Did You Know: US Citizens Can Earn Up to $120,000 Annually Without a Bachelor’s Degree

There is a grave misconception that one necessarily has to have a Bachelor’s Degree to have a well-paid job. In reality, there are at least 40 professions that will let you earn a median salary of at least $60,000 a year. The data is provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you’re not the one who’s tempted with a perspective of being an office worker, take a look here to learn what other options you can go for.

Typical Student editorial has put together a list of 13 professions where your intelligence and experience are of more value than a university degree:

#1 Auto damage insurance appraisers

Source: Doan

Car damage loss adjusters evaluate the damage caused to an automobile or another vehicle to estimate the repair costs for insurance claim settlement. As of 2016, the median annual wage of an auto damage insurance appraiser equaled $63,510.

To become an auto damage insurance appraiser no prior work experience is required. For an entry level specialist, high school diploma (postsecondary nondegree award) is enough. Moderate-term on-the-job training will be enough to evaluate the cost of automotive repair. There are ~1,500 projected job openings (through 2026).

#2 Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

Source: Adjusterproinc

The positions of claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators are pretty similar. These professionals settle claims to define that payments/settlements are conducted according to the company practices and procedures. As of 2016, the median annual wage of a claim adjuster equaled $63,680.

No prior work experience is required to become a claim adjuster. For an entry level specialist, high school diploma or equivalent (postsecondary nondegree award) is enough. Long-term on-the-job training will be enough to become knowledgeable in insurance claims (including damaged buildings or vehicles). There are ~24,500 projected job openings (through 2026).

#3 Web developers

Source: University of Denver

Being an IT specialist implies a great deal of things from marketing to web development. Namely, web developers work out website designs, build, and customize online resources. As of 2016, the median annual wage of a web developer equaled $66,130.

Choosing to work as a freelance web developer requires no particular prior work experience. If you’re trying to get a job at a web development studio, a professional portfolio will make your chances higher. Web development is a rapidly changing industry, so one needs to follow all the fluctuations closely. Associate's degree will be enough for an entry level specialist. There are ~14,200 projected job openings (through 2026).

#4 Aerospace engineering and operations technicians

Source: NBC News

Aerospace engineers and operating technicians help assemble aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. These professionals aim to prevent the failure of key parts of new aircraft, spacecraft, or missiles. As of 2016, the median annual wage of an aerospace engineer is $68,020.

No prior work experience is required to operate and maintain equipment used in development, testing, and production of an aircraft/spacecraft. However, there is a requirement of an associate’s degree and a certificate/diploma from a vocational or technical school. There are ~1,100 projected job openings (through 2026).

#5 Magnetic resonance imaging technologists

Source: Hopkinsmedicine

The MRI operators monitor patient safety and comfort. Also, these professionals analyze the images of a scanned area and provide quality control of pictures. As of 2016, the median annual wage of an MRI technologist is $68,420.

This profession has pretty modest education requirements - an associate's degree for the entry-level specialist. However, being an MRI operator requires up to 5 years of work experience. There are ~2,500 projected job openings (through 2026).

#6 Gaming managers

Source: Wisegeek

If you’re in for some gambling, this one might be right for you. Casino gaming managers plan and coordinate gaming operations as well as formulate house rules. As of 2016, the median annual wage of a gaming house manager is $69,180.

The main education requirement for the job is a high-school diploma or equivalent. Also, to become a gaming manager, one needs up to 5 years of experience in the industry. There are ~500 projected job openings (through 2026).

#7 Diagnostic medical sonographers

Source: Amazon

Diagnostic medical sonographers also include cardiovascular and vascular technologists. These professionals assess and diagnose medical conditions using special imaging equipment directing sound waves into a patient's body. As of 2016, the median annual wage of a diagnostic medical sonographer is $69,650.

The main education requirement is an associate's degree, meanwhile work experience or on-the-job training are unnecessary. There are ~5,400 projected job openings (through 2026).

#8 Postmasters and mail superintendents

Source: ASON

Postmasters and mail superintendents coordinate and manage the operational, administrative, and supportive services of a US post office. They coordinate the activities of workers involved in postal and related work in a post office or postal service department.  As of 2016, the median annual wage of a postmaster is $71,670.

To become a mail superintendent, a high-school diploma or equivalent is necessary as well as up to 5 years of relevant work experience. Also, one might need to have a moderate-term on-the-job training. There are currently ~600 projected job openings (through 2026).

#9 Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels

Source: Gulfcoastmariner

Vessel captains, mates, and pilots command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels (including tugboats and ferryboats). As of 2016, the median annual wage of water vessel captain equaled $72,680. To become a vessel captain a postsecondary nondegree award and up to 5 years of relevant work experience is needed. There are ~4,400 projected job openings (through 2026).

#10 Funeral service managers

Source: Nationalpostcom

Funeral service managers plan, direct, or coordinate the services or resources of funeral homes. As of 2016, the median annual wage of a funeral service manager is $73,830.

The education requirement for this position is associate's degree, with up to 5 years of relevant work experience. There are ~2,000 projected job openings (through 2026).

#11 Detectives and criminal investigators

Source: Oplex careers

Detectives and criminal investigators hold proceedings on suspected breach of federal, state, or local laws to avert or solve crimes. As of 2016, the median annual wage of a detective is $78,120.

The main education requirement is a high-school diploma or equivalent plus up to 5 years of relevant work experience. Also, moderate-term on-the-job training is required. There are ~7,500 projected job openings (through 2026).

#12 Power distributors and dispatchers

Source: GettyImages

Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers regulate and distribute electricity or steam. As of 2016, the median annual wage of a power plant operator is $81,900.

The main education requirement is a high-school diploma or equivalent, work experience is unnecessary. However, to master the profession, long-term on-the-job training is needed.

There are ~1,000 projected job openings (through 2026).

#13 Air traffic controllers

Source: i1

Air traffic controllers monitor and direct the aircraft movement. This is the highest paid job with a median annual wage of $122,410.  These professionals are not required to have a bachelor's degree or even relevant work experience. However, they do need an associate's degree. There are ~7,500 projected job openings (through 2026).