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What are some jobs that are high paying but don't require a college degree?

I'm wondering if there are any jobs that you don't need a college degree for that still provide a high salary.

college high-school degree
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Anish’s Answer

Recently read an interesting article in the WSJ on this (https://www.wsj.com/articles/employers-rethink-need-for-college-degrees-in-tight-labor-market-11669432133). More and more employers are dropping the requirement for college degrees for certain jobs. Emphasis is on experience and skills, so start with what you have done so far, what personal experiences you have that you think would help make you good at certain jobs.

My own view on careers is to start with things that you are interested in, and the things you are good at, then look at jobs that are related to that. Career progress and increased pay comes from doing well at whatever you are doing, and people generally do better in at things they enjoy.
Thank you comment icon Anish, thank you! Finn
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Myra’s Answer

You can learn programming or design for web development online and create a portfolio of work you can use for job applications. You do not need a college degree for programming work. You can join online gig websites like fiverr or join a recruiting agency to get a few projects and offer to build/design to local business to get real work delivered and referrals from business owners.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Finn
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Michael’s Answer

Hi Finn,

One can always attend a technical school to obtain a trade like an Electrician; Plumber; Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician; Automotive Repair and so forth. These positions pay well and do not require a 4 year college degree. You can check with your high school guidance counselor for more information about trade schools and the career positions within the various industries.

Here are a couple of sites to check out salary ranges, positions and company profiles:

- www.glassdoor.com
- www.indeed.com
- www.linkedin.com

Good luck in your educational studies and future career path!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me advice. Finn
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Ankur’s Answer

Indeed! There are several opportunities for employment without a college degree. Healthcare is an area to seriously think through if you are interested in building a career without a college degree - home health, community health workers, lab technicians and the list is endless. You could also build on expertise and get certifications as you get more tenured in the role.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Ankur. Finn
Thank you comment icon There are several options for work without a college degree - there are many skilled jobs that are required for service industries - sales, plumbers, electricians, landscapers etc that a industry certification would help. Rukhshana Motiwala
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Bhavin’s Answer

There are awesome answers already to this question. I will try to provide a different perspective. While you can look into high-paying jobs, I would also suggest that you find jobs/areas where you can be really really awesome in the field -- aspire to be the best in the world -- if you orient your perspective in this way, you may enjoy whatever you do and most probably also excel -- improving not just your chances of earning more but also surviving bad weather of ups and downs and not giving up early and having a meaningful life.

Check out this resource used by many people successful at Stanford:
https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Your-Life-Well-Lived-Joyful/dp/1101875321/
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Finn
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Fred’s Answer

A salary is usually dependent on several factors. The supply (or number) of available workers is a primary one. If a job requires a college degree, that limits the number of people who can do the work, thus driving up the price paid (salary). Jobs that don't require college degree have more people who meet the qualifications, so there is a larger supply of workers, thus driving the price down.

Some of the positions Felicia lists don't require a college degree, but do require some training or certification. This certainly costs less than a college degree, though.

These are general guidelines. I'm sure there are very high paying jobs without a college degree, but my belief is they are few and far between, and hard to get when they do come around.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Finn
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Sheila’s Answer

Hi Finn:

Here's a short list of jobs that do not require a degree (in no particular order of importance).

• Postal Service Mail Carrier
• Carpenter
• Customer Service Representative
• Electrician
• Plumber
• Copywriter
• Appliance Technician
• Sales Representative
• Driver
• Real Estate Agent

Other jobs that do not require a degree:

• Database Admin
• Pharmacy Technician
• Dental Hygienist
• Paralegal
• Web Developer
• Consultant
• Travel Agent
• Courier

Best of luck to you!

~ Sheila

Sheila recommends the following next steps:

40 Jobs You Can Get Without a College Degree • https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-without-a-degree
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Christine’s Answer

I'd check out these fields from Google certificates. https://www.coursera.org/google-career-certificates?utm_source=gg&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=15-GoogleCareerCert-Student-US&utm_content=15-GoogleCareerCert-Student-US&campaignid=14390440220&adgroupid=129244555187&device=c&keyword=&matchtype=&network=g&devicemodel=&adpostion=&creativeid=636546041217&hide_mobile_promo&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4aacBhCUARIsAI55maHMHAK2l5GmLkI8kQLqeh-SHu0vxpDqyWkiFtB_yGl8y0RJkpfpgKsaAu5tEALw_wcB
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Finn
Thank you comment icon Hi Christine, this doesn't fully answer the question. How would this course be helpful? Gurpreet Lally, Admin
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James’s Answer

I'm going to take a different approach when answering this question. Whatever job you want, just apply and see what happens. All you need is to get in front of someone. If you can secure an interview, it is then your job to sell yourself as the best candidate for the job.

I applied for a position in the past that I was not qualified at all for. I sold myself as a viable candidate because I made myself stand out from the other applicants. I made not having a degree and experience an asset, rather than a liability.
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Amit’s Answer

Coding or data science boot camp
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Sonal’s Answer

You can also look into some vocational schooling offerings. There are lot of possibilities with gaining some expertise via vocational school in something you are already good at. Hope this helps
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Sonal! Finn
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Felicia’s Answer

There are several opportunities for employment without a college degree such as: Real Estate, Dental Hygienist, Loan Officer, Fitness Aid, Home Health, Caregiver, Tutors, Medical Assistant, Hairstylist, Massage Therapy, Candle Makers.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. Finn
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Victor’s Answer

Swimming pool cleaner - work for 2 or 3 years then start your own company

Pest Control - Both sales and technicians make pretty good

Solar - Both sales and technicians make pretty good

Welding - Welders will always have a job though it is a physically demanding one.

Plumbers

Hvac Technicians - Will also always have a job

Telephone pole climbers - these people work for telecommunication or electrical companies and in some cities they make 6 figures
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Finn
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Lauren’s Answer

Today there are a ton of career opportunities that dont require a college degree. Alot of companies actually look for more specialized experience or proof of a strong worth ethic. Alot of careers in the Business field, Real Estate, Maintenance or Repair Workers, Flight Attendents, Community Health Workers, most Administrative roles, Cook, Fire Fighter/Police Officer, the list goes on and on.
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Finn
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