High Paying Jobs Without A College Degree
College is a goal for many individuals, but it is expensive. Many graduates are in debt as a result of the high expenditures of tuition, housing, and books. Furthermore, it can take decades to repay those student loans depending on the major. Total student debt in the United States is $1.73 trillion. This indicates that, with little more than 43 million student borrowers, each student has debts totaling on average $39,000. Though in general college graduates make more than high school graduates, the economy is not what it once was, and having a college degree is no guarantee of a high pay.
However, obtaining a college degree isn't the only method to ensure a prosperous future. We're highlighting five high-paying careers that don't need a college degree. The salaries listed are median salaries for 2020, which means that half of the positions in America will pay more and half less. The salary data is sourced from the United States. Labor Statistics Bureau.
Commercial Pilot
Even without a degree, if you have an interest in flying, you may become a commercial pilot. Pilots must, among other things, interact with air traffic control, submit flight plans, and inspect the aircraft's condition in addition to flying the aircraft. Commercial pilots can fly charter aircraft, run air ambulances, and do agricultural flights like crop-dusting, which sets them apart from airline pilots. They frequently have unpredictable or erratic schedules. Major airlines that operate on a set schedule that may include weekends and nighttime flights are where most airline pilots find employment. All you need to do to become a commercial pilot is finish your flight training and get a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). An aviation school is often where training takes place. To finish the training program and accumulate the 250 flight hours necessary by the FAA, it may take anywhere from six months to two years or more. However, possessing that license can indicate that you're headed for a long-term profession.
Web Developer
More web developers that understand how to build and maintain websites are needed because of the changing business climate. Designing the layout of a website and integrating apps and graphics are examples of "front-end" work. Web developers frequently focus on either "back-end" work or "back-end" work (technical construction of the website and writing the code that allows it to function). Since their abilities are applicable to numerous industries, like insurance, e-commerce, publishing, and finance to mention a few, developers have a variety of alternatives when it comes to the type of environment they wish to work in. A lot of web developers work for themselves.
The specifications for web developers vary from company to company and are based on business demands. You do need to be familiar with HTML as well as programming languages like JavaScript or SQL. Enrolling in a coding bootcamp is the simplest method to become a web developer without a college diploma. A coding bootcamp can be finished in just four to six months, and you'll graduate with a portfolio, an online presence, and valuable coding skills.
Transportation, Storage or Distribution Manager
These managers, who are frequently employed by shipping or trucking businesses, supervise the employees' adherence to safety regulations as well as the dispatching, routing, and tracking of goods. Although a college degree is not necessary, you must have at least five years of experience in the logistics or transportation sectors. According to USA Today, this occupation is the best earning for those without a college degree.
Police Detective
This job may be for you if you enjoy watching TV police dramas. Detectives gather information about potential crimes, hold interviews, examine records, and participate in raids and arrests. On larger forces, they might specialize in anything like fraud or murder. Working with accident and crime victims, as well as possibly having to operate in risky environments or deal with violent individuals, can make this job difficult. However, for individuals who enjoy problem-solving or giving assistance to others, it can be satisfying job. Many detectives begin their careers as police officers. You must have a high school graduation and finish the police academy, which might take three to eight months to complete, depending on the city or state. You can take the test to become a detective once you've served as a police officer for a while.
Line Installer or Repairer
Line installers and repairers around the nation install and fix electrical lines and fiber optics on telephone poles while working with high-voltage power. The risk of electrocution makes this one of the riskiest employment possibilities on our list. Being able to climb utility poles and operate at tremendous heights, possibly in a cramped bucket above a truck, makes it one of the physically toughest occupations. Additionally, you can be working in sweltering heat or bitter cold. The work of installation or repair specialists is possible. You need a high school graduation, a solid work ethic, and plenty of on-the-job training for either position. There are apprenticeship programs available through the Electrical Training Alliance.
