Turn a High School Diploma into a Good Job
Ten Careers that Don’t Require a Four-Year College Degree
Apr 29, 2009
Yes, a college education can definitely help job seekers get their foot in the door for many a job. However, college might not be the right move for everyone. In fact, it’s a known fact that Microsoft founder Bill Gates and entertainment mogul David Geffen don’t have college degrees. And there are likely many other not-so-famous people who have managed to create great careers.
The purpose is not to steer anyone away from college. The benefits of the educational experience go far beyond just what students learn in a class or a book. However, for those individuals who find the prospect of four more years daunting or are not in a position to attend college, there are well-paying career opportunities available for high school graduates. Here are ten suggestions based on information gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Careers in Health Care Abound
Most job seekers have heard this before, but one of the fastest-growing occupational groups is health care. Obviously a lot of this has to do with the aging population. However, top jobs are not limited just to providing medical care to older patients.
Great careers that don’t require a college degree (though they do typically require some type of additional schooling) include dental hygienist, radiation therapist, veterinary technician and substance abuse counselor.
- Dental Hygienists work side-by-side with dentists to educate patient’s about caring for their teeth and gums as well as cleaning their teeth and providing oral health care. While there are four-year degree programs available, it is not a requirement. However, this career does require additional schooling (at least a two-year degree) and licensure. Salaries vary but can be as high as $55,000 annually.
- Radiation Therapists work along side radiologists and oncologists to administer radiation therapy for cancer patients. Education programs are generally one or two years long leading either to a certificate or associates degree, though some employers prefer a four-year degree. Certification is not required; however, RTs can obtain a Certified Radiation Therapist designation. Annually salaries can reach $60,000 or more.
- Veterinary Technicians get the opportunity to work with all kinds of animals. And for those who don’t want to spend the time and expense for veterinary school, this is a great alternative. Veterinary technicians typically attend a two-year course to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. Salaries typically range from $30,000 to $35,000 annually.
- Substance Abuse Counselor is a career that requires someone with a lot of patience as the primary focus is working with individuals who have on-going drug and/or alcohol problems that may cause or be inflamed by mental health issues. Although there are training programs for substance abuse counselors, many organizations do prefer counselors to have a four-year degree. Salaries vary; however, they usually range from $30,000 to $40,000 annually.
Careers in Public Safety are Growing
It’s shouldn’t come as a surprise that many occupations in public safety are in a growth mode, as this is an important group of careers. Four jobs that are on the upswing and that don’t require a college degree are air traffic controller, police officer, fire fighter and gaming surveillance officer.
- Air Traffic Controllers work at airports and are responsible for coordinating the movement of air traffic throughout the skies and on the ground. To qualify individuals must graduate from an FAA-approved (Federal Aviation Administration) program and pass a pre-employment test. Annual salary can exceed $100,000.
- Police Officers have a stressful, yet rewarding career as they pursue and apprehend individuals who break the law. Some agencies prefer college-level courses, especially classes with an administration of justice focus. While every hiring agency has its own rules, there are typically physical and written exams to be allowed into the police academy. Salaries vary greatly depending on area of the country and agency; however, job seekers can typically expect to earn $35,000 to $55,000 annually.
- Fire Fighters handle emergencies and fight hundreds of fires every year, often working more than 50 hours a week. Proper on-the-job training and classes are essential to this career, which may include the need to obtain a two- or even a four-year degree in fire science. In addition, there is a written exam. Depending on the area of the country, job seekers can expect to earn $30,000 to $50,000 annually.
- Gaming Surveillance Officers (and Gaming Investigators) work at casinos and provide oversight and security for the facility and customers and is a rapidly growing field. It generally requires high school graduation with security certification/licensure and on-the-job training. Typical salary range from $30,000 to $45,000 annually.
Careers in Information Technology are Always Around
The world of IT is ever changing and so are the jobs that support the field. And the rapid and widespread use of computers has created a need for well-trained and proficient workers. Two big areas according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) are network systems and data communications analysts.
- Network Systems Analysts design, test and evaluate LANs (local area networks) and WANs (wide area networks). Though many in this field have a four-year degree, work experience and college-level courses, certification and training are equally important.
- Data Communications Analysts design, test and evaluate the Internet, intranet and other communication systems. Education and training requirements are similar to Network Systems Analysts. Careers in information technology typically pay well and depending on the job seeker’s area of expertise, expect that annually earnings are likely to be at least $50,000.
What high school graduates need to focus on is what they want in a career. If they have a real passion and are not just interested in earning a buck, educating themselves about their field of interest is a natural progression after high school. That typically leads to additional education, certification, and licensure and that always provides an added advantage when competing for jobs.
