You don’t always need a college degree to land a good career. In fact, there are numerous high-paying jobs that only require a high-school diploma, and potentially some certifications. Here are careers you can start without needing a four-year degree.
Plumber
Being a plumber isn’t glamorous, but it pays well. You don’t need a college degree, either. The median pay for a plumber is nearly $60,000 a year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
A high school diploma is the only requirement, though attending a trade school may also be beneficial.
Fire Chief
A fire chief manages a fire department.
If you enjoy managing people, working with budgets and of course, planning emergency responses, this could be a good job for you.
Plus, the national average salary for a fire chief is more than $100,000 a year.
Photographer
Do you have an eye for what makes a good picture, or do you enjoy capturing others’ special moments? Being a freelance photographer is a fantastic opportunity. Indeed reports the average salary for a freelance photographer is $38 per hour.
This is a great way to make money on the side, or you can make a career of it.
Radiation Therapist
Many people need radiation therapy for various reasons.
A radiation therapist helps administer radiation treatments to patients, takes x-rays and maintains patient records, among other things.
If you enjoy working with people in a healthcare setting, but don’t want to go to college, this profession could be right for you.
Plus, the national average yearly salary for a radiation therapist is more than $120,000 a year.
Elevator Installer and Repair Person
Are you good at math and have a mechanical aptitude? You can make good money as an elevator installer and repair person.
The median salary is $99,000 according to the BLS. All you need is a high school diploma, or equivalent.
Police Officer
Are you at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen? You can protect and serve and earn a good living. Police officers typically don’t need to have a college degree to be successful.
You will need to pass a written and physical exam, attend training, and go through on-the-job training. The median salary is roughly $65,000 annually, according to the BLS.
Auto Mechanic
Do you love to work on cars and have a good, overall, technical knowledge? You can earn a decent living as an auto mechanic.
According to Indeed, the average auto mechanic earns $53,000 annually. Pay can get as high as nearly $90,000 a year.
No degree is required, though you may want to become certified to increase earning potential.
HVAC Technician
If you live in a temperate climate, there’s always demand for HVAC technicians. You can expect a median annual income of nearly $49,000, according to the BLS.
A high school diploma and apprenticeship are all that’s required.
Realtor
Love real estate? If you’re a people person, you can make a good living as a realtor. The median salary is over $62,000 per year, according to the BLS.
All that’s needed is a high school diploma and industry licensing.
MRI Technician
Want to get into the medical field? You can do that as a MRI technician. They operate the MRI machine and decipher the results.
MRI techs can expect a median salary of over $77,000, according to the BLS. An Associate’s degree, or completing MRI tech training is required.
Postal Service Worker
Don’t mind the occasional weather or dog? As a postal service worker you can earn a median salary of over $51,000, according to the BLS.
A high school diploma, or equivalent, is the only requirement.
Electrician
Do you like to work with your hands and have an understanding of electronics? Licensed electricians earn a median salary of over $60,000 a year, according to the BLS.
A high school diploma, or equivalent is required. You may also need to become licensed in your state to operate.
Handyman
Are you a jack of all trades and good with your hands? A general maintenance and repair worker is a fantastic opportunity to make a living.
The median salary is roughly $45,000 annually, according to the BLS. All you need is a high school diploma, or equivalent.
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