14 Best Jobs with No College Degree
You want to get out into the world. And obviously that requires money. You’re going to have pay for rent, food, cellphone and other necessary things you’ll need in order to live your life. We can conclude that you’re most likely going to need a job that pays well. And for most of us, depending on where you live, minimum wage isn’t a living wage.
However, you don’t necessarily want to attend college and get a degree. It’s not that you’re not a hard worker or are incapable. Most likely, you just don’t want a career that college will get you. You don’t want to spend 4 plus years in school. College debt doesn’t feel right.
What can you do to get a good paying job that will allow you to become a self-sufficient adult? Not to worry there are several options. Below we will list good paying jobs that don’t require you to go to college.
- Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurse
To become an LPN or LVN you can attend a charter college, trade school, or a vocational school. The great about this job is the high demand. They expect around 65,000 new job openings by 2029. This is great if you’re trying to relocate. You can likely move anywhere in the country and find employment. Also, the estimated median annual salary is $47,480. Lastly, the unemployment rate in this field is 2.4%.
- Medical Records Technician
As the title of this implies, this is someone who maintains medical paperwork. Also. Medical records technicians organize and input data for things like billing, reporting and tracking other important data. To get this job you may just need a high school diploma. You might need take a course to acquire a certificate. MRT’s earn a median annual salary of about $42,630. 29,000 new job openings are expected by 2029. Last, the unemployment rate for this career is 3.9%.
- Bus Driver
The sad part about this job is that you grew up watching the magic school bus, you might be disappointed. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a good paying job. And it’s in pretty high demand. You will need a clean record. Also, you will need a commercial license. This applies for school buses, and transit buses alike. By 2029, there will be an expected 20,000 job openings. In addition, the median annual salary is $43,030. Lastly, the unemployment rate is 4%.
- Dental Assistant
Dental assistants assist dentists and dental hygienists. In most states all you need to jump into this career is attend a dental assisting program and pass a licensure test. In addition, dental assistants make an estimated annual salary of about $40,080. Also, D.A.’s enjoy a low unemployment rate of 2.4%. Lastly, the expected new job openings by 2029 are 23,400.
- Flight Attendant
We should note that out of every job we will list, this one was heavily impacted by the pandemic. However, as things get back to normal many flight attendants will be needed. All you need is to be extremely flexible, like to travel and a high school diploma. First, the estimated median annual salary is $56,640. Second, the unemployment rate is extremely low (not counting the pandemic) at 0.4%. Lastly, 21,100 new jobs are expected to open by 2029.
- Medical Assistant
No degree needed here. Assisting in this field includes things like taking vitals, gathering patient data and maintaining record. To begin with, the estimated median annual salary is $34,800. Next, the unemployment rate is 1.9%. Finally, and most impressively are the expected new job openings by 2029 sitting at 139,000.
- Massage Therapist
You don’t need a degree, but you will need to earn a license. It varies state by state. You can work in a spa for relaxation, or a medical setting to help patients heal from injury. Massage therapists enjoy a good median annual salary of about $42,820. Additionally, the unemployment rate is 2.1%. Finally, the expected new job openings by 2029 are 34,400.
- Phlebotomist
Unlike many other job titles, this one is not so straight forward for most of us. Phlebotomists draw blood, so kind of like a vampire who gets paid. All you need to enter this career is complete a program and earn certification. First, the estimated median annual salary is $35,510. Second, this career enjoys a great unemployment rate of 0.4%. Next, the expected new job openings by 2029 are 22,800.
- Ophthalmic Medical Technician
A little weird to pronounce, you might not know what this career is. Not to worry, these are the techs that give you eye exams, give eye drops and generally help the eye doctor. To begin with, this career earns an estimated median annual salary of $36,940. Also, this career has an unemployment rate of 1.6%. Finally, this career is expected to have 8,500 new job openings by 2029.
- Patrol Officer
Patrol officers may direct traffic patrol areas and investigate crashes. No college but you do have to go to the academy. First, patrol officers earn an estimated annual salary of about $63,150. Next, they enjoy a solid unemployment rate of 0.7%. Finally, there are 39,100 expected new job openings by 2029.
- Firefighter
Similar to the last job, you don’t need a degree, but you need to the academy. You will have to pass written and physical exams. To begin with, firefighters earn an estimated annual salary of $50,850. Additionally, this career has an unemployment rate of 1.5%. Finally, by the year 2029 there are expected to be 20,300 new job openings.
- Plumber
The next few listings will be similar to this one. You can join a trade as an apprentice either by joining a union or by getting taught on the job in the private sector. First, plumbers earn a median annual salary of about $55,160. Next, the unemployment rate for this career is 3.2%. Finally, the expected new job openings by 2029 are 20,900.
- HVAC Technician
Another great trade. Just like plumbing you can become an apprentice via a union or a private company. To begin with, the estimated medium annual salary is $50,590. Additionally, the unemployment rate is 3.6%. Lastly, the expected new job openings by 2029 are 15,100. Get more info here.
- Electricians
The trades are hiring ladies and gentlemen. Same as before you need a high school diploma and to join an apprenticeship. Getting paid to learn is great. To begin with, electricians’ median annual salaries are $56,900. Second, the unemployment rate for this trade is 6%. Finally, the expected new job openings by 2029 are 62,200. Get more info here.
Best Jobs Without a Degree Conclusion
Many people agree that the best way to build wealth in America is by going to college. However, others would argue that this mostly applies to those who intend to pursue a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). The truth is that many colleges and universities offer many educational paths. But not all of these path’s lead to good paying jobs. Or at the very least it may not give you a competitive edge over some one with more experience than you.
We made this list for those of you who don’t feel comfortable getting in debt, especially when you’re not 100% sure what career you want. At Santa Clarita School of Dental Assisting, we offer a 12-week course. Further, we get to see many of our students get jobs while still finishing our program. Ultimately the choice is yours!
We hope we were able to provide you with value. Also, we hope this information helps you decide on your new career. Keep keeping on everyone!
