training programs to insurance agents. All you have to do is pick an insurance provider and then reach out to a recruiter in your area.
2. Plumber:
Now if you can do some messy tasks, then the next two jobs are awesome. Plumbers earn 60,000 dollars a year, but the benefits are often tremendous. Because many of the job unions are there that are providing in-house job training. These job unions provide over a hundred dollars per year for the training of these workers. There are over 400 plumber unions; you can find the one that is near you and reach out to see if they offer plumbers apprenticeships.
3. Electrician:
Now in the same realm, our next job is electrician. Electricians can earn over sixty thousand dollars per year on average. Just like with plumbing, most of these are union jobs. The IBEW is the biggest electrician union in the US and provides paid in-house training.
You typically don’t make as much as an apprentice, but depending on the area. It could be as much as $20 per hour or more. Once you become a journeyman electrician, which takes about four years. You can then work across any electrical union across the United States, giving tremendous work and wage flexibility.
4. Flight Attendant:
Now if you love to be on the move, becoming a flight attendant is a surprisingly high-paying job, with no college degree required. On average, you make just under sixty thousand dollars a year. Remember that in this line of work, you might be spending a lot of nights out of your house in hotels during stopovers. But still, this comes with unique benefits since you’re not home. Very often, many flight attendants will have a very cheap apartment and may not even have a car in some cases.
5. Police Officer:
The next highest-paying job without a degree is becoming a police officer. You can earn an average of $65,000 per year. Keep in mind that this is a physically demanding job. You have to be in great physical shape for this line. There are several police academies, which is where you can go for the acquisition of skills and requirements for a job. This can be pretty extensive; for example, in New York, it’s about 1000 hours of training you have to complete in a police academy. However, in many cases, you get paid during your time at the police academy, which is at least six months. So that is also a benefit if you want to join this profession.
6. Insurance Adjusters:
The next highest paying job without a college degree is again in the realm of insurance, but it is a little bit different. Insurance adjusters will investigate, evaluate, and settle insurance claims that arise from damage to insured property.
Let’s say somebody has homeowner’s insurance and a tree falls on their property. Somebody is going to have to go out and take photos and do an evaluation of the cost of the necessary repairs. This job pays a little over fifty thousand dollars per year. But keep in mind that you have to start at a lower position and then work your way up, as it is a pretty desirable position.
7. Agricultural Manager:
The next job without a degree requirement is an agricultural manager. Being an agricultural manager, you can earn around 70,000 dollars per year. Agricultural or farm managers oversee the operations of a farm. It can be a combination of hands-on work as well as desk and computer work. You likely have to start with an entry-level agricultural position and then work your way up to the farm manager over time.
8. Post Master:
Now lastly, our last item on the list of highest paying jobs without a degree is the post-master job. A postmaster, as the name suggests, is the manager of a particular post office. They are in charge of overseeing the operations and making sure that everything runs smoothly. Postmaster makes 80,000 dollars per year. This is a very lucrative opportunity, but you may have to start with a lower position within the post office, in the postal system, and then work your way up over time. However, even becoming a mail carrier does not require a college degree, it is also a high-paying job starting above twenty dollars per hour.
9. Firefighter:
Firefighting is also a job that does not require any college degree but training, physical strength, stamina, and expertise in handling emergency conditions. You can apply for fire academy training, and after getting training, you can work as a firefighter on a fire extinguishing team. The average salary for firefighters is between 55,000 to 60,000 USD dollars.
10. Power Plant Operator
Power plant operators manage the equipment that generates electricity for communities. Specialized training and certification are essential, but no college degree is required for this job position. As renewable energy plants expand, job opportunities are expected to remain stable. This job can give you an average salary of 85,000 to 90,000 USD per year.
11. Real Estate Broker
A real estate broker’s income potential can be much higher than the average based on location and commission earned from sales. Success in this field largely depends on negotiation skills and market knowledge. There is no degree required for this job; it just needs good communication skills along with a real estate license and on-site job experience. The expected salary depends on expertise, client hunting, and negotiation skills. On average, you can earn 85,000 to 90,000 USD dollars per year.
12. Elevator Installation and Repairs:
Specializing in the installation and repair of elevators, escalators, and similar machinery, this job is highly technical but doesn’t require a degree. Most workers learn through apprenticeships and make a competitive wage. Apprenticeship and state licensure is required, average salary for this job is $88,540 per year.
13. HVAC Technician:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians are crucial in maintaining climate control systems. With short certification programs, HVAC technicians can specialize in installation and repairs. On average as an HVAC technician, you can make 50,000 to 60,000 dollars per annum.
14. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager:
These managers oversee logistics and distribution, ensuring that products are stored and transported efficiently. While a degree isn’t necessary, experience is key. A high school diploma and years of work experience are requirements for this job. The average salary for this job is 98,230 dollars.
15. Sales Representative:
Sales representatives in wholesale, manufacturing, or tech industries can earn large commissions. Success in this field is largely based on skills and performance rather than a degree. The average salary for this position is $65,420/year.
16. Construction Manager:
Construction managers oversee projects from start to finish. While some positions prefer experience, others are open to those who’ve worked their way up in the construction industry. The average salary for this position is $97,180/year.
17. Dental Hygienist:
Dental hygienists work closely with dentists to clean teeth and educate patients on oral health. Associate degrees in dental hygiene are common, but no bachelor’s degree is required. On average dental hygienists can earn 80,000 dollars annually.
18. Commercial Truck Driver:
Truck drivers transport goods across the country, and there is a constant demand for CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) holders. Long-haul drivers can earn even more, particularly with specialized routes. The average salary for commercial truck drivers is around $55,000/year.
High-paying Jobs without a Degree or Experience for Woman:
High-paying jobs for women without a degree or experience include roles in various fields that prioritize skills and on-the-job training. Some top options are:
- Sales Representative: Commission-based, no degree required.
- Administrative Assistant: Strong organizational skills can lead to high pay in corporate settings.
- Freelance Writer or Editor: Content creation for businesses or blogs, flexible with high earning potential.
- Real Estate Agent: Requires licensing but no degree, offering high commission opportunities.
- Customer Service Representative: High-demand roles in tech and finance companies.
- Virtual Assistant: Growing demand for remote administrative support.
- Digital Marketing Specialist: Learnable through short courses, offering high earnings in the online business space.
These careers allow women to earn well without a formal degree or prior experience.
Final Words:
As the job market evolves, opportunities without a college degree expand, especially in skilled trades, tech, and service industries. Pursuing certifications, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training can help you land one of these high-paying positions. By focusing on in-demand skills, you can build a fulfilling and financially rewarding career without the burden of student loans.
If you’re ready to explore these roles further, consider hands-on experience, online learning, or industry certifications to boost your chances of success.
FAQs:
- What is the shortest career to study?
The shortest careers to study typically involve certification programs or vocational training that can be completed in under a year. Jobs like medical assistants, dental assistants, and truck drivers often require only a few months of training, allowing individuals to enter the workforce quickly.
2.What job pays the most in the world?
The highest-paying job in the world is often that of a **neurosurgeon**, with annual salaries reaching over $400,000, depending on location and experience. Other top earners include anaesthesiologists, CEOs, and investment bankers.
3. What is the fastest highest-paying career?
The fastest-paying career is typically “commercial piloting,” where you can earn an average of $130,000 per year. With focused training and certifications, you can start working within 1 to 2 years. Other fast-entry fields include “web development” and “digital marketing,” where boot camps or certifications can quickly lead to high earnings.