5 jobs that pay six figures and don’t require a college degree

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Key points

• There are several six-figure paying jobs available for those with less than a college degree.
• Typically you will need some sort of education to get these positions.
• Some jobs pay high wages because they involve a lot of risk and you have to decide if you’re comfortable with it.

I think we’ve all heard someone say, “You have to go to college if you want a good job” at least half a dozen times in our lives. And while there’s no denying that a college education opens the door to many higher-paying positions, there are still quite a few jobs that offer great paychecks to those who’ve taken a different path in life.

Here are five careers that pay up to six figures and are available to those with less than a college degree.

1. Air traffic controller

Air traffic controllers earned an average of about $129,750 in 2021. While many in this field have college degrees, they are not required. It is possible to become an air traffic controller with an associate’s degree from a Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative Program. You will also need to be a US citizen and undergo medical, background and other pre-employment tests. Once hired, you will undergo more than 12 months of on-the-job training.

All this is necessary because every day you will have literally thousands of people’s lives in your hands. But if you can handle that responsibility, you should be able to devote quite a bit to yours savings account every year.

2. Commercial pilot

Staying on the subject of air travel, you can also make a ton of money as a commercial pilot. The median salary in 2021 was $134,630, and some pilots make significantly more.

You don’t need a college degree to become a commercial pilot, although some employers may prefer it. But you will have to attend a flight school and spend many hours in the sky. This isn’t always cheap because you will have to pay to rent or buy an aircraft and pay for the fuel.

3. Elevator installer

Elevator installers and repair workers had a median salary of $97,860 in 2021, and there are many making even six figures. This is a great option for those who are mechanically inclined, especially those who live in urban areas where elevators are a common feature.

You don’t need any kind of advanced degree to be an elevator installer, although most states require licensure. To get that license, you’ll need to apprentice to a practicing elevator installer to learn the ropes.

4. Nuclear technician

Nuclear technicians work in nuclear power plant offices to monitor reactors and make sure everything is running smoothly. The median salary for this position in 2021 was $99,340, and only a bachelor’s degree is required to enter this field.

The high pay makes sense when you consider that there’s a chance you’ll be exposed to nuclear radiation while working at a power plant. You may also have to work nights, weekends, or even public holidays.

5. Software developer

Software developers are in high demand right now, with the median salary in 2021 being $109,020. Many people in this field have at least a bachelor’s degree, and there are some employers who will only hire applicants with a college education. But that’s not always the case.

Some companies are willing to hire software developers without a college degree as long as they can demonstrate that they actually know how to do the job. You may need to show them some projects you’ve done in the past or outline the extent of your self-education if you’ve learned software development through online courses.

These are just a few examples of the type of well-paying opportunities available to those without college degrees. In almost all cases, you still need to be willing to invest the time and money into getting some sort of education, whether it’s a college degree or on-the-job training. But don’t let that put you off. Decide on your long-term goal and then break it down into smaller steps. It may take some time, but it can make a huge difference to your long term personal finances.

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