Source: Yahoo
If so, we're here to offer up some good news. It is possible to score a high-paying job, even if you've never set foot in a college classroom. It may not be easy. And it may require some prior work experience. After all, you've still got to do something to distinguish yourself from the pack. But the opportunities are out there.
Keep reading to learn more about jobs with average salaries nearing $60,000 per year (that's well over the national average) that could be pursued with just a diploma.
You know that police officers keep the peace and hand out the
occasional ticket. But according to the U.S. Department of Labor, police
officers and sheriff's patrol officers also do things like obtain
warrants, arrest suspects, prepare cases and testify in court.
High-Pay Factors: "The lengthy rigorous training programs at the academy and in the field prepare officers for a high-risk, high-reward career that is deserving of salaries that compete with college graduates in the private sector," says retired Illinois State Police Colonel Mike Snyders.
How to Get Your Foot in the Door: You'll need that high school diploma, of course, and the department you're applying to will likely want you to complete their agency police academy program, says the Department of Labor. Police officers must be U.S. citizens, usually be at least 21 years old and meet certain physical qualifications. Candidates can be asked to take drug tests or lie detector tests, and may be disqualified if they have a felony conviction.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Police and Law Enforcement Program.
The Department reports that some police departments require some college coursework or a degree. It's also important to note that if you want to pursue any work with federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI or the Secret Service, you'll need a bachelor's degree and/or related work experience. The Department notes that many colleges, universities, and junior colleges offer law enforcement and criminal justice programs.
Real estate brokers assist clients in buying, selling, and renting
properties. They're also responsible for comparing properties to
determine a competitive market price, advising their clients on prices
and mortgages, and preparing documents like purchase agreements and
deeds, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
High-Pay Factors: The real estate field is ripe with opportunity, according to Jake Cain, licensed real estate agent and the creator of employedteenagers.com, a site focused on helping young people find work.
Of course, it's all about how hard you work and the value that you create for others. "You have to be a good relationship builder and willing to put in hard work to make personal connections with various types of people. If you do those things well, then you can make a significant income because you are paid on commission, not based on time," he says.
How to Get Your Foot in the Door: On top of that high school diploma, you must be licensed in all states (and the District of Columbia) to work as a real estate broker, says the Department of Labor. And while the requirements for licensing vary by state, you typically must be at least 18 years old, complete a number of real estate courses, and pass an exam. To obtain your broker's license, you'll usually need one to three years of licensed sales agent experience. You may also be required to pass a background check in some states, according to the Department.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.
With the increasing competitiveness and complexity of the real estate market, some employers prefer to hire candidates with a college degree or college courses, says the Department. Courses in business administration, finance, economics, and law can be useful, and brokers who plan to open their own companies often take business courses like accounting and marketing.
Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners and investigators are the men
and women responsible for evaluating insurance claims, according to the
U.S. Department of Labor.
High-Pay Factors: "Claims adjusters often work erratic schedules, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends, to meet the demands of their clients," says Michael Provitera, associate professor of organizational behavior at Barry University in Miami, Fla. Because they're expected to be available pretty much 24-7, employers see value in paying claims adjusters a decent wage, with or without a college degree, he says.
How to Get Your Foot in the Door: Your high school diploma is a start, but what can be really useful to have is specific knowledge in the areas where the insurer you wish to work for operates. For example, according to the Department of Labor, auto damage appraisers will typically have a postsecondary non-degree award, or have experience identifying and estimating the cost of automotive repair from working in an auto repair shop.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
The Department reports that employers sometimes prefer to hire those with a bachelor's degree or some insurance-related work experience. Appropriate coursework depends on the kind of work the individual is pursuing. For example, for someone who specializes in financial loss claims due to merchandise damage, strikes, or equipment breakdowns, a background in accounting or business might be best.
A detective, or an agent, or special agent, as they're sometimes
called, is responsible for gathering facts and collecting evidence of
possible crimes, notes the U.S. Department of Labor. Just like police
officers, they are often called upon to testify in court.
High-Pay Factors: According to one expert, paying detectives well can actually save money. "To best utilize a forensic scientist's expertise, hiring detectives or investigators to do the searching can ease a budget-strapped department. And careers where you're developing yourself on-the-job provides ample fuel for raises, which makes them the best kind of jobs for earning a good salary," says Lyn O'Brien, a career expert and founder of YourHiddenAdvantage.com, a website dedicated to helping busy career professionals get more done.
How to Get Your Foot in the Door: Along with a high school diploma, the Department of Labor says detectives typically start their careers as police officers before being promoted to detective. Detectives and police usually must graduate from the relevant training academy and complete a period of on-the-job training. They must be at least 21, citizens of the United States, and qualify under rigorous personal and physical standards.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Criminal Justice Program.
Applicants are encouraged by state and local agencies to continue their education after graduating high school, says the Department, adding that programs in criminal justice and law enforcement are offered by many colleges, universities, and junior colleges.
Gaming managers oversee the gaming operations and personnel in their
part of the casino, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. They're
the ones keeping an eye on customers and employees, explaining house
operating rules if customers don't understand, and interviewing, hiring
and training new employees.
High-Pay Factors: Provitera says gaming managers tend to be paid well because they present an ambience of fun and complimentary perks that keep people coming back to the casino time and time again.
"While a college degree can help, these professionals can often attain a high salary without a degree because a gaming manager's skill level comes from their willingness to work late hours and constantly delight the customers," he notes.
How to Get Your Foot In the Door: Besides having a high school diploma, gaming services workers must obtain licensing from a state regulatory agency, for example a gaming commission or state casino control board, says the Department of Labor. Licensing requirements for gaming dealers and other service workers will be different from those for supervisory or managerial positions. These workers must typically also pass a drug test and background check.
Think you need a college degree to get your foot in the door of a job with high-pay potential? Think again.
Even though the economy has started to make an upturn, there are still plenty of people left without jobs. Are you one of the people who has tried searching for a well-paying job only to come up empty handed because you don't have a college degree?If so, we're here to offer up some good news. It is possible to score a high-paying job, even if you've never set foot in a college classroom. It may not be easy. And it may require some prior work experience. After all, you've still got to do something to distinguish yourself from the pack. But the opportunities are out there.
Keep reading to learn more about jobs with average salaries nearing $60,000 per year (that's well over the national average) that could be pursued with just a diploma.
Career #1: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Find Degree Programs
- Median
Annual Salary* - $56,130
- Top 10% of
Earners* - >$90,700
- Bottom 10% of Earners*
- <$32,670
High-Pay Factors: "The lengthy rigorous training programs at the academy and in the field prepare officers for a high-risk, high-reward career that is deserving of salaries that compete with college graduates in the private sector," says retired Illinois State Police Colonel Mike Snyders.
How to Get Your Foot in the Door: You'll need that high school diploma, of course, and the department you're applying to will likely want you to complete their agency police academy program, says the Department of Labor. Police officers must be U.S. citizens, usually be at least 21 years old and meet certain physical qualifications. Candidates can be asked to take drug tests or lie detector tests, and may be disqualified if they have a felony conviction.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Police and Law Enforcement Program.
The Department reports that some police departments require some college coursework or a degree. It's also important to note that if you want to pursue any work with federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI or the Secret Service, you'll need a bachelor's degree and/or related work experience. The Department notes that many colleges, universities, and junior colleges offer law enforcement and criminal justice programs.
Career #2: Real Estate Brokers
Find Degree Programs
- Median
Annual Salary* - $59,580
- Top 10% of
Earners* - >$187,050
- Bottom 10% of Earners*
- <$24,260
High-Pay Factors: The real estate field is ripe with opportunity, according to Jake Cain, licensed real estate agent and the creator of employedteenagers.com, a site focused on helping young people find work.
Of course, it's all about how hard you work and the value that you create for others. "You have to be a good relationship builder and willing to put in hard work to make personal connections with various types of people. If you do those things well, then you can make a significant income because you are paid on commission, not based on time," he says.
How to Get Your Foot in the Door: On top of that high school diploma, you must be licensed in all states (and the District of Columbia) to work as a real estate broker, says the Department of Labor. And while the requirements for licensing vary by state, you typically must be at least 18 years old, complete a number of real estate courses, and pass an exam. To obtain your broker's license, you'll usually need one to three years of licensed sales agent experience. You may also be required to pass a background check in some states, according to the Department.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.
With the increasing competitiveness and complexity of the real estate market, some employers prefer to hire candidates with a college degree or college courses, says the Department. Courses in business administration, finance, economics, and law can be useful, and brokers who plan to open their own companies often take business courses like accounting and marketing.
Career #3: Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, Investigators
Find Degree Programs
- Median
Annual Salary* - $61,190
- Top 10% of
Earners* - >$90,570
- Bottom 10% of Earners*
- <$37,220
High-Pay Factors: "Claims adjusters often work erratic schedules, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends, to meet the demands of their clients," says Michael Provitera, associate professor of organizational behavior at Barry University in Miami, Fla. Because they're expected to be available pretty much 24-7, employers see value in paying claims adjusters a decent wage, with or without a college degree, he says.
How to Get Your Foot in the Door: Your high school diploma is a start, but what can be really useful to have is specific knowledge in the areas where the insurer you wish to work for operates. For example, according to the Department of Labor, auto damage appraisers will typically have a postsecondary non-degree award, or have experience identifying and estimating the cost of automotive repair from working in an auto repair shop.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
The Department reports that employers sometimes prefer to hire those with a bachelor's degree or some insurance-related work experience. Appropriate coursework depends on the kind of work the individual is pursuing. For example, for someone who specializes in financial loss claims due to merchandise damage, strikes, or equipment breakdowns, a background in accounting or business might be best.
Career #4: Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Find Degree Programs
- Median
Annual Salary* - $76,730
- Top 10% of
Earners* - >$125,320
- Bottom 10% of Earners*
- <$40,110
High-Pay Factors: According to one expert, paying detectives well can actually save money. "To best utilize a forensic scientist's expertise, hiring detectives or investigators to do the searching can ease a budget-strapped department. And careers where you're developing yourself on-the-job provides ample fuel for raises, which makes them the best kind of jobs for earning a good salary," says Lyn O'Brien, a career expert and founder of YourHiddenAdvantage.com, a website dedicated to helping busy career professionals get more done.
How to Get Your Foot in the Door: Along with a high school diploma, the Department of Labor says detectives typically start their careers as police officers before being promoted to detective. Detectives and police usually must graduate from the relevant training academy and complete a period of on-the-job training. They must be at least 21, citizens of the United States, and qualify under rigorous personal and physical standards.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Criminal Justice Program.
Applicants are encouraged by state and local agencies to continue their education after graduating high school, says the Department, adding that programs in criminal justice and law enforcement are offered by many colleges, universities, and junior colleges.
Career #5: Gaming Manager
Find Degree Programs
- Median
Annual Salary* - $66,200
- Top 10% of
Earners* - >$117,450
- Bottom 10% of Earners*
- <$38,770
High-Pay Factors: Provitera says gaming managers tend to be paid well because they present an ambience of fun and complimentary perks that keep people coming back to the casino time and time again.
"While a college degree can help, these professionals can often attain a high salary without a degree because a gaming manager's skill level comes from their willingness to work late hours and constantly delight the customers," he notes.
How to Get Your Foot In the Door: Besides having a high school diploma, gaming services workers must obtain licensing from a state regulatory agency, for example a gaming commission or state casino control board, says the Department of Labor. Licensing requirements for gaming dealers and other service workers will be different from those for supervisory or managerial positions. These workers must typically also pass a drug test and background check.
If you love reading the Wall Street Journal or Fortune Magazine and
are looking for a degree that could open a variety of jobs, this might
be a good option for you.
Do you feel called to help shape a new generation of citizens as a
teacher? Good news: prepping for that role could offer a strong return
of investment, as we're heading into a world that needs a lot more
education grads to fill teaching positions.
So you're technically savvy? Computer science is a great way to go.
In fact, your job prospects could look significantly brighter than your
peers who graduated with information systems degrees.
Leadership, organization, people skills - if you have or want these
strengths, you might want to consider a degree in business
administration. Not only can earning this degree help you develop or
strengthen these skills, but it could also set you on the path to
pursuing a variety of different careers.
Back in the 1970's, the exploits of Washington Post reporters
Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who exposed the Watergate scandal,
made reporting seem like a dream job come true. But in the ensuing
decades, the job has lost some of its luster.
Thanks to the advent of social media, technology has played a
key role in making this a hot new dream job, according to Atzmiller.
Many creative, style-savvy dreamers want to enter the world
of fashion. But don't let the glamour and excitement of fashion shows,
models, and luxurious clothing fool you. 
On the levels of salary and hiring alone, a career as a
software developer might seem like a dream opportunity for people who
wish to put their computer know-how to good use.
Perhaps inspired by the great TV lawyers over the years,
people have long seemed to relish the idea of trying cases in court for a
living. But the sad truth is that being a district attorney or
prosecutor isn't quite the stuff of dreams anymore.
The explosion of online shopping, as well as social media,
has helped give market research analysts a dream scenario for performing
their duties, according to Atzmiller.
Firefighters have long been thought of as heroes of the
highest order. While that still holds true, the reality of this
profession might not exactly match people's expectations.
In our highly digital lives, information and security
analysts are increasingly playing a significant part in our safety
online. 
People who dream about living their own version of "The Wolf
of Wall Street" probably realize that these financial professionals
could potentially rake in mountains of money. However, recent changes in
the financial industry could be curtailing the opportunities for these
agents to even get hired. 
What lands this job in the new crop of dream careers? Well,
it tends to be less stressful than other financial careers, according to
the U.S. Department of Labor. And it can be a rewarding profession in
more ways than one. 
People with their heads in the clouds might dream of flying a
modern marvel through high altitudes as an airline and commercial
pilot. But it might be time for them to drift back down to earth.
Nowadays, flying in the skies for a living isn't the dream job it once
was. 
This dream career is tinged with green - as in the earth and
money. Environmental engineers have a median annual salary of $82,220,
notes the U.S. Department of Labor. And the number of professionals in
this field is projected to grow by 15 percent from 2012 to 2022. But
there's more to why this is becoming an ideal career to pursue. 
If you're a technology enthusiast who loves to keep up with the
latest apps and computer programs, a job as a software developer might
be a right fit.
Are you a problem solver who would like to put your skills to use
in a career that could pay an average of $40 an hour or more? Perhaps
you might want to consider work as a management analyst.
Do you have something of a take-charge personality? A career as a
top executive, specifically as a general and operations manager might
enable you to plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of different
types of organizations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Looking for a professional outlet that will take advantage of your
artistic talents and present an opportunity for you to earn an
attractive salary? You might need to look no further than a career as an
art director.
If you have leadership capabilities and desire a health care career
with high-pay potential, you might want to turn your attention toward a
career as a medical and health services manager.
Are sharp budgeting skills a part of your DNA? If so, you could
put them to good use and potentially make a wage that exceeds $40 an
hour if you pursue a career as a financial analyst.