Not a fan of higher education? Maybe you’ve decided you’re done after high school, but that shouldn’t keep you from having a meaningful and successful career.
These days, it’s not so hard to find a high-paying job without a degree. Many companies have relaxed their degree requirements due to expensive education costs and employees’ resignations during the pandemic. While degrees may not be necessary, showing your knowledge and competence in certain areas is still important. Subsequently, many ways exist to gain the skills and knowledge needed to pursue many fields, including apprenticeships, on-the-job training, online courses, and certifications.
So, while you may not need a college degree, do your due diligence by taking additional courses and getting the required certifications to acquire the job and be successful.
10 Jobs That Earn Over Six Figures (Without a Degree)
10. Business Analyst
Business analysts analyze a business’s data to identify trends and make recommendations based on the business’s big-picture vision. They develop strategies to improve business processes and efficiency and identify opportunities for improvement.
Average Annual Salary: $90,000
Skill or Ability Needed: Work experience in the industry
Education Needed: Work experience; online courses
9. Program/Project Manager
Program/project managers are responsible for day-to-day project or program management, providing attention to detail from start to finish.
Average Annual Salary: $100,000
Skill or Ability Needed: Coordinating, managing, planning, attention to detail
Education Needed: Certifications
8. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers are responsible for coordinating transportation, storage, and distribution (shipping of merchandise) activities for companies.
Average Annual Salary: $106,605
Skill or Ability Needed: Planning, coordinating, or experience in a related field
Education Needed: High school diploma or the equivalent
7. Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots fly non-scheduled flights like charter flights and private planes, plus aerial tours.
Average Annual Salary: $103,293
Skill or Ability Needed: Knowledge of how to fly a plane
Education Needed: Flight training, license, and certifications
6. Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents facilitate the buying and selling of homes and properties.
Average Annual Salary: $124,017 (Commissions and bonuses can vary)
Skill or Ability Needed: Planning, coordinating, knowledge of real estate laws
Education Needed: Real Estate License
5. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers ensure aviation safety as planes enter and exit airport spaces, protecting nearly one billion people annually.
Average Annual Salary: $129,750
Skill or Ability Needed: Sound judgment, attention to detail
Education Needed: NATCA Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative Certificate
4. Data Engineer
Data engineers are responsible for designing and maintaining databases and ensuring companies collect secure and reliable data.
Average Annual Salary: $135,207
Skill or Ability Needed: SQL, coding
Education Needed: Online courses
3. Data Scientist
Data scientists analyze data and provide meaningful insights that can help an organization improve. They are in high demand for everything from cleaning data to developing algorithms.
Average Annual Salary: $144,544
Skill or Ability Needed: SQL, Math, Linear Algebra, Probability, Statistics
Education Needed: Online courses
2. Life Coach
Life coaches help others to become their best selves and reach their goals.
Average Annual Salary: Unlimited Earning Potential
Skill or Ability Needed: Empathetic, goal-setter, nurturer, gives feedback, encourages self-reflection
Education Needed: Certifications
1. Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs work for themselves by starting their own businesses, company, or agency.
Average Annual Salary: Unlimited Earning Potential
Skill or Ability Needed: Planning, research, tenacity, dedication, business and leadership skills
Education Needed: Experience or knowledge in the field
The Bottom Line
Not having a degree shouldn’t keep you from earning a good living and success. While many people who decide not to pursue degrees give up on landing six-figure incomes, you should know that with a little due diligence, work experience, and attention to detail, the dream of earning this type of income can still become a reality.
Read more:
