16 Higher Paying Jobs Don’t Require Experience (Or a Degree)
You may have been told that the best route to a high-paying job is to attend college and earn the highest degree possible. In some instances, that’s true, like in the case of medical doctors. A college education is useful, but people are realizing that there is more than one pathway to success.
Several jobs pay well and don’t require a college degree or any particular experience in the field. In many cases, all you’ll need is the willingness to learn. If you’re considering a significant job change, here are some careers that can pave the way for a better life.
1. Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents help their clients buy, sell, or rent houses, buildings, and even land, including residential and commercial properties. They are trained to understand the rules and regulations surrounding these transactions.
Agents can work independently but often work with a realty firm. A college degree isn’t required to become a real estate agent, but sitting for a state licensure exam is usually required. The annual salary is $56,620 a year or $27.22 an hour.
2. Web Developer
Web developers are responsible for building and maintaining websites and creating content for them. They often meet with clients to determine the content they want on their websites and how they should look. They also test websites to ensure they’re working properly.
Back-end web developers focus on the overall construction of the site, while front-end web developers focus on the elements of the website that users see, like graphics and layouts. The median hourly wage for web developers is $44.59 an hour or $92,750 a year.
3. Administrative Assistant
Administrative assistants (formerly secretaries) help keep an organization running smoothly. They’re typically the frontline workers people connect with before reaching other staff members. They answer calls, file documents, take meeting notes, and perform many other administrative duties.
Administrative assistants were almost always women at one time, but it’s becoming more commonplace to see men filling these key roles within an organization. The median annual salary for administrative assistants is $46,010 per year or $22.12 per hour.
4. Elevator Mechanic
Have you ever considered who was responsible for ensuring that the elevators you ride in are safe and function properly? Probably not unless you’ve been trapped in one. Then you appreciate the work they do.
In all seriousness, elevator mechanics maintain the equipment and repair it when anything interferes with its normal operations. This is a highly-paid position, with an annual salary of $102,420 per year or $49.24 per hour. It’s well-deserved, considering the work they do.
5. Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer
This is a high-paying occupation that comes with its fair share of risks. Electrical power-line installers and repairers work on power grids, meaning they work with powerful amounts of electricity. They install and maintain electrical cables in the grid and perform repairs as needed.
In the event of an electrical line problem, these professionals diagnose the issue first to identify the cause, then correct it. You may usually see them working on poles to repair electrical lines, especially after storms. The annual salary for this occupation is $85,420, and the hourly wage is $41.07.
6. Plumber
Plumbing professionals are called in to assist customers who are having difficulty with their plumbing systems. They may work on small jobs, such as leaking or clogged sinks, or on larger jobs, like repairing entire septic systems.
Plumbers also install pipes and fittings in residential and commercial properties and work on plumbing for bathroom and kitchen fixtures, as well as appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. The hourly wage for plumbers is $29.59, and the annual salary is $61,550.
7. Aircraft Mechanic
If airline pilots have the most important job in aviation, then aircraft mechanics aren’t too far behind. Aircraft mechanics are key to keeping planes flying safely. They accomplish this by performing routine inspections, identifying problems, and securing the correct parts to complete repairs.
All aircraft repairs must follow Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines to ensure they’re safe to fly. Aircraft mechanics work for airlines of all types and sizes. They typically earn $36.25 an hour or $75,400 a year.
8. Boilermaker
Boilermakers perform numerous tasks related to assembling, installing, and repairing boilers, which are containers holding liquids like water and oil. They either install smaller premade boilers or assemble the large ones using welding tools.
They inspect and test boiler systems to ensure they’re functioning properly and also repair boiler containers and systems. Boilermakers earn an hourly wage of $32.40 and $71,140 a year.
9. Agricultural Manager
Agricultural managers are critical to maintaining the food supply around the world. They monitor price fluctuations in their products and crops, protecting them from unexpected market changes and allowing them to plan how much to grow and harvest.
Another responsibility they have is to monitor the health of their animals and be aware of anything that may affect their livestock or crops, like weather conditions or contagious diseases. The hourly wage for agricultural managers is $40.27 an hour or $83,770 a year.
10. Postal Service Worker
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has long been considered a well-paying occupation with excellent benefits. There are different types of postal workers, including mail carriers, clerks, processing machine operators, sorters, and processors.
All of these positions play a major role in processing and delivering mail promptly. Clerks assist customers in purchasing mail products like stamps and boxes. The hourly wage for postal service workers is $27.17, and the annual salary is $56,510.
11. Power Plant Operator
With an annual salary of $100,890 or $48.50 an hour, a power plant operator is one of the highest-paying positions a person can have without a college degree. They’re responsible for regulating electrical equipment that generates power.
Nuclear power reactor operators serve a similar role but regulate nuclear-powered machinery, run the equipment, and record relevant data. Both occupations are vital in the generation and distribution of power, which is reflected in their salaries.
12. Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representative
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell products to various organizations, including governments, wholesale companies, and manufacturing businesses. These sales reps often follow leads to contact potential and existing customers to pitch and sell their products.
These professionals work in various industries, selling products ranging from clothing and food to computing devices and office supplies. Some sell more complex items like large manufacturing and hospital equipment. They generally earn $35.13 an hour or $73,080 a year.
13. Flight Attendants
As members of the in-flight cabin crew, flight attendants have an important role in ensuring the safety of flights for passengers and their fellow crew members. They may participate in team meetings before taking off to discuss flight details.
Flight attendants explain to passengers the rules and regulations regarding safety and security when they embark and exit the plane and when they’re in the air. They also work to provide a comfortable experience for passengers and assist those with special needs. Flight attendants make $68,370 per year.
14. Claims Adjuster
Organizations like health, property, and life insurance companies hire claims adjusters to analyze and investigate customer claims. They determine whether a claim is legitimate and eligible for coverage under the policy.
Claims adjusters work in an office, but they may also work in the field as a part of their investigations, which may include conducting interviews and gathering information. The hourly wage for a claims adjuster is $36.07, and the annual salary is $75,020.
15. Railroad Worker
Railroad workers’ primary responsibility is managing timely and safe travel in freight and passenger trains. Railroad workers can have different roles, such as conducting trains or working in the yard as rail yard engineers.
Depending on their position, railroad workers may also be involved in repairing and maintaining rails and equipment. The hourly wage for this career is $35.38, and the annual salary is $73,580.
16. Heavy Truck Drivers
Heavy truck drivers, also called tractor-trailer or big rig drivers, transfer goods from one point to another, usually following a schedule for pickups and drop-offs.
Some heavy truck drivers are local or short-haul drivers, who make deliveries within a 150-mile radius. Long-haul truckers generally take trips of at least 250 miles. Big rig drivers can earn $26.12 an hour or $54,320 a year.
*All of the hourly wages and annual salaries are the 2023 median numbers provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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