In an evolving professional landscape, the traditional importance of a college degree in guaranteeing lucrative employment has waned. Employers are now placing greater emphasis on skills, practical experience, alternative educational avenues, certifications, and on-the-job training, surpassing the significance of formal higher education.
Technology Sales Manager
Percentile Salary: $208,000+
Highest-paying states: New York, New Jersey, Virginia
A degree is not a prerequisite for entering this career path, where your role involves leading a team of sales professionals specializing in technology products. However, possessing the appropriate experience is crucial. Entering this profession without a solid understanding of technology would be counterproductive. To excel in this position, one must first establish themselves as an adept entry-level tech salesperson and then consider further skill enhancement through options like a tech sales bootcamp or a management certification program.
Real Estate Agent
Percentile salary: $102,000+
Highest-paying states: District of Columbia, New Hampshire, New York
As the name suggests, real estate agents handle the sale of properties. In order to become an agent, you need to maintain a good relationship with your clients, and have excellent sales skills. You need to know how to sell the properties and be familiar with property and land regulations, and be familiar with property contracts, something that you would learn on the job. All you need is to pass the licensing exam and have good soft skills.
Plumber
Percentile Salary: $100,000+
Highest-paying states: Illinois, Alaska, New Jersey
If you don’t have a degree, but you want to become a plumber to earn over $100K, then you will need to complete a four-year apprenticeship through your local union. You will then have to undertake an exam in order to get your licence. Plumbers design, install, maintain and fix plumping systems in all different types of properties.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Percentile Salary: $208,000+
Highest-paying states: New York, California, New Jersey
This role requires a high knowledge of the latest technologies and heavy leadership skills. You will have to plan and coordinate a company’s technology needs, and authorize software and hardware updates when required. If you don’t have a degree then you may have to have industry experience, undertake bootcamp training and possess management certifications.
Business Owner
Percentile Salary: $127,000+
Best States for Small Businesses: Indiana, Colorado, North Dakota
Small businesses boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t space for you on the market. You don’t need a degree to start a business, you just need to have an understanding of the local regulations and laws. You might have to manage multiple workers and sell a physical product, so you’ll need good leadership skills and customer service skills. If you’re looking to start up your own small business, it is worth reaching out to the local office of the US Small Business Administration.
Advertising and Promotions Manager
Percentile Salary: $208,000+
Highest-paying states: New York, New Jersey, California
For this career, you will need to plan successful marketing strategies by reviewing content for ads, budgets, campaigns and contracts. You will need to constantly research up to date trends and supervise a team of agents to search for and retain clients. You don’t need a degree for this job but it might be a requirement to have a background in traditional social media marketing.
Court Reporter
Percentile Salary: $103,270+
Highest-Paying States: New York, California, Massachusetts
This is definitely one of the best jobs to get that pays over $100K and one that you don’t need a degree for. Whilst in court, you will be taking notes, and to land the job, you just need a Registered Professional Reporter certification. You will also be required to have good listening skills, some knowledge of common legal terms and the ability to type quickly.
Air Traffic Controller
Percentile Salary: $185,990+
Highest-paying states: Virginia, New Hampshire, Georgia
Air traffic controllers are required to communicate with pilots about the weather conditions and direct aircraft traffic at airports. It’s important that you can make quick decisions and multitask in a safe way. You don’t need a degree for this job but it is required for you to take a training course with the Federal Aviation Administration and pass a medical exam, background check and skill assessment.
Fire Inspector
Percentile Salary: $100,730+
Highest-paying states: California, Idaho, Oregon
Without a degree, you could still be earning more than $100K per year and you will be required to review building plans and inspect buildings to ensure they are up to date with the state and local regulations. You may also be asked to teach workshops and classes about fire safety. You will start your career as a firefighter and undertake emergency medical technician (EMT) training to become a fire inspector.
Software Architect
Percentile Salary: $173,000+
Highest-paying states: California, Washington, Rhode Island
To become a software architect, you don’t need a degree and the primary duty is to provide high-level software solutions to companies and clients. You do need to be knowledgeable about communication networks, operating systems, programming languages, and software tools. You can teach yourself to code by watching videos and doing research.
Software Developer
Percentile salary: $168,570+
Highest-paying states: California, Washington, Rhode Island
You would be required to create software applications and products which meet the demand of mobile and web applications in every industry. Even though there are some positions that require a bachelor’s degree, you will still be able to find software developer jobs where you don’t need a degree, you just have to look a bit harder. You will need to learn how to code in order to do this job.
Information Security Analyst
Percentile Salary: $165,920+
Highest-paying states: New York, California, Maryland
For this job, you will be required to study an organisation’s computer systems in order to determine the ability to bypass a cyber attack. If you notice that there is a system that could be compromised, then you should propose and work to implement a solution quickly.
Professional Athlete
Percentile Salary: $208,000+
Highest-paying states: Indiana, Ohio, Colorado
This is one of the top jobs that pay over $100K per year without a degree. Most professional athletes do tend to go to college in order to participate in a college sports program before going professional. If you’re wanting to become a professional athlete then you will definitely need a natural talent in sport with a professional league.
Construction Manager
Percentile Salary: $163,800+
Highest-paying states: Alaska, New York, New Jersey
A construction manager is in place to ensure that construction projects are completed within budget and on time. You don’t need a degree if you become a self-employed contractor or if you’re working within a small business. However, if you wish to work for larger firms then you need a bachelor’s degree or an associate. Years of work experience and strong project management skills would be essential.
Dental Hygienist
Percentile Salary: $100,200+
Highest-paying states: Alaska, California, Washington
As a dental hygienist you would be working within a dental clinic and checking oral health, taking dental x-rays and cleaning teeth. To become a dental hygienist, you don’t need a degree but you may need an associate degree to ensure that you meet the state’s licensing requirements.
Computer Network Architect
Percentile Salary: $168,890+
Highest-paying states: Massachusetts, South Dakota, Maryland
To become a computer network architect, you don’t need a degree, but IT certifications and a certificate from a top networking boot camp are required instead. A computer network architect designs and builds cloud-based or physical networks that companies use to share information and conduct business.
Elevator and Escalator Installer
Percentile Salary: $130,940+
Highest-paying states: Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine
This is another job that pays over $100K per year without a degree, however, it’s wise to be mindful that you will have to build yourself up to that particular wage. You will be required to install new elevators and repair any existing elevators. This usually means working on moving walkways, chairlifts and similar equipment in public spaces, offices and buildings.
Web Developer
Percentile Salary: $168,200+
Highest-paying states: Washington, Delaware, District of Columbia
You don’t need a degree to become a web developer and you can find jobs easily if you know how to create websites and web applications for clients and businesses. You will have to have knowledge and technical skills in user interfaces, programming and web design. You could also begin within a software company, as an entrepreneur or a freelancer.
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