From a young age, we’re told that if we don’t get a degree, we’ll never earn a decent income. Statistically speaking, a degree will help you earn a higher yearly income. But it’s certainly not the only option. For many people, the university might not be a worthwhile investment. You’ll pay about $30,000 per year to attend post-secondary. Studying takes up a great deal of your time, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to work full time while you’re in school. Even if you’re lucky enough to land a high paying job right out of school, you’ll still be $120,000 in the red. If you’re looking to change careers, you might want to consider one of these five high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree.
Truck Driver
The transport industry plays a crucial role in our economy. Everything from food to luxury cars is transported by truck, and somebody needs to navigate all of that merchandise from point A to point B. No matter where you live, there is likely a transport company located nearby. To qualify for this job, you’ll need to get a commercial driver’s license, graduate high school, and have a clean driving record. With the average truck driver salary ranging from $30,000 to $60,000, the cost of getting your commercial license is a great investment.
Real Estate Broker
Many people thrive in a social environment. If you excel in a position where you get to interact with people, you’d make a great real estate broker. Clients will come to you, looking for help finding a home. Your job is to understand what they’re looking for and show them houses that fit their criteria. Even a single sale can result in four figure commissions, so there is a lot of incentive to do well. With an average wage or $58,000, this is a career that can provide a comfortable living.
Magnetic-Resonance-Imaging Technologists
With a title like that, you’d expect that this job would require multiple high-level degrees. The truth is, many technical positions don’t require degrees. In this position, you’d be responsible for operating an MRI. This is a medical device that uses magnetic waves to take photos of the inside of a human body. To qualify for this position, you need to complete a technical certification. Unlike a degree, the course is much shorter, and most of your learning is hands on. You’ll have to stay focused, but the reward is an average salary of $65,360.
Elevator Repairman
These days, elevators are so common that we don’t think much about them. However, there is some pretty impressive technology found inside. They’re able to lift thousands of pounds to the top of multi-story buildings, all while providing a smooth, comfortable ride. Just like anything mechanical, elevators can break. When they do, they need somebody with the know-how to get them running again. To start your career, you’ll be indentured into an apprenticeship. This can take two years, but you’ll be learning hands on, acting as the assistant for an experienced technician. You’ll be getting paid from day one, eventually working your way up to a comfortable $76,650.
Every industry in the world is in need of dedicated skilled employees. Earning a degree is a great way to work towards your dream job. But it’s certainly not the only way to be successful. If you’re concerned about your income, be sure to explore the opportunities that are available to you. With a little luck, you might just find what you’re looking for.
Tech addict, the explorer, living with the internet. The passion for technology has never failed to fascinate in every stage of his life. He maintains his own blog Tripontech. Now, he regularly contributes to some of the popular magazines, sharing his experience with the world. His work has appeared in Huffingtonpost and Socialnomics.net.