Good Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree

Not everyone has the ability or inclination to go to college. Some folks can’t afford it, some didn’t make the cut, and others are unsure what they even want to do career-wise. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. While some people might assume that the lack of a college degree means a lack of good job opportunities, that’s not the case. As you’ll see from the list below, there are some good jobs that don’t require a college degree but do pay very well.

Radiographer

Radiographers are sometimes called “radiologic technicians” or “radiological technologists.” A radiographer works in a medical facility operating high-tech diagnostic imaging equipment to identify and combat an array of medical issues. While you can get one of these jobs with no degree or previous experience, most radiographers enter the industry with an associate degree related to radiological tech. One task that you’ll need to go through to earn a radiographer position is a certification process. With that radiographer certification, you’ll be able to explore a career that, on average, makes around $62,000 a year. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the radiographer field’s average growth rate through 2029 is likely to reach seven percent, a noticeable increase from the usual four-percent growth rate the average occupation displays.

Web Developer

The importance of a company’s online presence has grown more and more rapidly over the years. To optimize that online presence, companies need a professional web developer to create their website. Those unfamiliar with web development might think it sounds like a low-level IT gig, but it’s far from that. In fact, the average web developer salary sits between $60,000 and $70,000 a year. Not all companies will consider a web developer candidate without a college degree, but some companies will. For the latter, the deciding factor is typically years of experience in the field, particularly with honed skills in features like JavaScript and HTML5. With the right skills under your belt, web development is both an accessible and profitable career option.

Welder

Out of all the good jobs that don’t require a college degree, welding is arguably the one with the broadest range of industry opportunities. Major industries such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing consistently need welders. Whether it’s welding car parts or food manufacturing equipment, welders are an essential part of the workforce in many ways. Although you don’t need a college degree to become a welder, similar to the radiographer position, there is a thorough training course you’ll need to complete. After succeeding in the training course, you can wind up making anywhere between $30,000 and $60,000 a year. Plus, if you hone those skills well enough and have the creativity to back it up, there are plenty of welding projects you can build and sell out of your home. Whether it’s branching out and doing your own thing or advancing your career in a specific industry (auto, construction, etc.), welding is a position with ample opportunities for growth.