Top High-Paying Jobs With Little Schooling

Here is a list of jobs that offer high compensation without extensive educational qualifications: 

Civil engineering technician

Average base pay: $76,540 per year

A civil engineering technician provides support for licensed civil engineers as they develop and inspect building projects. These professionals also manage cost estimations and organize project plans. A two-year associate degree course in civil engineering technology will make you a certified civil engineer.

Computer programmer

Average base pay: $76,526 per year

Computer programmers build and design software. They are responsible for testing software to ensure that it meets current performance and security standards. You don’t need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science to become a computer programmer. Instead, you can take online courses in computer programming. It takes about six months to develop tangible skills as a computer programmer through online courses.

Construction manager

Average base pay: $74,730 per year

Construction managers oversee all construction activities. They recruit and supervise construction workers as they perform several tasks on project sites. Construction managers also work with other professionals and key stakeholders, such as the client and company management, to set project requirements. To become a construction manager, you can skip the bachelor’s degree in construction management and take a two-year degree program instead.

Website developer

Average base pay: $68,524 per year

A website developer builds and designs websites and other online properties. Website developers are also in charge of overseeing and upgrading a website’s performance and capacity from time to time. You can train as a website developer by taking a one-year comprehensive web development course.

Registered nurse

Average base pay: $65,870 per year

The role of a nurse is to take care of patients in the hospital. Also, nurses manage and record patients’ medications, procedures, and other daily activities. They also work with other health care professionals, such as doctors, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and surgeons. Nurses also perform administrative roles in the hospital and train nursing students. The fastest route to become a nurse is to take either a diploma in nursing or a two-year associate degree program in nursing and pass the licensure exam.

Clinical laboratory assistant

Average base pay: $29,455 per year

A clinical laboratory assistant performs blood tests and analyzes body fluid samples. They also sterilize the laboratory environment and instruments and stock it with reagents and chemicals for performing tests. It takes two years to complete the associate degree program for clinical laboratory technicians.

Diagnostic medical sonographer

Average base pay: $57,278 per year

A diagnostic medical sonographer uses ultrasound equipment to capture images of different organs to help doctors make accurate diagnoses of illnesses. Take a two-year associate degree course in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from a reputable university to become a certified diagnostic medical sonographer.

Games manager

Average base pay: $56,515 per year

A games manager oversees the activities of a casino. They recruit and train casino employees, manage the casino budget, and attend to customers’ complaints during conflicts. If you want to earn a lot as a gaming manager, you need to complete a two-year associate degree program in hospitality.

Physical therapist assistant

Average base pay: $52,418 per year

Physical therapist assistants develop and monitor treatment plans for patients undergoing physical therapy. After a patient has completed a treatment plan, the physical therapy assistant documents the results and delivers them to physical therapists for final evaluation. You can get a job as a physical therapist assistant by studying for a two-year associate degree and passing the Physical Therapist Assistant Exam.

Funeral director

Average base pay: $50,377 per year

 A funeral director plans all funeral activities and manages the paperwork required after a person’s death. You must take a two-year associate degree program and pass the National Funeral Service Exam to become a funeral service director.

Paralegal

Average base pay: $50,169 per year

A paralegal is the legal version of an office assistant. These professionals collect and file important information that lawyers need for their cases. All it takes to become a paralegal is an associate degree in paralegal studies, which you can acquire within two years.

Police officer

Average base pay: $49,667 per year

A police officer maintains law and order within local areas. Police officers protect people and their property and ensure that citizens observe traffic laws. It takes about six months to complete police training and get certified as a police officer.

Architectural drafter

Average base pay: $48,763 per year

An architectural drafter uses computer software to convert intricate architectural drawings into simple plans that construction managers can use. Obtaining an associate degree from a two-year course in architectural drafting will help you get a job in this field.

Claims adjuster

Average base pay: $46,954 per year

A claims adjuster is responsible for evaluating and adjusting insurance claims when necessary. They determine whether to increase or decrease the amount an insurance company pays on a claim. Once you have solid analytical and interpersonal skills, you can get a job in this field with your high school diploma.

Graphic designer

Average base pay: $45,677 per year

A graphic designer creates designs for advertisements, software, reports, and magazines. You can take a beginner’s graphic design course within 24 hours, create sample designs, and start applying for jobs. That said, it’s best that you take advanced graphic design courses to improve your mastery as you progress on the job.

Transportation inspector

Average base pay: $44,877 per year

Transportation inspectors monitor vehicles to ensure that they meet safety regulations and report any violators to the authorities. They inspect goods and equipment before logistics companies ship them out of an area. To become a certified transportation inspector, you need to take a one-year Transportation Inspector training course and pass the Inspector Certification Exam.

Aircraft mechanic

Average base pay: $41,440 per year

An aircraft mechanic inspects, maintains, and repairs airplanes. The training for aircraft mechanics lasts for an average of two years.

Surgical technologist

Average base pay: $39,712 per year

A surgical technologist prepares and organizes surgical equipment in the surgery room ahead of an operation. Also, they assist surgeons during procedures. You can become a surgical technologist by taking an associate degree program for one or two years and passing the National Surgical Technology exam.

Emergency medical technician

Average base pay: $39,333 per year

An emergency medical technician receives emergency calls at health centers, treats patients in the ambulance, and moves them to hospitals. They also assist medical officials during emergencies. Training as an emergency medical assistant may take you between eight months and two years.

Train operator

Average base pay: $35,569 per year

Train operators drive trains and other modes of rail transport to convey passengers and freight from one place to another. It takes a high school diploma and a six-month operator training course to become a train operator.

Gas plant operator

Average base pay: $35,569 per year

Gas plant operators are responsible for cleaning, maintaining, repairing, and monitoring mechanical equipment at gas plants. If you have a knack for handling heavy equipment, you’ll be a good fit for this job. Obtain a one-year vocational training as a gas plant operator to get a high-paying job in this field.

Medical coding specialist

Average base pay: $33,716 per year

A medical coding specialist records data from patients’ procedures, diagnoses, and treatments in the form of special codes for future reference. They are also responsible for processing billing and payment transactions between health care centers and patients’ health insurance companies. The average medical coding specialist training lasts for 18 months.

Medical assistant

Average base pay: $31,508 per year

A medical assistant is responsible for recording patients’ medical history, symptoms, and vital signs before they meet with a physician. It takes about two years to train and obtain a certificate and license as a medical assistant.

Refinery operator

Average base pay: $31,125 per year

A refinery operator runs mechanical equipment that converts natural gas into commercial petroleum products. You can become a refinery operator with your high school diploma and a one-year apprenticeship with refinery operators.

Phlebotomist

Average base pay: $28,722 per year

A phlebotomist collects patients’ blood for blood donations and laboratory tests. Phlebotomists work at blood banks, hospitals, and health care centers. To become a phlebotomist, you need to take a two-year professional training and pass the Phlebotomy Technician Certification Examination.

If you don’t have a degree yet or want to switch to a high-paying job with little schooling, you can choose from a wide range of careers in several industries. Use this list of jobs to secure a lucrative position, even if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree.