High Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
I’ve believed for a long time that going to college isn’t for everyone. There are clearly opportunities to be successful financially without having to put in the time and money required to be part of what has become the accepted path towards earning money: getting a college degree.
Here is a summary of the top 10 highest paying jobs in the US that do not require a college degree, including average salary information and a summary of the skills required for each job.
This list of high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree comes from the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is a governmental agency that provides data on employment and wages in the United States.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Nuclear power reactor operator: Operates and controls nuclear reactors, including monitoring instruments and making adjustments to the controls. Average salary is $94,350 per year. Skills required: attention to detail, critical thinking, and knowledge of nuclear power plant operations.
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager
Transportation, storage, and distribution manager: Plans, directs, and coordinates the transportation, storage, and distribution of goods. Average salary is $94,730 per year. Skills required: leadership, communication, problem-solving, and knowledge of transportation and logistics.
First-line Supervisor of Non-Retail Sales Workers
First-line supervisor of non-retail sales workers: Supervises and coordinates the activities of non-retail sales workers. Average salary is $64,590 per year. Skills required: leadership, communication, organization, and knowledge of sales principles.
Commercial Diver
Commercial diver: Performs underwater tasks such as construction, repair, inspection, and salvage. Average salary is $58,840 per year. Skills required: physical stamina, attention to detail, and knowledge of diving equipment and procedures.
Elevator Installer and Repairer
Elevator installer and repairer: Installs, repairs, and maintains elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. Average salary is $81,180 per year. Skills required: mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, and knowledge of elevator systems.
Power Plant Operator
Power plant operator: Operates and controls power-generating equipment such as boilers, turbines, and generators. Average salary is $86,420 per year. Skills required: mechanical aptitude, critical thinking, and knowledge of power plant operations.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear medicine technologist: Prepares and administers radioactive drugs and uses imaging equipment to create images of the body to assist in diagnosis and treatment. Average salary is $78,200 per year. Skills required: attention to detail, critical thinking, and knowledge of radiation safety and imaging equipment.
Funeral Service Manager
Funeral service manager: Manages the day-to-day operations of a funeral home or cemetery. Average salary is $79,180 per year. Skills required: leadership, communication, and knowledge of funeral service laws and regulations.
Power distributor and dispatcher: Directs the flow of electricity through power transmission and distribution systems. Average salary is $81,850 per year. Skills required: attention to detail, critical thinking, and knowledge of power systems and electrical equipment.
Petroleum Pump System Operator, Refinery Operator, and Gauger
Petroleum pump system operator, refinery operator, and gauger: Operates and controls equipment to refine and distribute petroleum products. Average salary is $64,370 per year. Skills required: mechanical aptitude, critical thinking, and knowledge of refinery operations and safety procedures.
The availability and specifics of these jobs vary depending on location and the job market conditions. Some of these jobs may require certification or specialized training. However, none of these require
