Business & Tech

Top 20 Jobs — No College Degree Required

CareerCast.com reports dental hygienists, online sales managers and web developers top the list of best jobs with no four-year degree.

Looking for a great job with a good salary that does not require a college education? Those jobs are out there if you know where to look.

CareerCast.com recently identified 20 careers that provide a good living with just a high school education. The listed careers may require some training, but not a four-year degree.

“Even with a college degree, finding a good job in today’s economy is hard and can be very time consuming. Although those with degrees often earn more money, you can still earn a very good living without one,” Tony Lee, publisher of CareerCast.com, said in a press release.

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Though college-educated workers tend to earn more on average — $1 million more during his or her career — college is not practical for everyone. With a four-year degree from a public university or college costing an average of over $50,000, many may choose to pursue other training.

“Most of the top-20 non-degreed jobs do require some sort of formal training, but at a much smaller investment level than a college degree,” Lee said. “If you want to earn a lot of money without a college degree, take a look at the amount of training you’ll need, then focus on a job that can still provide a satisfying, comfortable career.”

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CareerCast.com’s 20 great jobs without a college degree

  1. Dental hygienist — Average starting salary: $45,000
  2. Online sales manager — Average starting salary: $40,000
  3. Web developer — Average starting salary: $43,000
  4. Medical secretary — Average starting salary: $21,000
  5. Paralegal assistant — Average starting salary: $29,000
  6. Stenographer/court reporter — Average starting salary: $26,000
  7. Heating/refrigeration mechanic — Average starting salary: $26,000
  8. Surveyor — Average starting salary: $31,000
  9. Executive assistant — Average starting salary: $29,000
  10. Insurance agent — Average starting salary: $26,000
  11. Industrial machine repairer — Average starting salary: $30,000 
  12. Cosmetologist — Average starting salary: $16,000
  13. Hair stylist — Average starting salary: $16,000
  14. Tax examiner/collector — Average starting salary: $30,000
  15. Sales representative (wholesale) — Average starting salary: $27,000
  16. Construction machinery operator — Average starting salary: $26,000
  17. Electrical technician — Average starting salary: $34,000
  18. Architectural drafter — Average starting salary: $30,000
  19. Teacher's aide — Average starting salary: $17,000
  20. Sewage plant operator — Average starting salary: $25,000

For more information, read CareerCast.com’s full report, "20 Great Jobs Without a College Degree". 

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