BEST PAID JOBS WITHOUT DEGREE EVER
Air Traffic Controller
Coming in at slightly more than $100,000 a year, air traffic control is a good career for someone articulate and detailed who is a great team player. Air traffic controllers make sure planes are on course and that the traffic in the sky remains safe. Pursue this career early because controllers without experience must be under 30 years old. The position requires a training program, but it's worth it because it tops the Bureau of Labor Statistics' chart as one of the most lucrative careers that doesn't involve a four-year college degree.
Funeral Director
For those who aren't squeamish, try undertaking a career as a funeral director. This position rakes in close to $80,000 a year. Although some pursue this work through a degree, there are other ways into the business--for instance, through apprenticeship. Funeral directors must be licensed, and up to 13 percent are self-employed. Funeral directors certainly earn their pay, handling all logistics involved with a funeral--writing obituaries, planning and organizing services, and often embalming the bodies of the deceased.
Gaming Manager
Working in a career focused on competition and leisure, gaming managers earn approximately $65,000 a year. A gaming manager works in a casino, overseeing operations and ensuring that games are handled according to the rules. Casinos are a fast-paced environment, which is not for everyone. But the gambling industry is growing and employment is expected to rise.
Computer Support Specialists
The computer industry is always growing, and there are several jobs for those with an affinity for technology and the capability to troubleshoot. This career does not require a degree. Specialists pursue education in computer science or pick up information on their own. Professionals must be licensed or pass tests within companies, but the way into this business is purely up to the individual employee. Computer support specialists can expect a salary in the mid-$40,000s. Those who provide in-person service find that employment is steady. However, for those who work only via phone or Internet, outsourcing puts jobs in jeopardy. Many computer companies have a network of employees working in India and other faraway places for cheaper wages. As computers continue to become more complex, staying up-to-date on technology and networking keeps computer support specialists in a job.
Entry Level Nursing Home Workers
According to the "Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)", "47 percent of workers in nursing and residential care facilities have a high school diploma or less, as do 20 percent of workers in hospitals". CNA (certified nursing assistant) and dietary aide positions often require no more than a certification or on-the-job training.
Construction Workers
Although no specific educational requirements are usually needed for construction laborer jobs, according to the BLS, "apprenticeships for laborers usually require a high school diploma or the equivalent". Furthermore, skills such as "manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, good physical fitness, a good sense of balance, and an ability to work as a member of a team" are characteristics of a successful construction laborer.
Enlisted Military Personnel
According to a study on "Job Opportunities in the Armed Forces", led by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "In 2008, more than 98 percent of recruits were high school graduates". All branches of the military usually require high school diplomas or equivalent credentials, such as a GED. Only officers and other persons entering as high ranking officials need a bachelor's degree or graduate degree.
Housekeeping/Janitorial Services Workers
With skills learned primarily through on-the-job training, housekeeping workers require no special education. Basic mathematical skills and the ability to follow instructions are essential parts of success in this job position. Supervisors usually, according to the BLS, "have at least a high school diploma and often some college."
Commercial Truck Driver
Unless a position in management is sought, commercial truck drivers require only a CDL (Commercial Driver's License). A high school education is helpful for reading and basic mathematical comprehension, but is optional. According to the BLS, in order to obtain a CDL applicants need "a clean driving record, [to] pass several written tests on rules and regulations, and [to] demonstrate the ability to safely operate commercial trucks".
Local Law Enforcement (Police)
Most police officers obtain the experience necessary for the job in the police academy and through on-the-job training. The BLS further adds that attributes such as "honesty, sound judgment, integrity, and a sense of responsibility" take precedence over post-secondary education in this industry.
Grounds Maintenance
On-the-job training is how most grounds maintenance skills are learned, outside of a general appreciation for maintaining pleasant outdoor aesthetics. According to the BLS, in 2008, "most workers had no education beyond high school." In lieu of a diploma, new hires are taught skills such as "planting and maintenance procedures; the operation of mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, small tractors and other equipment; and proper safety procedures".
Car Salesperson
In dealing with the public, customer service skills, in lieu of a college degree, is key to success in any retail position. According to the BLS, "Most new retail salespersons receive extensive on-the-job training, beginning with mentoring from sales managers and experienced sales workers".
Food Manufacturing (Production)
With most job functions in the food manufacturing setting being centered on machine operation, producers in this industry obtain job skills by working with more experienced workers. According to the BLS, although machine operations skills are often quickly learned, "employees may need several years of experience before they are able to keep the equipment running smoothly, efficiently, and safely".
Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
While a high school education is required to start in this field, experience is key. A study performed by the BLS, entry-level employees often start as "attendants or operators-in-training and learn their skills on the job under the direction of an experienced operator." Critical job skills are learned by "observing and doing routine tasks such as recording meter readings". Furthermore, according to the BLS,"Larger treatment plants generally combine this on-the-job training with formal classroom or self-paced study programs".
Air Traffic Controller
An air traffic controller does not have to have a degree and can still earn a six figure salary at a little over $100,000. Air traffic controllers are in charge of the safety of all vehicles (planes and otherwise) coming and going from an airport to ensure there are no collisions on the ground or in the air. While this job doesn't require a degree, the difficult nature does require extensive experience.
Funeral Director
Although it's not the most glamorous job, and might seem a little grim, a funeral director earns nearly $100,000 annually and the job doesn't require a degree. Funeral directors are in charge of helping the family of the recently deceased arrange funeral services. A funeral director is also the overseer of embalming, burial and even cremation services.
Operations Manager
An operations manager makes, on average, $70,000 annually. An operations manager position is found in many types of businesses. Basically, the person in this position is responsible for ensuring that business is running smoothing, i.e. workforce and resources are working as they should and there are no backups or issues in the schedule. Examples include efficient production at a factory, cost control and a variety of other areas of business.
Industrial Production Manager
The position of industrial production manager is similar to that of an operations manager, but this position is only in businesses where products are being made. The industrial production manager oversees production of goods and will try to determine new, less expensive and more efficient ways to get these goods manufactured. This person will also ensure that production is running smoothly and that any problems are quickly resolved. The average salary is around $70,000.
Transportation Manager
A transportation manager is also similar to both the industrial production manager and the operations manager, but works at companies that provide public transportation, such as train companies or bus tour companies, as well as companies that transport goods from one manufacturer to stores for selling. A transportation manager may also work for local governments to manage city bus or metro transportation. The transportation manager ensures everything is running on time and may determine more efficient routes for transportation.
Distribution Manager
A distribution manager works with the manufacturing companies to ensure the goods that are produced are getting where they need to go smoothly, on time and the most cost-efficient way as possible. The person in this position is also the top manager when it comes to customer complaints regarding delivery failures. A distribution manager makes around $68,000 annually.
Computer Technical Support Specialist
A computer technical support specialist can work independently as a freelance consultant or for a company providing technical support to employees. Either way, the person in this position is in charge of setting up computer programs and solving any computer-related issues that may arise in an office or home environment. This person can make anywhere from $60,000 to $70,000 and may earn even more freelancing. Usually, people in this position don't need a degree because they are self-taught in computers and have gained much experience.
Police Manager/Detective
The position of police manager or detective doesn't require a degree, although it does usually require you to graduate the police academy, which is rigorous in its own right. These positions are filled with police officers as they move up in rank. A police officer serves and protects individuals and to maintain the safety of citizens within their jurisdiction. The police academy will train you for various situations you may encounter as a police officer.
Gaming Manager
A gaming manager doesn't need a degree, but may need to acquire a license to work in a casino. A gaming manager's duties range from cleaning slot machines to training dealers. The basic duty, though, is to watch over a certain area of the casino to ensure that customers are enjoying themselves, which will keep them at a table and gambling, and that the dealers are acting appropriately. Most casino managers start out as dealers themselves.
Nuclear Power Reactor Manager
A nuclear power reactor manager ensures that the nuclear power reactors, which are the main power generators in a nuclear power plant, are working properly and helps senior managers fix any issues that arise. After more experience on the job, the manager will be licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which would allow them to work on the machines hands-on themselves. At least one senior manager will be on duty with the nuclear power reactor manager at all times.