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What are the highest paying trade jobs without a degree?

I'm considering going straight into the workforce after high school, and I'm trying to find out which trade jobs offer the best pay without requiring a college degree. Does anyone have specific occupations in mind or personal experiences they could share?

a year ago

Here are a few trade jobs that typically don't require a college degree and offer substantial pay:

1. Elevator Installers and Repairers: These individuals install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and similar equipment. This trade typically requires an apprenticeship but no formal degree.

2. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers: They are responsible for installing and repairing the power grid. This role requires field training and often a technical certificate.

3. Boilermakers: Boilermakers assemble, install, and repair boilers and other large containers that hold liquids and gases. This job typically requires an apprenticeship.

4. Construction Managers: Often starting as construction workers, these individuals move up the ranks and eventually oversee entire construction projects. Experience is crucial in this role, and it typically doesn't require a college degree.

5. Air Traffic Controllers: Controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft to maintain safe distances between them. Though this job requires extensive on-the-job training and passing the Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (AT-SAT), no formal degree is usually needed.

6. Radiation Therapists: They assist in treating patients with cancer and other diseases by administering radiation treatments. This role typically requires a certificate program or an associate degree.

7. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators: These operators control nuclear reactors, adjust control rods, and start and stop equipment as necessary. While this job requires extensive on-the-job training, it doesn't necessitate a formal degree.

8. Commercial Pilots: These pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. Although it's not necessary to have a degree, significant flight training is required, which is often facilitated through a professional flight school.

This list should give you a starting point to further research these professions. Keep in mind that while they may not require a degree, they may require other types of formal education or certification, as well as extensive hands-on training. Salary can also significantly vary by region and level of experience, so that's also something to consider as you explore these roles.

a year ago

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