Categories

  • Get the Job
  • Get Ahead
  • Career Paths
  • Students
  • Job Descriptions
  • Salary Insights
Career Trend
Career Trend
  • Get the Job
    • Resumes and CVs
    • Applications
    • Cover Letters
    • Professional References
    • Interviews
    • Networking
    • Professional Licenses and Exams
  • Get Ahead
    • Get a Promotion
    • Negotiation
    • Professional Ethics
    • Professionalism
    • Dealing with Coworkers
    • Dealing with Bosses
    • Communication Skills
    • Managing the Office
    • Disabilities
    • Harassment and Discrimination
    • Unemployment
  • Career Paths
    • Compare Careers
    • Switching Careers
    • Training and Certifications
    • Start a Company
  • Students
    • Internships and Apprenticeships
    • Entry Level Jobs
    • College Degrees
  • Home »
  • Job Descriptions »
  • Technical Job Descriptions

The Best Paid Jobs Without a Diploma

By Wanda Thibodeaux; Updated July 05, 2017
Teacher and students in a classroom
Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

When you were in school, your guidance counselor likely stressed the importance of getting a diploma to find a good job. However, what she probably didn't tell you is that a number of stable, high-paying jobs don't require a diploma (though they might require some vocational training).

Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controller
Andreas Rodriguez/iStock/Getty Images

Air traffic controllers keep track of airplanes in the sky and give clearance to land or take off. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) information from 2008 says that air traffic controllers can make up to $161,010 annually, with a median income of $111,870. They receive strong compensation because so many lives are in their hands.

The BLS also states that air traffic controllers need at least three years of qualifying experience if they don't have a diploma. They must be 30 years or younger if they don't have previous experience, and they must complete an aviation program approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They must pass an aviation exam provided by the FAA as well.

Operations Managers

industrial technician
Hongqi Zhang/iStock/Getty Images

Operations managers are executives that direct and plan how a company functions. Essentially, it's the operations manager's responsibility to keep the company on productive feet. They may categorize resources or assign employees to particular projects. They also may take on some duties of chief executive officers, such as analyzing company data, budgeting and supervising employees. These workers make a median income of $91,570 and top out around $137,000, according to 2008 BLS data.

The BLS claims that experience matters more than a diploma in this position because many operations managers start out with entry or lower-level positions. This means that a person might put in some considerable time before reaching the operations manager level, but this time provides invaluable insights on how the company works and what the goals of management are.

Computer Tech Support Specialist/Administrator

Man looking at computer screen
Stockbyte/Retrofile/Getty Images

Computer tech support specialist/administrator positions include jobs such as computer security specialist, telecommunications specialist and web administrator. These employees ensure that others can use computer hardware or software and peripheral equipment. Employers prefer applicants for these positions who have an information technology or business degree, but experience and general certifications sometimes suffice.This is because the information obtained via formal IT or business education quickly becomes obsolete as new technologies evolve and as economic conditions shift.

BLS data from 2008 shows tech support specialists and administrators can expect to make anywhere from $41,000 to $111,950, depending on their position within the company and how much experience they have.

References

  • BLS: Air Traffic Controllers
  • Career Builder: 25 Highest-Paying Jobs, No College Degree Required
  • BLS: Top Executives
  • BLS: Computer Network, Systems and Database Administrators

Find a Job

Job Search by ZipRecruiter

About the Author

Wanda Thibodeaux is a freelance writer and editor based in Eagan, Minn. She has been published in both print and Web publications and has written on everything from fly fishing to parenting. She currently works through her business website, Takingdictation.com, which functions globally and welcomes new clients.

More Articles

  • What Is a Health Care Administrator?
  • Tow Truck Dispatcher Salaries
  • Job Description of Operations Support
  • Top 10 Best Paying Careers
  • Facilities Maintenance Manager Salary
  • Summarizing an Administrative Job

Continue Reading in Job Descriptions

Law Enforcement Job Descriptions
Administrative Job Descriptions
Healthcare Job Descriptions
Sales Job Descriptions
Fashion Job Descriptions
Education Job Descriptions
Industrial Job Tips
Restaurant Job Descriptions
Professional Job Descriptions
Technical Job Descriptions
Hospitality Job Descriptions
Cite this Article A tool to create a citation to reference this article Cite this Article
Choose Citation Style
Thibodeaux, Wanda. "The Best Paid Jobs Without a Diploma." Career Trend, http://careertrend.com/list-6496279-paid-jobs-diploma.html. 05 July 2017.
Thibodeaux, Wanda. (2017, July 05). The Best Paid Jobs Without a Diploma. Career Trend. Retrieved from http://careertrend.com/list-6496279-paid-jobs-diploma.html
Thibodeaux, Wanda. "The Best Paid Jobs Without a Diploma" last modified July 05, 2017. http://careertrend.com/list-6496279-paid-jobs-diploma.html
Note: Depending on which text editor you're pasting into, you might have to add the italics to the site name.

Related Content

How Much Does a Surgical Tech Make an Hour?
Top 10 Highest Paying Non-Medical Careers

Related Occupations

Job Growth: -1.9% 2014-2016
Administrative Services Managers $90,050
Job Growth: -6.5% 2014-2016
Compensation and Benefits Managers $116,240

Popular Articles

The Average Salary of a Cameraman
What Are Good Strengths for a Good Manager?
Get the Job
Resumes and CVs
Applications
Cover Letters
Professional References
Interviews
Networking
Professional Licenses and Exams
Get Ahead
Get a Promotion
Negotiation
Professional Ethics
Professionalism
Dealing with Coworkers
Dealing with Bosses
Communication Skills
Managing the Office
Disabilities
Harassment and Discrimination
Unemployment
Career Paths
Compare Careers
Switching Careers
Training and Certifications
Start a Company
Students
Internships and Apprenticeships
Entry Level Jobs
College Degrees
Career Trend
  • About Us
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Find a Job
Copyright 2018 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved.
AdChoices