Top 20 Highest Paying Jobs when You Don't have a Degree

Lots of people these days will tell you that you need a college degree to get a good job. Some say that the bachelor’s degree is the new high school diploma. While that may be true in some fields and careers, not all jobs require a degree. In fact, quite a few well-paying jobs don’t need one. Here are just a few high paying jobs that no college education are needed for.

Loan officer

This job just requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training, but no college degree needed! Your responsibilities are to evaluate and authorize loans that people and businesses want to take out. The salary depends on where you work, but the average pay is around $56,000.

Fashion designer

If you have an eye for fashion and a creative side, then you could possibly make your mark as a fashion designer. There are schools and courses you can go to to get better at fashion design, but none of them are necessary for the position.

Gaming manager

They actually offer college degrees in gaming and casino management, but it’s not a requirement to become a gaming manager. If you have skills in math, customer service, and hospitality, then this could be a great job for you.

Commercial pilot

I’m a little surprised that you don’t need a college degree to be a commercial pilot (it seems so complex!). But as long as you have good vision and a drive to be a pilot, you can start your career as a commercial pilot!

Firefighting manager

Have you ever wondered who helps the firefighters stay organized and trained in order to fight all the fires? While this is a job that’s probably best to work up to, you can still get it without a degree. You’d help manage all aspects of the firefighting process, which could be pretty exciting.

Elevator installer/repairer

Whenever you use an elevator, you probably don’t think about who installs them or takes care of them. But, you can actually make a pretty decent living doing just that! The salary for an elevator installer and repairer is around $58,000.

Funeral director

It may sound strange, but a funeral director actually pays pretty well, especially for a non-degree job. You can make around $80,000 a year as a funeral director, did you know that? I think that’s pretty impressive, seeing as none of that money would go to paying off pesky student loans. Obviously, you need to be okay around the deceased, though.

Dental Hygienist

Again, this doesn’t require an actual college diploma, but you do need to have training. Dental hygienists can usually get a job in any city, and you can make around $60,000, which isn’t bad at all!

Sales representatives

It seems like one of the most booming jobs nowadays is a salesperson or representative. You don’t need a degree for this job, you just need great people skills and the ability to sell a product. This job’s salary varies depending on your skills and position, but it can make quite a hefty dollar.

Private investigator

Put those stalking skills to the test and become a private investigator. You’ll obviously need to do this legally, though, so make sure you aren’t just randomly stalking people around the city.

Model

I know a lot of people make fun of models, but hey, if you can do it and make some good money, then I say go for it! You’ll have to spend quite a bit of time and energy on getting your name out there and auditioning, but once you get your foot in the door, it gets a little easier from there!

Air traffic controller

If you love airports, then this is the job for you! You can become an air traffic controller without further education PLUS you’ll get discounts and specials deals from the airport that you work at. Making around $100,000, being an air traffic controller is a pretty sweet gig.

Language teacher

If you’re a native English speaker, then you can actually make quite a bit of money with just that one qualification. Lots of companies (both local and online) hire English speakers to be tutors and teachers of English. If you speak another language, you can probably find a few places for that language too.

Real estate agent

You do need some sort of education for this (usually a state run real estate course) because you have to get a license, but you don’t need a college education. Now, a degree in economics, construction, or interior design may be helpful, but it’s definitely not required. If you have a passion for good property, then try this out!

Journalist

I’m going to tell you right now that this job is a LOT easier to break into if you have a degree. However, that’s not always necessary, especially if it’s for a smaller newspaper. However, if you want a good paying job in this field, then you’ll have to work yourself up without a diploma. Don’t let that deter you, though, if you want to be a journalist!

Computer technician

This is one of those jobs that doesn’t technically require a degree, but the diploma definitely helps. However, if you’re skilled with computers and know how they work, you can usually get a job in this field just because of your skills.

Non-retail manager

This is a job that you’re (most likely) going to have to work your way up to, but it pays pretty well for a non-higher education position. Some positions let you make around $60,000 a year!

Blogger

I can’t write this article without mentioning being a blogger. If you love writing and have an eye for advertising and online marketing, then you can make some pretty good money at blogging. There are a few coveted bloggers that are making six figures, so that could be you!

Operations manager

This is sort of an ambiguous career, but it’s one that needs to be filled and that companies are willing to pay big money to fill. In essence, for this job, you operate all the functions and processes in a factory, company, or other business entity. Some operations managers make up to $130,000 a year, so it’s a pretty sweet gig.

Insurance appraiser

This job requires a keen eye and a good understanding of damage sources, but it doesn’t require a college diploma. At this job, depending on the type of appraisal you do, you would go to homes, cars, or other places and determine how much damage was caused. The average salary for this job is around $60,000.