8 Highest-Paying Jobs for US Graduates That Don’t Require Bachelor’s Degree

Most of the people associate a well paid job with getting Bachelor’s or even Master’s degree. In this way, college is a big deal for anybody, however, it is quite expensive, time consuming, and demanding.

Besides, a lot of graduates go straight to work after high school, since they need money or just do not feel like they want to spend some more time learning. So, working right after finishing high school is quite a good option because there is a big chance that you will find a high paid job. The Typical Student team put together a list of top 8  highest-paying jobs that do not require Bachelor’s degree. Also, see Did You Know: US Citizens Can Earn Up to $120,000 Annually Without a Bachelor’s Degree.

• Ship Engineer

The main duty of a ship engineer is to control his crew in operating engines, electrical, refrigeration and other systems on board.

Median annual wage of a ship engineer is $70,570. For this position you are required to have a postsecondary non-degree award.

• Postmasters and Mail Superintendents 

They are in charge of operational, management, and administrative services of a post office.

Their annual pay on the average can be up to $71,670. In order to get this job you have to pass a moderate-term on-the-job training.

• Transportation Inspector

If you are ready to examine goods of equipment during the transportation this job perfectly suits you.

For becoming a transportation inspector you  do not need any work experience and your high school diploma is all you are required for getting this job.

The average transportation inspector’s annual wage is $72,220.

• Power Distributors and Dispatchers

Their job responsibilities are coordinating and regulating electricity or steam.

Their median average wage is $81,900. Those who want to have this job should pass a long-term on-the-job training.

• First-line Supervisor of Police and Detectives

Job responsibilities of a first-line supervisor include coordinating and supervising police workers.

The average wage per year is $84,840. For this job you need a high school diploma and pass a moderate-term on-the-job training.

• Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Their main duty is managing storage, transportation, and distribution activities.

Their median annual wage on the average is up to $89,190. Besides, on-the-job training is not required for this job.

• Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

It is pretty obvious that a nuclear power operator is in charge of controlling and monitoring  nuclear reactors.

Nuclear power reactor operator’s average wage can be up to $91,170 per year.

This job does not require neither higher education nor work experience.

However, you will have to pass a long-term on-the-job training.

• Air Traffic Controller

The duties of an air traffic controller are airspace monitoring, directing the movement of aircrafts, and coordinating landings and takeoffs.

Air traffic controller is the highest paid job among the jobs that do not require a Bachelor’s degree.

The median annual wage of an air traffic controller is $122,410.

However, this job is extremely stressful and responsible. Besides, you are required to have Associate’s degree and pass a long-term on-the-job training.

Bottom Line

The truth is, a good paid job not always requires Bachelor’s degree. There are a lot of great opportunities for those who do not have money or energy for getting higher education. Good luck finding your perfect and highly income job!