11 High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree or Experience in 2023
By Reid - July 19, 2023
Jobs that require no degree
You don’t need a college degree or a four-year education to land a job making good wages.
Many positions that don't require a degree still need some apprenticeship training or certification before making the big bucks, though.
Here are a few high-paying jobs you might want to pursue without a degree.
Questions Answered (Updated 2023)
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Can you get a job without a degree?
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_Jobs that pay well without a degree in 202_3
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Additional trade jobs that pay good wages
Can you get a job without a degree?
Of course, you can get a job without having a college degree!
While having a college degree is required for many careers, you do not need one to land a Job making good wages and experiencing a rewarding career.
The talents and skills you develop in other areas of your life are just as valuable toward job growth.
There are good-paying jobs that don’t require any higher education - providing extraordinary lives for the dedicated employees working them.
And while some education does improve your chances of finding a high-paying job, many people don’t have the time or money to earn a college degree.
Lucky for us, there are plenty of high-paying jobs out there!
High-paying jobs that only require some on-the-job experience/training, two years of schooling, postsecondary certification, or a high-school diploma.
This quick read will provide a few of these career types, along with advice on finding your perfect fit!
Here are 11 jobs that pay well without a degree (provided by Business Insider)
1. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
They coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities by organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations.
The distribution manager oversees the distribution of products, inventory, and parts. To achieve set goals, you have to manage distribution operations and set distribution goals. This is an eye-opener for you to quickly identify resources, provide assistance, and perform workload assignments to ensure productivity. - Zippia
Median pay: $89,190
On-the-job training: Minimal
Indeed Jobs: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=distribution+manager&l=
2. Commercial Pilot
They handle the transportation of goods, charter flights, and general tours, amongst other flight activities. Along with their regular flight responsibilities, they also perform duties such as aircraft maintenance and scheduling of flights.
Median pay: $82,000
On-the-job training: Pilot's license through instructor coaching
Indeed Jobs: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=commercial+pilot&l=
3. Web Developers / Programmers
A web developer's job is to create websites. While their primary role is to ensure the website is visually appealing and easy to navigate, many web developers are also responsible for its performance and capacity. - Coursera
Building attractive and functional websites demands plenty of technical skills, but that doesn’t always require advanced schooling.
Online courses and on-the-job experience can also teach you the skills needed to succeed as a web developer.
Median pay: $67,990
On-the-job training: Internship or short-term on-the-job coaching
Indeed Jobs: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=web+developer&l=
Related:
4. Police Captain/Sergeant
Police supervisors are law enforcement workers who manage and coordinate the activities of the police force. They are responsible for their staff and must ensure all procedures are followed according to the law.
The police are generally charged with apprehending suspects and preventing, detecting, and reporting crime within a specific area.
Median pay: $89,000
On-the-job training: Training and on-the-job experience (some may require college credits)
Indeed Jobs: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=police+supervisor&l=
5. Air Traffic Controllers
These workers monitor and direct aircraft movements by radar, which they then relay to the pilots. This helps prevent accidents from occurring.
The median annual wages of air-traffic controllers are the highest of any occupation in which workers typically do not need a bachelor's degree.
Median pay: $122,410
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job coaching
Indeed Jobs: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=air+traffic+control&l=
6. Elevator Installers and Repairers
An elevator mechanic constructs, modernizes, repairs, or services conveyances.
Typically elevator mechanics work on elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, wheelchair lifts, moving walkways, and other equipment providing vertical transportation. - Wiki
Median pay: $78,890
On-the-job training: Apprenticeship
Indeed Jobs: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=elevator+mechanic&l=
7. Equipment Operator
Equipment operators run machinery of all varieties (excavators, pavers, rollers, dump trucks) to repair roads, maintain bridges, and build large buildings (amongst other duties).
There are also several indoor equipment operator-related jobs that fall under this bucket. The most common is your standard forklift driver.
Median pay: $48,000
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job coaching
Indeed Jobs: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=equipment+operator&l=
8. First-line supervisors of firefighting
Firefighting and prevention worker supervisors make firefighter assignments based on their assessment of the extent of the fire, risk to persons, surrounding conditions, and water supply status.
They instruct and drill personnel in their duties, including medical care and hazardous materials response. - Careeronsestop
Median pay: $74,540
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job coaching
Indeed Jobs: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=firefighter&l=
9. HVAC Technician
An HVAC Technician, or a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician, installs, repairs and maintains various air quality systems for those who require help within their home.
This very hands-on role requires knowledge of the various pieces of equipment in the house, along with excellent customer service skills.
Median pay: $48,000
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job coaching
Indeed Jobs: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=hvac&l=
10. Postmasters and mail superintendents
These superintendents manage the operational, administrative, and supportive services of a US post office location. They also coordinate the activities of employees engaged in postal work within the office.
This is a hands-on type of position that typically requires a valid driver's license and a passed background check.
Median pay: $71,670
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job coaching
Indeed Jobs: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=postmaster+mail&l=
11. Massage Therapist
Massage therapists help relieve painful muscle aches and reduce stress by using touch and pressure (using the hands, elbows, etc.) to manipulate the muscles and tissues within the body.
People with specific health conditions or wanting to enhance their overall body wellness will often visit a massage therapist.
Median pay: $41,000
On-the-job training: Certificate and hours of hands-on experience
Indeed Jobs: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=massage+therapist&l=
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are some jobs that pay over $40,000?
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Broadcast/SoundTechnicians | Median Salary: $44,000
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Bookkeeper | Median Salary: $40,000
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Die/Tool Maker | Median Salary: $45,000
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Court Reporter | Median Salary: $57,000
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Claims Adjuster | Median Salary: $65,000
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Real Estate Broker | Median Salary $58,000
What are some Trades that Pay Well?
These trades aren’t just another option; they often include higher salaries and provide more security than many options you would generate with a college degree.
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Electrician | Median Salary: $61,000
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Concrete/Cement Mason | Median Salary: $50,000
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Plumber | Median Salary: $50,000
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Heavy Machinery Operator | Median Salary: $44,000
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Welder | Median Salary: $38,000
What are the Best High-Paying Gigs Online?
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Virtual Assistant: Most companies require a high school degree at the very least, and they make, on average, $46,000 per year
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Online Proofreader: There's no degree required, and they make, on average, $35,000 per year
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Freelance Writer: No degree is required, but some training or past writing experience will help. They make, on average, $35,000 per year.
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Blogger: Absolutely nothing is required to start a blog and make money from it. The earning potential has a wide range of outcomes.
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Survey Taker: Another online gig that doesn't require experience. The payout per survey depends on the platform you are utilizing.
Wrapping Up | Jobs that pay well without a degree
Earning your bachelor's or master's degree can often put you on top of the list for good quality job openings - No doubt about it!
But many of the most desired job positions in the work world today require a body of knowledge not covered in your typical $200,000 college degree.
Many openings look for skills, experience, and certifications instead of your typical university education. To locate your great paying job without a higher education requirement, simply:
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Find what you enjoy doing
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Google the qualifications attached to that job
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Get to work with training or developing on-the-job experience
Stay confident in your job search, and best of luck out there - you got this!
Check out TheStreet’s article, which provides 25 additional options that might work for you. 25 Highest Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
Title:11 Jobs that Pay Well Without a Degree (Careers without College)
Category: theGuidance
Co-Author: Reid is a contributor for theJub. He's an employment and marketing enthusiast who studied business before taking on various recruiting, management, and marketing roles. More from the author. | Author Profile
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