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  • Six Jobs That Pay Well (No Degree Required)

Are you a college drop out looking for a good job? Or maybe you’re just not the type that enjoys sitting in a classroom for hours. 

Whatever it is, you can get a well-paying job. We, at NoDegree, specialize in pairing people with the perfect job, emphasizing skill-based learning rather than university diplomas.

In the digital era we’re living in, education is getting democratized, and we don’t need to pay institutions thousands to gain access to information anymore. You can learn specific skills through online courses, certifications, or on-job training provided by various e-platform or institutions. By investing your time and money, you can learn the necessary skills and secure a well-paid job.

We’ve put together this list to give you some insight and inspiration to the variety of careers YOU can pursue even without a degree.

Six No Degree Jobs that Pay Over 50k (annually): 

1. Computer Support Specialist

Median yearly salary: $55,510

Growth rate: 8% (much higher than average)

A computer support specialist provides help to people and companies with their computer equipment and software problems. They might help IT employees within an organization or help non-IT users with general computer problems. They assist people face to face, over the phone, or online.

Computer support specialists don’t need a college degree. Instead, you can get certifications before going into the job, but many companies also provide continuous training for their employees.

It’s essential to have excellent communication skills and other soft skills as they engage a lot with people.

[ Related: 5 IT Jobs to Look Into in 2021: No Degree Required (REAL Life Stories Included) ]

Learn more: Computer Support Specialist

2. Web Developer/Designer

Median annual pay: $77,200

Projected job growth rate: 8%

OK - You CAN go to college for this one. But why should you? You can learn everything you need to know by utilizing short-term and low-budget courses and then learn on the job.

Some good skills for this job are analytical, an eye for design, relevant software knowledge (e.g., HTML/CSS or WordPress), interpersonal skills, back-end basics, and search engine optimization. These days companies usually outsource their web developer needs to freelancers on a contract basis. This option is lucrative for those who prefer not to work as full-time employees and want more freedom to plan their time.          

[ Related: The Future of Work: Why You Should Switch to Tech ]

Learn more: Web Developers/Designers

3. Elevator Installer/Repairer

Median Annual Wage: $88,540

Projected job growth rate: 7%

As an elevator installer or repairer, you generally install, fix, and provide maintenance for elevators, escalators, moving walkways, chairlifts, and other lifts. Elevator repairers typically earn more than other construction workers, as their job requires more knowledge of electronics, hydraulics, and electricity.

Other vital qualities in this field are; physical stamina and strength, and you can’t be afraid of heights or small spaces.

You’ll need a high school diploma with a bit of knowledge related to electronics/machinery.and then a 4-year apprenticeship program sponsored by a union, industry association, or individual contractor.

 Learn more: Elevator Installer/Repairer

4. Power Plant Distributors and Dispatchers

Median Annual Wage: $89,090

Projected job growth rate: -16%

If you nerd out on infrastructure, have strong math and science skills, and get a thrill out of being in control of enormous power generating equipment – this job is for you!

Also known as system operators control the flow of electricity as it travels from stations to substations and users. The job is to observe current converters, voltage transformers, and circuit breakers over a network of transmission and distribution lines. They also resolve problems such as transformer or transmission line failures.

To become a power plant distributor or dispatcher, you will need a high school diploma combined with several years of onsite training and experience. Several works which could affect the power grid may require additional certification.

Learn more: Power Plant Distributors and Dispatchers

5. Commercial Pilot

 Median annual pay: $93,000

Projected job growth rate: 4%

If your favorite movie is Top Gun - this is the job for you!

As a commercial pilot, you can transport anything from cargo to company executives, or you might take tourists for aerial tours. Being a commercial pilot requires you to be highly detail-oriented, adapt to changing weather conditions or emergencies, and have strong communication skills..

To become one, you’ll need a commercial pilot license and a high school diploma. Most commercial pilots complete their training with independent FAA-certified flight instructors or at an institution that provides flight training. Certification takes around 12 to 18 months to accumulate 250 hours of flight hours.

[Related: Commercial Pilot ]

Learn more: Airline and Commercial Pilots

6. Professional Youtuber/Vlogger

If you're a charismatic person with a story to tell, this might be the perfect career for you.

There is no minimum educational qualification required for this job. You can earn through Adsense, Sponsored Videos, and Affiliate Marketing. Influencer marketing is a growing market, and video content is king in that sphere. Youtube and TikTok are two highly lucrative platforms.

There is no specific age bar or educational requirement to be a YouTuber. You can choose to create a channel related to anything that interests you, attracting viewers to the track. In the beginning, there will be little to no audience or source of income. Still, as the channel starts getting likes and views over the content, it will start giving you money, recognition, confidence, and brand collaborations.

This job takes time, effort, and hard work. The income of successful channels can range from $60,000 to $2 million.

More examples of jobs that don’t require a college degree:

  • Filmmaker
  • Engine Mechanic
  • Boilermakers
  • Massage Therapist
  • Yoga Instructor
  • Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Golf Ball Retriever 
  • Personal detective
  • Underwater Welder
  • Master Sommelier
  • Firefighting Supervisor

There are many more careers that don’t require a college degree. You will have to put in the work to learn on the job, but it won’t give you student debt.

If any of the jobs we listed piqued your interest, research the pros and cons of each job. A great tip is to connect with someone with experience in that particular field/job and ask them about their day-to-day life and how they got to where they are. Always be humble and make it about them when you make these requests. That will most likely get you a response.