Many people believe that earning a six-figure salary requires obtaining a college degree, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, there are numerous high-paying jobs available that don’t require a four-year degree. Many employers now value experience and skills more than formal education and are willing to pay top dollar for the right candidate. From sales to technology and healthcare to the trades, there are opportunities for those who have developed specialized skills through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, certifications, or vocational programs.
We have highlighted the best 6-figure jobs that don’t require a degree, covering various industries, and careers that offer excellent earning potential, job security, and opportunities for growth.
How to Get 6 Figure Jobs Without A Degree
- Organize your talents and prior expertise in a visually appealing portfolio.
- Reach out to a few potential customers or close friends and offer to do anything for free in exchange for a recommendation.
- Make your portfolio as appealing as you can by adding those references. To make it appear excellent, you can hire a graphic designer in exchange for a recommendation.
- To make the link to your portfolio more appealing, upload it to your Google Drive and utilize a URL shortener like Bitly or Rebrandly.
- Spend 20 minutes a day interacting with them in the Facebook Groups where your target clients are present.
- Head over to the Facebook Groups where your potential clients are hanging out and spend 20 minutes a day engaging with them.
- Whenever a potential client is looking for someone with your skillset let them know how you can help and leave a link to your portfolio. See the diagram below for how this stuff works.
- Use software like Dubsado, Honeybook,r 17 Hats to generate proposals for your potential clients.
15 Best 6 Figure Jobs Without A Degree 2023
- Air Traffic Controller
- Commercial Pilot
- Construction Manager
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation and Relay
- Elevator Installer and Repairer
- First-line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- In-N-Out Manager
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
- Pile-Driver Operators
- Police Officer
- Power Plant Operator
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
- Transportation Inspectors
- Water Transportation Worker
- Plumber
#1. Air Traffic Controller
Due to their behind-the-scenes work keeping everything running smoothly, air traffic controllers are the unsung heroes of the aviation sector. Aircraft entry and exit from airports are coordinated by them. Because air traffic controllers’ shifts can change or are scheduled late, it’s a terrific job to keep your mind active and possibly a perfect employment for night owls.
Annual Median Wage: $124,540
#2. Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilot is also another one of the 6 figure jobs without a degree.
No college degree is required to fly fixed-wing aircraft for a lot of money, though you will need a commercial pilot license. Do you have an addiction to the rush of adrenaline, are you captivated by flying, or do you simply wish to fly and explore the world? An excellent debt-free career for you might be as a commercial pilot.
Annual Median Wage: $78,740
#3. Construction Manager
A construction manager supervises, organizes, and coordinates the building of this nation. Despite the fact that some jobs now require bachelor’s degrees, those without a degree can fit into the role.
Annual Median Wage: $93,370
#4. Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Maintain electrical machinery in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays to keep the lights on in your home and for others. If you do it well, the benefits are electric for your bank account as well, with income for those in the 90th percentile earning almost $102,000.
Annual Median Wage: $78,410
#5. Elevator Installer and Repairer
Elevator repairers help lift passengers and their own finances, making it perfect trade employment for the skillful and mechanically inclined. The majority of training consists of an apprenticeship, and job growth is anticipated to be above average over the next ten years.
Annual Median Wage: $79,480
#6. First-line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
By directing the police force’s operations, first-line supervisors give back to their communities. The capacity to provide for your own security financially is a secondary advantage.
Annual Median Wage: $89,030
#7. In-N-Out Manager
Although undoubtedly an anomaly, it can’t hurt to know that high-paying positions are available in the fast food sector. Keep your focus on the prize and secure one of these incredible opportunities if that interests you.
Annual Median Wage: $160,000
#8. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Careers in the energy sector can be demanding, satisfying, and financially lucrative. Operators of nuclear power reactors have an impact on their communities in addition to being paid well for their work. It’s not for everyone, though, given how dangerous the job is.
The location, facility, and job description all influence how much nuclear power reactor operators make. Senior operators, meanwhile, make more than $100,000 a year. It may be beneficial to obtain more education when you start your career as a nuclear power reactor operator because pay for this position may rise with experience and training.
The remuneration for this position may also depend on the location. In various locations in the United States, nuclear power reactor operators may get varying salaries.
The electricity that powers millions of homes and companies is generated by operators of nuclear power reactors. They run or manage nuclear reactors, watch over and modify settings, and carry out emergency measures as necessary.
For the position of nuclear operator, a high school diploma is sufficient, although finishing vocational school makes you a stronger prospect. Additionally, you can receive training by joining the Navy of the United States Armed Forces. The Edison Electric Institute Power Operation Selection System (POSS) test is frequently used by companies as part of the employment process.
This examination establishes a candidate’s suitability for the position. You also need a United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license to operate nuclear power reactors on your own.
Annual Median Wage: $94,370
#9. Pile-Driver Operators
Learn the ropes as a pile driver operator to lay a firm foundation for your profession and buildings. The highest paid will receive more than $100,000, but they all have stable professions.
Annual Median Wage: $57,650
#10. Police Officer
The job of a police officer is also listed among 6 figure jobs without a degree.
Being a law enforcement officer can be achieved through a variety of various routes, many of which do not require a bachelor’s degree. The certifications needed may, in fact, vary depending on the particular police department where you wish to work.
An associate’s or bachelor’s degree may be required in some circumstances. However, a high school diploma or GED will typically be adequate. Your application for admittance into the training program for your particular department will now be eligible. The majority of the qualifications, training, and skills you’ll need to start progressing in your law enforcement career will be provided by your officer training program and subsequent on-the-job training.
By joining the police, you can defend people’s lives and property in your neighborhood. Most police officers and detectives are required to complete a period of on-the-job training after graduating from their agency’s training program. They frequently do not, however, necessitate college experience. People who enjoy being active in the community and who want to give back would really enjoy this work.
Annual Median Wage: $63,380
#11. Power Plant Operator
This position is comparable to the Nuclear Power Reactor Operator position, however, it is spread over more states. As a result, you have a greater chance of finding the positions.
Annual Median Wage: $81,990
#12. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
As a distribution manager, you can keep things moving. These jobs involve storing, distributing, and transporting the products and services that companies need while abiding by regional rules. These are high-paying, educated, blue-collar jobs.
Annual Median Wage: $92,460
#13. Transportation Inspectors
Examine products or equipment in relation to the secure transit of people or goods for rail, freight, and other modes of transportation. As a major employer in this industry, the government, the job frequently includes a solid package of perks.
Annual Median Wage: $73,780
#14. Water Transportation Worker
Working in water transportation allows you to travel the world (or stay close to home, if you’d choose). These professionals manage ships that transport people and freight across the ocean, frequently over great distances, and they are frequently well-paid for it. There is typically no educational requirement, but there are frequently on-the-job training and certification requirements.
Annual Median Wage: $54,400
#15. Plumber
A plumber is a professional who installs, creates, and maintains the pipelines required for civilization to operate. Along with vapor, these tubes can also carry liquids like gasoline or even sewage. Due to the fact that they complete routine chores, plumbers are essential to society. Unfortunately, very few people are conscious of this truth.
Most members of the younger generations of today don’t understand the financial security that the plumbing business gives, despite the promise of high pay.
Many individuals do not think that those who work in this field make a respectable living. The average annual salary for a professional plumber is $103,731. They make this much by collecting huge payments in exchange for a short period of plumbing work. One occupation that can bring you a six-figure wage is plumbing.
On the other hand, training to become a plumber is a challenging procedure that might take several years to finish (though not as difficult as endless college classes and student debt). With a license, you can earn far more money than a typical tradesperson who has no specialized abilities would.
Attending a technical plumbing course and landing an apprenticeship are the best options. Typically, apprenticeship programs are run by plumbing unions. The idea is to connect prospective apprentices with plumbers who are already qualified to work in the industry.
Annual Median Wage: $56,330
Why Should You Consider 6-Figure Jobs Without A Degree?
Your town, city, state, or country’s cost of living index will determine why you need a job that pays up to 6 figures without a degree.
For instance, when looking for a place to reside, many people consider a few factors.
- Accommodation fees
- Accessibility to amenities
- Is it close to relatives or friends?
- How far you are from your place of employment
- Maintenance
- Utilities
- Transportation
Compared to a circumstance when you have children and a spouse, making decisions is much simpler if you live alone.
A 6-figure job indicates a larger budget, which results in a wider range of possibilities being available to you.
Expatistan estimates that a family of four will spend $4,599 per month on living expenses in the US, compared to $2,625.00 for a single individual.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a college degree can provide a significant advantage in the job market, there are still plenty of high-paying opportunities available for individuals without a degree. By acquiring valuable skills and certifications, leveraging experience, networking effectively, and pursuing careers in high-demand industries, it’s possible to land six-figure jobs without a degree. With a proactive and strategic approach, individuals can achieve success and financial stability without taking on the burden of student debt.
FAQs
Here is a few example:
Real estate agent
Commercial pilot
Air traffic controller
Power plant operator
Police officer
Jobs that pay well without a degree are listed below, but you can still perform them with little stress.
Choreographers
Freelance photographers
Massage therapists
Makeup artists (theatrical and performance)
Fine artists
Web developers
Solar photovoltaic installers
Travel agents
Optician
Electrician
There are suit and tie jobs without a degree, some of which include:
Travel agent
Commercial pilot
References
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