High School Is Sufficient For These Mainstream Careers

Careers That Don’t Require a Degree

In school, they say you need a degree to get a good job. But that isn’t true, High School is sufficient for these mainstream careers. There are quite a few high-paying jobs out there that do not require a College degree. Often all you need is a high school diploma or its equivalent and sometimes not even that.

Plumber

A plumber is someone who deals with the plumbing in a home or building. This includes installing pipes, sinks, toilets, water heaters, and water-softener units. To become a plumber, you need a high school diploma, be 18 or older, and complete required training. Once you do this, you need to complete a plumbing apprenticeship and then get your plumber’s license, all the while getting paid to learn. Getting your plumber’s license will have different requirements depending on the state you live in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters earned an average of $56,330/yr. in May 2020.

The BLS projects about 51,000 openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters each year over the next decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who retire.

Emergency Medical Technician

An EMT or paramedic is someone who responds to medical emergencies. They provide care to people that have been seriously injured or are sick and have called 911. Paramedics provide care and transport the person to the local hospital if necessary. You can become an EMT by first receiving your high school diploma, finishing EMT basic training, and passing the national or state certification exam. Employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for EMTs and paramedics was $36,650 in May 2020.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics

If you’ve ever had to have your Heat Pump or Air Conditioning system worked on you’ve worked with one of these technicians. They have to understand the equipment that heats and cools buildings which include gasses like freon, electrical motors, oil and propane burners, etc. The median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $50,590 in May 2020 and about 38,500 openings for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are projected each year.

Exterminator

Pest control is a job that will always be necessary. An exterminator or pest control technician is someone who rids a home or property of roaches, mice, spiders, termites, and other pests. To become an exterminator, you need to meet the minimum requirements of having a high school diploma and be 18 or older. The rest of the requirements vary state by state. You may need to take an EPA training course and take a state licensing exam. Many people begin their career in pest control by doing summer sales in the field. The median annual wage for pest control workers was $37,820 in May 2020.

Postal Service Clerk

A postal service clerk receives and sorts letters and packages, makes sure mail has the right postage, cash money orders, sells postage, and other duties. Basically, they help customers with their postage needs. Becoming a postal service clerk requires you to have a high school diploma and pass a test to determine how fast you are able to read. For this job, it is all about on-the-job training. Despite declining employment, about 31,900 openings for postal service workers are projected each year. The median annual wage for postal service workers was $51,150 in May 2020.

Mechanic

A mechanic checks and tests machinery and provides maintenance. Maintenance can include oil changes, tire rotations, tune-ups, and repairs. So as long as there are machines, there will be a need for someone to fix them. In order to become a mechanic, you may need a high school diploma, or to complete a vocational education program, or earn some sort of certification. Most employers will offer on-the-job training if necessary. But there are a variety of different types of mechanics.

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Most automotive service technicians and mechanics work in well-ventilated and well-lit repair shops. Modern technicians often identify and fix automotive problems with computers and cars are becoming increasingly computer-controlled. To become an Auto Tech you may need to earn a certificate from ASE or National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $44,050 in May 2020.

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights install, maintain, and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery.

Overall employment of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights is projected to grow 19 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 56,300 openings for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights are projected each year. The median annual wage for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights was $54,920 in May 2020.

Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians work in hangars, in repair stations, or on airfields repairing and performing scheduled maintenance on aircraft. Most learn their trade at a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved aviation maintenance technician school or on the job. Some learn through training received in the military. The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $66,440 in May 2020. Employment is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses, trucks, or any vehicle with a diesel engine. Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030. The median annual wage for diesel service technicians and mechanics is $50,200.

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts. Employment of elevator and escalator installers and repairers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2020 to 2030 but that will only result in about 2,500 openings each year over the decade. But if you can get one of these jobs the pay is pretty good at an average of $88,540/yr.

While having a degree may be beneficial, it is unnecessary to have a good job. There are plenty of jobs out there that pay well and don’t require a degree. This list is just the tip of the iceberg. You should be able to find one that fits your skills while paying you well.

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