Careers That Pay Even Without a Degree

Being a lawyer or a doctor guarantees you’ll be making tons of money. But what if you don’t have a college degree? Are you consigned to working at a fast food joint for the rest of your life?

Before you settle for a low-paying gig you don’t actually enjoy doing, you should check out these jobs that pay really well without a degree.

Commercial Pilots

Commercial pilots provide aerial tours and charter flights. All that’s needed to be in the aviation industry is a high school diploma and a commercial pilot’s license by training with an independent FAA-certified flight instructor or at a school offering flight training.

Pilots can end up earning an annual pay of $78.740 and up.

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

Signal and track switch repairers only need a high school diploma. They don’t even need previous work experience to get this job. But they will learn as they go.

Their role is to diagnose and repair malfunctioning tracks and switches in order to earn about $70,490 a year, which is seriously impressive.

Landscaper and Groundskeeper

Landscapers are responsible for trimming trees and flowers, as well as watering, fertilizing and planting. While groundskeepers are required to maintain lawns, get rid of waste, clear out snow and keep pools running smoothly.

You might not need a college degree, but you do need to pass a landscape exam to get a state license. The median salary in this position is about $27,670 annually and up to $43,797 a year according to Career Explorer.

Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant is responsible for providing administrative support services to other businesses remotely from the comforts of their own home. They can earn anywhere from $21,090 to $60,916 a year. And it’s easy to train by taking free marketing courses on sites like VA Training Academy, and VA Networking. Plus, if you scale your business and outsource tasks, some VA’s are making over $100,000 a year and more.