What if I told you that they were several paths to success without a college degree?
Now here's the good part. What if I told you they're many successful entrepreneurs without a college degree? People who have made significant contributions to history have often done it without the benefit of formal education. Many high-paying and rewarding careers are available without a college degree, despite what our society, your family, or even your own mind might be telling you.
If you don't want to go to college for years, there are many jobs for people who don't have a degree. With high school graduation, some level of training, and some post-secondary education, you can easily secure some of these jobs.
These 25 careers in the United States don't need a four-year degree, so read on to learn more.
25 U.S jobs that don't require a 4-year degree
- Firefighter
Average pay: $52,500.
Education: postsecondary nondegree award
When pondering their future professions, many young people consider becoming a fireman as an option. In truth, firemen are true heroes!" Extinguishing hazardous flames allows them to save lives, protect property, and protect the environment. Firefighter recruitment is a competitive procedure that may also need training as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)
- Plumber
Average pay: $56,330.
Education: apprenticeship or a high school diploma
Installing and repairing plumbing systems in houses, companies, factories, and other structures is the work of plumbers. Plumbers are required to work occasional evenings and weekends.
- Aerospace Technician
Average pay: $68,570
Education: associate degree
If you've always had an interest in aircraft and love working with your hands, you may want to seek a career as a technician in aerospace. Among your duties will be testing and calibrating systems, and also installing and repairing different components on airplanes or spacecraft.
- Executive Assistant
Average pay: $63,110
Education: high school diploma
It is the job of executive assistants to support commercial or charity executives. They take care of the executive's schedule, perform tasks on their behalf, and conduct a broad range of administrative duties to keep the business operating smoothly. They serve as the backbone of every organization's most prominent leaders.
- Flight Attendant
Average pay: $59,050
Education: associate degree
Flight attendant employment is likely to grow in the following decade despite being struck severely by the epidemic. Anyone who enjoys traveling will like their job as one of these employees. Preflight checks and responding to any emergency circumstances are among the duties of flight attendants.
- Sheet Metal Worker
Average pay: $51,370.
Education: apprenticeship or a high school diploma
Workers in the sheet metal industry may find employment in both the construction and manufacturing industries. They use thin metal sheets to fabricate and install their products. Physical exertion is required for the profession, which includes lifting heavy objects, bending, and crouching.
- Law enforcement officers and investigators.
Average pay: $67,290.
Education: varies
A career in law enforcement is both taxing and rewarding. It's obvious what you need to do: protect your charges, catch the criminals, and solve cases. A high school diploma is sufficient for the majority of jobs; nevertheless, some employers prefer individuals with an associate's or bachelor's degree, making it worthwhile to return to school.
- Sound Engineering Technician
Average pay: $54,740.
Education: postsecondary nondegree award or certificate
Unglamorous and uninteresting, yet necessary in show business. Everything from Broadway productions to televised debates would be inaudible without a sound technician.
The connection between the artist and the audience is provided by the sound engineering specialists during a performance or speech.
If you have a postsecondary nondegree award or certificate, you can apply for this job.
- Electrician
Average pay: $86,900
Education: apprenticeship or a high school diploma
A career as an electrician may be right for you if you like tinkering with electrical systems. You may learn on-the-job skills by taking classes at a technical college or finding an apprenticeship. For example, electricians work with transmission lines and other devices that need electricity to operate.
- Web Developer
Average pay: $77,200 a year.
Education: associate degree
To design and construct websites, web developers combine a unique mix of technical and artistic talents. This is a well-paying career that may be found in a wide range of organizations. For those who have the initiative to network effectively, they may even be able to go it alone as a freelancer. In addition, the payout is excellent!
- Air Traffic Controller
Average pay: $130,420.
Education: associate degree
It is a thrilling and high-stakes profession to be an air traffic controller on the ground. At airports, you'll find them in those high-rise buildings with a lot of glass. To keep up with flight schedules, air traffic controllers would often work late into the night and on weekends. Making ensuring that people fly, travel, and land safely is a challenging yet rewarding profession!
- Dental Hygienist
Average pay: $77,000
Education: associate degree
Dental hygienists have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their patients by ensuring their oral health. Patients are examined, x-rays are taken, plaque is removed from teeth, and patients are counseled on proper oral hygiene and diet. To work as a dental hygienist, you must finish a three-year curriculum and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam.
- Sales Representatives in Wholesale and Manufacturing
Average pay: $65,420
Education: varies, on-the-job training
Sales representatives may operate in a wide range of sectors and goods. High school education is sufficient for many jobs, but a bachelor's degree may be required if you wish to work with highly technical products, such as medical devices.
- Elevator Installer and Repairer
Average pay: $88,544.
Education: high school diploma
This is one of those odd tasks that is taken for granted by the majority of the populace! Working with your hands is a lucrative career for elevator installers and repairers.
As a result, they're used to working in tight quarters alongside heavy gear. They're typically on call around the clock for emergencies. This may not be the work for you if you're terrified of heights!
- Nuclear Technician
Average pay: $84,190
Education: associate degree
Nuclear technicians are responsible for maintaining and operating nuclear reactors in power facilities. With scientists and engineers, they have an important role to play. Keep in mind that this profession is in decline, which means that you won't have a steady source of income in the future.
- Cardiovascular Technologists/Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Average pay: $70,380
Education: associate's degree
People can better grasp what's going on within their bodies thanks to the pictures created by sonographers using medical technology. Stents and pacemakers may be implanted by cardiovascular technicians in tandem with doctors. Cardiac health screenings may also be performed by these professionals.
If you decide to pursue a career in this field, you'll have lots of chances for work!
- Radiologic and MRI Technologists
Average pay: $63,71
Education: associate degree
Radiology scans like MRI and x-rays are useful diagnostic tools for doctors and patients alike since they show what's going on within the body. Techs are the people who actually do the tests and collaborate with doctors to get the data necessary to diagnose and treat patients.
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
Average pay: $60,950.
Education: associate degree
Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals develop and practice the skills they need to live and work. In the majority of cases, occupational therapy is used to aid the elderly or those who have been injured to conduct everyday duties in their homes.
Occupation therapy assistants serve in nursing homes, therapy offices, and hospital patients, by assisting therapists and physicians. It's a fast-paced and engaging career that provides you with a lot of chances to engage with others! In addition, the outlook for employment growth is promising.
- Wind Turbine Technician
Average pay: $56,230
Education needed: on-the-job training or postsecondary nondegree award
On the breezy plains of Kansas and the rest of the nation, giant white pinwheels called wind turbines may be seen. The need for specialists is growing exponentially as these renewable energy sources gain in popularity.
Wind turbines are installed and maintained by technicians. This is not work for those who are afraid of heights or who don't want to spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Hearing Aid Specialist
Average pay: $52,630.
Education: high school diploma
Hearing aid experts and audiologists work together to fit, repair, and maintain hearing devices for their clients. Hearing aids are tested and screened to make sure they are operating properly. The duties of this job need both technical expertise and interpersonal skills. The best part is that you get to offer the gift of hearing to others, which is amazing!
- Real Estate Agent
Average pay: $51,220
Education: high school diploma
Clients work with real estate agents to purchase and sell houses. Real estate is great since it's a commission-based business, so you get to earn profit based on how much you sell. Growing your company doesn't have to be a full-time job; you may do it on the side with less commitment. To be a real estate agent, you must have a natural aptitude for sales and the ability to deal with people.
- Insurance Sales Agent
Average pay: $52,180
Education: high school diploma
As a general rule, a college degree is not necessary to become an insurance sales representative. An insurance sales agent may either specialize in a specific type of insurance or offer a wide range of insurance products.
- Computer Support Specialist
Average pay: $52,270
Education: associate's degree
Fortunately for this occupation, the digital revolution means that this employment won't disappear.
They report just "average" stress, which suggests that computer support specialists love their professions. An office, a contact center, or even a home office may be their choice of location to do their computer troubleshooting in the hopes of alleviating the frustration of someone who is in a state of panic or rage.
- Patrol Officer
Average pay: $65,540
Education: high school diploma or GED
Patrol officers have one of the best jobs for those without a college degree, thanks to the low unemployment rate and the excellent pay. Upon completing a training program, they may be able to manage traffic, patrol locations, and investigate accidents.
- Brickmason and Blockmason
Average pay: $53,100
Education: high school diploma
Working with their hands is a hobby for some individuals. If that's you, you may be a potential brick mason or block mason.
In both tasks, structural stone blocks and bricks are involved. There is a lot more to this job than you may assume. Building with bricks and stones requires the ability to properly break or cut them, as well as the ability to mix and apply mortar and also assemble the bricks.
Someone who is detail-oriented and appreciates working with their hands is ideal for this job.