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February 10, 2010

No Degree Required: Top 10 Paying Jobs

No Degree Required

Tuition at even the least-expensive colleges and universities has gone through the roof in recent years, putting a four-year or even two-year degree out of reach for many. Yet every job posting requires a degree -- even if it's not really relevant to the job description. Employers may be using this requirement to winnow down the job pool; and who can blame them. Every job posting brings in a flood of applications so HR directors are looking for ways to prioritize applicants.

Does that mean, however, those without degrees should be relegated to a lifetime of asking, "Would you like fries with that?" Not according to job-posting site CareerBuilder, which recently released the top paying jobs you can get without a college degree. Take a look at the following results before you begin your job search. (Salaries represent the average.) 

1. Network Administrator - $49,801
If you enjoy tinkering with computers and wireless-network routers, this may be the job for you. Network administrators are responsible for the maintenance of computer hardware and software that comprise a network. It can be very complex or fairly simple, depending on the size of the company and the equipment they use.

2. Police Officer - $47,485
Did you run around your neighborhood as a kid, shooting the bad guys and dreaming of growing up to be a cop? Basic training usually takes abut four months and costs roughly $2,000. That's a lot more expensive than college, granted, but you'll have a career for life when you're finished. Be prepared, however, to put up with a lot of jokes about eating donuts.

3. Court Reporter - $47,275
TV shows make courtroom proceedings look like a great thriller novel, but real life isn't quite so fascinating. Still, this is a nearly recession-proof job with tons of security, as courts must operate no matter the economic situation. 

4. Clinical Lab Tech - $47,081
A Clinical Lab Technician can be fascinating if you enjoyed biology and physiology in school. Happily, the massive growth in the health-care industry, due to the aging Baby Boomer generation, means opportunities are available constnatly.

For a list of accredited clinical lab tech programs, visit the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

5. HVAC Installer - $44,814
If you're good with your hands and have a mechanical bent of mind, there's a lot of money in heating and a/c installation. While you'll need certification to get started, training can be completed in as little as nine months and might be done on the job as a journeyman.

The three accrediting agencies include HVAC Excellence; the National Center for Construction Education and Research; and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation. 

6. Computer Numerical Control - $44,629
According to Career Builder, this position is "a robot programmer for assembly line work that builds everything from automobile engines to computer keyboards." Training can be obtained on the job (as an apprentice) or in high school or for-profit colleges.

7. Solar Energy Installer - $44,460
Considered a "green job, solar photovoltaic (PV) installers are now much desired, thanks to the federal stimulus bill. Other demand was stimulated by the federal tax credits offered to homeowners who installed alternative-energy sources.

8. Correctional Officer - $42,795
Prison work can be hazardous, stressful and require shift work, but it pays well and offers a great deal of job security. Some accept high school graduates without any other training, but others require at least a college degree.

10. Aircraft Mechanic - $39,584
Did you spend high school tinkering under the hood of cars? Do you live near an airport? Aircraft mechanics earn more than auto repair. Best of all, you only need 18 months to 2 years of training from  an aircraft-mechanic schools approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Photo by Peter Martin Hall

 

Ashley Grimaldo is obsessed with finding free stuff, whether she needs it or not. She loves playing with words, crunching ice, and is convinced she missed her calling as a professional ice skater. In between changing diapers and pureeing baby food, Ashley is launching an official campaign to make maternity pants an apparel industry standard.

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8 Comments

chawki wechtati
l'am looking for job
chawki wechtati
l'am looking for job
Julia Baker
I like the idea of being a court reporter. This would be a very interesting role and varied too! Though the income reflects the lack of academic creditionals necessary for this job. Regards, Julia Employer Job Posting
Cardinal

Certainly this is an interesting article and does expose some area to be considered. However let's be real, a degree will project a person so much farther in life than without one. Even if you were to just get an online degree in an area. These are looked upon in much higher regards. 

Liz
Some could argue that you don't need a degree to get into the above mentioned positions, but it would probably take years of hard work to get to the stated salary potential. I would suggest that anyone wanting to pursue a career in any of the above fields perform research to see if it makes sense whether or not to go to school first. Going to school helps make you stand out from other job prospects and you may be able to make more faster.
Judith Symonds - entrepreneur
Interesting list. Certainly education is costly, and there are many examples of entrepreneurs who went out with very little education, took a few calculated risks and backed themselves. I don't know where the research was done exactly - the differences referred to by the previous contributor may be related to countries.
Analyst Salary
Its really nice to the world is changing. Earlier employers were very strict on the college degrees when recruiting but now everything has changed. I think a person can get a job without a degree because of the difference in the salary levels. Those who have degree demand higher salary than those don't have. Thanks Ashwell prince
Jason McGaugh
I hate to mention this but whoever wrote this article probably doesn't have a college degree because obviously forgot how to do proper research. As I work in a Hospital Lab we are very much required to have an associates or bachelor's degree. otherwise we would not be able to be get my license.
 
 

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