Careers with high pay and least amount of schooling?

Hiya! I'm trying to figure out my future here. Don't get me wrong, I totally see the value in higher education, but...are there any high paying careers out there that require a least amount of schooling? I mean it would be great to not spend years and years in a university, and still make bank!

Hey there! There are indeed several career paths that you can choose, which provide substantial income without requiring multiple years of university study. It's best if these align with your areas of interest and strength, of course.

In the healthcare sector, dental hygienists and registered nurses require only an associate degree, but they can make a decent living. Diagnostic medical sonographers and radiation therapists are two more examples from this industry that only require an associate degree.

In professional trades, roles such as electricians, plumbers, and aircraft mechanics also do not require a four-year degree and can earn a fairly high income once you successfully complete apprenticeships and earn various certificates.

Air traffic controllers make a significant salary and usually require an Associate's degree, although this job can be quite stressful. Commercial pilots do not require a Bachelor's degree either; they only need a high school diploma or equivalent and a commercial pilot's license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The on-the-job training here is quite stringent though.

You might also consider roles in the tech industry. For instance, web developers or programmers can make a strong income with self-taught skills or a certification course instead of a full degree.

Lastly, real estate brokers and agents can earn a significant income if they're successful, though this can vary greatly. This does require passing some state and national exams after completing a set number of real estate classes.

Do remember that, while these paths might not require you to spend as many years in traditional education, they all require dedicated time, effort, and often, rigorous on-the-job training. No path to a high-paying career is completely easy, but with dedication and hard work, these options can absolutely be viable choices.