These Jobs Pay $40K Or More—No Bachelor’s Degree Needed

Everyone wants to make a decent salary to support themselves and their families, but many of these higher-paying jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Unfortunately, the average college degree will cost you $24,061 per year for a public institution and $47,831 per year for a private college, according to the College Board, making it a pricey investment in your future. Luckily, if you don’t have a college degree, there are still a number of well-paying jobs you can apply to.

An infographic from Rework lists the fastest growing occupations in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and some of these include jobs don’t require going to college. The below five jobs pay $40,000 a year or more — no bachelor’s degree needed.

1. Wind Turbine Technician

You may have not heard of this job before, but wind techs install, maintain and repair wind turbines. The job requires working at great heights, and attendance of technical school to learn the trade. The median pay for this position is $51,050 per year, and employment of wind turbine service technicians is projected to grow 108 percent from 2014 to 2024.

wind turbine photo
Photo by portland general

2. Hearing Aid Specialist

The elderly population is growing, and with that growth comes a need for experts on hearing aids. The median salary for someone who selects and and fits hearing aids for customers is $49,600 per year, and all that is needed is a two-year associate’s degree.

hearing aid photo
Photo by Photos by Mavis

3. Commercial Diver

A fan of swimming? This one is a for you. A commercial diver works below the surface of the water using scuba gear to fix equipment and structures. They make $50,470 a year, and all you need to do is attend a dive training school.

commercial diver photo

Photo by Neville Wootton Photography

4. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

With a two-year associate’s degree, you will be qualified to operate imaging equipment used in hospitals and clinics. This job has a median salary of $63,630 per year and is expected to grow 24 percent by 2024. Most diagnostic medical sonographers work full-time, in hospitals, physician’s offices or laboratories.

hospital photo
Photo by Presidencia de la República Mexicana

5. Physical Therapy Assistant

Most of us know someone who has at one point needed physical therapy, and as an assistant, you still get the chance to work directly with patients, although you will need an associate’s degree for this position. The job is expected to grow 40 percent over the next 10 years, and the median pay for the position is $42,980 per year.

physical therapy photo
Photo by jasoneppink

 

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About the Author
Carina Wolff
Carina is a health and wellness journalist based in Los Angeles. When she’s not writing, doing yoga, or exploring mountains and beaches, she spends her time cooking and creating recipes for her healthy food blog, Kale Me Maybe. Carina is also an ongoing writer for Bustle, Reader's Digest, FabFitFun, and more.

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