College is not for everyone, but earning a great living can be. So often, parents and teens fall prey to the myth that the only way to get a well-paying job is with either a two- or four-year degree, and nothing could be further from the truth. We asked parents to share with us the terrific jobs they or their adult children found that didn’t require classroom learning, and here is what they told us.
While a college degree may not be required for these jobs, many require vocational training, certification, or licensure.
Great jobs that don’t need a college degree
Building trades
Tiler
Kitchen Installer
Electrician
Plumber
Welder
Contractor
Network Hardware Installation
HVAC Installer
Roofing
Carpenter
Pipe-fitter
Painter
Wallpaper Installer
Alarm Installer
Flooring Installer
Concrete Installer
Hair and Aesthetics
Hairdresser
Colorist
Esthetician
Barber
Cosmetology
Medical/Health/Personal Care
Ophthalmic Technician
Radiation Technologist
Ultrasound Technologist
Echocardiogram Techs
Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer
Paramedic/EMT
PCT certification (Patient Care Tech)
Receptionist in medical office
Dental assistant/hygienist
Machinist who makes replacement joints
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)
Patient Care Tech
Pharmacy Technician
Phlebotomist
Home Health Aid
Scrub Tech
Hospital Employee
Technology
Network Hardware Installation
Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Cyber security
Water and wastewater treatment plant operators
Electrical Lineman
Cell Tower Maintenance
CAD Drafter
Data Analytics
Heavy equipment technicians
Software Developer
Web Developer
Automotive
Automotive Technician
Car Salesperson
Front Office/Car Dealership
Commercial Driver
Personal Services
Nanny/Babysitter
Household manager
Driver
Private Chef
Office or House Cleaning
Landscaping
Pet Sitting
Massage Therapist
Personal Trainer
Other
Airline pilot
ASL interpreter
Realtor
Retail or Supermarket Manager
Non-Destructive Testing
Voiceover work
CNC machinists (Computer Numerical Control)
Professional Scuba/Rescue Diver
Casino Dealer
Law Enforcement
Corrections Officer
Court reporter
Emergency Dispatcher
FedEx or UPS driver or service agent
More Great Reading:
22 Jobs Teens Can Do to Earn Money During the Vacations and School Year
