Careers That Don’t Require College

Sometimes after a student graduates high school after what seems to be “forever” since kindergarten, they really do not feel like going to school anymore. This can be for a variety of reasons. Maybe they did not do as well as they had hoped, and their grades were not good enough to get into college. Perhaps the thought of going to school for another four years is just too daunting, or maybe they simply cannot afford it. It’s okay! Life does not end after high school, and there are careers out there that do not require a college degree.

The top three career paths that make the most money without going to college are:

1. Correctional Officer
2. Highway Maintenance Worker
3. Truck Driver

Other than the truck driver (and it depends on what type of truck driver you are), it looks like if you want to make the most money without going to college or a trade school, you’re going to have to learn how to live a lifetime of hard labor or live dangerously.

Whatever the reason may be, there are also many other careers that don’t require you to have a college degree. Here are some of the most common:

• Administrative Assistant
• Bank Teller
• Bookkeeper
• Carpenter
• Cosmetologist
• Electrician
• Event Planner
• Farmers and Ranchers
• Florist
• Hotel Manager
• Janitor
• Landscaper
• Plumber
• Paralegal Assistant
• Automotive Car Salesperson

But if being a truck driver is your intended path, it is a gratifying career with a list of benefits. So for those who don’t want to go the college route (no pun intended!) but still want a high-paying good job, becoming a truck driver is a great option.

Additionally, drivers who carry special licenses can make even more money.

What are the differences between truck driver’s licenses?

A class A license is considered the “universal” CDL, providing opportunities to drive several different types of commercial trucks and tractor-trailers. A class B license also allows the operation of different kinds of vehicles, such as straight trucks and dump trucks, but it is more limiting than a class A CDL. Finally, a class C license is the least common and only allows the operation of vehicles that carry 16 or more passengers or transport hazardous materials.

In order to qualify for a truck driver’s license, applicants must pass a written exam and a skills test. The skills test measures the applicant’s ability to operate the type of vehicle they intend to drive safely. The written exam covers topics such as traffic laws, road signs, and weight limits. Some states also require that applicants have a clean driving record and pass a physical exam.

Truck drivers typically earn between $30,000 and $40,000 per year. However, those with more experience or specialized skills can earn up to $100,000 per year. Truck drivers who own their own rigs may also earn a percentage of the revenue generated from hauling freight. Owner-operators typically earn more than company drivers.

Benefits of Being a Truck Driver

• You’re your own boss.
• You can set your own hours.
• You can make an excellent living.
• You can travel the country.
• You get to see different parts of the country.
• You get to meet new people.
• You get to experience different cultures.
• You get to learn about different parts of the country.
• You get to see things that most people will never see.
• You get to do something that very few people get to do.

What are the highest paying truck driving jobs?

Highest Paying Trucking Jobs

1. Owner-Operators Salary: $221,000
2. Ice Road Drivers Salary: $60,000 to $78,000 per season (3-4months).
3. Oversized Load Salary: $73,000 – $120,000
4. Specialty Vehicle Haulers. Salary: $67,000 to 89,000
5. Team Drivers. Salary: $65,700-$80,300
6. Private Fleet. Salary: $87,500
7. Mining Industry Drivers. Salary: $55,000 to 79,000
8. Liquids / Tanker. Salary: $75,000
9. Hazmat Drivers. Salary: $55,000 to 73,000 or more

What careers require a certificate?

10 High-Paying Jobs that Require (or recommend) a Certificate

• Web Developer
• Construction and Building Inspector
• Architectural and Civil Drafter
• Industrial Engineering Technician
• Pipefitter and Plumber
• Court Reporter
• Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Mechanic
• Sheet Metal Worker
• HVAC
• Surgical Technologist

While a certificate may not be required for all of these positions, employers recommend or prefer it. In addition, for some of these careers, such as web developer and graphic designer, you may be able to get a job without a certificate if you have a portfolio of your work.

For other careers, such as surgical technologist and HVAC technician, you will need to have a certificate from an accredited program before you can be employed.

Certificates that don’t require college

While many certificates don’t require college, the most common ones are in the medical field. Examples include phlebotomy, EKG, and CPR. These certificates can typically be obtained through community colleges, hospitals, or online programs. Other examples of certificates that don’t require college include paralegal assistant and event planner.

Workers in the trades advance through apprentice, journeyman, and master’s levels of skill.

Journeyman license requirements

For example, earning a journeyman license in the state of Michigan typically takes four years and requires 8,000 hours of electrical trade work experience, plus 576 hours of classroom training. In addition, Michigan offers both union and non-union-based apprenticeship programs.

What journeyman makes the most money?

Highest Paying Industries for Journeymen

1. Construction      $44k $65k
2. Manufacturing  $44k $65k
3. Government      $44k $65k
4. Professional       $44k $65k

Careers that don’t require college

In conclusion, there are many careers that don’t require college. Some of the most common ones are in the medical field, but there are also many in the trades, such as electricians and plumbers. Other options include truck driving, court reporting, and event planning. With so many options available, there is sure to be a career that’s a good fit for you.

Some people choose not to go to college because they don’t feel like it’s the right fit for them. Some people just want to get out into the workforce and start making money as soon as possible. And there are some people who simply can’t afford to go to college.

So, whether you go to college, trade school, earn a certificate, or earn your stripes with on-the-job experience, taking time to learn more to help advance your career is always a good investment.

After all, the more you know, the more valuable you are to your employer. And that can lead to a higher salary, more responsibility, and a better job overall.