What are the Best Paying Careers for People Without a College Degree?

If you think there is no much you can do without a college degree, you are in for a surprise. A recent report put out by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor shows that it is possible to earn over $50,000 US Dollars (USD) a year without ever going to college. Here’s a quick look at some of the best paying careers that do not require higher education.

• Air Traffic Controller. Before you get excited about the fact that controllers make over 100,000 US Dollars a year, you should know that this profession ranks in the top 15 most stressful jobs. Air traffic controllers can get started without a college degree, although one is often required for career advancement.

• Real Estate Broker. Much of the salary of a broker depends on location and average house price on the area, but even so, the average national salary of real estate broker in the US is $76,000 USD. While it is possible to be a broker without a college degree, a series of training workshops and exams are needed for certification.

• Personal trainers can earn upwards of 50,000 USD without a college degree. Even those who work part-time can earn a median annual salary in the high 20s. Many personal trainers own their own businesses, and earn salaries much higher than the average trainer who works in a gym.

• Many computer-related occupations can be started without a college degree, as many companies consider on-the-job training more important than formal education. Computer programmers can learn the trade by taking private certifications and earn an average of $55,000 USD. Most database and network administrators got their start without a college degree and earn a medium annual salary of $48,000 USD.

  Many of the top-paying occupations in the US have to do with manual work, and most of them can be undertaken without a college degree. Some examples include electricians and electric equipment repair ($54,000 USD); rail workers ($46,000 USD); firefighters ($48,000 USD); car mechanics ($37,000 USD); and boilermakers ($43,000 USD). Many military posts can be obtained without a college degree. A sergeant in active service and a decade of service behind him or her earns about 49,000 USD a year.

  Written by Diana Bocco