5 high-pay careers: no college degree required

Looking for a career with a decent paycheck, but not sure you have the time to start or finish a college degree? Check out this list of five occupations that pay well and don’t typically require a degree.

Electrical or electronics repairers. Workers who install, repair, or replace electrical equipment work in many industries including telecommunications, transportation, and utilities. Those who work in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays had the highest typical annual salaries in 2013, earning between $60,100 and $78,800 a year.

Auto insurance appraisers. These workers examine car or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance settlements, and they prepare insurance forms, cost estimates, and recommendations. Their typical annual salary in 2013 was between $52,400 and $73,300.

200362057-001Aircraft mechanics and service technicians. Workers who diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft or helicopter engines and assemblies earned typical annual salaries of $45,800 to $69,300 in 2013.

Telecom equipment installers and repairers. Those who install, arrange, or remove communications equipment or wiring earned a typical annual salary in 2013 of between $39,800 and $68,500. These workers may service central office equipment or work on telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on a customer’s property.

Court reporters. These workers record pretrial and trial proceedings in courtrooms, using computers and other specialized equipment. They also may produce captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts for hearing-impaired viewers. In 2013, they earned a typical average salary of between $35,100 and $71,300.

You can find courses to help prepare for most of the careers above at a technical college, but you don’t need a degree to land a job. However, earning a certification will help you demonstrate your skills and improve your chances of getting hired.

The typical annual salaries used here are from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey.

Want to learn more? Visit CareerOneStop.org for resources to help you Explore Careers, Job Search, and Find Training.

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3 comments on “5 high-pay careers: no college degree required
  1. wiley markovanovich says:

    Welding is also a field that does not require a college degree, though vocational training does help

  2. Nasiir says:

    I teach a resume and interviewing class in a correctional institution. This information is valuable and I could utilize as much updated info as possible. Please send any and all info to Grafton Reintegration Center (C. Williams), 2500 South Avon Belden Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044

  3. Achuthanunny says:

    Very helpful

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