Are college degrees necessary for careers outside of minimum wage jobs?

I'm a junior in high school and just considering different career paths. I want to understand if going to college is the only way to get a job outside the minimum wage bracket. I know some jobs don't require a degree, but is it possible to have a successful career without one?

Indeed, it's possible to establish a successful career without a four-year college degree. Many people pursue vocational or technical training, certificate programs, or apprenticeships that can lead to high-paying jobs without requiring a university degree. Remember that "success" can have many definitions and isn’t just financial—though earning potential is certainly a key part of that.

For example, there's increasing demand for skilled tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, and welders. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians, automotive techs, and construction managers are also quite high in demand. Plus, these positions can offer quite respectable salaries. Many even have the potential for six-figure income with experience and further certifications.

Information Technology (IT) is another field where abilities and related certificates can often surpass a degree. Roles like IT specialists, web developers, and cybersecurity analysts may not necessarily require a degree, although some advanced positions might. And these roles often come with significant earning potential, even at entry level.

Lastly, some people start their businesses without a degree. Entrepreneurship can lead to financial success—but it’s also a path that requires a lot of determination, innovation, and risk tolerance.

Having said all this, there's no denying that earning a degree can open up additional opportunities and result in higher lifetime earnings overall, according to many studies. But the most important is to follow a path that aligns with your passions, skills, and career goals—you have many choices for that journey!