Highest Paying Jobs Without A Degree

Searching for the highest paying jobs without a degree, especially in a post-recession job market, can be pretty difficult. But the fact is you don’t necessarily need that certificate to find a high quality, well paying career. Though some type certification is usually necessary for the highest paying jobs, there’s sometimes no need to fork over four years of your life and tens of thousands of dollars by going the traditional college route. Here are some high paying career options that will allow you to blow through the college limbo, “pass go”, and collect way more than $200.

1. Air Traffic Controller. If you’re fascinated by airplanes and can stand the day-to-day hustle and bustle of an airport, then a position as an air traffic controller might just be right for you. Though there are four year degree programs offered at certain colleges through air traffic control, all you need to fulfill the qualifications for the job are FAA certifications, which can be obtained without having a degree. The median salary in the field of this relatively high paying job is a hefty $60,200 per year.
2. Private Investigator. In most localities, getting this job requires licensure, which you will undoubtedly have to train for. But, when compared to a four year college degree, the temporal and monetary costs for a PI license are significantly less. In this field, you can expect to work odd hours serving summons, finding debtors to businesses, and performing investigations. The reward, however, is a high paying median salary of roughly $50,000 per year.
3. HVAC Installer. If you’re mechanically inclined, becoming an HVAC (short for Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) installer is a great option as a high paying job with no degree necessary. Becoming a licensed HVAC installer requires some technical training through one of the United States’ accredited agencies, which can take as little as six months to complete. The time spent studying will pay off, too, as you can expect a median salary of $44,800 per year. Additionally, the market for HVAC installers is in short supply, so you can often expect to find work with relative ease.
4. Police Officer. Though this high paying job can be had without a college degree, you’ll need to go through a rigorous training program and have a squeaky clean background to become a police officer. Generally speaking, the programs take about four months to complete, and from there you’ll be able to work your way up the totem pole at a local police department. In addition to the excitement of catching criminals, you can expect an average salary of $47,485 – just be aware that average salary can vary quite a bit from district to district.