10 Jobs With High Pay and Minimal Schooling Required!

Ilovevh · 11.03.09, 03:47 AM

You don't have to go to college earn a decent living. Some professions pay good salaries without requiring post-secondary schooling.

A college degree can be a great path towards a well-paying, satisfying profession, but a bachelor's degree isn't for everyone. In fact, some see advanced education as overrated. A surge in the number of college graduates have dampened the value of a college education. College comes intact with high tuition, room and board, and supplies fees - and that's not even factoring in debt payments that usually last for years, if not decades

Trusting the 'Net
Beware of online lists of top-paying professions with little schooling. Some lists cite obscure professions or ones requiring long-term on-the-job training. Just because a profession doesn't officially require a degree is no indicator that and education wouldn't be advantageous, especially for inexperienced applicants in today's competitive job market.

Your New Career
Here's a list of top-paying jobs requiring little schooling, and their median annual earnings as of 2006, using the latest data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Keep in mind that these jobs have their own challenges and often require some type of specialized schooling - sometimes on-the-job training.

1.Air Traffic Controllers: $117,200

These workers make sure airplanes land and take off safely, and they typically top lists of this nature. The median 50% earned between $86,860-142,210, with good benefits. Air traffic controllers are eligible to retire at age 50 with 20 years of service, or after 25 years at any age. More from Yahoo! Finance.
Watching blinking dots on a radar screen that control the lives of hundreds can be stressful, and the job require specialized FAA schooling and on-the-job training. Typically, two to four years of training are needed in order to become fully certified, although previous military experience can cut that time down significantly.

2.Industrial Production Managers: $77,670

They oversee manufacturing activities. A college degree is preferred, but not necessarily mandatory. They often work in industries such as aviation and automobiles.

3.First-Line Police and Detective Supervisors: $69,300

Police officers can advance through the ranks to become supervisors by passing exams and achieving good performance reviews, and advanced training can help win promotions.

4.Funeral Director: $49,620

College programs in mortuary science usually last from two to four years. You typically must also serve a one-year apprenticeship, pass an exam and obtain a state license. Hours can be long and irregular. Dealing with dead bodies and crying relatives isn't for everyone.

5.Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers: $47,460

Police corporals had an average minimum annual base salary of $44,160, according to the International City-County Management Association. But total income can significantly exceed base salary because of overtime pay. And police officers can often retire at half-pay after 25-30 years of service.

Applicants usually must have at least a high school education, and some departments require a year or two of college or even a degree. Rookies are trained at police academies.

6.Advertising Sales Agents: $42,750

20% have a high school degree or less, and 10% have an Associate's degree.

7.Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents: $39,760

Don't let that figure fool you; the highest 10% earned more than $111,500. While advanced coursework is not necessarily required, new entrants must pass an exam and get a state license. Connections in the community and a willingness to work hard are what really count, but experience and a good housing market also help.

8.Occupational Therapist Assistants: $42,060

These workers usually need an associate degree or a certificate. They work with occupational therapists, helping injured patients recover from, or compensate for, lost motor skills. Job prospects are good in the growing health care field, especially for those with some post-secondary education.

9.Occupational Therapist Aides: $25,000

These employees receive most training on the job. Under supervision of occupational therapists, they also work with injured people. Competition for jobs is tougher for those with only a high school diploma.

10.Physical Therapist Assistants: $41,360

These workers deal with physical therapists, helping patents improve mobility, relieve pain or overcome injuries or disabilities. Those working in home health care services tend to make more on average. Aides, earning an average of $22,000, are trained on the job. Assistants, who have greater responsibilities, typically need an associate's degree.

The Bottom Line
Despite a recession, plenty of career paths can lead to well-paying professions without spending four years or more hitting the books, including opportunities in law enforcement, health care and sales. The goal is to find a job that matches your own particular talents and preferences in addition to supporting your lifestyle.

sickman · 11.03.09, 04:08 AM

2.Industrial Production Managers: $77,670

They oversee manufacturing activities. A college degree is preferred, but not necessarily mandatory. They often work in industries such as aviation and automobiles.

I can attest to this one being in the manufacturing industry. Over the years our Plant Managers have been able to earn upwards of 60-70,000 a year depending on OT. None require a degree, just work hard and keep the shop running.

Bullwinkle · 11.03.09, 04:14 AM

Is it just me, or do all those jobs suck?

graeme · 11.03.09, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullwinkle

Is it just me, or do all those jobs suck?

Exactly. Except perhaps for airtraffic controller, cause then you get to sleep with Angelina Jolie, jump into the turbulence from a 747 and sit around the house and have a nervous breakdown.

I would do all of the above for far less money.

In fact, I have.

jetguy5150 · 11.03.09, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graeme

Exactly. Except perhaps for airtraffic controller, cause then you get to sleep with Angelina Jolie, jump into the turbulence from a 747 and sit around the house and have a nervous breakdown.

I would do all of the above for far less money.

In fact, I have.

I was hoping for so much more from that movie. It kinda blew! LOL!

broken9500 · 11.03.09, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullwinkle

Is it just me, or do all those jobs suck?

they're not toooo bad...funeral director/mortician seems like it would be an ok gig.

They left off admin/executive assistants. Some of these folks can really bank. I've known some people over the years whose assistants make six figures, have a clothing expense account and have their cel phone and car payments made ON TOP of their salary.

Event planning is another gig that can pay very very well and doesn't require any sort of formal schooling.

There are a lot of jobs/careers that pay very well and require more creativity, hustle and hard work than they do formal education.

ziggysmalls · 11.03.09, 06:43 AM

I know a guy who was a mortician. After hearing stories of burnt kids and stuff, no thanks. Plus you are always around sad people not to mention the normal dead bodies.

I would think Porn Star would have to be one of the better jobs that one can have without an education

sickman · 11.03.09, 07:43 AM

How about radio personality. Look at Rush Limbaugh, he never finished college and signed a $500 million radio deal a few years back.

broken9500 · 11.03.09, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sickman

How about radio personality. Look at Rush Limbaugh, he never finished college and signed a $500 million radio deal a few years back.

it's getting more and more difficult to break into mainstream media without degrees in communications and such. Rush is part of the previous generation of guys who broke into the business in a completely different way. Look at Peter Jennings...never graduated high school and became one of the biggest media figures in United States history but those days are gone. Now you have to have a bachelor's degree just to make coffee at a TV or radio station, if you have any aspirations of ever getting on-air.

Now then, this is where hustle and creativity can come into play. With the internet, someone can create their own new/talk program, sell their own advertising, do their own marketting and, if they develop a following, could very easily be picked up by a major media outlet and begin making big money.

cabomiro · 11.03.09, 08:09 AM

9.Occupational Therapist Aides: $25,000

These employees receive most training on the job. Under supervision of occupational therapists, they also work with injured people. Competition for jobs is tougher for those with only a high school diploma.

This is a high paying job? Pretty sure you can work in construction and earn a lot more without a degree.

Raldo · 11.03.09, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ziggysmalls

I know a guy who was a mortician. After hearing stories of burnt kids and stuff, no thanks. Plus you are always around sad people not to mention the normal dead bodies.

I would think Porn Star would have to be one of the better jobs that one can have without an education

I agree!!!!

HuBBs5150 · 11.03.09, 11:39 AM

.......

i'm seriously looking into some of these jobs now.

Eddymon · 11.03.09, 12:08 PM

I sure wish there was good pay for being an online porn evaluator.

broken9500 · 11.03.09, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HuBBs5150

.......

i'm seriously looking into some of these jobs now.

I've known a few people who have created quite the little career out of event planning and personal assisting. I know I mentioned that before but since you said you're looking into the gigs I thought I'd mention it again.

All you really need to get started is a lot of self-motivation, strong organization and communication skills and the ability to negotiate with vendors. It's a gig you can do from home so long as you have a phone and internet service and you get to meet a lot of interesting people. There's one lady I ran into a few years back who started her company by doing kids birthday parties. First she planned her own kids and the parents of the kids' friends were impressed they asked her to help them plan their own parties. She took a bunch of pictures, kept good notes about where she shopped for stuff and who she used for cakes and whatnot and built a little portfolio. Then she got an office party. Then a wedding...and then and then and then. Last I talked to her (this was a few years ago) She was making damn good money planning events of all sorts and it required almost ZERO investment....just time and effort. Her planning a simple wedding or bar mitvah or whatever can make her a couple grand just by doing the leg work.

There's also an upside to offering yourself up as a personal assistant. I met a chick who was making bank as a personal shopper/assistant for a local socialite a few years back.

True, these fields are dominated by women but there are more and more men entering these areas too...especially with more women holding executive level positions with companies, non-profits and law firms. One of the other thing that seems to create a desire for men in these types of position is that they tend to be treated differently than a woman and sometimes that's a good thing.

Times like these, those who are most creative and (wait for it...) "think outside the box" tend to come out ahead.

Good luck on the job hunt.

Redrockinmonkeyboy · 11.03.09, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sickman

How about radio personality. Look at Rush Limbaugh, he never finished college and signed a $500 million radio deal a few years back.

People. like Rush, Stern, Bubba, Bob & Tom etc. are rare. 98% radio DJ's are lucky to make more than about 30-35k/year. And that's AFTER a number of years experience. The most I ever made in radio, salary-wise, was 25k/year, in Sioux City, IA. With remotes/live broadcasts, I could make a grand, or so, more.

I had to hustle my ass off and do side-gigs to make a living wage. On top of my full-time radio gig, I was also

"the voice" for the local CBS affiliate. That was $150/week.
Music Director & On-ice person for the local USHL hockey team in the winter months
had a club gig at the country dance club 2-4 nights/week. That was $150/night (cash)
did freelance V/O work for a local production house. $50-$300/session (depended if it was a spot or video V/O for industry)

By the time it was said and done, I was probably making 50-60k/year, or so. But I was also working 80-90 hours/week. I'd get home long enough, half the time, turn get a few hours sleep, get up and do it all again the next day.

Then, when I found out about my daughter was on the way, I had to step back. The country station wouldn't cut me any slack. By the time she came along I was the APD, MD & main spot/promo guy. I just asked for a reduction in duties, They refused, so I quit, went across town to the rock station. Took a huuuuge pay cut. Lost the club gig and my salary dropped. But, in the end, it was worth it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by broken9500

it's getting more and more difficult to break into mainstream media without degrees in communications and such. Rush is part of the previous generation of guys who broke into the business in a completely different way. Look at Peter Jennings...never graduated high school and became one of the biggest media figures in United States history but those days are gone. Now you have to have a bachelor's degree just to make coffee at a TV or radio station, if you have any aspirations of ever getting on-air.

Now then, this is where hustle and creativity can come into play. With the internet, someone can create their own new/talk program, sell their own advertising, do their own marketting and, if they develop a following, could very easily be picked up by a major media outlet and begin making big money.

You really don't need more than a two-year degree. Unfortunately, right now, there are just no jobs to be had. Consolidation and computer automation has killed 60-70% of the on-air radio jobs. The job market is saturated with radio people wanting to stay in the profession, but there aren't enough jobs. The kicker/killer is that salaries have stayed the same, EXTREMELY low, while they've added more & more duties. They know that if you bitch about, and quit, there's 100 other people that will gladly step in.

I'd love to get back in to radio. But it just isn't worth the hit I'd take in pay.

Truck driver should've been listed in the top ten. There are a lot of jobs that you'll make 35-50k a year, out of the box. the last job I had sucked. The one I'm in now, even with the time lost for illness & my foot, I'll make 50k, or more, easily next yer.