What are the best paying vocational jobs?

I'm considering going into a vocational field rather than pursuing a college degree. What are some of the highest paying jobs in vocational areas, and do they require specific certifications?

There are indeed many high-paying careers that require vocational training but not necessarily a traditional four-year college degree. Here are a few examples:

1. Electricians: Their median annual wage is around $56,000. The path generally involves an apprenticeship of about four years, which combines on-the-job training with classroom education. Most states require electricians to be licensed.

2. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: The median annual wage is just a bit higher than that of electricians, coming in at around $55,000. To become a plumber or pipefitter, one typically must start as an apprentice and work their way up to journeyman status. This process usually takes around four to five years.

3. Dental Hygienists: Dental hygienists are in demand and receive a median annual wage of about $76,000. To pursue this field, one would typically enroll in an accredited dental hygiene program and, upon graduation, must pass written and clinical examinations to become licensed.

4. Air Traffic Controllers: With a median annual wage of about $130,000, air traffic controllers might have one of the highest salaries out of vocational careers. While this career does not necessarily require a bachelor’s degree, the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program provides related education.

5. Radiation Therapists: These professionals help treat cancer and other diseases and earn around a median wage of approximately $85,000 annually. Most positions in this field require an associate's degree from an approved program in radiation therapy, though some roles require a bachelor's degree.

Remember though, that the wages mentioned here are median figures and can vary greatly depending on the location, experience level, and the specific industry. Furthermore, pursuing a vocational career also means considering job availability, job satisfaction, and the future demand for that particular skill, among other factors.