10 High-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
Many people believe that a college degree is necessary to secure a high-paying job. While higher education can certainly lead to more opportunities and higher salaries, there are many high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree. In fact, some of the most in-demand jobs today only require a high school diploma or a vocational certification. Here are 10 high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree.
- Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers are responsible for ensuring the safety of aircraft and their passengers. They monitor and direct air traffic, and communicate with pilots to guide them through takeoff, landing, and other phases of flight. This job requires excellent communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a strong attention to detail.
Air traffic controllers typically receive on-the-job training, and must pass a series of rigorous exams and background checks. The median annual salary for air traffic controllers is around $122,000.
- Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots fly aircraft for airlines, corporations, and other organizations. They are responsible for the safety of their passengers and crew, and must be able to make quick decisions under pressure. This job requires excellent communication skills, strong hand-eye coordination, and the ability to work irregular hours.
To become a commercial pilot, you must obtain a commercial pilot’s license and complete a certain number of flight hours. The median annual salary for commercial pilots is around $82,000.
- Elevator Installer/Repairer
Elevator installers and repairers are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing elevators, escalators, and other lifting equipment. This job requires strong mechanical skills, the ability to work at heights, and a strong attention to detail.
Elevator installers and repairers typically receive on-the-job training, and may also complete an apprenticeship program. The median annual salary for elevator installers and repairers is around $84,000.
- Electrical Power-Line Installer/Repairer
Electrical power-line installers and repairers install and maintain the electrical cables and transmission lines that provide electricity to homes and businesses. This job requires strong mechanical skills, the ability to work at heights, and a strong attention to detail.
Electrical power-line installers and repairers typically receive on-the-job training, and may also complete an apprenticeship program. The median annual salary for electrical power-line installers and repairers is around $75,000.
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Nuclear power reactor operators are responsible for operating and maintaining nuclear reactors that generate electricity. This job requires a strong understanding of nuclear technology, the ability to work under pressure, and a strong attention to detail.
Nuclear power reactor operators typically receive extensive on-the-job training, and must pass a series of exams and background checks. The median annual salary for nuclear power reactor operators is around $94,000.
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers are responsible for coordinating and overseeing the transportation and distribution of goods and materials. This job requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage a team, and a strong attention to detail.
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers typically have several years of experience in the transportation or logistics industry. The median annual salary for transportation, storage, and distribution managers is around $94,000.
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Detectives and criminal investigators are responsible for investigating crimes, collecting evidence, and working with law enforcement agencies to bring criminals to justice. This job requires strong analytical skills, the ability to work independently, and a strong attention to detail.
Detectives and criminal investigators typically have several years of experience in law enforcement or a related field.
