It is possible to find high-paying jobs without a college degree, although these types of jobs may be more competitive and may require specialized training or vocational education.
Here are 8 examples of high-paying jobs that may not require a degree:
Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers are responsible for directing the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air to ensure the safety of air travel.
The median annual salary for air traffic controllers is $124,540.
How to Become an Air Traffic Controller?
To become an air traffic controller, you must meet the following requirements:
Education: You must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some air traffic controllers may have a college degree, but it is not required.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for an air traffic controller position.
Physical and mental health: You must be in good physical and mental health and be able to pass a medical exam.
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for an air traffic controller position.
Background check: You must pass a security clearance and a background check.
Training: You must complete a training program at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This program typically lasts about 3 years and includes both classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
After completing the training program, you will be required to pass a certification exam to become a certified air traffic controller. Once you have passed the exam and received your certification, you will be eligible for a job as an air traffic controller.
Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots fly aircraft for a variety of purposes, including transporting passengers and cargo.
The median annual salary for commercial pilots is $115,670.
How to Become a Commercial Pilot?
To become a commercial pilot, you will need to meet the following requirements:
Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent. While some commercial pilots have a college degree, it is not required.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old to hold a commercial pilot certificate.
Physical and mental health: You must be in good physical and mental health and be able to pass a medical exam.
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or have a valid Alien Flight Student Certificate.
Training: You must complete a pilot training program at a flight school or aviation college. This program will typically include both classroom instruction and flight time.
Certification: After completing the training program, you will need to pass a written exam and a flight test to obtain a commercial pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Nuclear power reactor operators control and monitor nuclear power plants to generate electricity.
The median annual salary for nuclear power reactor operators is $94,350.
How to Become a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator?
To become a nuclear power reactor operator, you will need to meet the following requirements:
Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some nuclear power reactor operators may have a college degree, but it is not required.
Age: There are no specific age requirements to become a nuclear power reactor operator.
Physical and mental health: You must be in good physical and mental health and be able to pass a medical exam.
Citizenship: There are no specific citizenship requirements to become a nuclear power reactor operator.
Training: You must complete a training program at a nuclear power plant or a vocational school. This program will typically include both classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
Certification: After completing the training program, you will need to pass a written exam and a practical test to obtain a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Elevator Installer and Repairer
Elevator installers and repairers install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, and other conveyance systems.
The median annual salary for elevator installers and repairers is $88,640.
How to Become an Elevator Installer and Repairer?
To become an elevator installer and repairer, you will need to meet the following requirements:
Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some elevator installers and repairers may have a college degree, but it is not required.
Age: There are no specific age requirements to become an elevator installer and repairer.
Physical and mental health: You must be in good physical and mental health and be able to pass a medical exam.
Citizenship: There are no specific citizenship requirements to become an elevator installer and repairer.
Training: You can receive on-the-job training through an apprenticeship program or by working with an experienced elevator installer and repairer. You can also receive formal education through a vocational school or community college that offers courses in elevator installation and repair.
Certification: Some states require elevator installers and repairers to be licensed. To obtain a license, you may need to pass a written exam and a practical test.
Funeral Service Manager
Funeral service managers plan and direct the services and ceremonies for the disposition of the dead.
The median annual salary for funeral service managers is $87,260.
How to Become a Funeral Service Manager?
To become a funeral service manager, you will need to meet the following requirements:
Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some funeral service managers have a college degree, but it is not required.
Age: There are no specific age requirements to become a funeral service manager.
Physical and mental health: You must be in good physical and mental health and be able to pass a medical exam.
Citizenship: There are no specific citizenship requirements to become a funeral service manager.
Training: You can receive on-the-job training through an apprenticeship program or by working with an experienced funeral service manager. You can also receive formal education through a vocational school or community college that offers courses in funeral service management.
Certification: Some states require funeral service managers to be licensed. To obtain a license, you may need to pass a written exam and a practical test.
Power Plant Operator
Power plant operators control and maintain the machinery that generates electricity.
The median annual salary for power plant operators is $87,180.
How to Become a Power Plant Operator?
To become a power plant operator, you will need to meet the following requirements:
Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some power plant operators have a college degree, but it is not required.
Age: There are no specific age requirements to become a power plant operator.
Physical and mental health: You must be in good physical and mental health and be able to pass a medical exam.
Citizenship: There are no specific citizenship requirements to become a power plant operator.
Training: You can receive on-the-job training through an apprenticeship program or by working with an experienced power plant operator. You can also receive formal education through a vocational school or community college that offers courses in power plant operations.
Certification: Some states require power plant operators to be licensed. To obtain a license, you may need to pass a written exam and a practical test.
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers plan, direct, and coordinate the transportation and storage of goods and materials.
The median annual salary for these managers is $87,040.
How to Become a Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager?
To become a transportation, storage, and distribution manager, you will need to meet the following requirements:
Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some transportation, storage, and distribution managers have a college degree, but it is not required.
Age: There are no specific age requirements to become a transportation, storage, and distribution manager.
Physical and mental health: You must be in good physical and mental health and be able to pass a medical exam.
Citizenship: There are no specific citizenship requirements to become a transportation, storage, and distribution manager.
Training: You can receive on-the-job training through an apprenticeship program or by working with an experienced transportation, storage, and distribution manager. You can also receive formal education through a vocational school or community college that offers courses in transportation, storage, and distribution management.
Certification: Some states or industries may require transportation, storage, and distribution managers to be licensed or certified. To obtain a license or certification, you may need to pass a written exam and a practical test.
Power Distribution Manager
Power distribution managers plan and coordinate the distribution of electricity to customers.
The median annual salary for power distribution managers is $86,660.
How to Become a Power Distribution Manager?
To become a power distribution manager, you will need to meet the following requirements:
Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some power distribution managers have a college degree, but it is not required.
Age: There are no specific age requirements to become a power distribution manager.
Physical and mental health: You must be in good physical and mental health and be able to pass a medical exam.
Citizenship: There are no specific citizenship requirements to become a power distribution manager.
Training: You can receive on-the-job training through an apprenticeship program or by working with an experienced power distribution manager. You can also receive formal education through a vocational school or community college that offers courses in power distribution management.
Certification: Some states or industries may require power distribution managers to be licensed or certified. To obtain a license or certification, you may need to pass a written exam and a practical test.
It is worth noting that these jobs may require specific vocational education or certification, and some may require experience in a related field. In addition, the salary figures listed above are median annual salaries and may vary depending on the specific job, industry, location, and other factors.