10 Best Jobs for People with No Degree

• Author: Chris Remington
• Posted: 2023-04-25

So you want a high paying job but do not want to stack up thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loan debt? Look no further! Check out these 10 high paying jobs that you do not need a degree to get:

1. Postal Service Mail Carrier

This job requires you to sort and delivery mail along certain routes. You do not need any work experience to apply or obtain this job. You will received short-term training by the U.S. Postal Service. According to the United States Bureau of Labor statistics, the median annual wage for a postal service mail carrier is $58,280.

2. Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators look into insurance claims by interviewing witnesses, consulting with the police, reviewing hospital records, and inspecting any property damage to determine whether a company is liable. This job requires a high school diploma, but you will receive long-term on-the-job training. The median annual wage for a claims adjuster, examiner, and investigator is $62,980.

3. Construction Equipment Operators

Construction equipment operator jobs require moderate on-the-job training to ensure proper use of all construction equipment as well as safety training. Some of the equipment includes pile-drivers, pavers, and surfacing tools. The median annual wage ranges from $38,270 to $49,430 depending on the type of construction equipment you use.

4. Electricians

Working as an electrician requires you to install electrical wiring in buildings, stationary machines, and related equipment. In order to obtain this job, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. As it is a trade job, you will have to engage in an apprenticeship in order to obtain the proper training. The annual median wage is $51,880.

5. Gas Plant Operators

The primary responsibility of gas plant operators include monitoring plant equipment, observing temperature and pressure gauges, controlling compression and refrigeration equipment, and detecting abnormalities. You will receive long-term on-the-job training to bring you up to speed on the individual requirements of a particular plant. The annual median wage for a gas plant operator is $66,010.

6. Subway and Streetcar Operators

As a subway or streetcar operator, you are required to transport passengers in underground tunnels or aboveground tracks. Most subway trains and streetcars are machine operated so a majority of your job will be monitoring the vehicle's speed and looking out for obstacles and potential hazards. You will receive moderate on-the-job training or training from public transit trade organizations. The annual median wage is $62,360.

7. Commercial Pilot

Commercial pilots fly cargo planes, tour planes, and airlines. While you do not need any educational requirements beyond a high school diploma, you are required to have at least 250 hours of air time before you can get started. You also have to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exam. You will receive moderate on-the-job training in safety procedures and equipment. The annual median wage for commercial pilots in $76,150.

8. Detectives and Criminal Investigators

If you like a good mystery, you can become a detective or criminal investigator. This job requires you to conduct investigations related to suspected violations of state and federal law. Many detectives and criminal investigators own their own business and are employed by law offices or the government. You can also work directly for a police department or a prosecutor's office. The annual median wage for detectives and criminal investigators is $77,210 for those that work with law enforcement agencies and $45,610 for those who work in the private sector.

9. Legal Secretary

Legal secretaries work in law offices or in county courts and provide organizational and clerical assistance to attorneys. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required if you want to be a legal secretary. You will receive all the necessary training on-the-job as each office will have specific requirements and needs. The annual median wage for a legal secretary is $53,920.

10. Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers

These jobs require you to control power-generating equipment as well as read gauges and meters to ensure proper voltage and electricity flows. You only need a high school diploma or its equivalent. The annual median wage for power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers is $71,940.