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The Highest Paying Jobs for Non-College Grads

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Last Updated on September 16, 2024

When it comes to facts and figures a college degree really is the only option even though grads will carry some debt into their new careers. In fact, most American workers with a four-year college degree will earn over one million dollars more than their non-degreed young professionals during their career path, the U.S. Census Bureau reported.

So unless you’re Mark Zuckerberg or some transplanted suburban kid that spawned from a rich family, the only way it doesn’t pay to have a four-year degree is to have a career in one of the following highest paying jobs available for non-college grads:

202 High-Paying Jobs You Can Land without a College Degree
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You have something in common with Bill Gates, Michael Dell and Ted Turner: none of them graduated from college. If they can make it, you can too!

Don't settle for a minimum-way job because you're not a college graduate. Try one of these 202 high-paying options. They're more than jobs—they're careers.

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12/22/2024 01:37 am GMT

Pastry Chef

Pastry chefs are in high demand at first-class restaurants and bakeries. They supervise the production of baked goods, including bread and desserts. If you have a steady hand, a knack for beauty, and some taste-testing skills, this job may be for you. If you enjoy working with dough, mixing sugar and butter, and creating new dessert presentations, you probably should consider becoming a pastry chef professionally.

If you’re interested in working at a restaurant, grocery store, or on a cruise ship, research pastry chef jobs online at job-applications.com to find the right position for you.

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 How to become a pastry chef is designed to be a one stop guide for anyone looking to start or further their career as a chef or pastry chef. 

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12/21/2024 03:17 am GMT

Personal Trainer

If you enjoy working out, living a healthy lifestyle, and being around other people, working as a personal trainer could be an ideal situation for you. All-day long you would design training programs for clients, provide evaluations and assessments, develop rapport, and even get in a few workout hours for yourself. Most personal trainers are employed by fitness clubs, but after establishing yourself among your clients, you could employ yourself.

A skilled trade career can be very rewarding, with great potential for professional development and a solid salary.Click To Tweet

As with any new career, before you enter it you should ensure you have what it takes to find success in it. And, to find success in the personal trainer career you have to be more than just a physical specimen… you have to have a multitude of different and varying skills, too, some of which you may never have considered when thinking about the career before.

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Are you ready to unlock the secrets of great personal fitness experts? Are you ready to separate yourself from the glorified jocks, and get on your way to becoming a fitness guru? If so, let’s get started!

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12/21/2024 07:32 am GMT

Massage Therapist

According to labor statistics, massage therapists have a track record for the most salary growth. Generally paid anywhere from $22,000 to -$79,000 per year, massage therapists provide relief for patients with medical conditions, injuries, and sore muscles and tissues. Certification and licensing are required and different depending on where you live.

It’s no secret that as a society we spend far too much time sat down and not moving, and this has paved the way for widespread dysfunction, inflammation, tension, and injury. Sports massage is the perfect remedy for what ails us. It’s not just reserved for members of the general public either, amateur, semi-pro, and professional sportspeople and teams are always in need of the services of a qualified massage therapist.

How To Become A Successful Massage Therapist
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This guide will give you the tools to build and maintain a thriving business in a competitive industry and show you how to avoid the pitfalls that may arise. 

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12/21/2024 12:13 pm GMT

Photographer

Good photographers know more than just how to take a nice picture, but how to frame and design an image to be the best it can be. As a full-time photographer, you have the flexibility to specialize in portrait or still-life photography, photojournalism, or travel documents. The options are endless, and all you need is a camera, computer, and an eye for what looks good in front of the lens.

Photography is s good career alternative that some people overlook. When you have an eye for the beauty of nature and the right lenses, you can earn better than even someone seated in an office from 9-5 doing something they don’t love at all. Photography requires you to have a good camera and be adventurous. You take good photos, frame and can make good money. If you are dissatisfied with your job and you love photography, then it’s time for a change. As you seek to develop your new career, some things you can do include:

  • Taking a shot photography course
  • Consider apprenticeship
  • Building your presence online
  • Attend seminars and workshops on photography
  • Invest in photography equipment
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How to become a photographer
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12/22/2024 12:03 am GMT

Flight Attendant

Flight attendants have the luxury of traveling all around the world and getting paid for it. As a flight attendant, you’d be in charge of serving and selling meals, beverages, and in-flight entertainment. You’d need to be capable of making announcements, answering questions, and resolving sometimes urgent issues. Bonus: as an employee of an airline, you’d most likely get either free or reduced flights to anywhere your airline travels.

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