Do you need a college degree to succeed? No! Do you need a college degree to find a good job? No! Do you need a college degree to make good money? No! In recent decades these myths have spread throughout the US, but they are far from the truth. The job market is evolving in terms of job availability and salaries. The demand for skilled tradespeople is growing, which means more competitive wages and ample opportunities for fulfilling careers without a traditional college degree.
In this article we will look at the facts to explain why you don’t need a college degree to have a successful career. If you’re looking for a high-paying job that doesn’t require a degree, you’ve come to the right place. After explaining why pursuing a trade or other job that does not require a college education is advantageous for many people, we will highlight some great high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree!
Is it harder to find a job without a college degree?
No. In fact, most jobs do not require a college degree—according to projections from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2020 and 2030, 60% of new jobs in the American economy will be in occupations that do not typically require an associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degree. In addition to the growing need for tradespeople, many of the jobs that previously required a college degree no longer do.
Companies are Dropping College Degree Requirements
It’s simple, companies need workers and they’re struggling to fill positions. Companies are eliminating degree requirements so they can cast a wider net in their search for candidates.
A 2023 survey of 800 US companies revealed just how strong this trend is. Here are the key findings.
- 45% of companies plan to eliminate bachelor’s degree requirements for some positions in 2024.
- In 2023, 55% of companies eliminated bachelor’s degree requirements.
- 70% of companies reported that one of the reasons they eliminated bachelor’s degree requirements was to facilitate a more diverse workforce.
- 69% of companies said one of the reasons they eliminated bachelor’s degree requirements was to increase the number of applications.
- 4 out of 5 employers said they value experience over education when evaluating job candidates, which shows the value of getting real workforce experience over a traditional education in many cases.
Is skipping college financially responsible?
In addition to the ample opportunities for high paying jobs that don’t require a degree, opting not to attend college can set you up for financial success in early adulthood by avoiding student debt–the average federal student loan debt balance is $37,853 as of 2024. By starting a high paying job at a younger age, you can also get a jumpstart on saving money for major purchases such as your first home.
Do college graduates make more money?
While it is true that Americans with bachelor’s degrees make more on average compared to those with only a high school diploma, there are plenty of jobs that do not require a degree that make as much or more than college graduates. It’s all about the career path you choose, and we are here to help by providing you with this list of high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree! The median salary for the jobs on this list is $75,586. The median income with a bachelor’s degree for 25-34 year olds is only $66,600 according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
High-Paying Jobs that Don’t Require a College Degree
What are the best careers to pursue if you decide that college isn’t for you? These are some of the best and highest paying jobs that don’t require a college degree.
Auto Mechanic or Auto Technician
If you enjoy working with your hands, problem solving, fixing things, understanding and learning how systems work, becoming an auto mechanic or auto technician could be a great career option for you! Auto technicians and auto mechanics have great job stability because cars are an essential part of modern life. While a high school degree or GED is the minimum requirement for some auto mechanic jobs, additional training is preferred. Auto mechanic and technician education options include associate’s degrees in automotive technology, certificate programs, and online automotive training programs. According to data collected by Glassdoor, a top hiring site, the average annual pay for an auto technician is $81,159. According to data collected by Indeed, another top hiring site, the average annual pay for an auto mechanic in the US is $67,881.
Plumber
Plumbers play the essential role of ensuring clean water and proper waste disposal. Today, plumbers are also concerned with water conservation and environmental sustainability which adds even more purpose to a career in plumbing. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most plumbers learn their trade by attending a plumbing program at a vocational school and/or through on-the-job apprenticeships. There are various sectors of plumbing jobs including residential plumbing, commercial plumbing, industrial plumbing, service plumbing, plumbing construction, and government/public sector plumbing. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average plumber salary is $61,550 per year. The US is expected to be short 550,000 plumbers by 2027, so now is the time to take up this lucrative career!
Electrician
A career in electricity is perfect for someone who enjoys numbers, problem solving, and is adaptable and safety conscious. Electricians are in high demand—according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for electricians is expected to grow 6% between 2022 and 2032 and 73,500 job opening for electricians are expected each year. To become an electrician, you’ll need on-the-job training through an electrician apprenticeship or vocational school training. According to the Glassdoor, the average annual pay for an electrician is $73,341.
Truck Driver
Truck driving could technically have fit under the previous section as it is a skilled trade, however it’s a unique career compared to other skilled trade jobs that comes with additional benefits that make it stand out. The trucking industry is the backbone of the American economy and with an aging driver population and an expectation for quick transport, the demand for new truck drivers is skyrocketing. If current trends continue, the American Trucking Association estimates that the trucking industry will need 160,000 new drivers by 2028. This means highly competitive pay, ample job opportunities, and incredible benefits for new truck drivers!
Truck Driving Education
To become a truck driver, you’ll need to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The CDL exam includes a written test, road test, and physical exam. While it isn’t mandatory, attending truck driving school can provide you with valuable hands-on training and driving experience. Plus, having truck driving school on your resume will be appealing to employers.
Truck Driving Salary
Some truck drivers are paid by the mile while others are paid a percentage of what the trucking company is paid to transport the load. So, what is the average truck driver salary? The median annual pay for long haul truck drivers is $94,000 according to Glassdoor and 25% of long-haul truck drivers make over $125,000 per year. If you’re a young person trying to choose a career path, let us put this number into perspective for you. The average truck driver salary is over $27,000 higher than the average salary of a 25–34-year-old with a bachelor’s degree.
Additionally, the average income of owner operators, truck drivers who own their own rig, is much higher. The average annual income of an owner operator is $142,826 (it’s important to note that they must cover maintenance, operational costs, and taxes that company drivers don’t).
Benefits of Truck Driving
Aside from the fact that truck driving is one of the highest paying jobs that doesn’t require a college degree, the benefits of truck driving make it a very attractive choice. Truck driving offers independence, the opportunity to travel, and fantastic job security. Many trucking companies also offer excellent benefits for truck driving employees including health insurance, vision and dental care, 401K, PTO, and overtime pay. Truck driving schedules are flexible, and you can explore jobs and routes until you find one that fits your needs whether you prefer to work for several days in a row and have several days off or work a traditional work week and be home on the weekends.
Start Your Career at Roane Transportation!
If truck driving sounds like the job path for you, we’re excited for what your future holds! When it comes to high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree, truck driving is one of the best options. Finding the right trucking company to drive for is another important aspect to building a lucrative and enjoyable career. At Roane Transportation we value our drivers and reward them for their hard work with industry-leading pay, excellent benefits (health insurance, life insurance packages etc.), flexibility, growth opportunities, and a great work/life balance.
If you’re looking for a truck driving job and already have your CDL, we encourage you to contact us to discuss job opportunities or apply today! If you’re interested in obtaining your CDL and starting a career in truck driving, contact us to learn more.