With the surge of high school graduates opting to go to college every year, many think that this is what is expected of them. Many people fresh out of high school only go to college because they do not know what else to do.
However, college is not for everyone and there are many other ways to earn a living without a college degree like technical schools and at Contractors Training Center.
Some people do not have the funds for college tuition, or maybe college just is not for them. There will always be a need for certain careers, so a lot of high school graduates that opt to not go to college are able to fill the positions that we need to keep society moving.
Here are six lucrative careers that do not require a college degree:
1] Postmasters and Mail Superintendent
Ever thought about trying to change things about the USPS? A postmaster is the head of the mail office, and only requires a high school diploma or an equivalent.
They can make up to 70,000 dollars a year and require less than five years of work experience. They also tend to have a lot of contact with the postal service and even play a pretty big role politically.
2] Power Plant Operator
These operators also make roughly 70,000 a year, but they require no previous work experience. This is an exceptional idea for young people looking to start out in the work-force.
They monitor the equipment and measure the amount of electricity flowing through. There is extensive on the job training for this career path, but it is well worth it.
3] Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots fly cargo or other things that need shipment. You only need your high school diploma or equivalent and you can start your on the job training.
These pilots make up to 76,000 a year, and there are up to 15,100 job openings through 2024. This career path is one that will be very necessary for the future, as online shopping becomes increasingly popular.
4] Detective or Criminal Investigator
Always dreamed of being like Sherlock Holmes? Well, this is not exactly the same, but it is pretty cool! Making up to $77,000 a year, detectives and criminal investigators require less than five years of work experience and you only need your high school diploma to get started.
5] Power Distributor
Like power plant operators, power distributors control energy-generating equipment and read charts to find the flow of electricity. To get started, you just need a high school diploma and the will to go through long-term on the job training.
While these careers have longer training periods, it is important that you are learning how to do a trade without being completely out of the workforce, like when you are in college.
6] First Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Like Sherlock Holmes but you’re a little bossy? Again, not exactly the same, but you could be the first line supervisor of police and detectives.
With less than five years of experience, you could be making up to $82,000 a year as a first line supervisor. Like many of the other occupations, all that is needed is a high school diploma and a lot of hard work to be successful in this field.
The Takeaway
Parents and teachers often pressure young people to go to college. For many, college is what is expected of them. But, it is important to remember that college is not the right choice for some people. In fact, sometimes going to college can do more harm (student loan debt, stress, etc.) than good.
This is why it is a good idea to consider what you want to do with your life. Expectations can often push young people into careers they aren’t passionate about, which can lead to cracking under the pressure.
Whether you decide to be a doctor or a powerplant operator, it is always good to keep an open mind about alternative paths after high school.
