At times we wanted to give up with school or getting education overall and just focus on other things in life. We start thinking what jobs can we have having bachelors degree or less. Not having a degree does not mean you will have a life any different from others with degree because it is more on how you make of it. All depends on your goals and many might not just require a degree but will most likely require on-the-job training. If you are struggling financially, read how to overcome that. If you are deciding whether you should go to college, ask yourself these questions.

The average median income below of top 10 combined is $90,772. Pretty great for having no degree.

Here are some options to consider:

1. Air Traffic Controller

Air Traffic Controllers are the ones responsible for directing and monitoring the airplanes. There’s an airport controller tower at every airport and the job is primarily involved in controlling every plane in that airport. Median wage for Air Traffic Controllers is the highest of any occupation and workers do not need a bachelor’s degree.

Median Annual Wage (2017): $124,540

Education: Associate’s degree

Job Openings: Demand is expected to grow in the next 10 years

On-the-job Training: The FAA requires to have 3 years of working experience in aviation field, but this can be met by completing a bachelor’s degree which takes four years.

2. Airline and Commercial Pilots

Airline and Commercial Pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft.

Median Annual Wage (2017): $111,925

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Job Openings: Demand is expected to grow in the next 10 years by 4%, many pilots will be retiring over the next decade

On-the-job Training: For a commercial pilot you need an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) license. For airline pilots usually a bachelor’s degree and ATP certification

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3. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

Just as the name states, their responsibility is to operate and control nuclear reactors, stop and start equipment, adjusting control,  recording data, and everything in between.

Median Annual Wage (2017): $93,370

Education: High-school diploma or equivalent

Job Openings: Not so good because of advances in technology and more energy efficiency, this will lower the opportunities.

On-the-job Training: Long-term

4. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

They plan, direct, or coordinate storage, distribution, or transportation activities by following the organizational policies and applicable governments laws. In other terms, they manage the facility.

Median Annual Wage (2017): $92,265

Education: High-school diploma or equivalent

Job Openings: Projected to grow around 3% in the next 10 years

On-the-job Training: None, but work experience 5+ years needed.

5. First-line Police Supervisors or Police and Detectives

Supervise, direct, coordinate activities, investigate criminal cases, guidance and expertise in solving the cases to the members of police force.

Median Annual Wage (2017): $87,910

Education: High-school diploma or equivalent

Job Openings: Projected to grow in the next 10 years

On-the-job Training: Yes, on-the-job training and work experience 5 years or less

6. Power Distributors, Dispatchers, and Operators

Power Plant distributors, dispatchers, and operators control the systems that generate and distribute electric power.

Median Annual Wage (2017): $80,430

Education: High-school diploma or equivalent

Job Openings: A lot of competition, you need to stand out by experience

On-the-job Training: Long-term

7. Radiation Therapists

Radiation therapists treat cancer, other diseases, check equipment, and observe patient reactions to treatments.

Median Annual Wage (2017): $80,165

Education: Associate’s degree

Job Openings: Expected to grow 13% over the next 10 years, demand going up because of aging population

On-the-job Training: Need an associate degree in radiation and passing national certification exams

8. Nuclear Technician

Job Description involves assisting engineers, physicists, and other professionals in nuclear research and energy production. Using the special equipment they monitor levels of radiation that is produced.

Median Annual Wage (2017): $79,560

Education: Associate’s degree

Job Openings: Not very good as new sources of energy are getting evolved producing the reduction of employment in this field

On-the-job Training: Need an associate degree in nuclear science or nuclear-related technology, also a long-term training

9. Elevator Installers and Repairers

They repair, install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators moving walkways, and other lifts.

Median Annual Wage (2017): $79,400

Education: A High-school diploma or equivalent

Job Openings: Expected to grow 12% over the next 10 years, this is a needed technicians because of so many buildings being built and need to be maintained

On-the-job Training: Apprenticeship

10. Detectives and Criminal Investigators

They conduct investigations related to suspected violations of Federal, State, or local laws to assist and prevent crimes.

Median Annual Wage (2017): $78,150

Education: High-school diploma or equivalent

Job Openings: Expected to grow 11% over the next 10 years, unfortunately crimes tend to be happening and police force is needed

On-the-job Training: Less than five years of experience and on-the-job training.

Some other jobs to consider…

  • Powerhouse, substation, and relay electrical and electronics repairers ($75,675)
  • Power plant operators ($74,670)
  • First-line supervisors of fire fighting and prevention workers ($74,500)
  • Nuclear medicine technologists ($73,300)
  • Funeral service managers ($73,150)
  • First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers ($73,050)
  • Dental hygienists ($72,900)
  • Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels ($72,600)
  • Transportation inspectors ($72,200)
  • Postmasters and mail superintendents ($71,675)
  • Ship engineers ($70,510)
  • Gaming managers ($69,180)
  • Magnetic resonance imaging technologists ($68,410)
  • Aerospace engineering and operations technicians ($68,015)
  • Electrical power-line installers and repairers ($68,005)
  • Gas plant operators ($67,575)
  • Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers ($67,300)
  • Transit and railroad police ($66,605
  • Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers ($66,350)

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