#JobsWithoutADegree #CareerOptionsWithoutCollege #CareerAdvice
Finding a well-paying job without a college degree is a realistic goal for many individuals. There are numerous career paths that offer financial stability and personal fulfillment without requiring a four-year degree. Let’s explore some of the best options available and how you can pursue them to achieve your goal of financial independence and a rewarding career.
1. **Truck Driving**:
– Despite the long hours, truck driving can be a lucrative career option for individuals without a college degree. With the demand for goods transportation constantly on the rise, there is a consistent need for qualified truck drivers.
– The average annual salary for truck drivers is around $60,000, with opportunities for overtime pay and advancement within the industry. Additionally, many trucking companies offer comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, to their employees.
2. **Plumber or HVAC Technician Apprenticeship**:
– Pursuing an apprenticeship as a plumber or HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technician is another excellent choice. These trades offer stable employment, competitive wages, and the potential for self-employment once licensed.
– Apprenticeship programs typically provide on-the-job training and classroom instruction, allowing you to earn a wage while learning the necessary skills. Both plumbing and HVAC work are in high demand, making this a viable and lucrative career path.
3. **Mortgage Industry Training**:
– Many companies in the mortgage and finance industry offer comprehensive training programs for individuals without a college degree. For example, Rocket Mortgage provides training opportunities for aspiring mortgage professionals.
– By completing a training program and gaining experience in the mortgage industry, you can secure a stable job with competitive pay and benefits. While some positions may require ongoing education or certification, the potential for financial growth and stability is significant.
When considering these career options, it’s essential to weigh the potential for income, job stability, and personal fulfillment. Additionally, it’s crucial to assess the specific requirements and demands of each profession to determine which best aligns with your skills and goals.
For individuals seeking to transition into a new career without a college degree, the following steps can be beneficial:
– **Career Research**: Explore the various industries and job opportunities available to individuals without a college degree. Look for positions that offer competitive pay, advancement potential, and job stability.
– **Skill Development**: Consider investing in training or certification programs related to your desired career path. Many vocational schools and trade organizations offer courses that can provide the necessary skills and credentials for entry-level positions.
– **Networking**: Connect with professionals in your desired industry to gain insights and advice on pursuing a career without a college degree. Joining trade organizations or attending industry events can help you build valuable connections and learn about job opportunities.
– **Financial Planning**: Evaluate the potential income and expenses associated with your chosen career path. Creating a budget and understanding the financial implications of your career transition can help you make informed decisions.
Ultimately, choosing a career path without a college degree is a viable and practical option for many individuals. By carefully assessing your skills, interests, and goals, you can pursue a rewarding and financially stable career without the burden of extensive student loan debt or years of academic study.
As you navigate your career transition, keep in mind that many successful professionals have achieved fulfilling and lucrative careers without a college degree. With determination and strategic planning, you can secure a job that provides the income, stability, and personal satisfaction you desire. Good luck on your journey to financial independence and career fulfillment! 🚀
*High-search-volume keyword: “jobs without a college degree”*
Option 2 is probably the best way to make a livable wage
Idk what rocket mortgage training is lol
Lots of trades won’t require college, but it will require longterm certification coursework and licensing. HVAC/Plumber in most states require tradeschool certifications and licensing before permitting you to work. CDL will require a specialty license, which can be hard to receive. If you have a number of failures with the exam, you may have to wait for re-testing.
28 isn’t old or anything, but if college isn’t for you (atleast 4 years), then tradeschool is 2-3 years. Keep in mind, you may or may not be able to work while going to tradeschool.
I don’t want to shill my employer but I worked my way up in a popular fast food chain to $26 an hour. The more senior upper managers make $31. No overtime required(but it’s allowed) and decent benefits.
With about an average of five hours of OT a week it comes out to 64k a year in a LCOLish area (gas is about 2.90) of the country (rural Virginia).
If you like working with kids abs have a high school diploma, you could become an rbt. 50k a year
I’d try the plumber route. You can make good money in trades.
If you’re more interested in mechanical things, definitely give aircraft mechanic a shot. Pay is similar to engineers (you can make $100,000+ annualy), 2 years of schooling, and the benefits are pretty awesome, especially if you love to travel. You get heavily discounted or free tickets to basically everywhere there’s a flight to for your airline.
Option 2, but do electricity. That’s on the rise more than plumbing and hvac (every house is nearing the need for solar and car chargers).
I know quite a few people in plumbing / hvac. Definitely can make good money. Ya have to hustle once it’s your own business. BUT, there’s a lot of odd emergency hours. It can be a lot more hours because you book your 40, but then get a lot of emergency calls.
Could look at 2 year degrees. My brother in law has a 2 year nursing degree and make 70k a year. I have my associates in IT and I’ve have offers of 55-60k a year. Health related jobs are always in demand
Plumber + make a TikTok account showing what you do on the daily. Plenty of folks very curious about that as a career. You can grow an audience and eventually monetize it with somethig
Go with Rocket and choose a technology path.
Sales
I’m making 6 figs with a Salesforce Administrator Certification as my W2 job (more detail in my comment history for those curious). This might not be feasible anymore – tech is saturated. I got in 6 years ago.
I’m wrapping up my licensing to be a home inspector. Also wrapping up my commercial drone pilot license. Both avenues for income without a degree.
Edit: is option 2 mortgage loan broker training? I support that and always thought it seemed like a good option
First of all, you have a great mindset about wanting to be on your own before dating, etc. Moving out on your own teaches us a lot and I definitely recommend it.
Based on the options you mentioned here’s what I think:
CDL and Truck Driving: While truck driving can be financially rewarding, the long hours and time away from home may not be ideal for everyone. Keep in mind that it can be physically demanding and may lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. However, if you’re open to the idea and willing to commit to the demanding schedule, it can be a viable option for increasing your income.
Apprenticeship as a Plumber or HVAC Technician: This is a great option if you enjoy hands-on work and want to learn a valuable trade. Both plumbing and HVAC can provide stable and well-paying careers, and you have the potential to start your own business in the future. It’s important to research the demand for these professions in your area and consider the potential for growth. This is my personal favorite. I have always thought trades jobs were the best! You will also be making good money practically right away and there are many free apprenticeship programs in this area.
Training at Rocket Mortgage: Working in the mortgage industry can be financially rewarding, and if you’re able to receive training without needing a college degree, it could be a viable option for you. However, it’s important to carefully consider the training requirements and future career prospects in this field. I do have to say you can make pretty good money eventually. My sister started working in the field and even before she finished her degree she was making 100K.
Given your desire to improve your financial situation and living circumstances, pursuing a career with good earning potential and stable job prospects is important. Consider the demand for various professions in your area, as well as the potential for advancement and job security. It’s also important to think about your long-term career goals and how each option aligns with them.
I wish you the best of luck in finding the right path for you.
Fire department! Best job in the world.
Option 2 then plan on starting your own plumbing or hvac biz.
Check out the “Occupational Outlook Handbook” from the u.s. gov!
A great roadmap of careers, their “outlook” for growth in future years, and experience requirements.
Option 2. But only if you continue to learn. Don’t stop learning after mastering the hands on part of the trade. Remember you are only one bad fall or one missed step from not being able to work. This is something that’s not discussed with “blue collar work” or in the trades much. Everyone talks about the “trades” but it’s very dangerous as compared to sitting at a desk. If the trade isn’t what you thought it was find something else. Don’t get stuck hating what you do everyday. If you dislike your trade you won’t go anywhere with it. Don’t be the old guy using his body to make a dollar. Learn everything on the business side and the trade industry. Never burn bridges and always show an interest in everything. Show that you have comprehension and logical thinking skills. Always strive to move up. I understand some people are content with doing what they have to and reach a plateau with their skill level. They are the ones that usually end up on disability or poor later in life. Ive noticed with others that about 20 years in the field construction grunt work and your body will give up.
Managerial. You can start at the very bottom and work your way up. Think host, waiter, bartender, assistant manager, manager, district manager, regional manager. Not just food service either.
Not sure about Rocket Mortgage but I work in the Mortgage industry (now not as a loan officer) and easily make 85k, have great insurance, and work remote without a college degree and only a couple years of experience. It can be a good path.
Corrections. It’s a dangerous job but good money and amazing benefits.
Adding another option to consider if you are so inclined.
Software development could also be a good job. The benefit is that a lot of it is likely WFH so you have quite a bit of freedom, and you very seldom end up being client facing.
If you pick a single framework and platform, (e.g. Kotlin for Android, or Nextjs for Web development), and you devote some time towards it after work, you could be proficient within 6 months. These frameworks are also documented pretty well, and you don’t need a computer science degree to get proficient.
You can gradually start doing small projects on fiver or Upwork and then grow from there as you gain experience. Or you could start doing it as a full time job for a dev shop.
You have to be personally driven, but customer support can be an excellent stepping stone for a white collar career if you’re willing to put in the work. Entry level in my city is $22, more depending on what you’re put on, but back then I had friends getting into adult learning and development, people management, project management, marketing, and content writing all by leveraging their experience and exposure to the rest of the company. It’s easier to get promoted without a degree than it is to get hired without one until you hit manager level, then the world opens up a lot more.
I built my career over the past 8 years from customer support starting at $18/hr to now making $58/hr as a content strategist. It’s a lot of planning what your next job will be, cultivating yourself for it by teaching yourself and grabbing projects that show you can apply those skills, applying for that job, and doing it all over again.
Of all the people I know that are making a lot of money and working consistently, HVAC and plumbers are at the top of the list. In fact one relative is undoubtedly a millionaire by now, he has a small HVAC company, and the other cousin is without a doubt a billionaire running a multi state business doing HVAC Refrigeration and general construction. None of them have college degrees.
Option 2 for sure. And consider a part time job (12 – 15 hrs week) to gain some extra cash to save on the side for things like emergencies, tuition for some future business courses or the start up expenses for your own business one day.
If you choose 2 look into doing it through the labor union. They’ll teach you and give you work while you’re in school
pilot
try anything as a plumber, HVAC technician, and electrician then open your own contractor agency.
OP please look into x ray tech/sonography jobs and such. Programs are between two to four years and can net you a pretty nice salary. Obviously location dependent but its something worth looking into.
Option 2 is best. FYI you will have to talk to people though, even more so if you start your own practice. You’ll be talking to customers, suppliers, and coworkers.
Also, there’s way more career fields with paid apprenticeships that pay $60k+.
http://www.apprenticeship.gov
Union electricians make good money depending where you live. Takes 5 years or so to top out, but once you do you can easily make 6 figures on top of amazing health insurance.
Just curious, is there any reason you don’t start your own window business?
Isn’t there a lot of money for the owners in that industry?
Learn data analytics / software development with online courses. Get whatever job you get from that. Within 2 years you’ll be making 100k that too in a remote job. Good luck 😀
Are you going to be able to keep up physical work for decades in HVAC or plumbing and you may need to have some people skills since you might be going to a lot of peoples houses and not just like construction sites. I would be a little concerned that you’re young to need $2000 a month in medication and those are physically demanding jobs and while that may work when you’re younger if your health is questionable then it might be brutal as you get older. I think I would consider expanding my options to like a two-year degree depending on what that medical condition entails. The construction trades are good when they’re good, but they also would deflate a lot with the housing market and depending on the exact employer can be brutal labor or totally reasonable.