Are you looking for a high-paying job? There are plenty of options if you don’t have a college degree. Although it may seem like most roles require one, there are a lot of alternatives. Your previous experience, high school diploma or certifications can qualify you for top-earning tops.
1. Commercial Driver
The transportation industry always needs workers. You might enjoy being a commercial driver if you like long road trips and gas station snacks. Their whole job is about driving long distances to deliver goods. Since driving is the sole requirement, there are only a few steps to becoming one.
Keep in mind you’d need the past 10 years of your driving background checked. They won’t disqualify you if you’ve hit a few curbs, but they’ll take accidents more seriously. Your state will require you to get certifications for driving large vehicles, and they’ll need to clear you medically. In addition, you’ll have to take a skills test to measure your knowledge.
This is an excellent choice if you enjoy the open road and your alone time. Commercial drivers can also earn a lot. The salary in the United States is around $82,000 on average. Your experience and certifications will affect that number, but this job's pay is typically high and steady.
2. Storage and Distribution Manager
The supply chain offers a variety of jobs from fulfillment to delivery. Everything people buy online needs to be found, boxed up and shipped to their homes or business. Each step creates a job, many of which don’t require degrees.
A storage and distribution manager can get a high wage with only a high school education. Their job is to manage everything their employees store and ship. You’d need experience to become a manager, but previous customer service jobs can fill that gap.
While the job doesn’t sound luxurious, the pay is. These managers receive a salary of $98,000 on average. Your compensation could even reach over $162,000 on the higher end. It might take a while to get some experience, but you only need a high school diploma to land this job.
3. Sales Representative
Whether it was a summer job or something more long-term, most people have worked in customer service. You probably would’ve preferred anything else, but that experience is valuable — it can help you land a role as a sales representative.
Their job is to sell goods or services to clients. Typically, they work directly from the manufacturer instead of a third party. While some companies require college degrees, a background in the field is more valuable. Prior customer service experience translates well to sales.
The average starting salary is around $68,000, but you could get over $135,000 with a combination of knowledge and skill. Plus, sales often result in commission bonuses that increase your pay even more.
5. Real Estate Broker
Have you ever watched real estate shows and thought you could do better? Well, there’s a job for that — and it only requires a high school diploma and a license. A real estate broker helps people buy, rent or sell their properties.
While the average salary is around $62,000, there’s a strong possibility you’ll make more. Real estate brokers work off commission, so they get a cut of the final sale. Expensive homes grant you a more significant percentage, so you stand to make a lot if you’re good at your job and based in a nice location.
6. Cybersecurity Professional
Most recent generations have grown up with technology for their entire lives — a cybersecurity job can capitalize on that. It involves protecting data and systems against breaches and attacks. You can make a lot of money in this role with relatively little experience.
Although many cybersecurity professionals have degrees, they don’t necessarily need one. You can take online security certifications and courses instead of going to college. Besides, you can be self-employed and put your skills to use through freelancing.
Cybersecurity roles pay exceptionally well. You’re looking at upwards of $102,000 on average. More jobs are always needed since technology is constantly advancing, so this is an excellent opportunity for anyone with the right skills.
6. Electrician
Many people go into trades instead of college. While they can be a lot of work and require skill, the pay is impressive. Out of all of them, an electrician can earn the most.
Electricians install, maintain and repair wiring and electrical components. While the requirements to become an electrician vary based on location, many don’t need college degrees. It may help boost your initial salary, but your experience can compensate for not having one.
Besides that, you’ll likely need to complete an apprenticeship. You should be able to find one easily since electricians are always in demand. The time it takes will vary, but you should know it’s a commitment that may take a while.
Electricians are one of the higher-paid trades. Their salary is over $60,000 on average. You’re looking at a big payday with a few more years of experience. While it may take some time to get certified and be an apprentice, it’s worth it.
Get Paid Without a College Degree
With tuition prices rising every year, it may be smart to look for jobs that don’t require a college degree. Plenty of places offer jobs for people who don’t have one, but only some of them pay well. These top-earning jobs start with high salaries that only increase with experience and certifications.
