Just because you haven’t got a bachelor’s degree doesn’t mean you have to spend your time down at Flippy Burger “super sizing” it all day long. And to prove the point, I’m going to show you 5 pretty cool jobs that will stuff some serious cabbage in your pockets.
Before we dive in, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, in order to cash in on these particular gigs you should have completed high-school or have your GED. It will also help to have some on-the-job training. And in many cases, you might need to garner some technical training. In other words, you can do well for yourself without having a 4 year college degree – but that doesn’t mean it’s going to fall in your lap.
You can earn north of $100,000 a year in each of the following jobs if you are in the top 10% of the field according to PayScale*. So again, in order to be successful….you have to be successful. You have to put some elbow grease into your work if you want to make it. My experience tells me that this is the case no matter what field you are in and no how much education you have. You probably already know this.
OK…with that said….here are 5 fantastic jobs you can get and earn $100,000 a year. If you like what you see, it might be time to consider making a career move.
1. Court Reporter
If you like watching Judge Judy or C-Span this job has your name written on it. You can work as a court reporter by transcribing speeches, court trials, depositions and other meetings. Because of the increasing litigious nature of our society the demand for reporters is expected to grow.
Want to end up on top of the earning heap in this profession? Get certified and trained to help the hearing impaired by learning about CART – Communication Access Real-Time Translation. To get started, have an Associate’s Degree at least.
If you are in the top 10% you can easily pull down $104,000. The typical court reporter earns above $55,000 per year.
2. Licensed Massage Therapist
Do you want to get paid to stick your elbow in someone else’s back? If so, read on.
As a licensed massage therapist you can work in spas, hotels, resorts and physical therapy offices. You can also travel or even have your business. Because we have such an uptight culture, people are more desperate than ever to release the stress. And as we age, we have more aches and pains. That means there will be plenty of people searching for a good massage to help relieve the pain. As a result the demand for licensed massage therapists is growing.
You’ll need an Associate’s Degree and many states require as much as 500 hours of training before bestowing the license on you. But this might be a great fit for you if you are looking for a flexible career because most people in this field set their own hours. Believe it or not, the top 10% of people in this field pull down $141,000 according to PayScale and the median income is $67,600.
3. Cake Boss
Do you want to get your hands on some serious dough (get it?)? Become an executive pastry chef.
To excel in this field you’ll have to love food and enjoy baking, You’ll need also need the 2 year degree in most cases. Get ready to put in 5 or more years as a pastry chef and work your way up. As an executive pastry chef you will be in charge of the other pastry chefs. You will need to understand the business side of baking too.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics** this is a very competitive profession. There probably isn’t much growth in this field for the foreseeable future. Still, if you can really cook up your career, the top 10% earn $102,000 and the median pay is $45,100.
4. Master Plumber
If the sight of muck and backed up water light you up, you’ve found your calling.
It helps if you have an impaired sense of smell. And it won’t hurt if you are cool with squeezing into tight spots. But if these things don’t bother you, you can really mop up.
In order to get started in this profession, you’re going to need to get some vocational training and then join an apprentice program. These are prerequisites in order to become licensed in most states. The good news is that a good plumber is always in demand. Top dogs bring down $102,000 and the median income is $60,000. Not too shabby.
4. Ground Control
Air traffic controllers make some of the most serious bread possible for those only holding a GED. If you are easily unnerved this job isn’t for you. But if you can take the stress you’ll do great. The easiest way into this profession is to rack up experience in the military or take and pass the FAA course.
Top gun air traffic controllers pull down $179,000 and the average salary is $87,300.
What other great jobs do you know of that don’t require a 4 year degree?
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