In a lot of playing fields nowadays a college degree is mandatory for entry, however, there are various careers that still don’t require a degree and they also have a high income potential. PayScale.com experts list five fields wherein the majority of workers work without a college degree. Notably in such fields the top 10 percent may well earn more than $100,000.
As majority of these fields, require a high school diploma and on-the-job training along with some technical or vocational training.
1. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator (90th Percentile Pay: $128,000; Median Pay: $86,200)
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nuclear power reactor operators is estimated to grow at a speedier rate than average on account of new plant construction and new rules to cease operator exhaustion.
Vocational degree holders that participate in on-the-job training have a competitive advantage in grabbing the jobs along with promising advancement opportunities.
2. Director of Security: Physical, Personnel, Grounds, et. al (90th Percentile Pay: $123,000; Median Pay: $68,700)
A director of security is supposed to manage teams, systems and procedures that guard the people and property from the dangers of harm, fire, theft, vandalism and illegal activity. This profession calls for attention to details along with handling the protection affairs on high priority. The security personnel are usually required to produce detailed reports, interview witnesses and also be a witness in court.
A possibility of gaining high salary in this field is sustainable patience; you need to stick to it. According to the BLS, chances for advancement are healthy as the turnover is elevated. Also, having management skills or advanced training may make you climb the ladder apart from the potential to start their own security service business.
3. Licensed Massage Therapist (90th Percentile Pay: $112,000; Median Pay: $52,200)
This career really lets you reach out and touch someone. Massage therapists can specialize in more than 80 different types of massage, including Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, reflexology, acupressure and sports massage. The BLS predicts employment in this field will grow faster than average as more people learn about the benefits of massage.
This is a great career for people who need a flexible or part-time schedule -- many therapists work part-time or are self-employed. Most states require formal training before granting a massage license.
4. Elevator Mechanic (90th Percentile Pay: $109,000; Median Pay: $72,900)
Elevator mechanics are in general less prone to be influenced by construction deceleration, as majority of the work consists of maintenance and repair and that too beyond just elevators. The workers in this field also assemble, install and replace escalators, chairlifts, dumbwaiters, moving walkways and identical equipment.
As per the BLS, a number of elevator mechanics are a part of a union and go through a four-year apprenticeship program.
5. Court Reporter (90th Percentile Pay: $105,000; Median Pay: $57,200)
Court reporters are employed to generate transcripts of speeches, conversations, legal proceedings, meetings and events alike. The BLS estimates job prospects for certified court reporters to be outstanding and that rising need for real-time broadcast captioning is set to encourage employment growth in the field.
According to BLS, it generally takes one years’ time at the most to develop into a novice voice writer, whereas a minimum two years to be a proficient real-time voice writer.