Just because you didn’t go to college doesn’t mean you can’t make a good living.

College isn’t for everyone. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a successful and fulfilling career. There are many jobs that don’t require a college degree, offer great pay, and provide advancement opportunities.

Some of the best jobs without a college degree include positions in healthcare, technology, and trade industries. These careers often require specific skills, training, and certificates of completion, but not a four-year degree. Read ahead to see which jobs provide a stable and lucrative livelihood without a college degree. 

1. Plumber

Plumbers are tradespeople who specialize in installing and maintaining pipes, fixtures, and other infrastructure that is necessary for water supply, sanitation, and heating in buildings. Plumbers are always needed and are one of the most important jobs out there. 

To become a plumber, you will need to have your GED or high school diploma, get licensed, and oftentimes have an apprenticeship. Once you have experience in the field, you will be able to work as a full-time plumber.

The median salary for plumbers is $56,330.

2. Law Enforcement

There is always a need for more law enforcement officers. Patrol officers are always in need, and there is no need for a degree. There are some requirements you need to meet in order to become a police officer: 

• You have to be at least 21 years old. 
• Your criminal record must be clean. 
• You’ve earned a high school diploma or GED.

You may also need to pass a physical fitness test and undergo a background check. 

After you pass, you can apply to a police academy where you will receive training and learn how to become a police officer. Once finished, you will go through on-the-job training before becoming an officer. 

The median salary for a patrol officer is $65,540.

3. Licensed Practical Nurse

If you want to work in healthcare, working as an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) may be a good option. LPNs monitor vital signs, change bandages, dress wounds, and do other vital things for a patient’s well-being. 

LPNs work under registered nurses, and work together to ensure that a patient is taken care of. This is a highly rewarding job as you can make a difference and save lives. 

The median salary of an LPN is $48,820. 

4. Truck Driver

Working as a truck driver may be a demanding job, but they’re essential and oftentimes well-compensated in terms of salary and benefits. Truck drivers are responsible for operating large vehicles to transport goods and materials from one place to another. They play a critical role in the economy, and society would not function without them.

Truck drivers often work long hours and may be on the road for several days in a row. You must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and must be knowledgeable about federal and state regulations. 

The median annual wage for a truck driver is $69,946.

5. Massage Therapist

Working as a massage therapist is a gratifying career. You are able to help people who are going through pain or discomfort with your hands. Massage therapists offer over 80 types of treatments; you could specialize in one of them. 

Massage therapists are always needed and typically work in spas, hospitals, and manage their own offices. You typically will need to get licensed and go through training, but once you are licensed you are able to apply to any setting you want to work at. 

Massage therapists typically make around $43,620 per year. 

6. Electrician

Electricians work to install and repair electrical systems in buildings and homes. Electricians are always needed because every building needs electricity to function, and things always break over time. 

With the rise of solar and electric vehicles, more electricians are needed to make sure everything is running correctly and for their help in installing new systems. 

You will need to go through trade school or have an apprenticeship to get hired as an electrician, but this is one of the most important jobs and you’ll always have work. 

The median salary of an electrician is $56,900. 

7. Flight Attendant

If you like to travel and want to do so as part of your career, becoming a flight attendant may be a good choice for you. 

Flight attendants are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers during a flight. They also help passengers board the plane and assist with any requests or questions the passengers may have during the flight and serve food and drinks. Flight attendants are vital to make sure that the flight is smooth and are experts in case of an emergency. 

In order to become a flight attendant, you may need to complete a flight attendant training program. Having experience in other service industry roles is a bonus in this highly-competitive field. 

The median salary for a flight attendant is $59,050. 

8. Firefighter

Being a firefighter is a demanding but rewarding career. Being responsible for responding to fires and other emergencies, this job is vital for society. They work closely with emergency responders to ensure the public is safe. 

In order to become a firefighter, you will need an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license and pass the firefighter exam to ensure you’re qualified. You don’t need a degree, but taking some college courses about fire science will always be a plus. 

The median salary for firefighters is $52,500 with plenty of opportunities for advancement over time. Although it’s a tough job, there aren’t many more rewarding jobs out there.

Bottom Line

Just because you don’t have a college degree doesn’t mean you can’t have a fulfilling career with a solid income. The jobs highlighted above are ones that make an impact on society and are projected to only grow over time. 

Check out our other articles to find other ways you can earn money and save!