Graduating from college with a bachelor’s degree is an ideal way to start your career for some, but it’s not the right move for everyone. In some industries, internships, work experience, training and certifications are all you need to get started. And with student loan debt reaching record highs - it tops $1.77-trillion, according to the Federal Reserve, some young people are wondering if a four-year degree is even worth it.
The answer all depends on your career choice, but there are plenty of jobs out there that don’t require a college degree and still play well. A new report from Resume Genius highlights these in-demand careers that you can get without a four-year degree.
The Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs Without A Degree In 2024
1.) Airline and commercial pilot - Median annual salary $148,900
Educational requirements: Vocational training or Associate’s degree, as well as FAA certifications and flight hours
2.) Information security analyst - Median annual salary $112,000
Educational requirements: High school diploma or vocational training
3.) Elevator and escalator installer and repairer - Median annual salary $99,999
Educational requirements: High school diploma or GED and a work apprenticeship
4.) Special effects artist and animator - Median annual salary $98,950
Educational requirements: High school diploma or vocational training, a portfolio of work
5.) Transportation, storage, and distribution manager - Median annual salary $98,560
Educational requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; certification programs beneficial, work experience of five years in a related field
6.) First-line supervisors of police and detective - Median annual salary $96,290
Educational requirements: High school diploma, police academy training, work experience of several years in the police force
7.) Radiation therapist - Median annual salary $89,530
Educational requirements: Associate’s degree, Clinical experience/certification
8.) Subway and streetcar operator - Median annual salary $88,260
Educational requirements: High school diploma
9.) Electrical power-line installer and repairer - Median annual salary $82,340 per year
Educational requirements: High school diploma. Technical training preferred, work apprenticeship
10.) Dental hygienist - Median annual salary $81,400
Educational requirements: Associate’s degree in dental hygiene, licensing varies by state
Source: Kiplinger
Scott's Thoughts:
- Wait, is it too late to be a commercial pilot?
- Note that radio station DJ or programmer is not on the list.
- I know many people who have jobs that have nothing to do with their degree.