Lots of people think it’s impossible to get a high-paying job without a four-year degree, but this isn’t always the case! There are plenty of careers that value on-the-job training over bachelor’s degrees. Let’s take a look at a few of your options.
1. Air Traffic Controller ($137,380 per Year)
Air traffic controllers keep planes and passengers safe in the sky. They:
- Talk to pilots by radio
- Guide planes during takeoff and landing
- Keep aircraft at safe distances from each other
- Direct planes around storms
- Manage airport ground traffic
- Keep track of all planes in their airspace
They work in airport towers, radar rooms, or route centers, using computers and communication equipment.
To become an air traffic controller, you need:
- An associate’s degree
- U.S. citizenship
- To be under 31 years old when hired (in the U.S.)
- To pass medical exams, drug tests, and background checks
You might be a good fit for this job if you:
- Stay calm under pressure
- Make good decisions quickly
- Pay close attention to details
- Can focus for long periods
- Are good at solving problems
- Like working with technology
- Can follow strict rules and procedures
- Enjoy teamwork
- Don’t mind shift work (nights, weekends, holidays)
2. Commercial Pilot ($113,080 per Year)
Commercial pilots fly aircraft to transport people or cargo. They:
- Check the aircraft before flights
- Create flight plans
- Monitor weather conditions
- Communicate with air traffic control
- Control the aircraft during takeoff, flight, and landing
- Handle any problems that come up during flights
- Complete paperwork after flights
Some commercial pilots fly passenger planes for airlines. Others fly charter flights, deliver packages, dust crops, monitor traffic, or provide sightseeing tours.
To become a commercial pilot, you need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A commercial pilot’s license
- At least 250 hours of flight time
- To be at least 18 years old
- To pass medical exams
You might be a good fit for this job if you:
- Love flying and aviation
- Enjoy traveling to different places
- Can stay focused for long periods
- Make good decisions quickly
- Stay calm during stressful situations
- Are good with technical details
- Like solving problems
- Can handle irregular schedules and time away from home
- Are comfortable with responsibility
- Enjoy working independently
3. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator ($120,350 per Year)
Nuclear power reactor operators run the equipment that makes electricity from nuclear energy. They:
- Monitor control panels and gauges
- Start up and shut down reactor systems
- Respond to alarms and fix issues
- Record data about how the reactor runs
- Help with testing and maintenance
They work in control rooms at nuclear power plants, using computers and control systems to keep the plant running safely.
To become a nuclear power reactor operator, you need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Strong math and science skills
- To pass medical exams, drug tests, and background checks
You might be a good fit for this job if you:
- Pay close attention to details
- Follow procedures exactly
- Stay calm under pressure
- Make good decisions quickly
- Think logically
- Like technical work
- Are safety-minded
- Work well in teams
- Can focus for long periods
- Prefer shift work (12-hour shifts are common)
4. Power Distributor/Dispatcher ($104,750 per Year)
Power distributors and dispatchers control the flow of electricity from power plants to homes and businesses. They:
- Monitor the power grid
- Switch power between different lines
- Adjust voltage and flow of electricity
- Respond to outages and emergencies
- Schedule repairs and maintenance
They work in control centers, making quick decisions to keep the lights on for everyone.
To become a power dispatcher, you need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Knowledge of electricity and power systems
- Strong math and computer skills
- To pass drug tests and background checks
You might be a good fit for this job if you:
- Make good decisions under pressure
- Stay calm during emergencies
- Pay close attention to details
- Can focus for long periods
- Think logically to solve problems
- Like technical work with computers
- Work well in teams
- Are good at multitasking
- Don’t mind shift work (nights, weekends, holidays)
- Enjoy having important responsibilities
- Like seeing the immediate results of your work
5. Elevator and Escalator Installer/Repairer ($102,420 per Year)
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers are sometimes also called “elevator mechanics.” They:
- Install new elevators and escalators in buildings
- Test equipment to make sure it’s safe
- Find and fix problems with elevators that aren’t working right
- Replace worn or broken parts
- Respond to emergency calls when elevators get stuck
- Update old elevators with new technology
They work in all types of buildings from apartments to skyscrapers.
To become an elevator/escalator installer or repairer, you need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- To complete an apprenticeship program managed by an organization like the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP)
- Strong math and mechanical skills
- Physical strength and stamina
- Comfort with heights
- Good color vision (to work with color-coded wires)
You might be a good fit for this job if you:
- Enjoy working with your hands
- Like solving mechanical puzzles
- Have good balance and aren’t afraid of heights
- Pay close attention to details
- Take pride in doing precise work
- Like seeing the results of your labor
- Prefer active work to sitting at a desk
- Can follow strict safety rules
- Work well both alone and with a partner
- Like varied work settings and tasks
6. Nuclear Technician ($101,740 per Year)
Nuclear technicians work with scientists and engineers at nuclear power plants, labs, or waste sites. They:
- Monitor equipment that controls nuclear reactions
- Check radiation levels using special tools
- Collect samples of air, water, and soil for testing
- Help operate nuclear equipment
- Maintain and fix equipment
- Set up experiments in labs
- Respond during emergencies
Some work in power plants, while others work in medical settings, waste facilities, or research labs.
To become a nuclear technician, you need:
- An associate’s degree in nuclear science or technology
- Strong math and science skills
- To pass drug tests and background checks
- To pass security clearances (for some jobs)
You might be a good fit for this job if you:
- Are detail-oriented and precise
- Follow procedures exactly
- Have strong technical skills
- Like working with specialized equipment
- Take safety very seriously
- Are comfortable with strict rules
- Can stay calm under pressure
- Are good at keeping records
- Work well in teams
- Are willing to work shifts (nights/weekends)
7. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager ($99,200 per Year)
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers oversee how products move from factories to customers. They:
- Plan the best ways to ship and store products
- Manage warehouse operations and shipping departments
- Track inventory and product movement
- Set schedules for deliveries and shipments
- Find ways to cut costs and speed up delivery
- Solve problems when shipments are late or lost
- Handle paperwork for international shipping
They work in warehouses, distribution centers, transportation companies, and manufacturing plants.
To become a transportation, storage, and distribution manager, you need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- 5+ years of work experience in shipping, receiving, or logistics
- Computer skills for inventory and tracking systems
- Knowledge of transportation regulations
- An understanding of supply chain operations
You might be a good fit for this job if you:
- Are good at organizing complex systems
- Like solving practical problems
- Can manage multiple tasks at once
- Work well under time pressure
- Are good with numbers and data
- Enjoy leading teams
- Can handle changing priorities
- Think creatively about efficiency
- Like being on your feet and active
- Can make quick decisions when issues arise
8. Radiation Therapist ($98,300 per Year)
Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases using radiation treatments. They:
- Explain procedures to patients
- Position patients correctly on treatment tables
- Operate machines that deliver radiation to exact spots
- Follow treatment plans created by doctors
- Check that safety measures are followed
- Keep detailed records of treatments
- Watch for side effects or problems
- Provide emotional support to patients
- Work with doctors, nurses, and medical physicists
They use large machines called linear accelerators to aim radiation at tumors while protecting healthy tissue.
To become a radiation therapist you need:
- An associate’s degree in radiation therapy
- Clinical experience (part of your education program)
- To pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam
- State license (requirements vary by state)
- A strong math and science background
- Good computer skills
- To complete continuing education to keep your certification
You might be a good fit for this job if you:
- Care deeply about helping others
- Can be both compassionate and technically skilled
- Pay close attention to details
- Follow precise instructions exactly
- Have good people skills
- Stay calm and focused
- Can comfort people who are scared or in pain
- Are interested in medicine and technology
- Want to make a difference in patients’ lives
- Can handle the emotional aspects of cancer care
9. Power Plant Operator ($97,010 per Year)
Power plant operators run the machines that generate electricity. They:
- Control equipment that makes power from coal, natural gas, nuclear, water, or wind
- Monitor gauges, meters, and computer screens
- Start up and shut down generators
- Check for equipment problems
- Respond to alarms and fix issues
- Perform basic maintenance
- Keep detailed logs of operations
- Communicate with power grid dispatchers
They work in control rooms at power plants, using computers and control panels to keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses.
To become a power plant operator, you need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Strong math and science skills
- Mechanical aptitude
- Computer skills
- To pass drug tests and background checks
- To pass aptitude tests when applying
You might be a good fit for this job if you:
- Pay close attention to details
- Stay calm under pressure
- Make good decisions quickly
- Like technical work
- Can focus for long periods
- Are safety-minded
- Follow procedures exactly
- Work well both alone and in teams
- Like seeing the direct results of your work
- Are comfortable with shift work (including nights, weekends, and holidays)
- Enjoy learning how complex systems work
- Take pride in providing an essential service
10. Electrical Powerhouse Repairer ($96,600 per Year)
Electrical powerhouse repairers fix and maintain equipment in power plants. They:
- Inspect generators, transformers, and other power equipment
- Find worn or broken parts
- Replace damaged components
- Test equipment to make sure it works right
- Read electrical diagrams and blueprints
- Install new equipment when needed
- Keep detailed records of repairs
- Work with plant operators to schedule repairs
- Respond to emergency breakdowns
They work inside power plants, substations, and sometimes at dams or wind farms.
To become an electrical powerhouse repairer, you need:
- Certification from a technical or trade skill
- Strong electrical, mechanical, and math skills
- The ability to read technical drawings
- Physical strength and stamina
- To be comfortable with heights
You might be a good fit for this job if you:
- Enjoy working with your hands
- Like solving mechanical and electrical puzzles
- Can handle detailed, precise work
- Don’t mind getting dirty sometimes
- Prefer active work to sitting at a desk
- Like seeing concrete results from your work
- Are safety-conscious
- Don’t mind working in hot or noisy places
- Can be patient when troubleshooting problems
- Enjoy learning about different types of equipment
11. Detective/Criminal Investigator ($91,100 per Year)
Detectives and criminal investigators solve crimes by:
- Gathering evidence at crime scenes
- Interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects
- Taking detailed notes and writing reports
- Analyzing information to find patterns
- Working with forensic experts
- Getting and carrying out search warrants
- Making arrests
- Testifying in court
- Building cases for prosecutors
They investigate many types of crimes, from theft and fraud to assault and murder.
To become a detective, you need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- To be at least 21 years old
- To have no felony convictions
- To pass drug tests and background checks
- To pass physical fitness tests
- To have good vision and hearing
- 2-3 years of experience as a patrol officer
You might be a good fit for this job if you:
- Are curious and ask good questions
- Notice small details others might miss
- Think logically and can solve puzzles
- Have good memory for facts and faces
- Can talk easily with all types of people
- Write clearly and keep good records
- Stay patient during long investigations
- Can handle seeing crime scenes and violence
- Don’t mind irregular hours and being on call
- Stay calm under pressure
- Have strong ethics and honesty
12. Dental Hygienist ($87,530 per Year)
Dental hygienists clean teeth and help patients maintain good oral health. They:
- Clean teeth by removing plaque and tartar
- Take and develop dental x-rays
- Apply fluoride treatments and sealants
- Check for signs of oral diseases
- Screen patients for oral cancer
- Document patient care and treatment plans
- Help dentists during procedures
- Sterilize dental instruments
They work in dental offices using specialized tools and equipment to care for patients’ teeth and gums.
To become a dental hygienist, you need:
- An associate’s degree in dental hygiene
- To complete a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation
- To pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
- To pass a clinical exam in your state
- To get a license from your state’s dental board
- CPR certification
You might be a good fit for this job if you:
- Enjoy helping people improve their health
- Communicate clearly and kindly
- Have good physical stamina (the job involves sitting, standing, and bending)
- Can work well as part of a team
- Are comfortable working in people’s mouths
13. Transportation Inspector ($87,290 per Year)
Transportation inspectors check vehicles, equipment, and cargo to make sure they’re safe and follow rules. They:
- Inspect trucks, trains, planes, ships, or buses
- Check that drivers and operators have proper licenses
- Make sure vehicles are in good working order
- Look for safety problems or rule violations
- Review maintenance records
- Write detailed reports about what they find
- Issue violations when rules are broken
- Investigate accidents
- Explain regulations to transportation workers
- Recommend changes to improve safety
They work for government agencies, transportation companies, or as independent inspectors.
To become a transportation inspector, you need:
- An associates degree
- Knowledge of vehicles, equipment, or transportation systems
- Good physical condition for climbing on vehicles
You might be a good fit for this job if you:
- Pay close attention to details
- Follow rules and procedures exactly
- Are thorough and methodical
- Like working with vehicles or transportation equipment
- Can make firm decisions based on facts
- Are willing to speak up when you see safety problems
- Are able to write clear, detailed reports
- Don’t mind sometimes giving bad news
- Take pride in keeping people safe
- Prefer active work to sitting at a desk all day
14. Electrical Power Line Installer/Repairer ($85,420 per Year)
Power line installers and repairers (often called “lineworkers” or “linemen”) build and fix the power lines that bring electricity to homes and businesses. They:
- Climb poles or use bucket trucks to reach power lines
- Install new power lines and equipment
- Replace old or damaged lines and poles
- Fix broken equipment after storms
- Install transformers, switches, and other parts
- Test lines to find problems
- Respond to power outages
They work outdoors in all types of weather, sometimes in emergencies.
To become a power line installer/repairer, you need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Physical strength and stamina
- Good balance and comfort with heights
- A valid driver’s license
- To pass drug tests and background checks
You might be a good fit for this job if you:
- Enjoy physical, active work
- Like working outdoors
- Aren’t afraid of heights
- Want to see the direct results of your work
- Like solving problems
- Can work well in a team
- Are willing to work in tough weather
- Can stay calm during emergencies
- Take safety seriously
- Are comfortable with some risk
- Don’t mind being on call sometimes
Final Thoughts
While a college degree can open doors, they aren’t always required. Skills and training are just as important. If you’re a hard worker with a willingness to learn, you’ve got plenty of options!
| Median Salary | Requirements | Future Outlook | |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $137,380 | Associate’s degree | Steady demand expected |
| Commercial Pilots | $113,080 | High school diploma and FAA commercial pilot license | Slight increase in demand expected |
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | $120,350 | High school diploma | Significant decrease in demand expected |
| Power Distributors and Dispatchers | $104,750 | High school diploma | Moderate decrease in demand expected |
| Elevators and Escalator Installers/Repairers | $102,420 | High school diploma and apprenticeship program | Slight increase in demand expected |
| Nuclear Technicians | $101,740 | Associate’s degree | Moderate decrease in demand expected |
| Transportation, Storage and Distribution Managers | $99,200 | High school diploma and work experience in related field | Moderate increase in demand expected |
| Radiation Therapists | $98,300 | Associate’s degree and state licensure or certification | Steady demand expected |
| Power Plan Operators | $97,010 | High school diploma | Moderate decrease in demand expected |
| Electrical Powerhouse Repairers | $96,600 | Certificate from trade/technical school | Steady demand expected |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $91,100 | High school diploma | Steady demand expected |
| Dental Hygienists | $87,530 | Associate’s degree and licensure | Moderate increase in demand expected |
| Transportation Inspectors | $87,290 | Associate’s degree | Steady demand expected |
| Electrical Power Line Installers and Repairers | $85,420 | High school diploma | Moderate increase in demand expected |
* Note: Salary, requirements, and job outlook statistics taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
