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What are some jobs that are high paying but don't require a college degree?
I'm wondering if there are any jobs that you don't need a college degree for that still provide a high salary.
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14 answers
Updated
Anish’s Answer
Recently read an interesting article in the WSJ on this (https://www.wsj.com/articles/employers-rethink-need-for-college-degrees-in-tight-labor-market-11669432133). More and more employers are dropping the requirement for college degrees for certain jobs. Emphasis is on experience and skills, so start with what you have done so far, what personal experiences you have that you think would help make you good at certain jobs.
My own view on careers is to start with things that you are interested in, and the things you are good at, then look at jobs that are related to that. Career progress and increased pay comes from doing well at whatever you are doing, and people generally do better in at things they enjoy.
My own view on careers is to start with things that you are interested in, and the things you are good at, then look at jobs that are related to that. Career progress and increased pay comes from doing well at whatever you are doing, and people generally do better in at things they enjoy.
Anish, thank you!
Finn
Updated
Myra’s Answer
You can learn programming or design for web development online and create a portfolio of work you can use for job applications. You do not need a college degree for programming work. You can join online gig websites like fiverr or join a recruiting agency to get a few projects and offer to build/design to local business to get real work delivered and referrals from business owners.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Finn
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Finn,
One can always attend a technical school to obtain a trade like an Electrician; Plumber; Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician; Automotive Repair and so forth. These positions pay well and do not require a 4 year college degree. You can check with your high school guidance counselor for more information about trade schools and the career positions within the various industries.
Here are a couple of sites to check out salary ranges, positions and company profiles:
- www.glassdoor.com
- www.indeed.com
- www.linkedin.com
Good luck in your educational studies and future career path!
One can always attend a technical school to obtain a trade like an Electrician; Plumber; Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician; Automotive Repair and so forth. These positions pay well and do not require a 4 year college degree. You can check with your high school guidance counselor for more information about trade schools and the career positions within the various industries.
Here are a couple of sites to check out salary ranges, positions and company profiles:
- www.glassdoor.com
- www.indeed.com
- www.linkedin.com
Good luck in your educational studies and future career path!
Thank you for giving me advice.
Finn
Updated
Ankur’s Answer
Indeed! There are several opportunities for employment without a college degree. Healthcare is an area to seriously think through if you are interested in building a career without a college degree - home health, community health workers, lab technicians and the list is endless. You could also build on expertise and get certifications as you get more tenured in the role.
Thank you for the advice, Ankur.
Finn
There are several options for work without a college degree - there are many skilled jobs that are required for service industries - sales, plumbers, electricians, landscapers etc that a industry certification would help.
Rukhshana Motiwala
Updated
Bhavin’s Answer
There are awesome answers already to this question. I will try to provide a different perspective. While you can look into high-paying jobs, I would also suggest that you find jobs/areas where you can be really really awesome in the field -- aspire to be the best in the world -- if you orient your perspective in this way, you may enjoy whatever you do and most probably also excel -- improving not just your chances of earning more but also surviving bad weather of ups and downs and not giving up early and having a meaningful life.
Check out this resource used by many people successful at Stanford:
https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Your-Life-Well-Lived-Joyful/dp/1101875321/
Check out this resource used by many people successful at Stanford:
https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Your-Life-Well-Lived-Joyful/dp/1101875321/
Thank you so much!
Finn
Updated
Fred’s Answer
A salary is usually dependent on several factors. The supply (or number) of available workers is a primary one. If a job requires a college degree, that limits the number of people who can do the work, thus driving up the price paid (salary). Jobs that don't require college degree have more people who meet the qualifications, so there is a larger supply of workers, thus driving the price down.
Some of the positions Felicia lists don't require a college degree, but do require some training or certification. This certainly costs less than a college degree, though.
These are general guidelines. I'm sure there are very high paying jobs without a college degree, but my belief is they are few and far between, and hard to get when they do come around.
Some of the positions Felicia lists don't require a college degree, but do require some training or certification. This certainly costs less than a college degree, though.
These are general guidelines. I'm sure there are very high paying jobs without a college degree, but my belief is they are few and far between, and hard to get when they do come around.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Finn
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Finn:
Here's a short list of jobs that do not require a degree (in no particular order of importance).
• Postal Service Mail Carrier
• Carpenter
• Customer Service Representative
• Electrician
• Plumber
• Copywriter
• Appliance Technician
• Sales Representative
• Driver
• Real Estate Agent
Other jobs that do not require a degree:
• Database Admin
• Pharmacy Technician
• Dental Hygienist
• Paralegal
• Web Developer
• Consultant
• Travel Agent
• Courier
Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
40 Jobs You Can Get Without a College Degree • https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-without-a-degree
Here's a short list of jobs that do not require a degree (in no particular order of importance).
• Postal Service Mail Carrier
• Carpenter
• Customer Service Representative
• Electrician
• Plumber
• Copywriter
• Appliance Technician
• Sales Representative
• Driver
• Real Estate Agent
Other jobs that do not require a degree:
• Database Admin
• Pharmacy Technician
• Dental Hygienist
• Paralegal
• Web Developer
• Consultant
• Travel Agent
• Courier
Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Christine’s Answer
I'd check out these fields from Google certificates. https://www.coursera.org/google-career-certificates?utm_source=gg&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=15-GoogleCareerCert-Student-US&utm_content=15-GoogleCareerCert-Student-US&campaignid=14390440220&adgroupid=129244555187&device=c&keyword=&matchtype=&network=g&devicemodel=&adpostion=&creativeid=636546041217&hide_mobile_promo&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4aacBhCUARIsAI55maHMHAK2l5GmLkI8kQLqeh-SHu0vxpDqyWkiFtB_yGl8y0RJkpfpgKsaAu5tEALw_wcB
Thank you so much!
Finn
Hi Christine, this doesn't fully answer the question. How would this course be helpful?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Updated
James’s Answer
I'm going to take a different approach when answering this question. Whatever job you want, just apply and see what happens. All you need is to get in front of someone. If you can secure an interview, it is then your job to sell yourself as the best candidate for the job.
I applied for a position in the past that I was not qualified at all for. I sold myself as a viable candidate because I made myself stand out from the other applicants. I made not having a degree and experience an asset, rather than a liability.
I applied for a position in the past that I was not qualified at all for. I sold myself as a viable candidate because I made myself stand out from the other applicants. I made not having a degree and experience an asset, rather than a liability.
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Coding or data science boot camp
Updated
Sonal’s Answer
You can also look into some vocational schooling offerings. There are lot of possibilities with gaining some expertise via vocational school in something you are already good at. Hope this helps
Thank you, Sonal!
Finn
Updated
Felicia’s Answer
There are several opportunities for employment without a college degree such as: Real Estate, Dental Hygienist, Loan Officer, Fitness Aid, Home Health, Caregiver, Tutors, Medical Assistant, Hairstylist, Massage Therapy, Candle Makers.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Finn
Updated
Victor’s Answer
Swimming pool cleaner - work for 2 or 3 years then start your own company
Pest Control - Both sales and technicians make pretty good
Solar - Both sales and technicians make pretty good
Welding - Welders will always have a job though it is a physically demanding one.
Plumbers
Hvac Technicians - Will also always have a job
Telephone pole climbers - these people work for telecommunication or electrical companies and in some cities they make 6 figures
Pest Control - Both sales and technicians make pretty good
Solar - Both sales and technicians make pretty good
Welding - Welders will always have a job though it is a physically demanding one.
Plumbers
Hvac Technicians - Will also always have a job
Telephone pole climbers - these people work for telecommunication or electrical companies and in some cities they make 6 figures
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Finn
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Today there are a ton of career opportunities that dont require a college degree. Alot of companies actually look for more specialized experience or proof of a strong worth ethic. Alot of careers in the Business field, Real Estate, Maintenance or Repair Workers, Flight Attendents, Community Health Workers, most Administrative roles, Cook, Fire Fighter/Police Officer, the list goes on and on.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Finn