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Attending a four-year university isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean a high-paying job should be out of reach. There are plenty of roles that allow you to make a lot of money without a college degree that aren’t brain surgery or rocket science, just normal jobs that pay well and may even be fun or cool.
Read on to learn more about various jobs that pay well and don’t require a college degree.
Key Points
• There are many high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree, offering opportunities in health care, construction, and technology.
• Roles such as radiation therapist, MRI technician, and claims adjuster are lucrative without needing a degree.
• Some jobs require certifications or on-the-job training, which are typically less costly than a four-year degree.
• Foregoing a college degree means you can enter the workforce earlier and avoid student debt, though some roles may be physically demanding.
• Networking and industry research can help you find these opportunities.
Why It’s Difficult to Know About Easy Jobs Without a Degree
When it comes to job searching, it’s hard to beat the power of networking. College students and graduates often have a leg up in this department. From alumni networks to on-campus job fairs, many institutions offer different ways to build important professional connections and potentially learn about not-yet-posted job opportunities.
But you don’t necessarily have to go to college to create a professional network or find a job that doesn’t require a degree. Some strategies include attending industry events, engaging with social networks related to your area of interest, and requesting informational interviews with companies you’re interested in.
If you’re just starting out or are considering a career change, you may also want to research growing industries that need workers. Certain roles may require some technical certifications or on-the-job apprenticeships. Still, they could offer competitive pay, coming close to or exceeding the annual expected salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree.
No matter your salary, it’s important to pay attention to your spending and saving. SoFi’s budget tracker tool gathers all your finance info in a single place so you can look at spending patterns, set financial goals, and monitor your credit score for free.
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Pros and Cons of Easy Jobs Without a Degree
There are benefits and drawbacks to some jobs that make a lot of money without a college education.
Benefits of Easy Jobs Without a Degree
Here are some pros of pursuing a job without a degree:
• You can begin a career with little or no student debt.
• Entering the workforce earlier in life may allow you to start saving sooner.
• Roles that are in high demand may have more job security.
• You may experience less work-related stress, depending on the job.
Drawbacks of Easy Jobs Without a Degree
However, there are some trade-offs:
• Joining a high-paying trade or industry can be more physically demanding.
• Some roles require an apprenticeship or years of experience before you can earn a high salary. Entry-level salaries may be modest.
• Lack of a degree may stunt your earnings over your entire career in certain jobs.
• Jobs may be paid hourly, not salaried, which can impact earning potential.
• They’re less likely to accommodate work-at-home situations.
Who Are Easy Jobs Without a Degree For?
High-earning jobs that don’t require a degree can be a good fit for many individuals, including those who:
• Don’t traditionally excel in an academic environment
• Don’t want to take on student debt
• Are eager to enter the workforce
• Have interest in a trade or technical job
25 Easy Jobs That Make a Lot of Money With Little Work Without College
Many jobs that don’t require a degree are minimum wage or low paying. However, there is a sweet spot for jobs that pay well but don’t require a degree. While some of the following call for certification or training, it’s unlikely to cost as much as a traditional four-year degree.
The following salary figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics represent the national median, and the job growth outlook is for 2024-2034.
1. Power Plant Operator, Distributor, and Dispatcher
Description: Control and manage the electrical power systems of a plant.
Salary: $103,600
Job Growth: -10%
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
2. Commercial Pilot
Description: Fly commercial airplanes and other aircraft.
Salary: $198,100
Job Growth: 5%
Requirements: Flight school
3. Elevator Installer and Repairer
Description: Install, repair, and maintain elevators and escalators.
Salary: $106,580
Job Growth: 5%
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
4. Makeup Artist, Theatrical and Performance
Description: On-set makeup application in the entertainment industry.
Salary: $97,150
Job Growth: 7%
Requirements: On-the-job training or beauty school certifications
5. Fire Inspector and Supervisor
Description: Inspect buildings to ensure they meet local, state, and federal standards.
Salary: $75,480
Job Growth: 6%
Requirements: Experience as a firefighter, high school diploma or equivalent
6. Aircraft Mechanic
Description: Work on plane equipment, including maintenance and repair. While pilots tend to be extroverted high achievers, aircraft mechanic is a solid job for introverts.
Salary: $79,140 per year
Job Growth: 5%
Requirements: On-the-job military training or certification from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved technician’s school
7. HVAC Technician
Description: Install, repair, and maintain HVAC systems in residential and commercial properties.
Salary: $59,810
Job Growth: 8%
Requirements: Technical school and/or an apprenticeship
8. Plumber
Description: Install and repair plumbing systems in homes, factories, or businesses. Plumber roles may include on-call emergency hours.
Salary: $62,970
Job Growth: 4%
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
9. Drafter
Description: Digitize and convert architecture and engineering drawings using software.
Salary: $65,380
Job Growth: 0%
Requirements: Associate degree or technical certification
10. Sales Rep, Wholesale and Manufacturing
Description: Sell goods at wholesale to businesses and organizations.
Salary: $74,100
Job Growth: 1%
Requirements: It depends on the industry. Technical sales roles may require certification beyond a high school diploma.
11. Physical Therapist Assistant
Description: Physical therapist (PT) assistants work alongside physical therapists in a medical setting to help patients regain mobility.
Salary: $60,050
Job Growth: 22%
Requirements: Associate degree, licensing, or certification
12. Radiation Therapist
Description: Administer radiation to patients in a hospital setting.
Salary: $101,990
Job Growth: 2%
Requirements: Associate degree
13. MRI Technician
Job Description: Operate the MRI machine to examine patients and interpret scans.
Salary: $78,980
Job Growth: 7%
Requirements: Associate degree
14. Programmer
Description: Write and test code for a variety of programs and software across industries and verticals. Programming is considered a popular job choice for antisocial people.
Salary: $98,670
Job Growth: -6%
Requirements: Historically, roles have required a bachelor’s degree. Recently, employers are considering candidates with certifications or bootcamp training.
15. Postal Service Worker
Description: Process, collect, and deliver mail to homes and businesses.
Salary: $57,870
Job Growth: -5%
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
16. Claims Adjuster, Appraiser, Examiner, and Investigator
Description: Examine and appraise insurance claims, from automotive to residential or commercial building damage.
Salary: $76,790
Job Growth: -5%
Requirements: For most entry-level roles, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. In some industries, such as auto damage appraisal, a certification may be required.
17. Construction and Building Inspector
Description: Inspect residential and commercial buildings to ensure they adhere to local codes and specifications.
Salary: $72,120
Job Growth: -1%
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
18. Court Reporter and Simultaneous Captioner
Description: Create exact transcripts of exchanges, including courtroom proceedings, or live captioning on television.
Salary: $67,310
Job Growth: 0%
Requirements: Training or certification
19. Sound Engineering Technician
Description: Maintain sound systems for live performances, broadcasts, and other programming.
Salary: $56,600
Job Growth: -2%
Requirements: Varies but often includes technical certification
20. Police Detective
Description: Gather facts and investigate crimes. Some police departments are currently offering generous signing bonuses.
Salary: $77,270
Job Growth: 3%
Requirements: Police Academy completion and on-the-job training
21. Electrician
Description: Repair, install, and maintain electrical systems.
Salary: $62,350
Job Growth: 9%
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
22. Brick Mason
Description: Use concrete, stone, or brick to build structures.
Salary: $56,600
Job Growth: 2%
Requirements: Trade school or apprenticeship
23. Insurance Sales Agent
Description: Sell insurance, including home, life, and automotive. This is an excellent work-from-home job for retirees.
Salary: $60,370
Job Growth: 4%
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
24. Medical Sonographer
Job Description: Operate sonography or other specialty equipment in a medical setting to create digital imaging of patients.
Salary: $89,340
Job Growth: 13%
Requirements: Associate degree
25. Information Security Analyst
Description: Create and maintain security for a business’s computer networking systems.
Salary: $124,910
Job Growth: 29%
Requirements: Some employers may require a bachelor’s degree, but other roles call for on-the-job training or IT certifications instead.
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The Takeaway
There’s a potential to earn a high salary in many jobs that don’t require a college degree. However, it may require some research and certifications beyond a high school diploma. Some jobs that pay well, don’t require a degree, and may even be enjoyable range from the medical field and construction to computers and insurance. If you know someone who’s a brick mason or a sonographer, take them out for coffee to get the inside scoop. You might even offer to shadow them at work to find out what their industry is really like.
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FAQ
What is the easiest job that pays the most?
One of the easiest jobs that pays well is working as a claims adjuster for insurance companies. A college degree isn’t usually required, but you may need to earn a license before you can start working.
What is the easiest job to get without a degree?
Depending on the industry, it can be relatively easy to get a job in sales with little to no prior experience. However, the role may include on-the-job training to get you up to speed.
What jobs pay a lot but are easy?
There are many jobs in the health care space that don’t require manual labor but pay well. This includes roles such as a radiation therapist or MRI technician.
What high-paying jobs offer the highest future job growth?
Information security analysts lead in rapid projected growth. Physical therapist assistants and medical sonographers also see high demand.
Are high-paying non-degree jobs physically demanding?
Skilled trade professions such as plumbing and brick masonry often require significant physical labor. However, technical or medical imaging roles focus instead on specialized equipment and technical skills.
Photo credit: iStock/damircudic
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