High Paying Jobs Without a Degree

by | Aug 24, 2021

Despite the pressure many people may feel to get a college degree, it is entirely possible to make a comfortable living without one. In fact, many of the best and highest paying jobs available require only a high school diploma and training on the job.

 

 

There is a huge increase in workers who do not have a bachelor’s degree, with over half of Americans falling into this category. Job growth for this majority of people who are not formally educated is skyrocketing along with the price of advanced degrees. If you are looking for a great career path without spending the time and money on something that requires a college degree, here are some excellent options to consider.  

 

 

Air Traffic Controller

 

Median Annual Wage

$138,556 

 

Training Required

  • Three years of progressively responsible work experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent 
  • Long-term on the job training
  • Must be 30 or older
  • U.S. Citizenship required

 

Duties

Air traffic controllers work in control towers and are responsible for communicating with all aircraft to ensure they are always within a safe distance from each other. 

 

Benefits

Air traffic control is a full-time job with intensive training, due to the potentially dangerous aspects of the job requirements. However, it offers an extremely enticing federal benefits package, with flexible annual and sick leave, as well as comprehensive life and health insurance. Air traffic controllers are also eligible for federal retirement benefits and can take advantage of the government’s Thrift Savings Plan. They can also apply for retirement as early as 50 if they have at least 20 years of work experience in the field.  

 

 

Line Supervisor

 

Median Annual Wage

$40,505

 

Training Required

  • 3-5 years experience in relevant area

 

Duties

A line supervisor can be in charge of the other employees, whether on a restaurant line or an automobile line. They commonly work in plants, warehouses, or other production facilities. They are responsible for ensuring all positions are staffed and that all employees are working to the best of their ability. 

 

Benefits

Line supervisors are an essential part of many companies, which is reflected in their salaries. The role is attainable for anyone working in the relevant field long enough to act as a stepping stone to a management position. Once you’re ready to start interviewing for line supervisor jobs, you’ll find positions that offer more responsibility, more flexible hours, and an opportunity to interact with people.  

 

 

Electrician

 

Median Annual Wage

$56,900

 

Training Required

  • On the job apprenticeship 
  • Up to 5 years paid training
  • License required in some states

 

Duties

An electrician installs or repairs electrical systems, commonly lighting or communication fixtures. They are also responsible for ensuring all wiring and electrical systems are up-to-date and comply with all legal codes. Understanding electrical work takes time, which is why there is an extensive training period before you can apply for these jobs. 

 

Benefits

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs are projected to expand in this area at a rate of up to 8% over the next decade. The opportunity for rapid growth in the industry makes this a lucrative area to train in if you want job security and a dependable long-term income. More job opportunities can also mean an increase in demand that might exceed the supply of qualified workers; if this occurs, you may be able to secure a position more quickly than the average electrician.  

 

 

You can choose between becoming a union or non-union electrician, keeping in mind that joining a union ensures you have a solid pension after retirement. While both options can provide insurance benefits and paid vacation time, union members gain access to coverage of roughly 83% of the total cost of their medical bills in the U.S

 

 

 

Distribution Manager

 

Median Annual Wage

$95,617

 

Training Required

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 3-5 years related work experience 

 

Duties

Distribution managers are in charge of running all operations in the warehouse that they are assigned to. They are often in charge of hiring and training new employees and overseeing current employees. Plus, they oversee the transportation of goods, the maintenance of the machines, and keep track of all inventory.

 

Benefits

Though this is a heavily male-dominated role at present (74.5%), there is lots of opportunity for development and growth. Most distribution managers can count on a high level of coverage for dental, health, and vision care. Some of these positions are at least partially performed from home, offering extra flexibility. According to data from PayScale, distribution managers in the U.S. are highly satisfied with their job, rating their satisfaction as 4.1 out of 5

 

 

 

Police Officer

 

Median Annual Wage

$67,290

 

Training Required

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Police academy
  • On the job training

 

Duties

Police officers protect the citizens of their precinct, uphold the law, apprehend criminals, and keep the peace. They are responsible for anything from issuing traffic tickets to offering security at community events. With varying frequency, they may be required to secure crime scenes or assist in investigating crimes. 

 

Benefits

The employment opportunities for police officers and detectives in the U.S. is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade, so it’s a good time to consider this career path. Most positions also offer overtime with supplemental pay, ensuring you receive fair wages for your time.

 

 

This is also a career path that offers great benefits even at the entry-level, notably an extremely impressive retirement package. It requires moderate on-the-job training, and many people value the sense of community and camaraderie in this line of work. 

 

 

 

Administrative Assistant

 

Median Annual Wage

$43,269

 

Training Required

  • High school diploma or equivalent 
  • Related experience 

 

Duties

Administrative assistants are responsible for organizing all the paperwork in the office and delivering great customer service, both in-person and over the phone. Their daily tasks usually include scheduling appointments and meetings, delivering all messages to their appropriate recipients, and other relevant tasks. 

 

Benefits

Along with any personal vacation time or paid leave they accrue, administrative assistants are usually not required to come into work when their office is closed to the public. That means it is usually a career that will guarantee weekends and holidays as time off, depending on what office you are working at.

 

 

The role is also flexible and in demand at companies across all industries, meaning once you gain experience with one business, you can find similar jobs in a different sector that more closely aligns with your interests or values. 

 

 

 

Flight Attendant

 

Median Annual Wage

$59,050

 

Training Required

  • Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration
  • On the job training
  • Some jobs require a first aid certification 
  • You must also be 18+ and hold a valid passport 

 

Duties

The main role of a flight attendant is to keep passengers on their flights happy by providing refreshments and whatever else they may need to stay comfortable. They can also play a more pivotal role in enforcing safety measures and keeping passengers calm during emergencies.

 

Benefits

A huge benefit of this position is the extensive traveling. This includes not only where you end up for work, but most flight attendants also get to fly for free or at a heavily discounted rate on the airline they work for. Hotel discounts are another perk that allows you to thoroughly enjoy any time off you have. This is a dream job for anyone who loves to travel and experience new destinations. 

 

 

 

Subway and Streetcar Operator

 

Median Annual Wage

$62,970

 

Training required

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • On the job training
  • Valid driver’s license 

 

Duties

Subway and streetcar operators control all aspects of the vehicle that they are assigned. They drive the vehicles at regulated speeds, and they open and close the doors at each required stop. They must also be comfortable with all emergency evacuation procedures.

 

Benefits

This position requires much less training than other jobs with similar pay. It is an essential job in the transportation sector, so consistent and reliable work will always be at your disposal. If you live in a busy urban area, there is likely an abundance of these jobs near you, making it easy to commute to work. In many cases, you will belong to a union when you work in these roles, so you are ensured good benefits and equitable pay. 

 

 

 

Firefighter

 

Median Annual Wage

$59,330

 

Training Required

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Postsecondary nondegree award
  • EMT certification

 

Duties

Firefighters are the first line of defense when responding to fire emergencies. This includes not just fires but other emergencies, such as car accidents or hazardous material spills. They also take part in educating their communities about fire prevention.

 

Benefits

This career usually comes with a good benefits package, such as dental and medical coverage. It is a very rewarding job, and because of the dangerous aspects it involves, most firefighters can qualify for great compensation if injured and hefty retirement pensions after only 25 years of working. 

 

 

 

Chef

 

Median Annual Wage

$53,380

 

Training Required

  • Relevant work experience
  • Optional certifications

 

Duties

The duties of a chef extend beyond cooking. The chef of any kitchen supervises the line cooks, checks the food quality that goes out, and creates the menu for their restaurant or venue. They also ensure that all stations are staffed and fully operational.

 

Benefits

Along with any benefits offered by the restaurant that a chef works for, they usually also receive free food and beverages on the job. It is also a career that offers major opportunities for growth within a company, so even if you start as a line cook, you might work your way up to becoming head chef.

 

 

There are also plenty of opportunities to transfer to different restaurants throughout your career, ensuring variety and fulfillment. 

 

 

Start Your Job Search Without a Degree

 

If you are still unsure about what the right job is for you, try our quiz on JobsFuel to test your skills. There are so many great career opportunities that don’t require you to attend a four-year college or even get a certificate. To explore more employment options, check out jobsfuel.com and start searching for careers that interest you today.