No Degree Necessary: These Are 40 Well-Paying Jobs That Don't Require A University Degree
No Degree Necessary: These Are 40 Well-Paying Jobs That Don't Require A University Degree
While much of the vocational landscape these days is taken up with jobs that require a four-year college degree (even for entry-level positions), there are many jobs that don't require a college degree—and they'll pay you more than minimum wage, too. While they may require a one (or two-year) trade school diploma or certification, you can spend more time making money and be in less student debt. Here are 40 jobs that don't require a university degree.
Sheet Metal Fabricators
Sheet metal fabricators work in sheet metal plants fabricating, assembling, and maintaining sheet metal products like metal roofing, ducting, and much more.
Anywhere you've seen sheet metal in your life, chances are it was made by a sheet metal fabricator.
While you don't need a four-year degree, training facilities like the Sheet Metal Institute in Portland, Oregon offer apprenticeships to post-high school students with a diploma.
The median salary for a sheet metal fabricator is $55,350 per year.
Medical Assistants
Medical assistants are often the glue that holds a doctor's office together. These highly-skilled individuals are quick with a computer and can operate efficiently to keep things running smoothly. You must be highly detail and process-oriented, but also good with people as you'll be speaking with doctor's patients' daily. Medical assistants don't need to have a four-year degree—a training program at a local college will suffice.
The median salary for a medical assistant is $38,270 per year.
Security Guard
While not quite on the same level as a police officer, security guards still perform important functions like securing private properties and buildings for clients ranging from private individuals to large corporations.
If you're a bit of a night owl and can handle the sometimes stressful situations that can arise, then being a security guard might be a great option for you!
While you don't need a college degree, basic training like CPR, active shooter training, and other requirements are a necessity.
The median security guard salary is $34,750 per year.
Bus Driver
Bus drivers are always in demand—whether you're working for a school district (hey, summer's off!) or pick up a bus driving job working for your locality or city, you'll almost never be out of work.
You must be good with people and be over the age of 18 (or 21 in some states) and hold a commercial driver's license.
The median salary for a bus driver is $50,000 per year.
