How many times have you heard that you have to go to college to be successful? That’s simply not true. There are plenty of good-paying jobs you can get that won’t require you to go into massive amounts of debt. Below, I’ve compiled a list of 20 unique jobs that don’t require a degree.
This list is broken down by a the job description, the average national salary, and the requirements to get into one of these positions.
1. 911 Dispatcher
Dispatchers are responsible for taking the 911 phone calls and sending out emergency help. These people work behind the scenes in the world of 911.
Not only do they answer 911 calls, but they also instruct people in need of life-saving procedures like CPR. Dispatchers help to keep the victim or family calm until emergency help arrives.
- Salary:
- $43,290 per year
- Requirements:
- High School Diploma
- On the job training
- CPR Certification
2. Bounty Hunter
Bounty Hunters are professionals that are hired by a bail bondsman to capture fugitives and turn them in to the police for a monetary reward.
- Salary:
- $50,000 to $80,000 or more
- Requirements:
- This varies state by state. However, the general requirements are:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Police Academy for POST certification (This gives you arrest powers)
- Bounty Hunter Licences if the state requires it.
- This varies state by state. However, the general requirements are:
3. Brickmason
Brickmasons do a variety of work in construction. They read blueprints, map out structures they build, lay brickwork, mix mortar, and so much more.
- Salary:
- $49,745
- Requirements:
- On the job training
4. Carpenter
Carpentry can be a very valuable career because you gain important handyman skills and could start your own business. Normally, a carpenter will construct and renovate building structures with wood and other material.
- Salary:
- $56,094 per year
- Requirements:
- High School Diploma / GED
- On the job training
5. Construction Worker
Do you like to use your hands and build large projects? Construction workers build buildings and other projects as well as tear down structures and operate heavy equipment.
- Salary:
- $40,350 per year
- Requirements:
- High school Diploma / GED
- On the job training.
Ziprecruiter, which is one of my favorite job searching websites, will give you thousands of job openings in this field along with many more on this list.
6. Doula
Women have been supporting each other through pregnancy and childbirth for centuries. A doula is a woman who offers professional pregnancy and birth support services. Doulas are different from midwives because they do not take on a medical role. Generally, a doula is there for emotional and physical support for the expectant mother.
- Salary:
- $25,000 to $60,000 per year
- Requirements:
- Become a certified Doula through a reputable organization such as DONA International.
7. Elevator Inspector
Elevator inspectors evaluate the construction of new elevators for public use and also re-certify elevators for continuous safety compliance. Typically, elevator inspectors have experience in construction through on the job training as an apprentice.
- Salary
- $66,755 per year
- Requirements:
- High School Diploma
- Apprenticeship
- Elevator Inspector Certification per state guidelines
8. Firefighter
While people are running out of a burning building, a firefighter will run in to save lives, property, and the surrounding environment. Firefighters are highly trained in extinguishing hazards, multiple types of rescuing techniques, emergency vehicle operations, and medical skills.
- Salary:
- $47,151 per year
- Requirements:
- High School Diploma
- Clean Background
- Firefighter Academy
9. Heavy Equipment Operator
Heavy equipment operators run machines for engineering and construction projects. To operate this type of equipment you need to go through certification training.
- Salary:
- $54,210 per year
- Requirements:
- High School Diploma
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- On-the-job training
10. Home Inspector
Home inspectors are hired or contracted to inspect properties that are in the process of being sold. Inspectors have several generalized skills to include foundation, roof, electrical, and radon inspections. Likewise, they will report on their findings to the requesting party so they can be aware of any problems with the property.
- Salary:
- $58,000 per year
- Requirements:
- High School Diploma
- Home Inspector Licences
11. Insurance Agent
Insurance agents sell protection policies to people in need. For example, they sell policies such as short term disability, life insurance, and auto insurance.
- Salary:
- $56,477 per year or more
- Requirements:
- High School Diploma
- Insurance License for your state
12. Master Distiller
Master distillers are the people who oversee the production of spirits or liqueurs, such as whiskey or rum, for commercial distilleries. Although it is a smaller professional field, it has been growing with the emergence of craft distilleries in recent years.
There are distillation schools and workshops to learn the trade, however, many people learn the trade from entry-level positions.
- Salary:
- $31,425 to $148,060 or more
- Requirements:
- High School Diploma
- On the job training
13. Oil Rig Operator
Being an oil rig operator is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, which is why it comes with very high pay. Many people in this career start by entering an apprentice program with on-land oil drilling operations before moving to the sea. This job is very labor-intensive and requires long hours.
- Salary:
- $100,000 per year
- Requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Apprentice program to get all needed training
14. Package Delivery Driver
If you like to work independently then being a package delivery driver may be the right career for you. In this career, you will deliver packages to a specific area.
- Salary:
- $74,803 per year
- Requirements:
- High School Diploma
- On the job training
- CDL
15. Pet Groomer
Do you love animals? A pet groomer will bath and cut your pet’s hair, trim their nails, and complete other pet maintenance.
- Salary:
- $27,000 per year or much more if you own your own business
- Requirements:
- Possibly a High School Diploma / GED if you work under someone else
If you have an interest in dog groomer check out how Heidi Appel from Shags 2 U built a 6 figure dog grooming business.
16. Pile Driver Operator
Pile-Driver Operators run large pieces of construction equipment. The pile-driver can be mounted on skids, barges, crawler treads, or locomotive cranes. They take large structures such as beams and drive them into the ground 50 plus feet.
- Salary:
- $52,400 per year
- Requirements:
- High School Diploma
- On the job training
17. Police Officer
Police officers are specially trained to enforce the law and protect citizens. They are trained in many different tactics such as de-escalation, active shooter, hand to hand fighting, lethal and non-lethal force.
- Salary:
- $53,724 per year
- Requirements:
- High School Diploma
- Clean background
- Police Academy (POST certification)
- 21 years old
18. Postal Service Worker
Postal service workers sort mail and packages, service customers, and deliver mail to assigned areas. Additionally, a postal worker is a government job, which has many benefits from promotional possibilities, retirement, and healthcare.
- Salary:
- $53,672 per year
- Requirements:
- High school diploma
19. Railroad Conductor
Rail Conductors work on passenger trains and freight trains. On passenger trains, they will collect tickets, attend to passengers, make schedule announcements, and answer questions.
On a cargo train, the conductor will ensure safe movement and oversee that cargo is loaded and unloaded safely.
- Salary:
- $44,690 to $95,330
- Requirements:
- High School diploma
- Intense on the job training
20. Realtor
A realtor will help a client buy, sell, or rent a property. They will provide property walkthroughs for clients, maintain real estate listings, and provide real estate market analysis for clients.
- Salary:
- $62,060 per year or more
- Requirements:
- High School Diploma
- Realtor license as per the state you operate in
I hope this list of “20 Unique Jobs that don’t Require a Degree” has given you some career ideas. With some of these careers, you can have uncapped earning potential regardless of a degree or not.
If you want more career choices, check out, “20 Enjoyable Careers that Make Over 75K.”
