For years, conventional wisdom held that a bachelor’s degree was the only path to career and financial success.
A bachelor’s degree can give you career options and open doors, but it’s not always necessary to earn a high salary or have a fulfilling career. On top of that, the cost of a college degree in the U.S. has been skyrocketing for decades.
That’s why many young people are looking for alternatives to earn money without investing a lot of time and money in college and accumulating massive student loan debt.
But is it possible to find such a good-paying and rewarding job without a degree in today’s market?
Absolutely.
There are many jobs that don’t require a degree but still offer decent pay, growth potential, and satisfaction.
Trades Jobs
These jobs typically only require an associate’s degree or apprenticeship training and include:
Linemen: These electrical workers install and maintain power lines and telecommunication systems. Median pay is $72,060 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Elevator Installers and Repairers: Elevator mechanics maintain and repair electric and hydraulic freight and passenger elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. The median salary is $92,010 annually as of May 2022.
Pipe fitters: These skilled craftspeople install, assemble, fabricate, maintain, and repair pipes in various structures and facilities. Median pay is $63,150 per year.
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: Aircraft mechanics inspect, service, maintain, and repair aircraft engines and mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. Median pay is $68,270 per year.
Electricians: As of May 2022, the median salary for electricians was $59,590, according to the BLS. However, experienced union electricians can earn over $100,000 per year. An electrician is also consistently ranked as one of the best jobs in America due to strong projected growth numbers and high wages.
Plumbers: Plumbers had a median salary of $56,210 in May 2022, based on BLS statistics. Certified plumbers with experience can earn six-figure salaries, especially those working for union contractors in busy metropolitan areas.
Technology Jobs
Here are some emerging opportunities in tech:
Web developer: A web developer creates websites and web applications using various programming languages and tools. Web developers can work as freelancers, for agencies, or for companies. The average salary for a web developer in the US is $75,487 per year, according to ZipRecruiter. You don’t need a degree, but you do need to learn how to code.
Coding Bootcamp Graduates: Coding bootcamps provide intensive training (usually 3–6 months) in web development, IT support, cybersecurity, and other technical fields. Graduates of the top programs have placement rates of over 80% based on 2019 self-reported outcome data published by Course Report. Median salaries for early-career coders coming out of bootcamps typically range from $65,000 to $95,000, depending on location and specialty.
Tech Support Specialists: As personal and business technology use proliferates, demand is strong for workers who can provide user support and troubleshooting. Entry-level tech support jobs paying $40,000–$50,000 are accessible with certification or on-the-job training. Senior tech support specialists with several years of experience managing help desks and servicing business clients can earn $60,000–$80,000 or more without a four-year degree.
Commercial Transportation Jobs
Here are some opportunities in transportation:
Commercial Truck Drivers: Based on BLS data from May 2022, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers had a median salary of $48,710 nationally. Experienced drivers working routes out of major logistics hubs regularly surpass $70,000 before factoring in overtime or bonuses many carriers provide.
Mariners: As of 2022, the median salary of water transportation workers with roles like deckhands, pilots, and captains was $57,440, according to PayScale. salaries reach six figures for merchant marine captains overseeing large cargo ships and oil tankers.
Commercial Pilot: All professional pilots must obtain a commercial pilot’s license, pass regular medical exams, and log hundreds of hours of flight time as well as ongoing training. However, they provide an entry point into commercial aviation without a 4-year degree. Earnings potential increases substantially with experience and responsibility:
– Cargo pilots who transport goods domestically, earning $80,000–$130,000 annually working for companies like FedEx.
– Agricultural pilots who apply chemicals to crops from small planes earn $48,000–$72,000 or more if operating their own aircraft.
– Aerial firefighter pilots who work on wildfires, starting at $80,000 but experienced captains earning over $350,000 flying large water tankers.
– Private jet pilots transport business executives and celebrities, with a median salary around $86,500, but some pilots earn over $400,000 for large fleets.
Healthcare Technician Jobs
These healthcare technician jobs allow you to earn a living wage through on-the-job or associate’s-level training:
Radiologic Technologist: The median pay for radiologic technologists and technicians (commonly known as X-ray or CT/MRI techs) was $65,540 as of May 2022, according to the BLS. They operate medical imaging equipment to create diagnostic images.
Respiratory Therapists: These practitioners work with patients dealing with illnesses like asthma and respiratory failures. Their May 2022 median salary was $64,870, according to BLS statistics.
Dental Hygienist: With a median pay of $78,570 in May 2022, dental hygienists provide preventive dental care and patient education. A two-year dental hygiene associate’s degree is required for licensure in most states.
Working as a Writer Without a Degree
The truth is, you don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree to make a living through writing. With hard work and the right experience, you can find success as a writer without spending years in college.
Freelance writing is a great option that allows you to gain experience and build a portfolio without a degree. Start by offering your services for blog writing, ghostwriting, copywriting, or other online content.
Many companies are willing to consider applicants with solid skills, even without a degree. Online courses, masterclasses, conferences, and seminars offer affordable options to gain knowledge.
Writing is also a field where life experience provides valuable material.
Success Doesn’t Come in One Size
If you’re willing to do some diligent research and have an open mind to different learning paths, there are lots of lucrative jobs without an undergraduate degree in today’s economy.
Success comes in many forms. Who says the only path to a rewarding career is with a four-year degree?
