15 Highest Paying Vocational Careers with Least Amount of Schooling

If you are wondering whether you really need that college degree, take a look at our highest paying vocational careers with least amount of schooling.

So it’s time to make one of the most important decisions of your life: to choose your next step and find a good college or school to ensure a great, profitable future. But do you really need college for that? This has been a subject of debate for such a long time, and we will probably never get a unanimous opinion on the subject. Millions of young graduates struggle with huge debts they are left with after graduating from college and not being able to find work, will probably not be very optimistic about going to college. On the other hand, there are ways to afford yourself a great life without going to college.

Unfortunate circumstances have made us seek for jobs that pay the most without a degree as many of us end up disappointed after graduating from college. With this economy today, it’s no wonder that many individuals choose to skip going through years of schooling so that they can get a slightly better job. Instead, they choose to acquire an associate’s degree or complete a training program to land high-paying jobs. You might want to check out the article we wrote earlier to learn more about highest paying trade school jobs in America. Speaking of trade, you should take a look at the list of trades for females; there are some interesting and unconventional suggestions for ladies willing to get their hands dirty.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 60% of U.S. workers don’t have a bachelor’s degree. When talking about high paying jobs with least amount of schooling, we think of trade jobs such as plumbers, electricians, and construction workers. But vocational careers include other opportunities, as well, and many of them require as little as 6 weeks of schooling, up to 2 years. Indeed, there is quite a number of 6-month certificate programs that pay well, and you can take advantage of these opportunities. Completing a certificate course can be the easiest way to switch to a different job or advance in your career. Some popular courses include massage therapist course, website designing, and EMT certificate courses. Furthermore, Career School Now listed some great 6 month career training programs, so feel free to check them out, as well.  We must admit that they sound pretty good. Also, you can take a look at our list best vocational careers for the future to learn more about these opportunities. But to learn about best vocational careers that pay extremely well, just continue reading this article.

One of the most appealing factors when considering a vocational career is advancement potential. There is more room for advancement in certain industries than in others, and all you need to start is an associate’s degree. If you are interested in highest paying trade jobs which involve a lot of hands-on work and can be pretty satisfying, then we say why not? In fact, we have even compiled a list of the best-paying careers that require the least amount of schooling to make your decision-making process slightly easier. While searching for vocational careers with the highest salaries, we came across Vista College, Top Trade School as well as Online School Center. We did our research and compared the careers to come with the list of highest paying jobs. We ranked the highest paying vocational careers according to their salaries, thanks to data provided by PayScale. The salary data includes median pay for each position so it is important to keep in mind that you have the possibility to earn much more than these numbers indicate. It all depends on you and how motivated you are to advance your career. Before you proceed to the today’s list of highest paying vocational careers with least amount of schooling, check out the list of highest paying vocational careers we compiled three years ago and compare them to see are there any changes.

And now, without further ado, let’s start!

15. Computer Specialist

Average salary: $19.86 per hour

To become a computer specialist, you must be able to manage computer hardware, software, and systems. While your exact duties may vary from one employer to another, the job pays pretty well and it is certainly one of the best options when considering a vocational career. To become a computer specialist, you must complete a specialized training at a technical school or acquire an associate’s degree.

14. Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians

Average salary: about $20.12 per hour

We are continuing our list of highest paying vocational careers with least amount of schooling with electrical and electronic engineering technicians that have pretty impressive salaries, and it’s a good option for you if you don’t want to commit to a 4-year education. Your job includes helping engineers design and develops equipment as well repairing the equipment. Usually, an associate’s degree is needed for this job.

13. Plumber

The average salary: $20.40 per hour

The plumbing business is expected to see growth in the near future by 21%, which is even better than job prospects for electricians. Becoming a plumber, that ranks 13th in our list of highest paying vocational careers with least amount of schooling is a good choice for those of you looking for a highly-paid trade job. You can go to trade school and get a degree to become a plumber or skip school if you prefer and start immediately as an apprentice.

12. Electrician

Average salary: $21.13 per hour

Pursuing a career as an electrician, that ranks 12th in our list of highest paying vocational careers with least amount of schooling, is an excellent solution for you if you are seeking for ways to earn enough money without having to go to college. To become an electrician, you can enroll in an online program or search for apprenticeships in your area. Usually, you will get on the job training so you’ll be paid as you learn. It is expected that the demand for electricians will significantly increase in the foreseeable future (about 20% by 2020).

11. Computer Programmer

Average salary: $21.63 per hour

While some employers may require bachelor’s degree, many of them will hire workers with an associate’s degree so you can get a high-paying job with little schooling. Of course, this job is not for everyone as you will have to specialize in programming languages. But if you can learn fast and are good with computers, then this may be an option for you.

10. Nuclear Technician

Average salary: $26.25 per hour

Being a nuclear technician involves operating equipment used for test and researchers conducted in the nuclear field. You may also assist nuclear engineers as part of your job. This career path requires an associate’s degree in applied sciences but the pay justifies the schooling you will have to go through.

9. Boiler Maker

Average salary: $27.67

To become a boilermaker, all you need is a high school diploma or GED certificate. However, this is not an easy job, and it involves working with dangerous materials. Your job is to assemble, install or repair large containers designed for holding liquids such as closed vats, steam boilers, and boiler furnaces.

8. Construction Manager

Average salary: $28.76 per hour

Being a construction manager is a difficult job. You need to be able to multitask, plan or coordinate construction project activities and meet deadlines. However, this is an extremely high paying vocational career, and the best part is that this field is expected to grow in the future. To become a construction manager, you need to attend a typically 2-year associate program to get a certificate.

7. Registered Nurse

Average salary: $28.95 per hour

If you do not want to go through 4 or more years of college just for the prospects of getting a highly paid job, then consider one of these highest paying vocational careers with least amount of schooling. A registered nurse takes care of the patients and educates the public about different health conditions. Part of your job is also to provide emotional support to patients and their families if needed.

6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Average salary: $29.51 per hour

As a diagnostic medical sonographer, your job is to operate special imaging equipment to create images or conduct tests. To do this job, you need to acquire an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate. If you are looking for profitable vocational careers, this is one way to go.

5. Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Average salary: $30.75 per hour

As a nuclear medicine technologist, next in line on our list of highest paying vocational careers with least amount of schooling, you will work closely with radiologists and or physicians and help them manage radioactive material. The job is exciting and requires an associate’s degree or a certificate.

4. Radiation Therapist

Average salary: $32.15 per hour

A radiation therapist’s job includes conducting treatments that are prescribed by physicians. Your job also includes handling medical equipment. This is a very profitable career path and one which may provide you the life you dreamed of. To become a radiation therapist, you need to complete a certification program or to acquire an associate’s degree in radiation therapy.

3. Dental Hygienist

Average salary: $33.16 per hour

If you choose this vocational career, number three on our list of highest paying vocational careers with least amount of schooling, you will need to complete a dental hygiene program or obtain an associate’s degree. This job pay really well, and you will work alongside dentists performing X-rays and dental exams. If you are looking for high-paying vocational careers, this may be the path for you.

2. Commerical Driver

The average salary: $37.75 per hour

This job that ranks second in our list of highest paying vocational careers with least amount of schooling is not easy at all, as you will probably be driving at night and you will not have a fixed 9 to 5 work schedule. However, it is one f the highest paying jobs that require minimal schooling. Actually, this job requires no schooling at all. All you need is a commercial driver’s license obtained in your state.

1. Commercial Pilot

Average salary: $41.64 per hour

Finally, we come to the highest paying vocational career with least amount of schooling. In order to become a commercial pilot, you need to complete training at an FAA-certified flying school. Associate’s degree can be preferred but not necessarily. As a commercial pilot, you are in charge of piloting aircrafts and transporting passenger or cargo. This is not an easy job to get and requires extensive training, but the salary is pretty great.