Information for graduates
For those who are considering the possibility of going back to school, or individuals already working full time considering a career change, you might not need to go back to school, and spend an extremely high amount on tuition to receive a college degree. Many employers will accept on the job training as well as past career experience, in lieu of a piece of paper stating you have completed the schooling for that degree. These are a few of the careers you don't need a degree in, and can still earn a reasonable pay rate.
Certain positions still require passing licensing and certification exams, and many will require on the job experience, but you can forgo the pricey college tuition, if you would like to get started working right away. Many of these positions take time to work up to the highest level, but all you need is a high school diploma, and the time of on the job experience, to attain the top positions and pay rates.
Sources used:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/04/high-paying-jobs-high-school-degree_n_2792150.html
http://www.buydiploma.com/blog/buy-a-high-school-diploma-what-actions-should-you-take/
http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/business/T012-S001-10-best-jobs-you-can-get-without-a-college-degree/index.html
http://www.buydegree.org/blog/can-you-save-money-gaining-a-degree-online/174/
- Manufacturing sales rep - Working in sales, in nearly any industry, will not require a college degree. In this position, the median salary is around $52K annually. You are selling non-technical manufacturing products and contracts, and for most employers, a high school diploma, and on the job training, will suffice for this position.
- Fashion designer - If you have an eye for fashion, and know somebody in the industry, this is a great career path you might want to consider as well. With a median salary of around $63K, you are going to work with runway models, actors, and other industry professionals, designing fashion clothing and accessories. It does take some time to reach higher pay wages, but on the job training, and moving from different positions in the industry, will go a long way in this field.
- Telecommunication equipment installers - You don't have to be an engineer to earn a decent wage; with the boom in online focused business, this position pays nearly $55K as a median pay rate. Trade school or a certification program is generally enough with these careers; you will work setting up modems, routers, and other tech equipment or businesses.
- Detective/criminal investigators - This is another career path that you receive on the job training. Many police officers generally transition to this higher rank, but a certification program and license will land you the job as well, if you can show you are cut out for the career. Depending on your rank, and where you work, salaries are close to $70K annually for those who have been in the field for some time. 1 to 5 years work experience in investigation will provide the on the job training that is required for advanced positions.
- Selling insurance - Working as an insurance sales agent, many new agents earn around $45K annually, and top sales agents earn close to $90K annually. A high school diploma and on the job training is generally all that is required in this field. Of course you have to be able to sell, but if you have this natural ability, you will find it is much easier to earn closer to the top pay tier in this field. And, since nearly everyone in the US buys some kind of insurance, it is not really too tough to make the sale.
- Elevator installers/techs - An apprenticeship, on the job training, or certification program will help you land these positions. A college degree is not necessary, as most of the skills you learn will be on the job. A median salary of $70K is also higher than most other careers; and, you don't really have to work in an apprenticeship too long, if you are a quick learner.
- Construction/building inspectors - Earning about $53K as a median salary, this is another career path you can enter into, without first having to attain your degree. Most of what you learn will come from hands on training, and working as a construction worker. If you shop that you are a natural born leader, and have the extensive knowledge in building and construction work, a government position will be a great place to start. You might be required to get licensed in certain states, and will have to pass a licensing exam, but can forgo 4 years of college.
- Plumbers - This is one of the career fields that is higher in demand, and it pays a median salary of around $46K; you do not need to go to college, and most of the education you will get is through on the job training. You will initially work with licensed plumbers to learn how to work with certain tools, and fix issues customers have; within a few months you will generally be well acquainted with the work, and how to solve most plumbing issues customers call in for. If you choose to become licensed (as most states and employers will require it), you will earn a higher pay rate, and you will find it much easier to find employment with top plumbing companies, offering better benefits in addition to higher salaries.
- Supervisors of police - Prior to reaching this rank, you will have to work as a police, for a period of 1 to 5 years, in order to gain an understanding of the field, and work to be done. If you show you are capable of handling the stringent tasks, of leading a task force, and of handling the issues that turn up in your local community, this is yet another career path that you will only need a high school diploma, and the on the job training, to land. With a median pay rate of about $78K, it pays much higher than most entry level positions do, for those coming out of college.
- Electricians - This position will usually require an apprenticeship, possibly require certification, and you will be required to get licensed in order to do the work in most states. As an entry level electrician, you will earn about $45K. The apprenticeship for these positions is a few years, but you do not have to undergo college level courses, and you are getting paid for the work you are doing as an apprentice.
Certain positions still require passing licensing and certification exams, and many will require on the job experience, but you can forgo the pricey college tuition, if you would like to get started working right away. Many of these positions take time to work up to the highest level, but all you need is a high school diploma, and the time of on the job experience, to attain the top positions and pay rates.
Sources used:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/04/high-paying-jobs-high-school-degree_n_2792150.html
http://www.buydiploma.com/blog/buy-a-high-school-diploma-what-actions-should-you-take/
http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/business/T012-S001-10-best-jobs-you-can-get-without-a-college-degree/index.html
http://www.buydegree.org/blog/can-you-save-money-gaining-a-degree-online/174/