It is well-known that having a college education results in higher incomes. Nevertheless, many students may feel that they do not have the aptitude to attend college. Additionally, for some young adults getting through high school is tough enough. The thought of attending college for an additional four to five years, is not appealing to them. The good news is, there are good paying jobs that do not require a degree.
Police Officer
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median wage for a police officer as of May 2020, was $65,540 per year. Additionally, you do not need to have a college education to become a police officer. In most areas, you can become a police officer with just a high school diploma.
Police departments are often hiring. The best place to look for a job in law enforcement is on the website of your local police department.
Electrician
The BLS estimates that the demand for electricians will grow by 66% between 2020-2030. The median wage for an electrician was $56,900 as of May 2020. To become an electrician, you will need a high school diploma and specialized training. There are many local apprenticeship programs that will provide you with on-the-job training to become an electrician.
Millwright
A millwright is a person who works with heavy machines. As of May 2020, the median wage for a millwright is $57,260. Like electricians, millwrights require specialized training through apprenticeship programs. However, you do not need a degree to be accepted to the program.
Railroad Jobs
There are several railroad jobs that pay well, but do not require a college degree. Various railroad operators have a median wage of $47,000 to $69,000.
The availability of railroad positions depends on your location. To find a railroad position, you will want to start at the website of your local railway. Alternatively, Indeed.com is a great resource for finding railroad openings.
Summary
The list above is just an example of the jobs that are available to those without a college degree. There are many jobs available through apprenticeship programs that pay very well. Including plumbing and carpentry.
At the same time, you may notice that many of these jobs are in male dominated fields.
For women, obtaining a secondary degree is still the best way to get a good paying job.
