We analyzed pay, projected job growth and educational requirements for 785 occupations to identify the best jobs you can land without a college degree. Take a look at our list of 10 promising careers, starting with the highest-paying jobs, that don’t call for a bachelor’s or even an associate’s degree to get hired.
Elevator Installer
Median annual salary: $80,870 (All jobs: $43,233)
Projected job growth, 2016-2026: 16.7% (All jobs: 8.6%)
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Commercial Pilot
Median annual salary: $75,744
Projected job growth, 2016-2026: 14.8%
Electrical Power-Line Installer
Median annual salary: $66,213
Projected job growth, 2016-2026: 16.1%
Office Support Supervisor
Median annual salary: $52,602
Projected job growth, 2016-2026: 11.7%
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Median annual salary: $49,537
Projected job growth, 2016-2026: 19.2%
Computer User Support Specialist
Median annual salary: $48,685
Projected job growth, 2016-2026: 16.4%
Surgical Technologist
Median annual salary: $45,064
Projected job growth, 2016-2026: 16.2%
Licensed Practical Nurse
Median annual salary: $43,201
Projected job growth, 2016-2026: 17.6%
Self-Enrichment Education Teachers
Median annual salary: $36,872
Projected job growth, 2016-2026: 18.4%
Dental Assistant
Median annual salary: $36,788
Projected job growth, 2016-2026: 19.6%
-
Gen X Retirement Is in Trouble: Here's What You Can DoEven as they approach retirement age, half of Gen Xers have not done any retirement planning.
-
10 Ways Your 1031 Exchange Can Go Horribly WrongDon't let your tax-saving strategy become a financial nightmare — discover the hidden pitfalls that could turn your 1031 exchange into a costly disaster.
-
Debit Cards vs Charge Cardscredit & debt Whether sticking to a budget or reaping big rewards, understand whether debit cards vs charge cards are right for you.
-
Four Smart Steps To Take Before Buying Your First Homehome Buying your first home can be daunting. Here are four things you need to do years before you start house-hunting to prepare financially for the biggest purchase of your life.
-
The 25 Cheapest Places to Live: U.S. Cities Editionplaces to live Have a look at the cheapest places to live in America for city dwellers. Is one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. right for you?
-
Sharing His Path to SuccessStarting Out: New Grads and Young Professionals This Native American studied tech in the Air Force and landed his dream job. Now he’s giving back.
-
How Big Should My Emergency Fund Be?Brandon Copeland NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the importance of building an emergency fund.
-
PODCAST: How to Find a Job After Graduation, with Beth Hendler-GruntStarting Out: New Grads and Young Professionals Today’s successful job applicants need to know how to ace the virtual interview and be prepared to do good old-fashioned research and networking. Also, gas prices are high, but try a little global perspective.
-
Homeowners Insurance: How to Protect Your HomeBrandon Copeland NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the ins and outs of homeowners insurance.
-
The "Real" Cost of Buying a CarBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland illustrates how car prices are far more than meets the eye.
