There are many highest paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree. In fact, there are many well-paying careers that only require a two-year associate’s degree, trade school certificate, or even just a high school diploma.
Here are 19 of the highest paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Elevator Installers and Repairers
Median annual salary: $84,990
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Median annual salary: $82,080
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Median annual salary: $81,920
- Power Plant Operators
Median annual salary: $75,650
- Gaming Managers
Median annual salary: $74,700
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
Median annual salary: $73,140
- Boilermakers
Median annual salary: $72,100
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Median annual salary: $70,590
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Median annual salary: $70,280
- Transit and Railroad Police
Median annual salary: $69,710
- Air Traffic Controllers
Median annual salary: $69,860
- Nuclear Technicians
Median annual salary: $68,560
- Funeral Service Managers
Median annual salary: $68,490
- Commercial Pilots
Median annual salary: $67,600
- Power Plant Operators
Median annual salary: $66,920
- Elevator Installers and Repairers
Median annual salary: $66,850
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Median annual salary: $66,610
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
Median annual salary: $65,920
- Transport Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Median annual salary: $65,870
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How to Get the Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree
There are many highest paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree. In fact, there are many jobs that don’t require a two-year degree or even any college at all. You can find many of these jobs in the skilled trades, which are in high demand right now.
The skilled trades are jobs that require training but not necessarily a college degree. These jobs are in high demand because there is a shortage of qualified workers. The shortage is due to the fact that many baby boomers are retiring and there aren’t enough young people entering the workforce to replace them.
There are many high paying jobs in the skilled trades, such as electricians, plumbers, and welders. These jobs typically pay much more than jobs that require a four-year degree, such as office jobs or retail jobs. And, the best part is, you can often get training for these jobs without going to college.
There are many ways to get training for a job in the skilled trades. You can often find training programs at community colleges or technical schools. You can also find many apprenticeship programs, which are sponsored by unions or trade associations. These programs allow you to learn on the job while you are being paid.
If you are interested in a highest paying job but don’t want to go to college, then you should consider a job in the skilled trades. There are many great jobs available in this field, and you can often get training without going to college.
The Disadvantages of Getting the Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree
There are a few disadvantages of getting the highest paying jobs without a degree.
- The first disadvantage is that you may not have the same job security as someone with a degree. Companies are more likely to lay off employees without a degree before employees with a degree.
- The second disadvantage is that you may not make as much money as someone with a degree. Even if you are making a high salary, you may not be able to get raises and promotions as easily as someone with a degree.
- The third disadvantage is that you may have a harder time getting a job if you don’t have a degree. Even if you have the experience, companies may prefer to hire someone with a degree.
- The fourth disadvantage is that you may not be able to get into certain professions without a degree. For example, you may not be able to be a doctor or a lawyer without a degree.
- The fifth disadvantage is that you may not be able to get into certain graduate programs without a degree. Even if you have the grades, you may not be able to get into a Master’s or PhD program without a degree.