Are there well-paying jobs that don't require a college degree?

I'm trying to weigh my options for post-high school life and I'm wondering what the most lucrative jobs are that don't require college. Any ideas?

Absolutely, there are actually many lucrative career options for high school graduates without a college degree. Here are a few careers with relatively high initial pay that don't typically require a four-year degree:

1. Air Traffic Controller: While this job requires specialized training, it typically doesn't require a bachelor's degree. However, it's one of the most high-pressure jobs out there, as air traffic controllers are charged with coordinating air traffic by authorizing and regulating take-offs and landings.

2. Police Detectives and Criminal Investigators: They gather facts and collect evidence in criminal cases. While police officers can rise through the ranks through experience and often receive additional on-the-job training, many communities do not require a four-year degree.

3. Radiation Therapist: Radiation therapists work in cancer treatment centers and administer radiation treatments to patients with various types of cancers. It requires an associate degree and certification, but not necessarily a four-year degree.

4. Commercial Pilots: They don't need a bachelor’s degree, but do need a commercial pilot’s license and instrument rating from the Federal Aviation Administration. They can work transporting cargo, rescuing and evacuating injured people, and even fighting fires.

5. Elevator Installers and Repairers: They install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and similar equipment. Typically, workers learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training in addition to a high school diploma.

6. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators: They control nuclear reactors, adjust control rods, start and stop equipment, and monitor and adjust controls. These positions typically require an extended period of on-the-job training and licensing.

While these positions may not require a college degree, they do often require certifications, specialized training, or a significant amount of on-the-job experience. So, while you might save on tuition costs, keep in mind those other potential expenses and the time commitment of obtaining the necessary qualifications or experience.