What job makes the most money with the least education?

A rundown of well-paying careers that need just a secondary education or less

A common misconception is that in order to get a well-paying career, one must first spend many years earning an advanced degree. Having said that, there are times when this is not the case. There are a variety of jobs available that need nothing more than a few years of schooling to get started in. In this article, we will discuss a number of professions that may lead to high-paying positions with very minimal time spent on education and certification requirements.

Jobs that pay well yet don't need a lot of education that are at the top of the list.

The following is a list of occupations that do not need a very broad educational background but nevertheless provide high compensation:

Technician in the field of civil engineering

Annual salary starting point: $76,540 on average

A civil engineering technician works with licensed civil engineers to give assistance in the design and inspection of various construction projects. In addition to that, these specialists are responsible for managing cost estimates and organizing project plans. You may become a licensed civil engineer by completing an associate degree program that lasts for two years and focuses on civil engineering technologies.

Computer programmer

Annual salary starting point: $76,526 on average

Software is designed and constructed by computer programmers. They are accountable for testing software to guarantee that it complies with all of the most recent performance and safety requirements. To work as a computer programmer, you do not need a four-year degree in computer science from an accredited university. You can consider taking some courses in computer programming that are offered online instead. Through the use of online courses, a person may build concrete abilities as a computer programmer in around six months' time.

Manager of construction work

Annual salary starting point: $74,730 on average

All aspects of construction are under the watchful eye of construction supervisors. They are responsible for recruiting construction employees and supervising those workers while they carry out a variety of responsibilities on project sites. In addition, construction managers collaborate with a variety of other experts and important stakeholders, such as the client and management at the firm, to define the needs of a given project. You do not need to get a bachelor's degree in construction management to become a construction manager; rather, you may choose for a degree program that just takes two years to complete.

Website developer

Annual salary starting point: $68,524 on average

Web developers are responsible for the construction and design of websites and other online resources. Website developers are also accountable for supervising a website's performance and capacity, as well as improving those aspects of the site on a regular basis. You may get the education necessary to work as a website developer by enrolling in a course that lasts for a whole year and focuses on web development.

Registered nurse

The typical annual starting salary comes in at $65,870.

Patients at the medical facility are the ones who the nurse is responsible for looking after. In addition, nurses are responsible for the management and documentation of their patients' medicines, treatments, and other everyday activities. They also collaborate with other members of the medical community, including surgeons, radiologists, anesthesiologists, and other medical specialists. Additionally, nurses are responsible for administrative tasks inside the hospital including instructing future nurses. To become a nurse as quickly as possible, you should complete either a nursing diploma program that lasts for one year or an associate degree program in nursing that lasts for two years, and then you should pass the licensing exam.

Clinical laboratory assistant

The typical annual starting salary is $29,455 dollars.

Clinical laboratory assistants are responsible for the collection and examination of bodily fluid and blood samples. In addition to this, they sanitize the laboratory environment and equipment and fill the laboratory with reagents and chemicals in order to carry out tests. The associate degree program for clinical laboratory technologists typically takes students a total of two years to finish.

Diagnostic medical sonographer

The average annual salary comes up at $57 278 dollars.

A diagnostic medical sonographer is someone who utilizes technology that uses ultrasound to take pictures of various organs to assist physicians in making accurate diagnosis of patients' conditions. In order to become a certified diagnostic medical sonographer, you will need to enroll in a program that awards an associate degree and lasts for a period of two years at a renowned institution.

Games manager

The average annual starting salary comes in at $56,515

A casino's operations are under the watchful eye of a games manager. They are responsible for the hiring and training of casino staff, the management of the casino's budget, and the resolution of client complaints during disputes. If you want to make a lot of money as a casino manager, you need to finish a program that awards an associate degree in hospitality and lasts for two years.

A person who assists physical therapists.

The typical annual starting salary comes in at $52,418.

Physical therapist assistants are responsible for developing and monitoring patients' treatment programs while they are participating in physical therapy. After a patient has finished all of the prescribed treatments, the physical therapy assistant will record the patient's progress and then hand the information over to the physical therapists for a final assessment. You may work as a physical therapist assistant if you get an associate degree in the field, which typically takes about two years to complete, and then pass the Physical Therapist Assistant Exam.

Funeral director

The typical annual salary comes in at $50,377.

A funeral director is responsible for organizing all of the necessary activities and documentation that must be completed following the death of a person. In order to become a funeral service director, you are required to complete an associate degree program that lasts for two years and then pass the National Funeral Service Exam.

Paralegal

The average annual salary comes in at $50 169.

A paralegal is comparable to an administrative assistant but works in the legal field. These individuals are responsible for the collection and filing of essential data that is required by attorneys for their cases. To become a paralegal, all that is required is a two-year associate's degree program in paralegal studies, which may be completed in in that amount of time.

Officer of the law

The average annual salary for entry-level workers is $49,667.

Law and order are kept up in communities by police officers who patrol certain regions. Officers of the law safeguard residents and their property while also enforcing legal requirements for vehicular traffic. It takes around half a year to finish police training and pass the certification exam to become a law enforcement officer.

Draftsman of architectural plans

Annual salary starting point: $48,763 on average

An architectural drafter utilizes specialized computer software to simplify complex architectural drawings for use by construction managers. These designs may then be used by the construction managers. It will be easier for you to get work in this industry if you have an associate degree in architectural drawing that you earned after completing a program that lasted for two years.

Claims adjuster

Annual salary starting point: $46,954 on average

When required, it is the job of a claims adjuster to evaluate and make any necessary adjustments to insurance claims. They decide whether the amount of money that an insurance company pays out on a claim should be increased or decreased. Even if you just have a high school graduation, you may be able to get work in this industry if you possess strong analytical and interpersonal abilities.

Graphic designer

Annual salary starting point: $45,677 on average

A graphic designer is someone who makes graphics for things such as software, periodicals, reports, and commercials. You may start applying for employment in the field of graphic design as soon as you have completed a beginner's course, created some sample designs, and completed the course within 24 hours. In light of this, it is strongly recommended that you enroll in more advanced graphic design classes so that you may enhance your level of expertise as you grow in your career.

The inspector of transportation

Annual salary starting point: $44,877 on average

Transportation inspectors check vehicles to see whether they adhere to the rules governing their safety and report any drivers who break the rules to the appropriate authorities. They carry out inspections of products and equipment before having them sent out of a region by logistics businesses. In order to become a qualified transportation inspector, you will need to first complete a training course for transportation inspectors that lasts for one year and then pass the Inspector Certification Exam.

Aircraft mechanic

Annual salary starting point: $41,440 on average

An aviation mechanic is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of aircraft. The training to become an aviation mechanic typically takes around two years to complete.

Technician in Operative Procedures

Annual salary starting point: $39.712 on average per employee

In the hours leading up to an operation, a surgical technologist will meticulously prepare and arrange all of the necessary surgical equipment in the operating room. Additionally, they provide assistance to surgeons while they are operating. A one- or two-year associate degree program in surgical technology and successful completion of the National Surgical Technology Examination are the requirements to become a surgical technician.

Technician in emergency medical care

Annual salary starting point: $39.333 on average

An emergency medical technician is responsible for taking calls about medical emergencies at health centers, providing medical care to patients in an ambulance, and transporting patients to hospitals. They also provide assistance to medical personnel when an emergency occurs. It might take you anywhere from four months to two years to complete your training to become an emergency medical assistant.

Conductor of a train

The typical annual starting salary comes in at $35,569.

Train operators are responsible for transporting people and freight from one location to another by driving trains and other forms of rail transportation. To become a train operator, you need to first get your high school diploma and then complete an operator training course that lasts for six months.

Operator of a gas plant

The typical annual starting salary comes in at $35,569.

In gas plants, the operators are responsible for the cleaning, maintenance, and repair of mechanical equipment, as well as the monitoring of this equipment. If you are comfortable operating various pieces of heavy machinery, this position may be a good match for you. In order to get a well-paying career in this industry, you will need to complete a year of vocational training to become a gas plant operator.

Medical coding expert

Annual salary starting point: $33,716 on average

A expert in medical coding assigns unique codes to the procedures, diagnoses, and treatments that patients undergo so that the information may be retrieved and used at a later date. In addition to this, they are accountable for the processing of billing and payment transactions that take place between medical care facilities and the health insurance companies of patients. The training to become a medical coder typically takes about 18 months to complete.

Medical assistant

The typical annual starting salary comes in at $31,508.

Prior to a patient's appointment with a physician, it is the duty of a medical assistant to document the patient's medical history, as well as their symptoms and vital signs. The training, certification, and licensing processes for becoming a medical assistant typically take about two years to complete.

Operator of a refinery

The typical annual starting salary comes in at $31,125.

An operator of mechanical equipment at a refinery directs the process by which natural gas is converted into commercial petroleum products. After completing your high school education and serving an apprenticeship with other refinery operators for a year, you will have the skills necessary to work in a refinery.

Phlebotomist

Annual salary starting point: $28,722 on average

A phlebotomist is someone who draws blood from people for the purposes of blood donations and laboratory testing. Phlebotomists are employed by blood banks, hospitals, and other types of medical facilities. It is necessary to complete a professional training program that lasts for two years and then take and pass the Phlebotomy Technician Certification Examination in order to work as a phlebotomist.