Top Five Careers without a College Degree

Discover which careers pay a salary of $57,000 or more without a college degree

Have you heard the saying “you have to attend college to get a good job” your whole life? According to LinkedIn, “the four-year degree isn’t gone altogether but we’re starting to see a shift in what these companies are looking for”. The shift has started leaning toward soft skills and technical skills; many jobs are also offering on-the-job training. With the need of a college degree phasing out in many career fields, here are the top five occupations you can find success in regardless of your educational background.

1. Transportation, Storage and Distribution Managers. The typical responsibilities for this role are to plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Finding a job in this field is likely with a projected growth through 2026 to be 7%. You can expect an average annual salary of $93,400.
2. First-line Supervisors of Police and Detectives. This position is also referred to as police captains or police sergeants. As a first line supervisor of police and detectives, your role is to directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of the police force, as well as, ensure that all cases and procedures are being conducted correctly in accordance to the law. With only a high school diploma and on-the-job training required, in addition to a projected growth by 2026 of 7%, the typical salary is $102,731 per year.
3. Commercial Pilots. Also known as corporate pilots or transport company executives, their job is to pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-winged aircrafts on nonscheduled air carrier routes or helicopters. Although they do not require a college degree, an accredited commercial pilot certificate is required. With an average annual salary of $77,430, these jobs are a little more challenging to find with only a 4% projected growth through 2026.
4. Elevator Installers and Repairers. In this position, you can expect to assemble, install, repair, and maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators or dumbwaiters. This is a high demand job so finding employment in this field is very likely with a projected growth of 12% by 2026. Some experience is required usually through an apprenticeship sponsored by a union, industry association, or individual contractor. However, in the state of Florida, you need to obtain a Florida Certificate of Competency to become certified. Once you become certified, you can expect to receive a median salary of $57,844 per year.
5. Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay Electrical and Electronics Repairers. This position typically requires you to inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays. Although openings are not very common with projected growth by 2026 of 4%, if you do happen to land this job, the average annual salary you can expect to make is $73,756. With just a high school diploma being required, starting your career as an electrician can help you gain the experience needed for this role.

College may not be suitable for everyone and many companies recognize that fact. However, taking some courses online or enrolling in a technical school can only benefit you and your career. If you choose to not take that route, just know you will still have options!

Written by: Sheena Roman