One of the critical aspects of improving our financial health is earning enough to not only cover expenses but also set aside a portion for our future. That may mean going in an occupational direction far from one we thought we could go. Looking for a job that doesn’t need a traditional college degree? Here are examples of nine occupations that can get you up to speed in your career, whether you did not pursue a degree or attended an accelerated online degree program over a traditional college experience. What’s important is that you have the skill and determination for the job, and are capable of the tasks required for the job.
1.Transportation, storage, and distribution
Median annual wage: $94,730
Job outlook: 6,7 percent (2016-2026)
Truck drivers work for the trucking business to facilitate the shipment and storage of their employer’s cargo. Duties include driving and operating trucks, following instructions, e.g., locating and reading road maps, picking up goods and materials, verifying loads for accuracy, delivering as per the instructions, loading, and unloading cargo, etc.
Their annual pay is one of the highest as it’s more than twice the median annual salary for all occupations, which is $38,640.
2. Nuclear power reactor operator
Median annual wage: $94,350
Job outlook:10.29 percent (2016-2026)
You don’t need to have a degree in advanced physics or engineering or any bachelor’s degree. To qualify for this occupation, you must have a certificate of competence. Although you may earn well-above $94,350 per year, the jobs for reactor operators are declining owing to people and organizations opposing nuclear power usage in the U.S. Your role may include monitoring reactors, generators, turbines, cooling systems, etc.
3.First-line supervisor of police and detectives
Median annual wage: $89,030
Job outlook: 6,6 percent (2016-2026)
Also known as sergeants or captains in law enforcement, they supervise police and detectives. Though you may not get a degree to pursue this career, you must attend and complete the police academy training and also gain hands-on practical experience in solving crimes.
4.Power distributor and dispatcher
Median annual wage: $86,410
Job outlook: 2,5 percent (2016-2026)
They’re responsible for coordinating and regulating the generation of electricity or thermal power production. Due to power plants running efficiently through automated and advanced technology, distributors’ and dispatchers’ demand to manage and regulate distributions is likely to drop. Other duties are inspecting equipment to meet specifications, detecting any faults, etc.
5.Commercial pilot
Median annual wage: $82,240
Job outlook: 3,8 percent (20166-2026)
With this career, you need to have experience and expertise. Your responsibilities will include flying aircraft for different purposes, transporting cargo, spraying crops, flying charter flights and people, etc. Before you become a pilot, you must be certified.
6.Detective and criminal investigator
Median annual wage: $81,920
Job outlook: 4,5 percent (2016-2026)
Similar to other non-degree jobs, it’s unnecessary to have an undergraduate college degree. But you must first go through training at a police academy and then prove yourself by carrying out certain responsibilities effectively. Your tasks are performing investigations for crimes, establishing the right witnesses and suspects, maintaining offenders’ photographs and fingerprints, recording and maintaining informational files, etc.
7.Electrical and electronics repairers
Median annual wage: $80,200
Job outlook: 3,7percent (201616-2026)
Your role as an electrical and electronics repair service provider is monitoring power generating stations to make them run smoothly and fixing any technical disruptions. Even though you don’t need a degree, you still require on-the-job training experience and relevant skills.
8.Elevator installer and repairers
Median annual wage: $79,780
Job outlook: plus, 12 percent (2016-2026)
As an elevator technician and repairers, some of your duties include;
- Supervising the installation of escalators, elevators, and mechanical walkways
- Attending to mechanical failures and system breakdowns.
- Installing and testing electrical systems
- Servicing and maintaining parts
- Repairing or replacing parts.
9. Power plant operator
Median annual wage: $76,610
Job outlook: plus,1,39 percent (2016-2026)
Working as a power plant operator doesn’t need you to have a four-year degree. However, you should have some years of experience on the job to be skilled and knowledgeable. Some of your responsibilities may include: managing the equipment for generating electricity, such as pumps, fans, gauges and control, turbines, and boilers. You also clean, lubricate and maintain machinery for the smooth running of power plants.
Obviously, there are many good paying occupations well beyond these 9 examples that don’t require a specific college degree to pursue. There are ways to get certifications to open up opportunities for making good money.