For past generations, having an education was the guaranteed way to land a steady career. In this day and age, that isn't necessarily the case anymore—getting a bachelor's degree under your belt will certainly help get you noticed by employers, but it's no longer a surefire way to secure a job. It seems that bachelor's degrees are now the norm; perhaps even master's degrees. If it's already difficult for people who had a formal education to get a job, what are people who might not have had that luxury supposed to do?
Well, if you're part of the latter group, there's no reason to fret—there are still several options available, and high-paying ones too! The following jobs can earn you a wage as high as $75K, and you don't need a bachelor's degree to apply. Read on for five high-paying jobs you can get without a bachelor's degree:
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#1 Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots make a median annual pay of $78,740. While their job may seem as simple as transporting passengers from point A to point B, their job is far from white-and-black—they have to deal with unscheduled flights, unforeseen delays, and a variety of other issues that occur in-flight. In order to become one, you'll need to obtain a commercial pilot's license and a high school diploma. ?Most pilots complete their training with independent FAA-certified instructors.
#2 Criminal Investigator
Criminal investigators make a median annual wage of $79,970. They are responsible for examining and collecting evidence for criminal cases through various means, including conducting interviews, following suspects, and participating in various raid operations. There are different fields you can specialize in such as fraud or homicide, and your main goal is to work until an arrest is made or a trial is completed. To become a criminal investigator, you need at least a high school diploma, but a college degree will make you significantly more competitive in the job market.
#3 Elevator Technician
Elevator technicians make a median annual wage of $79,480. It may not seem like it, but this industry is rapidly growing, with a 12-percent increase expected over the next seven years. As an elevator technician, you would install, fix and maintain elevators (and escalators) in all sorts of buildings, from office spaces to airports. While you don't need a bachelor's degree to become one, you still need some form of specialized training. You'd start with a four-year apprenticeship, which requires a high school diploma for admission.
#4 Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers make a median annual wage of $124,540. Because they have very critical responsibilities that impact the safety of hundreds of passengers each day, there's a lot of training that goes into becoming one. Most start by obtaining an associate's degree through an FAA-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative, or AT-CTI program. They must also hold an Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate, pass a physical exam each year and undergo a job performance review twice per year.
#5 Funeral Manager
Funeral managers make a median annual wage of $78,040. It's a bit of a gloomier job, but it is highly rewarding. Funeral managers are responsible for handling the basic tasks of a business, including staffing, marketing, and revenue growth, but they also have to offer specialized services to clients, including counsel for the families, preparing legal documents, and organizing the logistics involving the deceased. Funeral managers need an associate's degree in mortuary science. Internship experience is also helpful.
