Ten Ways To Earn A Six-Figure Salary Without A College Degree

The majority of American students aspire to enroll in a good university once they finish high school, but not everyone is able to and many don’t need to. Lack of funds, family issues, and unforeseen circumstances may stop someone from attending a university. At present, about 65% of Americans do not have a college degree. If you are looking for a job that pays a decent salary but you don’t have a college degree, consider applying to these jobs to earn enough to keep your home fires burning.

Air Traffic Controller

Although air traffic controllers need to take a number of tests, undergo various medical checks prior to employment, and attend lots of classes to learn the art of air traffic control, you do not need a degree. Due to the stress that comes with the job, air traffic controllers are paid very well. Currently, the median salary per annum stands at about $159,000.

Pilot

For those with a penchant for traveling and who are happy with irregular working hours, becoming a pilot may be the perfect job. Although you do not need a degree to become a pilot, it does not mean that the job is easy. There are many classes and rigorous training sessions to go through until you can become a pilot. However, with an annual salary of around $110,000, the rewards are really worth it.

IT Manager

The job of an IT manager is to ensure that a company’s computer network operates flawlessly. Employers are willing to pay more than $100,000 because without a robust computer network, the company may lose profit. It is not necessary to have a college degree for this position, but you do have to keep up with the advances in technology.

Longshoreman

A longshoreman is a person who loads and unloads cargo at the docks using cranes and other machinery. You need to be unionized with The International Longshore and Warehouse Union in order to be considered for this job. Longshoremen are required to work in all conditions, and it is important that you are in good physical shape. Although the pay starts at $20 per hour, if you gather considerable experience, you can easily rake in $55 an hour. If you can work overtime, you can easily earn $100,000 per annum.

Court Reporter

Court reporters are in high demand, and although it is not necessary to have a college degree, you do need to be able to type a minimum of 225 words per minute while listening to two people speaking at the same time. The job usually offers a salary of over $100,000 per annum.

Online Marketing Manager

The demand for online marketing managers is growing, and employers are ready to pay handsomely to employ talented digital marketing professionals. Online marketers do not need a college degree, and a majority of colleges don’t offer a degree that caters to this niche. This is an area that is growing exponentially, and the majority of online marketers make over $95,000 with ease. You can possibly earn even more if you can bring useful skills and know-how to the table.

Construction Manager

The job of a construction manager is an exhausting one and only suitable for those who are physically able. While you don’t need to do as much lifting when you rise up to the level of a construction manager, you do need to start out as a manual worker. Construction managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising projects from start to finish and are paid between $94,000 and $150,000 per annum, depending on their skills and expertise.

Fashion Designer

Although there are art schools that offer a fashion degree, a majority of designers start at the bottom to gain experience and work their way up. The fashion industry is tough, but once you carve your own niche in fashion designing, you can start earning a minimum of $125,000 by crafting designer clothes.

Real Estate Agent

In order to become a real estate agent, you do need a high school diploma and a license. Aside from these, you should continue taking classes. However, there is no requirement for a college degree. The job of a real estate agent is not your typical 9 to 5 job as the agent has to work around the client’s hours. Typically, a real estate agent earns $180,000 per annum.

Nuclear Reactor Operator

To work as a nuclear reactor operator, you do not need a degree, but you must have a license. You will have to work as an equipment operator for about 3 years, but once you have enough experience, it is possible for you to earn six figures. This is a rapidly growing industry with a projected growth of 19% in the next 2 years.

Remember that success is basically a mindset. While you may consider enrolling in a college program for improving your skills, it’s not a prerequisite for earning big.