I had recently talked about cool jobs that only require an Associates Degree. We explored the new Minnesota Northstar Promise program to help pay for these programs. I often talk about if people do need to attend college to land that rewarding and well-paying career. I often then talk about how we, as a society, need more people in the trades. Those skilled workers that we all need to build, repair, and maintain the equipment, systems and appliances we rely on everyday.
An Opportunity For Work
The trades, across many industries, are currently facing a significant shortage of skilled workers. This is creating a high demand for trades jobs such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, as well as HVAC technicians. According to a report by the National Association of Home Builders, 77% of contractors are struggling to find qualified workers. This demand for skilled tradespeople outpacing supply. This shortage is partly due to the aging workforce, as many experienced tradespeople are retiring without enough new workers to replace them. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% growth rate for HVAC technician jobs and a 9% growth rate for electricians through 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The construction industry is also expected to add nearly 1 million new jobs in 2024. This growing demand highlights the critical need for more individuals to enter the trades, offering lucrative career opportunities with excellent job security and the potential for high earnings.
I also am and advocate for the All Within My Hands Foundation where they offer scholarships to help students attend Trade School programs and support workforce education. Personally, I attended a trade school for Graphic Communications and Printing Technology and that launched my career for the next 30 years.
With this being said, if you are looking for a rewarding career without the hefty price tag of a college degree a trade may be right for you! Many high-paying jobs don’t require that four-year degree, and they offer excellent growth opportunities and financial stability.
Maybe you would rather not focus specifically on a trade, or maybe you aren’t too technically proficient. That’s okay! There are also opportunities in public service. Roles like law enforcement and fire fighters. There are opportunities as a paralegal, various healthcare related careers, as well as jobs like a real estate professional. There really is something for everyone.
Let’s dive into some of these lucrative careers that you can pursue with minimal formal education.
Full Stack Web Developer
Median pay: $92,750
Education needed: Technology training or Certificate Program
Job growth rate: 16%
Full stack web developers create and maintain websites and web applications we all use everyday! handling both front-end and back-end development. Their duties include designing user interfaces, developing databases, writing code, and testing and debugging software. They must collaborate with clients and other team members to deliver functional and visually appealing websites. This role requires a blend of technical skills in coding languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various back-end technologies, along with a creative eye for design. There are many bootcamp programs to get you up and running quickly!
Air Traffic Controller
Median pay: $137,380
Education needed: Associate degree
Job growth rate: 1%
This one maybe a bit too stressful for me personally, but air traffic controllers have the critical job of directing aircraft safely through the skies and on the ground. They monitor and guide aircraft during takeoff, landing, and en route flight, using radar, computers, and visual references. Controllers must communicate clearly and efficiently with pilots to provide instructions on altitude, speed, and flight paths. This role demands quick decision-making and the ability to stay calm under pressure, as they are responsible for preventing collisions and ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew.
Elevator Installer and Repairer
Median pay: $102,420
Education needed: High school diploma
Job growth rate: 1%
Elevator installers and repairers are responsible for assembling, installing, and maintaining elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. We forget many rely on these people movers all the time! Their duties include reading blueprints, testing equipment to ensure it meets specifications, troubleshooting issues, and performing regular maintenance checks. They often work in cramped spaces and are required to be on call for emergency repairs. This job requires mechanical aptitude and the ability to work with heavy machinery, making it essential for keeping people and goods moving smoothly in buildings.
Nuclear Technician
Median pay: $101,740
Education needed: Associate degree
Job growth rate: -1%
I always thought it would be rad to have the word “Nuclear” in my title. See what I did there? “Rad?!” Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research and production. They operate special equipment to monitor radiation levels, maintain safety standards, and assist in experiments involving radioactive materials. Technicians also handle data analysis and ensure that all operations comply with safety regulations. Working in nuclear power plants or laboratories, they play a crucial role in harnessing nuclear energy safely and efficiently.
Dental Hygienist
Median pay: $87,530
Education needed: Associate degree
Job growth rate: 7%
One of those roles where I don’t know if I could have my hands in someone’s mouths all day, however, dental hygienists work alongside dentists to provide oral care and educate patients on maintaining good oral health. Their responsibilities include cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, applying sealants and fluoride treatments, and examining patients for signs of oral diseases. Hygienists also teach patients about proper brushing, flossing, and dietary habits to prevent dental issues. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and a detail-oriented approach to patient care.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Median pay: $80,850
Education needed: Associate degree
Job growth rate: 10%
Many of us have gotten an ultrasound. If you are Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists use specialized equipment to create images and conduct tests on patients’ organs, tissues, and cardiovascular systems. They work closely with physicians to diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Duties include preparing patients for procedures, operating imaging machinery, and interpreting preliminary results. This role requires technical expertise and patient interaction skills, providing critical support in medical diagnostics.
Aerospace Technician
Median pay: $77,830
Education needed: Associate degree
Job growth rate: 8%
Aerospace technicians work with aircraft and spacecraft to test, maintain, and repair systems and components. Their duties include calibrating instrumentation, assembling parts, and conducting tests to ensure everything functions correctly. They collaborate with engineers and scientists to support aerospace operations and research. This job requires precision and technical knowledge of aeronautics, making it ideal for those fascinated by aviation and space exploration.
Radiologic and MRI Technologist
Median pay: $76,020
Education needed: Associate degree
Job growth rate: 6%
Another healthcare-focused role is a Radiologic and MRI technologist. They perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays and MRIs, to help physicians diagnose medical conditions. They prepare patients for procedures, operate imaging equipment, and ensure the quality of images. Technologists also follow safety protocols to protect themselves and patients from radiation exposure. This role combines technical skills with patient care, contributing significantly to the healthcare field.
Police Officer and Law Enforcement Detective
Median pay: $74,910
Education needed: Varies
Job growth rate: 3%
I do have respect for Police officers and detectives. It’s a dangerous and needed profession. Officers and Detectives enforce laws, protect property, and maintain order. Officers patrol communities, respond to emergencies, arrest suspects, and conduct investigations. Detectives focus on solving crimes by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with forensic experts. This career requires physical stamina, strong communication skills, and a commitment to public safety and justice.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Median pay: $65,450
Education needed: Associate degree
Job growth rate: 23%
Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational therapists to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. They assist in implementing treatment plans, demonstrating exercises, and monitoring patients’ progress. This role involves working with individuals who have disabilities, injuries, or illnesses, aiming to enhance their quality of life through therapeutic activities.
Wind Turbine Technician
Median pay: $61,770
Education needed: Postsecondary non-degree award, on-the-job training
Job growth rate: 45%
I don’t think I could be 260 feet up in the air to service and repair a wind turbine! Gulp! This is one of a great use cases for VR/AR while training on how to repair this equipment. You can do this in a safe environment before you are so high in a dangerous real-world situation. These technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines, which generate renewable energy. Their responsibilities include performing routine inspections, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues, and replacing defective components. Technicians often work at great heights and in various weather conditions, making physical fitness and a head for heights essential for this role. As the demand for clean energy grows, so does the need for skilled wind turbine technicians.
Electrician
Median pay: $61,590
Education needed: High school diploma, apprenticeship
Job growth rate: 6%
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. They read blueprints, install wiring and lighting systems, inspect electrical components, and troubleshoot electrical problems. Again, one of those roles that we all rely on every day! Without electricity we wouldn’t be able to do so many things every single day. Electricians must follow building codes and safety regulations to ensure the safe operation of electrical systems. This hands-on job requires technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and physical stamina.
Plumber
Median pay: $61,550
Education needed: High school diploma, apprenticeship
Job growth rate: 2%
Same thing with internal plumbing! Plumbers install and repair piping systems that carry water, gas, and waste in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Their duties include reading blueprints, installing pipes and fixtures, troubleshooting plumbing issues, and conducting maintenance checks. Plumbers must be able to respond to emergency calls and work in various environments, sometimes in tight spaces. This job offers steady demand and the satisfaction of solving critical problems.
Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Median pay: $60,970
Education needed: Associate degree
Job growth rate: 4%
Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing files, and assisting with trial preparation. They play a vital role in the legal process, ensuring that attorneys have the information and documentation they need. This job requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of legal procedures, providing essential support in law firms and legal departments.
Surgical Technologist
Median pay: $60,370
Education needed: Postsecondary non-degree award or associate degree
Job growth rate: 5%
I’m sure it would get easier, but it depends how much blood would be involved. Surgical technologists assist in surgical operations, ensuring that the operating room is ready and that all instruments are sterilized and available. They prepare patients for surgery, pass instruments to surgeons during procedures, and manage surgical supplies. This role requires precision, a calm demeanor under pressure, and the ability to work closely with a medical team to ensure successful surgeries.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Median pay: $59,730
Education needed: Postsecondary non-degree award
Job growth rate: 5%
The hardest working and invaluable person that provides us our healthcare is the licensed practical nurses (LPNs). They provide basic medical care under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. Their duties include taking vital signs, administering medications, dressing wounds, and assisting with patient hygiene. LPNs work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. This role offers a rewarding career in patient care without the need for a college degree.
Hearing Aid Specialist
Median pay: $58,670
Education needed: High school diploma
Job growth rate: 14%
Hearing aid specialists work with audiologists to fit, adjust, and maintain hearing aids for patients. This is such an important part of healthcare, and an aging population. If we don’t hear or hears clearly we miss so much of the world around us and feel disconnected from others. Audiologists conduct hearing tests, educate patients on the use and care of their devices, and troubleshoot any issues. This role combines technical skills with customer service, providing the opportunity to improve patients’ quality of life through better hearing.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) Technician
Median pay: $57,300
Education needed: Trade school, long-term on-the-job training
Job growth rate: 6%
This career has a special place in my heart as my Dad retired from, and was an HVAC technician for years. Helping so many people, companies and areas comfortable during all seasons. HVAC Techs install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. Their duties include diagnosing problems, replacing parts, and performing routine maintenance to ensure efficient operation. HVAC technicians work in various settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This job requires technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to keep indoor environments comfortable.
Firefighter
Median pay: $57,120
Education needed: Postsecondary non-degree award
Job growth rate: 4%
Firefighters are those first responders and heroes that respond to emergency situations, extinguishing fires, rescuing individuals, and providing medical assistance. They also conduct fire safety inspections, educate the public on fire prevention, and maintain their equipment. This physically demanding and potentially dangerous job requires bravery, teamwork, and a strong commitment to public safety.
Real Estate Agent
Median pay: $56,620
Education needed: High school diploma, licensing requirements vary by state
Job growth rate: 3%
There takes a special kind of person to be a real estate agent. These people help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. I have a really good friend and business partner that is an amazing Agent, and she impresses me every day! They conduct market research, advertise listings, negotiate deals, and guide clients through the buying or selling process. Real estate agents must have strong sales skills, an understanding of the property market, and the ability to build relationships with clients. This career offers flexibility and the potential for high earnings based on performance.
Carpenter
Median pay: $56,350
Education needed: High school diploma, apprenticeship
Job growth rate: 1%
Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures made of wood and other materials. Their duties include reading blueprints, measuring and cutting materials, and assembling frameworks. Carpenters work on a variety of projects, from building houses to creating custom furniture. This hands-on job requires craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the ability to work with tools and machinery.
Sound Engineering Technician
Median pay: $54,160
Education needed: Postsecondary non-degree award or associate degree
Job growth rate: 2%
Sound engineering technicians set up and operate audio equipment for live concerts & events, recordings, and broadcasts. They ensure high-quality sound by adjusting levels, mixing audio, and troubleshooting technical issues. This job often involves working in high-energy environments like concerts, radio, TV, and film productions. Sound engineers need technical expertise and a good ear for sound quality.
Solar Panel Systems Installer
Median pay: $48,800
Education needed: High school diploma, on-the-job training
Job growth rate: 22%
Solar panel systems installers set up and maintain solar panels on rooftops and other structures. They assess installation sites, connect electrical components, and ensure the panels operate efficiently. This job involves working outdoors and often at heights. As the demand for renewable energy grows, so does the need for skilled solar panel installers.
Exploring these high-paying careers that don’t require a college degree can open up many opportunities. Whether you’re looking for hands-on work, technical roles, or jobs that allow you to help others, there’s something for everyone. These careers offer financial stability and growth potential without the burden of student debt. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, consider one of these rewarding paths.
Leave a Reply