Top-Earning Jobs for Those Without a College Degree
According to 2017 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Full-time workers without a high school diploma had median weekly earnings of $515.
- High school graduates had a median earning of $718 per week.
- Those with a bachelor’s degree had median weekly earnings of $1,189.
As you can see, obtaining a four-year degree can significantly increase your earning potential.
But can you make a good living without earning your bachelor’s degree?
Absolutely! In many fields, you can earn high wages with a high school diploma plus training, certification or work experience. Below, we’ve compiled information from several sources to present six high-paying jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree:
Executive Assistant
Median annual salary: $55,860
Typical education required: High school diploma or equivalent
An above-average salary and low educational requirement make executive assistant positions an attractive option for individuals who enjoy providing high-level office support.
Master Plumber
Median annual salary: $80,870
Typical education required: High school diploma or equivalent, plus vocational school and apprenticeship (licensing required in most states)
For obvious reasons, qualified plumbers will always be in demand. Individuals may work in an industrial or commercial setting, or install and repair equipment in homes. The job may not be glamorous, but it’s in a recession-proof, lucrative field.
Electrician
Median annual salary: $52,720
Typical education required: High school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship or technical school
Working as an electrician offers a solid salary with the potential of becoming your own boss. Experts predict high growth in this field, making it an attractive career path for those who enjoy working with their minds and their hands.
Office Support Supervisor
Median annual salary: $52,602
Typical education required: High school diploma or equivalent
Although office work has become increasingly automated, receptionists, secretaries and administrative assistants will always play an important role in an office environment. As a result, individuals who can coordinate their activities will continue to be in demand.
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Median annual salary: $49,537
Typical education required: High school diploma or equivalent
The machines used in advanced manufacturing environments require regular maintenance to keep them in good working order. Maintenance mechanics who detect, diagnose and correct problems with complex equipment will continue to be indispensable in manufacturing companies.
Elevator Installer
Median annual salary: $80,870
Typical education required: High school diploma or equivalent
As our economy has improved, so has the number of new construction projects. Logically, this increase has fueled demand for people who can install elevators.
Looking for a good-paying job?
Connect with opportunities through PrideStaff. With offices nationwide, we offer a wide range of temporary, temp-to-hire and direct opportunities that pay well and don’t require a college degree. Contact the PrideStaff office in your area to find out more about great jobs.
Sources used for pay data:
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/5-100k-jobs-that-dont-require-a-bachelors-degree
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/22/these-good-paying-jobs-dont-require-a-bachelors-degree.html
