Current in Entrepreneurship Blog

Many people believe a college degree is essential for a good-paying, fulfilling career. But that's simply not true! There are many successful individuals, myself included, who haven't followed the traditional college path. This article explores 25 high-paying jobs (listed from lowest to highest median pay) that you can excel in without a bachelor's degree. Remember, while formal education may not be required, some of these roles involve apprenticeships, on-the-job training, or associate degrees.

High-Paying Jobs Without a College Degree

25 Jobs That Don’t Require College

25. Solar Photovoltaic Installer

• Median pay: $48,800

• Education needed: high school diploma, on-the-job training

• Job growth rate: 22%

Solar photovoltaic installers are like green ninjas, stealthily outfitting homes and businesses with solar panels that convert sunlight into clean energy. This role is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy travel. Plus, the job growth rate is a sizzling 22% – that's hotter than a sunbeam!

24. Sound Engineering Technician

• Median pay: $54,160

• Education needed: postsecondary nondegree award or associate degree

• Job growth rate: 2%

Be the Master of Sound!

Sound engineers are the silent heroes behind the scenes, making sure every concert, film, and radio broadcast sounds crystal clear. They set up and run complex sound systems, working across various industries like music, film, television, and radio. This fast-paced, high-energy career is perfect for those who crave travel and the thrill of live events. Just be prepared for nights, weekends, and the occasional rockstar tantrum!

23. Carpenter

• Median pay: $56,350

• Education needed: high school diploma, apprenticeship

• Job growth rate: 1%

Don't let the saying "old as carpentry" fool you! This essential profession is still a great choice for those who love working with their hands and building beautiful, functional things. Carpenters are the artisans behind everything from cabinets to custom furniture, using their skills to bring a vision to life. The knowledge is traditionally passed down through apprenticeships, allowing you to learn from a master carpenter while gaining valuable hands-on experience.

22. Real Estate Agent

• Median pay: $56,620

• Education needed: high school diploma, licensing requirements vary by state

• Job growth rate: 3%

Real estate agents are the matchmakers of the housing market, connecting buyers with their dream homes and sellers with qualified purchasers. The beauty of this career is its flexibility. You can set your own hours and tailor your workload to fit your lifestyle, perfect for those seeking a work-life balance. However, real estate is commission-based, so success rewards hard work and hustle. If you have a passion for sales and enjoy interacting with people, this dynamic field could be your perfect fit!

21. Firefighter

• Median pay: $57,120

• Education needed: postsecondary nondegree award

• Job growth rate: 4%

Remember dreaming of being a firefighter as a kid? Turns out, that dream can become reality! Firefighters are the real-life heroes who bravely rush into danger to rescue people, animals, and even buildings from fires. They play a vital role in protecting our communities and environment.Becoming a firefighter is a competitive process, and many departments require you to be a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) as well. But the rewards are immeasurable – the chance to make a real difference and the camaraderie of a close-knit team.

20. HVAC Technician

• Median pay: $57,300

• Education needed: trade school, long-term on-the-job training

• Job growth rate: 6%

These are the superheroes who swoop in to save the day whenever your heating or air conditioning unit goes out. And if you’ve ever lost AC in the middle of summer—or heat in the dead of winter—you understand exactly how big of a deal that is.

19. Hearing Aid Specialist

• Median pay: $58,670

• Education needed: high school diploma

• Job growth rate: 14%

Helping others rediscover the joy of sound – that's the magic of being a hearing aid specialist! You'll work alongside audiologists to fit, maintain, and repair hearing aids, ensuring patients can hear clearly once again. This role blends technical expertise with the satisfaction of interacting with people and improving their lives. Through screenings and tests, you'll fine-tune hearing aids for optimal performance, empowering patients to reconnect with the world around them. It's a truly rewarding career that offers the perfect mix of technical skill and human connection.

18. Sheet Metal Worker

• Median pay: $58,780

• Education needed: high school diploma, apprenticeship

• Job growth rate: 0%

Sheet metal workers can be employed in construction or manufacturing. They create and install products from thin metal sheets. It’s a physically demanding job that requires lifting, bending and squatting.

17. Licensed Practical Nurse

• Median pay: $59,730

• Education needed: postsecondary nondegree award

• Job growth rate: 5%

Ever feel called to a career in healthcare but worried about a four-year degree? Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are the answer! LPNs play a vital role on medical teams, working alongside doctors and registered nurses (RNs) to provide hands-on patient care. They take vital signs, administer medication, and ensure patient comfort through everyday tasks. The best part? You can get the training you need through an accredited program at a vocational school, allowing you to begin your healthcare career faster and without the burden of student loans.

16. Surgical Technologist

• Median pay: $60,370

• Education needed: postsecondary nondegree award or associate degree

• Job growth rate: 5%

Imagine yourself as part of a high-stakes medical team, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Surgical technologists, often called "surgical techs," are the backbone of the operating room. They work hand-in-hand with surgeons and nurses, meticulously preparing the surgical environment, sterilizing instruments, and anticipating the needs of the doctors throughout the operation. Their meticulous work and quick thinking are essential for successful surgeries.

15. Paralegal or Legal Assistant

• Median pay: $60,970

• Education needed: associate degree

• Job growth rate: 4%

Lawyers need lots of help to work their cases—they can’t do it all alone! That’s where paralegals or legal assistants enter the picture. They support attorneys by performing all sorts of tasks like keeping files organized, writing drafts of legal documents, and even conducting legal research.

14. Plumber

• Median pay: $61,550

• Education needed: high school diploma, apprenticeship

• Job growth rate: 2%

Plumbers install and repair piping systems in homes, factories and businesses. Because plumbers often respond to urgent calls (nothing is worse than a busted toilet!), they’re expected to occasionally work nights and weekends.

13. Electrician

• Median pay: $61,590

• Education needed: high school diploma, apprenticeship

• Job growth rate: 6%

Do you get a charge out of working with wires (terrible dad joke, we know)? If so, then a career as an electrician might be perfect for you! Electricians are the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep our world powered. They bring electricity to life in homes, buildings, and even transmission lines, ensuring everything from lights to appliances function smoothly. The best part? You can gain the skills you need through technical school or an apprenticeship, allowing you to launch your electrical career without a four-year degree.

12. Wind Turbine Technician

• Median pay: $61,770

• Education needed: postsecondary nondegree award, on-the-job training

• Job growth rate: 45%

Ever wondered how those giant windmills across vast landscapes generate clean energy? Wind turbine technicians are the green guardians who keep these marvels turning! This in-demand job involves installing and maintaining wind turbines, ensuring they capture the power of wind and convert it to renewable energy.If you crave fresh air and a stunning work environment, this job is a perfect fit. However, it's not for the faint of heart – wind turbine technicians must be comfortable working at heights and in potentially challenging weather conditions.

11. Occupational Therapy Assistant

• Median pay: $65,450

• Education needed: associate degree

• Job growth rate: 23%

Imagine a career where you help people regain independence and perform daily tasks with confidence. Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) play a vital role in supporting patients who have experienced injuries, illnesses, or age-related challenges.OTAs work alongside occupational therapists and doctors in hospitals, nursing homes, and therapy clinics. They design and implement therapeutic activities that help patients relearn essential skills for daily living, such as dressing, bathing, or preparing meals. This could involve anything from practicing using adaptive equipment to retraining motor skills.The beauty of this field is that it's both active and interactive. You'll get to connect with patients on a personal level, motivating them on their road to recovery. Plus, the job growth for OTAs is promising, making it a secure career choice. So, if you're passionate about helping others and making a real difference in their lives, then consider becoming an occupational therapy assistant!

10. Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representative

• Median pay: $73,080

• Education needed: varies, on-the-job training

• Job growth rate: 1%

Sales reps can work with a lot of different products in a variety of industries. Many positions are available to people with a high school diploma, but if you’re wanting to get into a more technical product, like medical instruments, you might need a bachelor’s degree.

9. Police Officer and Detective

• Median pay: $74,910

• Education needed: varies

• Job growth rate: 3%

Have you ever dreamed of a career that's both challenging and rewarding? Law enforcement offers a dynamic path for those with a strong sense of justice and a desire to serve their community.

The world of law enforcement is diverse, with roles ranging from patrol officers to detectives. While many positions require only a high school diploma, some specialized roles and faster career advancement may favor candidates with associate's or bachelor's degrees.

Here's the exciting part: you get to make a real difference. Law enforcement officers protect people and property, enforce laws, and investigate crimes. It's a demanding job, but the satisfaction of safeguarding your community and bringing criminals to justice is unparalleled.

So, if you're looking for a career filled with action, purpose, and the opportunity to make a positive impact, then explore the world of law enforcement!

8. Radiologic and MRI Technologist

• Median pay: $76,020

• Education needed: associate degree

• Job growth rate: 6%

Both X-rays and MRIs are diagnostic tools that help physicians and patients understand what’s going on inside the body. Techs are the workers who actually run the tests and work with physicians to get the information needed in order to make a diagnosis and treat patients.

7. Aerospace Technician

• Median pay: $77,830

• Education needed: associate degree

• Job growth rate: 8%

If you’ve always had a fascination with airplanes and enjoy technical work, then you might consider becoming an aerospace technician. You’ll work with aircraft or spacecraft to test and calibrate systems, as well as install and repair various parts.

6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer/Cardiovascular Technologist

• Median pay: $80,850

• Education needed: associate degree

• Job growth rate: 10%

Sonographers use medical equipment to create images of organs, tissues and blood vessels that allow people to understand what’s going on inside their bodies. Cardiovascular techs work with physicians to perform complex procedures related to heart health, such as inserting stents or pacemakers. They also help perform tests to diagnose cardiac health problems in patients. These jobs are experiencing higher than average growth, which means you should have plenty of employment opportunities if you go this route!

5. Dental Hygienist

• Median pay: $87,530

• Education needed: associate degree

• Job growth rate: 7%

While cleaning teeth may not be for everyone, dental hygienists get a chance to impact their patients’ lives by taking care of their oral health. They screen patients, take X-rays, remove plaque from teeth, and counsel patients about good hygiene and nutrition habits. Most programs take three years to complete, and you must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam in order to practice.

4. Web Developer

• Median pay: $92,750

• Education needed: technology training

• Job growth rate: 16%

Web developers blend a unique set of technical and creative skills to design and build websites. This is a high-demand job that you can find in a variety of agencies or businesses. Or you can even strike out on your own as a freelancer if you’re willing to make solid connections. And the pay is great!The typical entry-level education for a web developer is a bachelor’s degree, but there are plenty of coders with a full-time job out there who learned the craft outside of a college environment. (We have a ton of them here at Ramsey.) If you think this could be the path for you, reaching out to my friends at Bethel Tech is a great place to start.

3. Nuclear Technician

• Median pay: $101,740

• Education needed: associate degree

• Job growth rate: -1%

Nuclear techs work in nuclear power plants and use computers and other equipment to monitor and run nuclear reactors. They work closely with scientists and engineers, looking at key factors like temperature, pressure and radiation levels. Even though the -1% growth rate for this job doesn’t look very promising on the surface, that just means the number of available positions shouldn’t change much, if at all, over the next 10 years.

2. Elevator Installer and Repairer

• Median pay: $102,420

• Education needed: high school diploma

• Job growth rate: 1%

This is one of those random jobs that most people take for granted. As it turns out, elevator installers and repairers make good money working with their hands. They’re often required to be on call 24 hours a day for repairs. And it’s no surprise that they often work in cramped spaces around heavy machinery. (If you’re afraid of heights, this probably isn’t the job for you!)

1. Air Traffic Controller

• Median pay: $137,380

• Education needed: associate degree

• Job growth rate: 1%

Imagine yourself in a high-tech tower, like the ones you see at airports, guiding planes through a complex dance in the sky. Air traffic controllers are the maestros of the skies, ensuring the safe takeoff, journey, and landing of countless aircraft. This fast-paced, high-pressure role demands focus and precision, as you orchestrate air traffic to avoid collisions and keep everything running smoothly.

While nights and weekends are often part of the schedule, the reward is knowing you play a vital role in keeping passengers and crew safe. If you crave a dynamic, purpose-driven career, then becoming an air traffic controller could be your perfect flight path!

Forget the pressure of a one-size-fits-all approach to careers. There are amazing, high-paying jobs you can crush without the burden of student loans.

Here's the truth: College isn't the only path to success. You hold the key to a fulfilling career, not a fancy piece of paper.

Explore Your Options!

We just saw 25 incredible examples (and there are many more!) that prove a college degree isn't a dealbreaker. These careers offer the chance to use your talents, pursue your passions, and create results you truly care about.

Break Free from the Mold!

College degrees have become a status symbol, often leading to the misconception that they're the only way to succeed. Don't listen to that noise!There are fantastic opportunities waiting for those who choose a different route.

So, what's your secret sauce to success? You are! Your unique skills, drive, and interests are what will propel you forward.

Ready to explore your options? Let's find a career path that ignites your passions and sets you on the road to a fulfilling future!