15 Best paying non-degree jobs in the world (2024)

Are you looking for a high-paying job but don’t want to spend years in school? You may be surprised to learn that there are plenty of non-degree jobs that can offer great earning potential. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best-paying non-degree jobs available today, including positions in fields like healthcare, technology, and finance. Whether you’re just starting in your career or looking for a change, these jobs are worth considering.

What are non-degree jobs?

Non-degree jobs do not require formal education or a specific degree. These jobs can be found in a variety of industries. They may include positions such as healthcare administrator, construction manager, sales manager, financial manager, etc., but they do not require a college degree. These jobs can offer good earning potential and are worth considering for those not interested in pursuing a formal education or who want to enter the workforce quickly. Here is a list of some of the best paying non-degree jobs.

Best paying non-degree jobs

1. Sales Manager

Sales managers lead a sales team and are responsible for achieving sales targets. They may manage a specific product or geographic region. Sales managers typically have a strong background in sales and may have a degree in business or a related field, but it is not always required.

They may also have experience working in a sales role, such as a sales representative or account manager.

2. Financial Manager

Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They may manage a specific area of finance, such as risk management or investments. Financial managers typically have a strong background in finance and may have a degree in a related field, such as accounting or economics, but it is not always required.

They may also have experience working in a financial role, such as an accountant or financial analyst.

3. Operations Manager

Operations managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization. They may manage a specific area of functions, such as supply chain management or logistics.

Operations managers typically have a strong background in operations and may have a degree in a related field, such as business or engineering, but it is not always required. They may also have experience working in an operations role, such as a supply chain analyst or logistics coordinator.

4. Legal Manager

Legal managers plan, direct, and coordinate an organization’s legal activities. They may manage a specific area of law, such as contract law or intellectual property.

Legal managers typically have a strong background in law and may have a degree in a related field, such as paralegal studies or legal studies, but it is not always required. They may also have experience in a legal role, such as a paralegal or legal assistant.

5. Public Relations Manager

Public relations managers plan and direct an organization’s public relations activities. They may manage a specific area of public relations, such as crisis management or media relations. Public relations managers typically have a strong background in communications.

They may have a degree in a related field, such as public relations or communications, but it is not always required. They may also have experience working in a public relations role, such as a public relations specialist or communications coordinator.

6. Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents assist clients in buying, selling, and renting properties. They typically have a high school diploma and must pass a licensing exam and meet state requirements to practice.

Real estate agents are generally self-employed and are paid through commissions on the properties they sell. The earning potential for real estate agents can be high, but it also depends on the market and the agent’s sales skills.

7. Event Planner

Event planners organize and coordinate events such as meetings, conferences, and weddings. They typically have a high school diploma and may have a degree in a related field, such as event management or hospitality, but it is not always required.

Event planners may also have experience in a related role, such as a wedding planner or conference coordinator. Event planners may work for an event planning company or be self-employed. The earning potential for event planners can vary widely depending on the type of events they plan and their business location.

8. Commercial Diver

Commercial divers perform underwater tasks such as underwater welding, salvage, and construction. They typically have a high school diploma and must complete a commercial diving program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on training.

Commercial divers may also need to be certified by a professional diving organization. The earning potential for commercial divers can be high, but it also depends on the type of diving they do and their job location.

9. Electrician

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and equipment. They typically have a high school diploma and complete an apprenticeship program that includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training.

Electricians may also need to be licensed by the state. The earning potential for electricians can be high, but it also depends on the location of their job and the type of work they do.

10. Plumber

Plumbers install, maintain, and repair plumbing systems and equipment. They typically have a high school diploma and complete an apprenticeship program that includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training.

Plumbers may also need to be licensed by the state. The earning potential for plumbers can be high, but it also depends on the location of their job and the type of work they do.

11. Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy equipment operators operate and maintain heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes. They typically have a high school diploma and complete a training program that includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training.

Heavy equipment operators may also need to be licensed by the state. The earning potential for heavy equipment operators can be high, but it also depends on the location of their job and the type of equipment they operate.

12. Paralegal

Paralegals assist attorneys in various legal activities such as legal research, document preparation, and trial preparation. They typically have a high school diploma and complete a paralegal studies program.

Paralegals may also have experience in a legal role, such as a legal assistant or legal secretary. The earning potential for paralegals can be high, but it also depends on the location of their job and the type of law firm they work for.

13. Personal Trainer

Personal trainers are responsible for designing and implementing exercise programs for their clients. They typically have a high school diploma and complete a unique training certification program.

Personal trainers may also have experience working in a related role, such as a fitness instructor or personal coach. The earning potential for personal trainers can be high, but it also depends on the location of their job and the type of clients they work with.

14. Web Developer

Web developers design, build, and maintain websites. They typically have a high school diploma and complete a web development program. Web developers may also have experience in a related role, such as a web designer or programmer.

The earning potential for web developers can be high, but it also depends on the location of their job and the type of websites they develop.

15. Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They typically have a high school diploma and have completed a graphic design program.

Graphic designers may also have experience working in a related role, such as a visual artist or graphic illustrator. The earning potential for graphic designers can be high, but it also depends on the location of their job and the type of clients they work with.

Conclusion

Non-degree jobs can provide a variety of career opportunities and high earning potential. However, it is essential to note that payment may vary depending on location, experience, and the specific organization. Additionally, these jobs may require specialized skills or certifications, which can be obtained through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or vocational schools.