6 high-paying jobs in the US that do not require a college degree
Although having a college degree can mean receiving a substantial salary, there are some high-paying jobs in the US that don’t require a college diploma.
Having a college degree can represent an advantage when looking for employment and asking for a bigger salary. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to go to college due to various factors, including the prohibitive cost of tertiary education.
However, not all fields require a college diploma to be able to receive substantial pay. Here are some job options that do not require university studies and that, with the necessary training, can offer high salaries.
6 high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree
Although the following jobs do not require completion of a four-year college program, some require certain licenses and certifications relevant to the position, as well as specific experience and knowledge. If you are looking for a slightly higher salary in these positions, it is also very helpful to have a basic education up to secondary or high school level.
Real estate agent
This is one of the high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree, but it does require passing a real estate license exam.
Among the main functions of a real estate agent are helping clients buy, sell or rent properties. They can also help in preparing buildings for sale, holding open houses, negotiating sales prices, attending home inspections and advising clients on market trends.
According to the job website Indeed, the average annual salary of a real estate agent is around $94,500.
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Registered nurse
To become a nurse, you can have a bachelor's degree in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing, or you can also enter a nursing program without having to take four years. Registered nurses must be licensed.
Duties include assessing patient health problems and needs, developing and implementing nursing care plans, maintaining medical records, and managing patient care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average salary is $89,000 per year.
Agricultural/livestock administrators
Generally, this position requires a high school diploma and work experience. Duties of this job include planning, directing, and coordinating the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquaculture operations, nurseries, timberlands, or other agricultural establishments.
They may also be responsible for hiring, training and supervising agricultural workers or contracting services to carry out daily activities, as well as participate in or supervise planting, growing and harvesting activities. According to the BLS, the national average salary of those who hold this job is $83,790 per year.
Electrical line installers and repairers
As with agricultural administration, to obtain this job it is necessary to have work experience, technical instruction and on-the-job training. The national average annual salary is $82,770, according to the BLS.
This position includes tasks such as installing or repairing cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems, as well as erecting light- or heavy-duty transmission poles and towers.
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Construction inspectors
Unlike a construction worker or helper, construction and building inspectors generally need a high school diploma and work experience.
Their duties include inspecting structures to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes and other regulations. The national average salary is $70,130 per year.
Carpenter
Education requirements for this job include having work experience, technical instruction, and on-the-job training. Having a high school diploma or equivalent can be a great help.
The national average salary is $60,665 per year, according to the job website Indeed.
The worker’s functions include building wooden structures using specialized tools and/or machines. Some carpenters build houses and buildings, while others focus on making furniture.