For many, the path to success starts with obtaining a college degree. But that isn’t the only way to land a good job.
There are lots of fast-growing jobs right now that don’t require a bachelor’s and have good salaries.
Kiplinger compiled a list of the highest-paying jobs and fastest-growing jobs for workers without a college degree. Continue reading to see which ones made the list.
Construction and building inspectors make a median annual salary of $67,700. Some states require a license to be an inspector but not a college degree.
Flight attendants see a median annual salary of $68,370, and most airlines don’t require a college degree.
While this one might be a little unrealistic, Kiplinger put it as 8th on the list. Athletes have a median annual salary of $70,280, and no degree is required — just talent.
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives see a median annual salary of $73,080 and often aren’t required to have college degrees.
Locomotive engineers net a median annual salary of $73,580. Usually, no college degree is required, but you do need on-the-job training and certification from the Federal Railroad Administration, Kiplinger said.
If you have an eye for solving crimes, you could make the median annual salary of $74,910 as a criminal investigator or detective — and you usually won’t need a college degree for it.
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians net a median annual salary of $75,400. While you will need to enter an FAA-approved program to get an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification, you don’t need a bachelor’s.
Electrical power-line installers and repairers have a median annual salary of $85,420, and you will need some technical training or an apprenticeship but not a bachelor’s.
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers see a median annual salary of $99,200 and have no degree requirements.
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers will see a median annual salary of $102,420 and tend to require a four-year apprenticeship but not a college degree, according to Kiplinger.
