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Here is a list of 25 well-paying careers that don’t require a bachelor’s degree, arranged from lowest to greatest compensation, to demonstrate that education isn’t the only or even the best option for everyone. (By the way, they still need education; they just don’t need a four-year degree.)
25 Careers Without a College Degree
The solar panel systems that turn sunshine into energy are installed and maintained by these men and women. Traveling to different residences and places of business is part of this employment. This can be a perfect fit for you if you enjoy being outside and active. Additionally, the need for this position will grow as solar energy becomes more widely used. 22% is an incredible growth rate, people!
- Technician in Sound Engineering
For media events, sound technicians set up and operate sound systems. Sound technicians are most frequently found in the radio, television, music, and film industries. Usually, this is a fast-paced, high-energy career that requires a lot of travel and weekend work. - Carpenter
This ancient profession isn’t expanding all that much, but it’s also not disappearing. For those who enjoy using their hands to make beautiful and useful things, it’s a beneficial option. Carpenters receive their training through an official or informal apprenticeship with a master of the trade. - Agent for Real Estate
In order to acquire and sell homes, real estate brokers and agents interact with their clients. The cool thing about real estate is that you eat what you kill since it’s commission-based. You can work a more flexible, part-time schedule or put in a lot of hours and effort to expand your firm. You have to love selling and interacting with people if you want to be a successful real estate salesperson. - A firefighter
Many young people who are unsure of their future career goals aspire to work as firefighters. Because firefighters are heroes, really! By putting out hazardous flames, they protect the environment, people, animals, and structures. A competitive procedure, becoming a fireman also probably requires becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT). - HVAC Professional
Every time your air conditioner or heater breaks down, these superheroes come to your rescue. And you know how much of a problem that is if you’ve ever lost heat in the midst of winter or air conditioning in the middle of summer. - Specialist in Hearing Aids
To fit, repair, and maintain patients’ hearing aids, hearing aid experts collaborate with audiologists. In order to make sure the hearing aids are functioning properly, they often perform exams and screenings. This job includes a combination of interpersonal and technical tasks. The best part is that you get to offer the gift of hearing to others, which is amazing! - Worker in Sheet Metal
Construction and manufacturing are two industries where sheet metal workers can find employment. They use thin metal sheets to make and install goods. Lifting, bending, and squatting are all necessary for this physically taxing job. - Licensed Practical Nurse
To help with patient care, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) collaborate with physicians and registered nurses (RNs). They fill out paperwork, give medication, and take vital signs. A college degree is not required for LPNs, in contrast to RNs. To obtain the required training, you might enroll in a vocational school’s recognized program. - A technician in surgery
To carry out procedures, surgical technologists collaborate with nurses and surgeons. They prepare all the instruments, ensure the room is ready for the procedure, and give the doctors the tools they require throughout the procedure. - Legal assistant or paralegal
Attorneys cannot handle their cases alone; they require a tremendous deal of assistance! Legal assistants or paralegals can help with that. They assist lawyers by carrying out a variety of duties, including organizing files, drafting legal documents, and even conducting legal research. - High school graduation and an apprenticeship are required for plumbers.
Plumbers install and fix piping systems in residences, workplaces, and factories. Plumbers are required to work weekends and evenings because they frequently react to urgent calls (a broken toilet is the worst!). - An electrician
Consider a career as an electrician if you enjoy working with wires (pardon the dad joke). For on-the-job training, you can enroll in a technical school or look for an apprenticeship. Buildings, residences, transmission lines, and other equipment are powered by electricians. - Technician for Wind Turbines
The massive white windmills that adorn Kansas’s plains and other windy regions of the nation are known as wind turbines. Due to its popularity as an alternative energy source, technicians are in high demand! Wind turbines are installed and maintained by technicians. This profession requires a lot of time spent outside; thus, those who are afraid of heights are not advised to apply.
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- Assistant in Occupational Therapy
The main goal of occupational therapy is to assist individuals in learning and practicing life and work skills. The majority of occupational therapy sessions occur following an accident or when older individuals want assistance with everyday household chores. In order to support patients in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and therapy offices, occupational therapy assistants collaborate with physicians and therapists. There are many chances to collaborate with others in this dynamic and engaging job! Additionally, the prospects for job development appear promising. - Sales Representative for Manufacturing and Wholesale
Sales representatives can work with a wide range of items in different industries. Although a high school degree can be used for many jobs, a bachelor’s degree may be required if you wish to work with highly technical products, such as medical instruments. - Detective and Police Officer
A career in law enforcement is challenging, thrilling, and fulfilling. It is, of course, rather simple: Protect the people you are responsible for, apprehend the criminals, and resolve the case. While most jobs just require a high school degree, some positions are more likely to hire someone with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, so attending college might be worthwhile. - MRI and radiologic technologist
Both MRIs and X-rays are diagnostic procedures that give doctors and patients insight into what’s happening inside the body. The employees that actually conduct the tests and collaborate with doctors to gather the data required to diagnose and treat patients are known as technicians. - Technician in Aerospace
You might think about pursuing a career as an aerospace technician if you’ve always been fascinated by aircraft and like technical work. Working with airplanes or spacecraft, you will install and fix different elements in addition to testing and calibrating systems. - Medical Diagnostic Cardiovascular Technologist/Sonographer
Sonographers make images of organs, tissues, and blood vessels using medical equipment so that people can see what’s happening inside their bodies. Cardiovascular technicians collaborate with doctors to carry out intricate cardiac treatments like pacemakers or stent implantation. They also assist in conducting tests to identify individuals’ cardiac health issues. - Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists have the opportunity to make a difference in their patients’ lives by attending to their oral health, even though cleaning teeth may not be for everyone. Patients are screened, X-rays are taken, dental plaque is removed, and dietary and hygiene advice is given. The National Board Dental Hygiene Exam must be passed in order to practice, and most programs last three years. - Webmaster
To design and create websites, web developers combine a special mix of technical and artistic abilities. You can discover this highly sought-after position in a number of organizations or companies. If you’re prepared to build strong relationships, you can even try your hand at freelancing. Additionally, the pay is excellent! - Technician in Nuclear
Nuclear technicians operate and monitor nuclear reactors in nuclear power facilities using computers and other devices. They examine important variables, including temperature, pressure, and radiation levels, while collaborating closely with scientists and engineers. Although this job’s -1% growth rate may not seem promising at first glance, it simply means that over the next ten years, there shouldn’t be any significant changes in the number of open opportunities. - Installers and Repairers of Elevators
Most people take this profession for granted because it’s so random. It turns out that performing manual labor can earn a fair living for elevator installers and repairers. They frequently have to be available for repairs around the clock. It should come as no surprise that they frequently operate large machines in confined areas. (If heights terrify you, this is probably not the job for you.) - Controller of Air Traffic
The thrilling, high-stakes task of controlling aviation traffic from the ground falls to air traffic controllers. They occupy the tall, windowed towers you see at airports. In order to meet travel schedules, air traffic controllers frequently work on the weekends and at night. Making sure passengers take off, travel, and land safely is a challenging profession with a satisfying end result.