The Top 11 Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree

Not everyone has time to devote to a college degree program. Some of the highest paying jobs do not require any degree or specialization.

Discover the best-paying jobs that don't require a college degree. This will help you decide where to concentrate your efforts for professional development.

1. Commercial pilot

Commercial pilots work for private individuals, such as well-off businesspeople or smaller companies. They are similar to "normal", but with one major difference: they do not work for the big airlines. Commercial pilots are employed by private individuals such as wealthy businessmen, or smaller companies. They don't have to hold a bachelor's degree in aeronautical or aviation science.

You can therefore become a commercial airline pilot by combining your pilot's licence with on-the-job-training. Remember that it can take a few more years to obtain a commercial pilot's licence, even if studying full-time. This could be an exciting career if you have little to do at home and enjoy traveling.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, commercial pilots typically earn about $135,000 a yearly. A bachelor's degree is not required, but an associate's degree can make you more competitive.

Police officer

Police officers are often bachelors degree holders in criminal justice, or other majors. However, they are not legally required to have one. You can be a policeman, detective, or other similar professions without a college degree.

You only need to pass the entrance exam of your state's police academy. Most of these entrance exams require that you have completed high school. After you pass the entrance exam, you will complete your police training. This can take from six months to one year, depending on the state's requirements.

This on-the job training program is designed to teach applicants everything they need to know to become a successful officer.

As a policeman, you will likely earn a good salary at first. Your pay may increase the longer you remain in the force. The average police officer earns about $66,000 per year.

Executive Assistant

Executive assistants provide professional assistance to businesspeople, chief executives, and other professionals. An executive assistant may be assigned to a CEO in order to:

Organise the CEO's schedule.

This is a good entry-level job with some room for growth. The salary is reasonable at first, but can grow with formal education or a certificate.

Consider executive assistants to be personal assistants. Executive assistants have excellent communication and organizing skills, as well as a good grasp on time management. Executive assistants can earn a salary of up to $40,000 without having a four-year college degree.

4. Flight attendant

Between flights, flight attendants serve food and drinks to passengers and clean the aircraft cabins. The majority of the customer service provided to passengers by the major airlines is done by flight attendants. Flight attendants are able to travel the world almost for free. They also receive other perks from their employers.

Flight attendants work long hours because they travel from and to airports. They are also away from their homes all the time. They still make a good salary despite not having to have any additional education beyond a high-school diploma. This hands-on job is in high demand and does not require a degree.

The average salary for a flight attendant in the United States is $61,000.

5. Electrician

Electricians are among the many trades that suffer from a shortage of young professionals. If you're looking to make money without a degree, becoming an electrician is a good option. You'd go to a trade school and gain extensive experience on the job before becoming a licensed electrician.

Electricians install power lines, repair electrical appliances and powerlines for residential and commercial areas. Electricians love their jobs because they do something new every day and are in high demand. If you have the skills to become an electrician, it is possible to work anywhere in the globe. This gives you more flexibility.

The average salary of an electrician is $60,000.

The Plumber

Plumbers are also very well paid, and they don't require a degree. The majority of candidates need only two years' experience and on the job training before they can get their plumber's licence from a private or trade school. The cost of technical school is also lower than that of a traditional university.

Plumbers are needed in both residential and commercial settings to repair plumbing systems, fix errors, and perform regular maintenance. Plumbers are usually in high demand, and their jobs are generally secure.

If you want to concentrate more on business, you could also open your own plumbing firm once you have acquired enough expertise and skills in the industry. The average plumber earns about $60,000 per year.

Brickmason

Brickmasons, a subset within the construction industry, are responsible for creating bricks as well as other structural stones that can be used to build, polish and maintain commercial and residential buildings. Brickmasons are skilled at laying bricks, but they also make structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. They combine bricklaying with architectural skills.

A high school diploma is required, as well as a completed apprenticeship. This is not the equivalent of a university degree. Brickmasons earn a very good salary for the education needed to be successful, around $48,000 per year.

Wind turbine technician

Wind turbine technicians are in greater demand than ever. These mechanical professionals are licensed and can build, maintain, and repair windmills for cities. It is a dangerous job, because you must be comfortable working at heights. If you successfully complete the on-the job training program, it is possible to earn a great salary within two years.

Makes $56,000 per year.

9. Firefighter

Firefighters receive excellent salaries for taking on life-threatening situations. Firefighters must be physically fit and have completed two years of training to become licensed.

After completing the training, many people have excellent job security. They can also take pride in their work because it is so important. They are always saving people from burning buildings, and helping to put out fires.

Firefighters earn about $51,000 per year.

Computer Support Specialist

Consider becoming a computer specialist if you are interested in information technology, and would like to earn more money faster. Computer support specialists help clients with computer and tech problems, including those of business customers. Computer support specialists must have some understanding of computers and computer sciences, but not a degree. Most computer support specialists earn about $34,000 per annum.

11. Real estate agent

Profits for real estate agents can be huge, depending on their market and personal marketing and communication expertise. Most often, real estate agents are employed by realtors or real estate agencies. They earn their licenses through showcasing and selling properties to potential homebuyers.

Real estate agents must be able to barter and negotiate, and hustle to secure great deals. Most successful real estate agents earn a staggering amount of money. Real estate agents work closely with professionals from other industries, such as contractors, salespeople and others.

Average real estate agents earn $49,000 per year.

Many great opportunities exist

These jobs are all excellent choices for those who want to earn more money without a college degree. Do more research to find out the requirements of each job before you apply.