Think you need a bachelor’s degree to land an important, high-paying job? Think again.
1. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician
Median annual salary (2017): $67,240
Education required: associate’s degree or vocational/technical education
These professionals generally work in manufacturing plants operating equipment for aircraft and spacecraft.
2. Air Traffic Controller
Median annual salary (2017): $124,540
Education required: associate’s degree
Air traffic controllers are instrumental in getting aircraft off the ground, guiding them through the air and facilitating smooth landings.
3. Claims Adjuster, Examiner, and Investigator
Median annual salary: $64,690
Education required: high school diploma or the equivalent / GED
People in this field evaluate and review insurance claims using investigative processes to determine whether an insurance company should pay.
4. Commercial Pilot
Median annual salary (2017): $78,740
Education required: associate’s degree and commercial pilot’s license
Commercial pilots navigate aircraft or helicopters on air carrier routes. (Not to be confused with airline pilots.)
5. Computer Programmer
Median annual salary (2017): $82,240
Education required: certificate or associate’s degree
Using their knowledge of computer languages, computer programmers write code for computer programs and apps.
6. Computer Support Technician or Specialist
Median annual salary (2017): $52,810
Education required: associate degree or coursework
In this fast-growing field, specialists assist employees or networks with computer needs, issues, and troubleshooting.
7. Costume Attendant
Median annual salary (2017): $42,620
Education required: none
This profession involves selecting and fitting costumes for stage and screen performers.
8. Database Administrator
Median annual salary (2017): $87,020
Education required: associate’s degree (some employers prefer bachelor’s, but experience can compensate)
Database administrators or managers organize and ensure the security of company data.
9. Dental Hygienist
Median annual salary (2017): $74,070
Education required: associate’s degree
Taking x-rays, cleaning teeth, preparing the room for dentists, and more are just some of the tasks on a dental hygenist’s to-do list.
10. Elevator Installer and Repairer
Median annual salary: $79,480
Education required: high school diploma or the equivalent / GED
These professionals work with the equipment necessary for elevators, maintaining, installing, and repairing it as necessary.
11. Farmer, Rancher, or Agricultural Manager
Median annual salary (2017): $69,620
Education required: high school diploma or the equivalent / GED
People in this occupation work with a variety of farms, ranches, nurseries, greenhouses, and other agricultural domains, managing the operations.
12. Food Service Manager/Catering Manager
Median annual salary (2017): $52,030
Education required: high school diploma or the equivalent / GED
Food service managers ensure that restaurant operations run smoothly, overseeing and managing staff.
13. Funeral Service Manager
Median annual salary (2017): $78,040
Education required: associate’s degree
The responsibilities for funeral services managers include pricing funeral services and equipment and overseeing funeral homes.
14. Gaming Manager
Median annual salary (2017): $72,930
Education required: high school diploma or the equivalent / GED
Gaming managers work in casinos, planning and facilitating gaming operations and sometimes setting house rules.
15. Gas Plant Operator
Median annual salary (2017): $69,030
Education required: high school diploma or the equivalent / GED
Gas plant operators control compressors to maintain pressures on pipelines to facilitate the distribution of gas for utility companies.
16. Law Enforcement Detective
Median annual salary (2017): $62,960
Education required: high school diploma or the equivalent / GED
Protecting and defending citizens, law enforcement detectives investigate crimes or potential crimes and collect evidence.
17. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Median annual salary (2017): $75,660
Education required: associate’s degree
Working in hospitals, clinics, or other medical settings, nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs to patients undergoing imaging scans.
18. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator / Power Plant Operator, Distributor, or Dispatcher
Median annual salary (2017): $80,440
Education required: high school diploma or the equivalent / GED
Professionals in this field perform a variety of tasks including controlling nuclear reactors, starting, stopping, monitoring, and adjusting equipment, implementing emergency measures as needed, and more.
19. Pharmacy Technician
Median annual salary (2017): $31,750
Education required: high school diploma or the equivalent / GED
Working in pharmacies, hospitals, private practices, and other medical settings, pharmacy technicians work with pharmacists, helping them distribute medications to patients and other medical professionals.
20. Physical Therapist Assistant or Aide
Median annual salary (2017): $46,920
Education required: associate’s degree
After injuries, physical therapist assistants or aides help patients recover, regain movement as necessary, and manage their pain.
For projected growth in each job field and 11 more examples (including things like Website designer), visit the original FairyGodBoss link.
