High-Paying Jobs that Do Not Require a College Degree

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It is a common misconception that only those with bachelor’s degrees, or with master’s, or even more, with PhDs, have high paying jobs. In real life, that is not always the case. Moreover, getting a higher education is not always a viable option for everyone.

College books, lodgings, and tuition fees are costly. Luckily for those born from well-off families, they do not have to worry about the finances that entail getting a degree. On the other hand, those opting for student loans saw the downside of this system as it drove many into tens of thousands of dollars in debt.

If you just recently finished a high school curriculum and have some trouble finding a job, listed below are some of the best options to help you start your career.

Become a Commercial Pilot

Commercial pilots make an average earning around $82,240 per year. As of 2018, the number of people in the US who held this job is 37,870.

Commercial pilots can be cargo pilots, tour pilots, or backcountry pilots. They are responsible for flying and navigating flights of fixed-winged aircraft on non-scheduled air carrier routes. They also pilot helicopters.

To become a full-fledged commercial pilot, you need to earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate and Flight Instructor Certificate. Additional aviation training certificates also help in increasing your experience and salary.

Be a Media and Communication Equipment Worker

Media and communication equipment workers are said to make an average earning of $79,580 a year. Jobs in the media and communications field are projected to grow four percent from 2018 to 2028, which will result in about 27, 600 new jobs.

The job of media and communication workers typically involves the installation of various media and communication equipment and testing to see if they work. They are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing audio and visual systems in homes and companies.

Media and communication equipment workers are needed in various industries, such as the movie and film industry. To start your career in this field, you only need a high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training.

Consider a Job as a Farmer, Rancher, or Agricultural Manager

Another great job option, especially for those with a green thumb, is to choose a career in the agricultural industry. Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers make an average of $67,950 per year. Recent trends show great prospects for these jobs.

The job description of a farmer, rancher, and agricultural manager involves planning, directing, or coordinating the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses and nurseries, aquacultural operations, or other agricultural establishments. They are also responsible for carrying out or supervising planting, cultivating, harvesting, financial, or marketing activities.

Farmers or ranchers are primarily trained through hands-on experience. It is not required to have a college degree to have a successful career in the agricultural industry. However, there are bachelor’s and master’s degrees that offer formal education and training in agriculture.

Be a Detective or Criminal Investigator

detectivesIf you are a fan of detective stories and criminal investigation documentaries, maybe you should consider a career in the criminal investigation. Detectives and criminal investigators earn an average of $81,920 a year. The employment of private detectives and criminal investigators is projected to grow eight percent from 2018 to 2028.

Detectives and criminal investigators play an important role in law enforcement. Other than arresting criminals, their duties involve crime scene investigation, evidence collection, witness interviews, and report writing. Detectives and criminal investigators often specialize in specific crimes, such as homicide, white-collar crimes, or sex crimes.

Though other law enforcement agencies insist that aspirants must have an associate’s degree or some college, many require only a high school diploma. In addition to any degree requirement, it is necessary to undergo relevant training and pass the certification exam before you can be admitted to the agency.

Consider Working as a First-Line Supervisor of Non-Retail Sales Workers

Another viable career to choose after getting a high school degree is working in the sales industry. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers typically make an average earning of $73,390 per year.

Some of the duties of a non-retail sales first-line supervisor involve analyzing sales growth potential within a territory, directing and supervising employees engaged in sales, inventory-taking of stocks, and keeping records of purchases, sales, and requisitions.

To start your career in this field, you only need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is not required before you are deemed qualified for the position. Work experience is a plus, but that too is not a requirement.

One thing to remember is that your educational attainment is not the only barometer of your success in the real world. Regardless of your degree, how you hustle out there and how you treat the people around you are the best determinants of your success.

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