How can I make 300k a year without a degree?

Jobs With the Highest Paying Salaries That Do Not Need a College Degree

These are some of the best paid occupations that don't need a degree from an accredited college or university, approximately listed from greatest predicted employment growth through 2030 to lowest projected job growth. The statistics were obtained from the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), unless otherwise specified.

1. An Assistant to a Physical Therapist

Degree or Certification Requirements: An associate degree obtained from a physical therapy school that has been granted accreditation is necessary.

Training Criteria: Physical therapist assistants are required to possess current state licenses, comply with requirements for continuing education, and pass a national test. Employers may give preference to applicants who have prior experience working as physical therapist aids.

Median Salary (2021): $49,180

The range of salaries, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, is as follows: $37,280 to $80,170

Forecast for Future Employment Growth (from 2020 to 2030): 44,900 New Positions (32 percent job growth)

Assistants to physical therapists are often employed in settings such as hospitals or outpatient clinics, and they operate directly under the supervision of physical therapists. They are in charge of putting the treatment plan into action and providing direction for patients who are healing from significant diseases and damage to their bodies. Typical examples of specific responsibilities are as follows:

Patients may be assisted in regaining function via the use of various tools and equipment, such as walkers.

demonstrating to patients how to do certain therapeutic activities and providing assistance if required

Maintaining communication with patients and members of their families on continuation of treatment, such as doing self-assisted activities in the patient's home

The process of informing physical therapists about patient progress and requirements

In order to work as a physical therapist assistant, you are required to finish a degree program that lasts for two years and get a license from the state. This is true regardless of where you wish to work. It is an investment that is generally safe in terms of time, effort, and money given the large number of opportunities that are now available, the strong employment growth estimates through 2026, and the good compensation.

2. Assistant in Occupational Therapy Position

Associate degree is the minimum level of education necessary, and all programs must be approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

Requirements for Training: The majority of occupational therapy assistants have experience in the field as occupational therapy aides either prior to or concurrently with the pursuit of their associate degrees.

Median Salary (2021): $61,520

The range of salaries, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, is as follows: $46,810 to $80,210

The growth forecast from 2020 to 2030 includes 16,800 more roles (34 percent job growth)

Assistants in Occupational Therapy operate under the supervision of Occupational Therapists, often in healthcare facilities or outpatient clinics. The following are some examples of responsibilities that occupational therapy assistants may have, depending on the types of patients they work with:

Helping patients recover from injuries sustained through physical activity, including stretching and strengthening exercises

Providing assistance in the management of patients' situations to those who suffer from degenerative illnesses such as Parkinson's (for instance, by training them on devices designed to assist everyday activities)

Providing assistance to patients who have physical or mental impairments that are permanent

Keeping track of patient progress and maintaining open lines of communication with occupational therapists as required

If you get a sense of fulfillment from being able to assist other people, this line of work can be a good match for you. However, dealing with patients who are disabled both physically and mentally on a daily basis may be emotionally taxing; this is not a profession for those who have a weak stomach.

3. Respiratory Care Practitioner

Degree or Certification Requirements: An associate degree obtained from a school that has been granted accreditation is necessary; however, certain companies may favor individuals who have obtained bachelor's degrees.

Training Requirements: The majority of states need certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), and some states may impose extra licensing requirements as well; on-the-job training requirements vary widely depending on the company.

Median Salary (2021): $61,830

The 10th to 90th percentile salaries range from $47,380 to $95,540 respectively.

Projection of increase (from 2020 to 2030): 31,100 more employment (23 percent job growth)

Patients in healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes may benefit from a variety of respiratory treatments and therapies that are administered by respiratory therapists. It is not necessary for all respiratory therapists to work during typical business hours since the majority of their patients are inpatients who need care around the clock. There are a lot of employment available for respiratory therapists who want to work the graveyard shift, but there are also a lot of opportunities for those who want to work the 7-to-3 shift.

The majority of a respiratory therapist's time is spent working with patients who are having persistent difficulty breathing as a result of a wide variety of disorders, including preterm birth, cystic fibrosis, and other chronic illnesses such as COPD and heart failure. Some of them are employed in emergency departments, where they help triage patients who are having severe difficulty breathing as a result of heart attacks or other types of trauma.

Typical responsibilities of a respiratory therapist are as follows:

Conducting first examinations on newly admitted patients

Carrying out diagnostic procedures such as assessing the patient's lung capacity and blood oxygenation levels

putting remedies into action as required

Informing patients about therapies they may do at home and on an ongoing basis, such as using portable oxygen and ventilation equipment

communicating with medical professionals when required

Even if the criteria to become a respiratory therapist take at least two years to complete, the reward is quite secure because to the fast expansion of the industry and the broad availability of employment that consistently provide a good salary.

4. Dental Hygienist

Requirements for a Degree or Certificate An associate degree from a recognized school (which typically takes three years to complete) is necessary.

Training Requirements: Dental hygienists are required to complete initial and continuous licensing requirements in all states. These requirements often include passing a license test and participating in ongoing educational opportunities.

Median Salary (2021): $77,810

The range of salaries, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, is from $60,100 to $100,200.

Forecast for Future Employment Increase (from 2020 to 2030): 23,100 New Positions (11 percent job growth)

The tasks that dental hygienists are responsible for are quite known to those of us who go to the dentist on a regular basis. They are as follows:

When cleaning teeth, using specialized equipment that need exceptional hand-eye coordination are often used.

Performing dental X-rays on patients and preparing them for the procedure while also running the X-ray equipment

Providing instruction to patients on proper oral hygiene

maintaining open lines of communication with dentists when required

Dental hygienists have a comfortable standard of living because to a median wage that is more than $75,000. The prerequisite of having an associate's degree that was earned after three years of study is one of the disadvantages of joining the guild. On the other hand, it must be pleasant to operate in an industry where the clients cannot argue back.

5. Those Who Work in Diagnostic Imaging

Certificate or Degree Requirements: A one-year certificate must be obtained from a program that has been granted accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); Associate's degree with CAAHEP accreditation is desirable.

Training Needs: Aside from certification, there aren't many further training requirements; however, certain states may have formal licensing requirements that are in addition to certification.

Median Salary (2021): $75,380

The range of salaries, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, is as follows: $59,640 to $101,650

The growth forecast from 2020 to 2030 includes 19,100 more roles (14 percent job growth)

This occupational category's technical name, "diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists," reflects the mishmash of professions that fall within its purview, "diagnostic medical sonographers." Sonogram (ultrasound) technicians typically specialize by bodily region (abdomen, breast, gynecologic, etc.), whereas cardiovascular diagnostic specialists use catheters and other specialized equipment to image and monitor patients' cardiovascular systems. Diagnostic imaging workers include sonogram (ultrasound) technicians. Sonogram (ultrasound) technicians typically specialize by bodily region.

Workers in diagnostic imaging are typically responsible for the following, regardless of their area of specialty:

Taking medical histories from patients and preparing them for examinations

Performing preparations for and maintenance on diagnostic equipment

Carrying out diagnostic examinations

checking the photographs' quality and breadth of coverage

Performing diagnostic analysis on pictures and other diagnostic material, as well as writing diagnostic physician summaries

The idea of devoting one's career to a very constrained field of expertise could seem intimidating, but the educational and professional experience requirements for professionals in diagnostic imaging are not as stringent as those in other areas of medical technology. Even though the majority of states do not have official licensing requirements, many hospital systems continue to recruit diagnostic imaging professionals who have just recently graduated from one-year certification programs.

6. Web Developer

No formal school qualifications are necessary for self-employed developers; nevertheless, the majority of businesses prefer individuals with associate degrees, and some specialized roles require candidates to have a bachelor's degree.

Training Needs: Variable on-the-job training requirements; certifications in certain programming languages and other disciplines may assist recruiting and promotion chances. Training Requirements: Variable on-the-job training requirements

Median Salary (2021): $77,200

The range of salaries, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, is as follows: $40,750 to $146,430

The growth forecast from 2020 to 2030 includes 25,500 more roles (13 percent job growth)

People who aren't familiar with the field are sometimes taken aback when they realize that prospective web developers don't necessarily need to bother with four-year degrees. In point of fact, strictly speaking, the approximately one in six web developers who work for themselves don't require any kind of formal education at all. However, discriminating customers prefer to deal with developers who have degrees or certificates, and they pay a premium for such individuals. This is one of the few surviving industries in which persons who have not received formal education may achieve success only by establishing a presence in the market and soliciting for customers.

However, if you want to work as a web developer for a private or public company, you will generally require an associate degree in computer science or graphic design. This is true regardless of whether you want to work in the private or public sector. You will also be subjected to stringent pre-employment testing in order to verify that you have the necessary growth skills.

The tasks of web developers might vary greatly. Front-end developers are the people that work on the public websites that we use on a daily basis and are accountable for the general aesthetic, features, operation, and upkeep of such websites. Back-end developers are in charge of the technical architecture of websites and may be expected to take the lead in troubleshooting and major update implementation.

7. A Practitioner of Radiation Therapy

Certificates or Degrees Necessary: A post-secondary certificate is required, and an associate degree is preferable for many occupations.

Training Requirements: All radiation therapists are required to receive certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), and the majority of states need specific licenses. The on-the-job training requirements that companies demand might vary greatly.

Median Salary (2021): $82,790

The range of salaries, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, is as follows: $61,030 to $128,550

The growth forecast from 2020 to 2030 includes 1,600 more roles (9 percent job growth)

Patients suffering from cancer and other conditions that may be helped by focused radiation treatment are provided care by radiation therapists. In most cases, they find employment in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals or outpatient treatment clinics, where they:

Radiation treatment machines, such as linear accelerators, need to be calibrated and operated properly.

Patients should be informed of the treatment processes as well as any possible problems.

Keep an eye on patients for any issues that may arise after therapy.

Observe the radiation safety measures in order to lower the danger of injury to the patient as well as long-term exposure for the employee.

Maintain open lines of communication with radiation oncologists (specialized physicians)

If you are someone who pays attention to detail and is motivated to assist and soothe those who are terminally ill, this position may be ideal for you. In addition, the majority of radiation therapists work regular hours in regulated environments, such as offices or clinical settings, which makes it possible to maintain a decent work-life balance.

8. A Specialist in Computer Support Positions (Network Support Specialist)

Requirements for Degrees and Certificates Little entry-level positions may need just some post-secondary training in computers and related disciplines; nevertheless, in order to progress in the profession, an associate degree may be necessary.

Training Requirements: Depending on the nature of the task, an employer may demand either vendor-specific or vendor-neutral certification; alternatively, you can anticipate a varied duration of on-the-job training.

Median Salary (2021): $57,910

The range of salaries, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, is as follows: $38,560 to $102,410

Forecast for Future Employment Increase (from 2020 to 2030): 72,200 New Positions (9 percent job growth)

The provision of technical assistance for computer networks and the people who use them falls within the purview of computer network support professionals, who are also known as "computer support specialists" and "network support specialists." Some support professionals deal directly with customers, while others collaborate with intermediaries who interact with customers and transmit problems to support specialists for resolution.

Depending on the requirements of their employers and the characteristics of the networks over which they have oversight, computer network support professionals may be responsible for the following tasks:

Conduct tests to identify any defects or problems with the functioning of the networks and systems.

Determine the root of the problem and address it on both a local and global scale.

Take into account the comments and concerns of users.

Assist people in self-diagnosing and solving their own difficulties.

Patches and upgrades should be applied so that networks and the software applications that operate on them are protected and improved.

Employees who are not technically trained should get training on network-related topics so that the user experience and system operation may be improved.

Support experts for computer networks report to either system administrators or network administrators. There is a large number of employment options available, as well as room for professional advancement, in this industry for those who do not mind working long hours in front of many computer displays. One drawback is that very desirable professions sometimes need staff to be on call at unsociable hours in order to accommodate users located in various time zones or to apply upgrades during periods of low user activity.

9. Radiologic & MRI Technician

Degree or Certificate Requirements: An associate degree obtained from a radiologic technology program that is recognized for its quality is often necessary for employment.

Requirements for Training: Radiologic technicians in most states are required to get licenses, which normally entail taking an initial test and committing to a program of ongoing education. MRI technicians may be required to earn an extra certification.

Median Salary (2021): $61,980

The range of salaries, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, is as follows: $41,480 to $89,760

Forecast for Future Employment Increase (from 2020 to 2030): 21,600 New Positions (9 percent job growth)

Imaging the body's tissues and structures requires the use of radiation-based procedures, such as X-rays and computed tomography (CT), which are performed by radiologic technicians, often known as radiographers. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment is used by MRI technicians in order to accomplish the same goals.

The majority of radiologic and MRI technologists find employment in healthcare facilities, particularly hospitals and outpatient clinics. Depending on the area of sub-specialization, duties may include, but are not limited to:

Getting patients and the necessary equipment ready for imaging

Maintaining communication with the doctors who are directing the imaging process in order to guarantee that the appropriate body parts are imaged

Maintaining imaging equipment

Performing checks on the photos' coverage and overall quality

Observing all of the necessary safety precautions

Radiologic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technicians, similar to other types of health care technicians, have an easy time finding employment in environments that are strictly regulated and have consistent working hours. Look for employment in emergency rooms or urgent care clinics if you would rather work in the evening or on a schedule that is less predictable.

10. Makeup Artist for Commercial Purposes

Degree or Certificate Requirements: Certification from a post-secondary institution such as a trade school or community college is preferable, while artists who work independently may not need any official qualifications.

Training Requirements: In addition to the hands-on instruction that is offered by post-secondary certificate programs, young artists have the opportunity to get instruction from more seasoned artists while they are working.

Median Salary (2019): $75,730

Not displayed is the salary range from the 10th to the 90th percentile.

The growth forecast from 2019 to 2029 includes the addition of 500 additional posts (11 percent job growth)

The makeup artist profession is expanding at a rate that is much quicker than the overall job market despite the fact that it only employs a very small number of people. Without having to commit any lines to memory, this is an excellent opportunity for anybody who has ever entertained the thought of pursuing a career in the film or media industries.

Makeup artists may develop expertise in a particular field, such as hair, prosthetics, or special effects, amongst others. There is a lot of variation in working conditions and hours. If you are successful in finding employment with a local news outlet, you will have regular working hours, although ones that may start early or end late. In the film industry, you will most likely put in long, exhausting hours while shooting, and then you will be put on leave until the next project begins. On the bright side, the compensation for makeup artists is increasing at a pace that is far higher than the rate of inflation.