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5 High Paying Jobs Without a Degree

Finding high paying jobs without a degree may seem impossible to some residents.



That is because many believe that high-salaried jobs are reserved for workers with post-graduate degrees such as doctors and lawyers.

However, jobs without a degree are available to career seekers with limited educations.

The jobs mentioned in the sections below offer an opportunity for residents to obtain high-paying work without spending a substantial amount of time and money on education.

High paying jobs without a college education are available in a variety of sectors.



Furthermore, some of the best paying jobs without a degree offer salaries that rival those of college-educated workers.

While some of the jobs mentioned below require a certificate or special training, none require a bachelor’s degree.  Thus, many residents, especially those in single-parent or large-family households can greatly benefit from employment in these careers.

Read on to learn about the numerous jobs that pay high salaries.

Air Traffic Controller

An air traffic controller is responsible for coordinating air traffic. They ensure that planes are flying at safe distances away from each other. In addition, they:

  • Instruct pilots when to take off and land.
  • Manage the communication between aircrafts and of traffic control centers.
  • Provide pilots with important information and updates.
  • Monitor the movement of aircrafts.

Air traffic controller jobs typically do not require applicants to have traditional four-year degrees from universities. However, the FAA does prefer applicants who have previous work experience in the airline or aircraft industry. In order to qualify for an air traffic controller position, applicants must:



  • Be citizens of the United States.
  • Earn a passing score on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exam.
  • Complete and FAA Academy training course.
  • Pass a medical examination.
  • Undergo a background check.

The average air traffic controller pay is $84,000 per year. Entry-level salaries are typically lower but they do increase as the controller gains more training and experience.

This is a top job without a degree as experienced air traffic controllers can earn salaries that are greater than $100,000.

Radiologic Technologist

A radiologic technologist takes x-rays of patients in order to assist physicians in diagnosing diseases.

They utilize special radiological equipment and precautions to reduce the exposure to radiation. They often work with a medical team, especially those who are involved in radiologic treatment.

A radiologist salary can range from $39,000 to $100,000 depending on experience, field, location and specialty.

For instance, a radiologic technologist working for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs can earn $64,000 while another working for a small hospital might earn closer to $45,000.

This is a high paying job without a degree as technicians are not required to have a four-year university education to begin working.

A radiology technician only requires a special license to begin seeking working in their state. Moreover, technicians may wish to obtain additional certification in order to practice specific radiology techniques.

For example, a certification is required to be a:

  • Computed tomography technologist.
  • Bone densitometry technologist.
  • Nuclear medicine technologist.
  • Mammographer.
  • Sonographer.

Furthermore, certain radiology technician jobs require applicants to at least have a two-year college education.



However, residents who are just beginning their careers in radiation technologies and treatment do not need to be concerned about having extensive education.

Mail Carrier

A mail carrier collects, sorts and delivers mail and packages. Additionally, they may sell stamps and send packages for customers if they are working at a post office branch.

Mailmen make delivers on foot or by mail truck. They follow planned routes and are sometimes required to obtain signatures for packages. Mail carriers work in a variety of locations including large cities and small, rural towns.

Postal service jobs are available through the United States Postal Service (USPS). This mean that they are federal employees and must meet certain requirements to be eligible for the job.

For example, applicants must be at least 18 years of age of 16 years of age with a high school diploma. In addition, prospective employee are required to pass a mail distribution procedures knowledge test.

A median mail carrier salary is $57,260, although it can be lower or higher depending on location and hours or shifts worked.

For instance, those who work on Sundays may receive higher pay than those who work only during weekdays.

Computer Programming

Computer programming involves writing code to create functional software applications. Programmers must use coding languages to not only create programs but also to troubleshoot, test and update programs.

The median computer programmer salary is $67,000.

Entry level programming jobs for residents with little experience and education is closer to $40,000, but with advancement programmers can earn a salary of $120,000.

Moreover, experience and specialized skills can impact the likelihood of being hired.

To be hired for programming jobs, applicants are not required to have a bachelor’s degree although some companies may enforce an education requirement.

However, many companies hire applicants with associate’s degrees or certifications from coding academies.

Remote programming jobs are abundant in the technology field. This is because programmers spend the majority of their time working on computers and often do not need to be present in an office to do their job.

However, it is important for computer programmers to have great communication skills as they often must meet and discuss projects with other departments in a company.

Plant Operator

A plant operator is responsible for operating the equipment that is used to generate electricity.

This involves examining, cleaning and maintaining boilers, turbines, pumps and controls. A power plant operator typically work eight to 12 hour shifts that may be at odd hours because electricity must be maintained 24 hours per day.

Power plant jobs usually require workers to at least have a high school diploma. In addition, special training is also required to be able to operate the machinery.

Most often, applicants must pass the Power Plant Maintenance (MASS) and Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) exams. Furthermore, they must obtain a license and pass a background check and drug screening.

The median plant operator salary is $60,000 to $80,000 depending on location.

Entry-level workers with no experience are not likely to earn this amount initially but will still earn a salary that is more than $50,000. As the advance in their field and learn new skills, power plant operators can earn salaries as high as $100,000 per year.