This interesting blog post is on Ramsey Solutions. website It lists 25 jobs that pay well, but do not require a college degree.
I will also add that I believe that most of these jobs will be in high demand, even as AI eliminates positions from the workforce.
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25 High-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree
What do Henry Ford, Walt Disney and Rachael Ray have in common?
They’re influential people with successful careers who never earned a bachelor’s degree. History is full of movers and shakers who carved their own path—far away from traditional education. Despite what our culture, your parents, or your own inner critic tell you, there are plenty of high-paying and fulfilling jobs that don’t require a degree.
Guess who else never earned a college degree? Yours truly. Yes, folks, you read that right! I left undergrad to work on a political campaign that opened incredible doors of opportunity. By the time I was 23, I had a job offer to work for the governor. I’ve never needed to go back to school because my career path didn’t require it.
Now hear me on this: While you may not need a bachelor’s degree, you do need an education! Some of these jobs we’re going to talk about require an associate degree, some trade school, and others specific certifications or apprenticeships. But here’s the bottom line: You can earn good money and enjoy meaningful work without spending four years at college.
Check out these 25 high-paying jobs (from lowest to highest salary) that don’t require a bachelor’s degree!
25. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Median salary: $47,670
Education needed: high school diploma, on-the-job training
Job growth: 27%
These guys and gals install and maintain solar systems that convert sunlight into energy. This job involves travel to various homes and businesses. If you like being active and outdoors, this could be a great fit for you! And as this becomes a more popular energy source, we’ll see the demand for this job increase. Folks, 51% is an astronomical growth rate!
[Note: All median salary calculations are taken from 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.]
24. Masonry Worker
Median salary: $48,040
Education needed: high school diploma, on-the-job training
Job growth: -2%
Masons work with brick, stone and concrete to build and repair various structures. But it’s no walk in the park, folks! It’s a physically demanding job that requires heavy lifting and a lot of kneeling and standing.
23. Licensed Practical Nurse
Median salary: $48,070
Education needed: postsecondary nondegree award
Job growth: 6%
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work with doctors and registered nurses (RNs) to assist with patient care. They take vital signs, administer medication, and complete paperwork. Unlike an RN, LPNs don’t require a college degree. You can attend an accredited program at a vocational school to get the necessary training.
22. Carpenter
Median salary: $48,260
Education needed: high school diploma, apprenticeship
Job growth: 2%
This age-old profession isn’t growing much, but it remains a consistent way for people to create beautiful and functional things with their hands. Carpenters learn by working with a master of the trade in a formal or informal apprenticeship.
21. Surgical Technologist
Median salary: $48,510
Education needed: postsecondary nondegree award or associate degree
Job growth: 6%
Surgical techs work with surgeons and nurses to perform operations. They make sure the room is ready for the surgery, prepare all the instruments, and provide the physicians with the tools they need throughout the surgery.
20. Real Estate Agent
Median salary: $48,770
Education needed: high school diploma, licensing requirements vary by state
Job growth: 5%
Click here to read the full list.
Remember that every position provides a lesson.
I often explain why you should be eager to learn your supervisor or manager’s job – even if you are not getting paid to run that report, make this week’s work schedule, etc..
Look at it like paid training or on -the-job.
The knowledge and skills you learn, will look good on your resume, and make you stand out to potential employers.
Hopefully, you found this information helpful.