If you couldn't afford college or didn't fancy it, don't worry – your shot at a wildly successful career is still alive and kicking.
Higher education isn’t for everyone. Some people lose interest after completing their high school degree, while others can’t afford university fees. Most of you are led to believe that securing a high-wage job without a degree is impossible.
But that’s not true at all! Many companies in today’s ever-evolving job market prefer high school education with some training experience and also offer high income.
Yes, you heard it right! This is why, Below, I’ve curated a list of 15 highest-paying jobs without a degree that will prove financially rewarding careers for you.
Qualification: High School Diploma/ GED
Training: Post Secondary or Cosmetology certificate
Experience Required: None
Average Pay: $134,750
Job Prospect: 36% (2022-2032)
Makeup artists can earn high wages by applying makeup to performers, brides, grooms, etc. Consider the example of Jaclyn Hill, who started her makeup journey in 2012 by uploading makeup tutorials on YouTube. She only had a high school degree, but now she’s the CEO of Jaclyn Cosmetics brand.
Qualification: High school or college diploma along with commercial pilot license
Training: 8-10 months CPL course; flying training of 200 hrs.
Experience Required: 1-12 months
Average Pay: $99,640
Job Prospect: 4% (2022-2032)
Commercial pilots are similar to airline pilots but don't require an undergraduate degree. They fly non-airline-affiliated aircraft like helicopters and go on unplanned trips like private flights and aviation tours.
Qualification: High school or College diploma
Training: 1-12 months of police academy training
Experience Required: 5-6 years
Average Pay: $99,330
Job Prospect: 3% (2021-2031)
These supervisors control detectives and police workers and are skilled at organizing the inquiry of crimes.
Qualification: High school education
Training: 6 months of on-the-job training
Experience required: None
Average Pay: $59,500
Job Prospect: 16% (2021-2031)
Hearing aid experts essentially perform tests for those with hearing problems and provide them with the most effective hearing aid devices. They can also modify the hearing aids according to their client's needs.
Qualification: High school or college education
Training: On-the-job training in food and beverage departments
Experience Required: Less than five years
Average Pay: $59,440
Job Prospect: 10% (2021-2031)
Food service managers are responsible for supervising, organizing, directing, and coordinating the operations of a business that serves food and drink, like a restaurant or a hotel.
Qualification: High school or college diploma
Training: None
Experience Required: 4-5 years
Average Pay: $59,230
Job Prospect: 5% (2022-2032)
Property managers are responsible for showcasing/marketing the property to their clients. They discuss finance availability, lease conditions, perform inspections, plan servicing, and essentially, manage the business.
Qualification: High school or college education
Training: Apprenticeship on-the-job training
Experience Required: None
Average Pay: $56,330
Job Prospect: 4% (2022-2032)
Plumbers work on plumbing systems in residences, manufacturers, and commercial buildings. Nobody can afford leakage in pipes or drainage systems; therefore, plumbing jobs are in high demand. Every house and construction site needs a plumber to fix the entire system of pipes, valves, and drainage.
Qualification: High school education
Training: Apprenticeship on-the-job training
Average Pay: $59,880
Job Prospect: 6% (2022-2032)
If you love to deal with wires, becoming an electrician is the best choice. You can start your training at any technical school without needing a professional degree.
Qualification: High school certificate/ GED
Training: License training differs by every state
Average Pay: $48,770
Job Prospect: 5% (2022-2032)
Real estate brokers assist clients in buying and selling property. It is one of the best, highest-paying jobs without a degree that allows you to work flexibly. A career in real estate is ideal for those with strong communication and “people” skills who may have little to no interest in pursuing formal education.
Qualification: High school or college certification
Training: on-the-job/ vocational training
Average Pay: $79,680
Jon Prospect: 3% (2021-2031)
Non-retail sales managers oversee their personnel while achieving sales targets and addressing issues with services or goods. This job is perfect for individuals interested in commerce careers but are hesitant about attending business school.
Qualification: High school or college certification
Training: Farm Management Programs
Experience Required: 5-6 years
Average Pay: $73,060
Job Prospect: 5% (2021-2031)
Agricultural managers earn good money raising cattle, dairy products, or grains. A high school graduation is required to enter this field. But, a college degree may be required as farm administration becomes more complicated.
Qualification: High school or college diploma + programming language course
Training: Programming skills and language training at software house
Experience Required: None
Average Pay: $78,300
Job Prospect: 23% (2021-2031)
Web development jobs allow you to work from home and earn high wages without particular credentials. For computer nerds who find a CS degree too expensive, web development (with various diplomas) is the way to go!
Qualification: High school or college diploma
Training: FAA certification
Experience: 1-2 years in customer service
Average Pay: $61,640
Job Prospect: 21% (2021-2031)
When helping people and flying are your two passions, this is the dream job you've been searching for! Flight attendants monitor the security of passengers on the flight. You just need experience in customer service, and certification from the FAA is required to become a flight attendant officially.
Qualification: High school or College Diploma
Training: Culinary program courses
Experience: 5 years
Average Pay: $50,160
Job Prospect: 15% (2021-2031)
Head cooks prepare meals in food chains, residences, and other culinary venues. To become a head chef, you must work as a cook or sous chef in a professional restaurant. Moreover, a chef or head cook must be able to handle stressful situations with a team and have a commitment to the art of cooking.
Qualification: High school certification
Training: E-commerce Marketing Courses
Experience: None
Average Pay: $68,013
Job Prospect: 6% (2022-2032)
E-commerce managers develop a brand's overall online marketing tactics and optimize the online store to increase revenue and conversions. They work with content writers and graphic designers to expand their business. It serves as an excellent first step towards launching your own business down the road.
Higher education isn’t a piece of cake for everyone and doesn’t always guarantee financial success. But these top 15 highest-paying jobs without a degree will open your doors to a lucrative future.
Moreover, you can boost your wage by constantly upskilling, learning on the job, and getting promoted. Remember to always be strategic with your professional choices, and even enlist the assistance of a career coach to help you chase your dream career.
So, the question remains: Now that a college degree is no longer a roadblock, what's stopping you from building the successful career you truly deserve?
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