With rising tuition costs and astronomical college debt, many young people wonder if a four-year college degree is really worth it. With the total amount in debt owed by graduates reaching record levels of $1.6 trillion and the average college graduate owing $29,000 once they get their diploma, those who aren’t so inclined to take these risks may look for career prospects that don’t require a bachelor’s degree or certification.
The following are highly-paid jobs that can be obtained with a high school diploma. The caveat is that these positions are usually attainable after four or five years of work experience or an apprenticeship, but instead of spending four years in college, someone who works right out of high school can learn on the job. All of these jobs pay at least $80,000, which is the equivalent or above the amount earned by those with degrees.
- Media and Communication Equipment Worker
These workers are in-demand and fix communication equipment on film sets, in homes and businesses. Those who can prove extensive knowledge of equipment can start working right out of high school, although it may be easier to land a job with a degree. However, many people are self-taught, and often proof of ability is enough.
- Power Plant Operator
This job involves maintaining machinery that produces electricity and balancing power and correcting fluctuations in voltage. This position is obtained after working and training for several years out of high school. A power plant operator can earn $79,000 annually.
- Powerstation Electrical Repairer
A Powerstation electrician can start training after high school, although in many cases a person who has trained in a technical school or is a certified electrician is a candidate for this job. Nonetheless, it is possible to work as a power station electrical repairer with enough training and earnings can be $80,000 yearly.
- Detective
This is another profession that usually requires a degree, at least for detectives who work with the police, but not always. It is one of the most romanticized careers, and as seen on television, anyone with powers of observation and a certain amount of fearlessness can be a private detective, but a police detective usually requires some certification. However, if you are highly observant and can prove it, a private detective makes around $81,000.
- Supervisor of Police and Detectives
Although police and police detectives require certification, those who supervise them do not, and they take home a generous salary. They are also called police captains and ensure that procedures go properly. These supervisors can earn $89,000 yearly.
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Nuclear power operators require extensive training, given the highly sensitive nature of their jobs, but they do not necessarily need to earn a degree. These workers are in charge of turbines, generators, reactors, and cooling systems. Given the importance of their work, they often make $94,000 a year.
- Transportation, Storage and Distribution Operators
Think about the person who oversees the shipping, stocking, and distribution Amazon’s warehouses and this may be the right kind of job if you don’t feel the need to spend four years in college. Distribution operations can take home $94,000 a year, but that is after five years of training.
- Computer Security Analyst
Companies used to want someone with at least a bachelor’s degree and preferably a master’s to handle computer security, but nowadays proving one’s knowledge is relatively easy and is all that is needed. The job involves making sure a company’s network is secure. Given the prevalence of hackers, there is tremendous growth in this space. Computer security analysts earn $99,000 a year.
- Database Manager
This job involves ensuring the information in a database is protected. The prerequisites are that someone should be dependable and be knowledgeable about databases and security software. The salary for a database manager is typically around $93,000.
Those who want to avoid college debt and simply want to get started with an inspiring and lucrative career without spending four years in college may consider these careers. Many, especially in the tech space, are experiencing significant growth, so there are abundant opportunities.
