15 Entry-level Jobs That Pay Well No Degree

Entry-level Jobs That Pay Well No Degree | High paying entry level jobs no experience. A college education represents a path to a high-paying job in their chosen field. However, higher education isn’t the only path. Just because an occupation doesn’t require a college degree doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an entry-level job. Many will still require several years of experience and on-the-job training. 

Many people are finding entry level jobs that turn into a career that is just as well-paying than a career landed with a college diploma. High-paying entry-level jobs without a degree require different types of training and experience, so selecting one that will jumpstart your career is highly dependent on your skills, career goals, willingness to learn, and how much you are willing to be paid.

What are High Paying Entry-Level Jobs Without a College Degree

• Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager.
• Comercial Pilot.
• Police Officer/Detective. 
• Stationary Engineer. 
• Railroad Worker
• Electrician.
• Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer.
• Petroleum Pump System Operator.
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialist or Technician.
• Industrial Machinery Mechanic. 

What Is an Entry-Level Job?

An entry-level job is a lower-ranking position that usually requires less responsibility and experience. Some may also require minimal training and education. Most entry-level positions offer on-the-job training either through external training or internal apprenticeship programs.

Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get an Entry-Level Job?

A coding bootcamp can absolutely help you get an entry-level job if you are hoping to have a professional career in tech. At a coding bootcamp, you will be able to acquire the necessary technical skills to jumpstart a career in a tech-related profession.

How to Get an Entry-Level Job with a GED

1. Select a Career Path

Find out what your passions, values, and career goals are. This will help you know what options you have out there and steer you in choosing the right career path for you.

2. Consider Getting a Certification

Find out what certifications you may need for the entry-level job you are hoping to get. You can actually enroll in a certification course online for free from various places such as Coursera.

3. Update Your Resume and Cover Letter.

If you only have your high school diploma or GED, you can upgrade your resume and cover letter by adding the soft skills mentioned above. Most employers look for more than technical skills, so adding these to your credentials may actually boost your chances of landing an entry-level job without a degree.

4. Apply for Internships

Internships are a great way to get an entry-level job. Most internships offer on-the-job training which will definitely boost your resume and give you access to better positions that have more responsibility and higher pay.

What Skills Are Needed to Land an Entry-Level Job?

1. Job-Specific Skills

When applying for an entry-level job without a degree, these are the skills that you will find in the job description. These skills are specifically tailored for that job.

2. Transferable Skills

These are professional skills that you must have in any work environment, including any entry-level job. Chances are you already possess some of these skills. They include written and verbal communication skills, active listening, dependability, teamwork, decision-making, adaptability, and leadership skills.

3. Hybrid Skills

Hybrid skills require a combination of skillsets that would not have been put together before. For example, as a software engineer, you will not only need technical skills like programming but also soft skills such as critical thinking and teamwork.

High paying entry level jobs no experience or Degree

1. Elevators and Escalator Installer and Repairer

These professionals install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, lifts, and other similar electronic equipment. They technically require a working knowledge of hydraulics, electricity, or mechanics.

2. Stationary Engineer

Stationary engineers manage engines, boilers, and other mechanical equipment such as heating, refrigerators, generators, and air conditioning in buildings. They make sure these utilities are well maintained. You will need at least a high school diploma or a GED.

3. Railroad Worker

Railroad workers ensure the safety of both freight and passenger trains. They include railyard engineers, conductors, yardmasters, locomotive engineers, and brake and signal operators. They work closely with rail inspectors and rail transportation inspectors. Most rail companies will require a high school diploma or GED, but a certificate or postsecondary education will increase your chances of landing an entry-level position.

4. Electrician

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power systems, electrical equipment, surveillance systems, and electrical control systems in houses and buildings. They are the go-to people for anything that involves electrical systems and electric power.

5. Industrial Machinery Mechanic

Activities of workers engaged in machinery mechanics include managing and maintaining factory and industrial machinery and equipment. The basic entry-level education requirements are a high school diploma or a GED.

6. Police Officer/Detective

The main work of police and detectives is to protect and serve. They protect lives and property. Qualifications needed in this profession range from a high school diploma to a degree depending on which sector you want to join.

7. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

Activities of workers engaged in this sector include collecting data from various organizations and analyzing the data to ensure that safety protocols are being adhered to. They also design health and safety procedures specifically geared to avoiding workplace hazards.

8. Petroleum Pump System Operator

This is a high-paying entry-level job that requires no college education. Professionals in this job operate petroleum refining or processing units by regulating the flow of oil in and out of pipelines. There are on-the-job training and apprenticeship opportunities.

9. Commercial Pilot

Commercial pilots transport passengers and cargo in aircraft. They mainly schedule flights, perform aerial surveying, charter flights, arrange maintenance for the aircraft as well as load luggage themselves.

10. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager

As their job titles suggest, these managers supervise the shipping, testing, receiving, and storing of goods. They also establish and implement warehouse safety protocols, as per company practices or organizational policies.

11. Air Traffic Controller (ATC)

Prior Education: A college degree is not required, but the nature of the field is very competitive where experience is highly valued. A combination of progressive work experience and formal education is generally preferred. Rigorous training and testing is required. Average Salary is $124,540.

12. Real Estate Broker

High school diploma or equivalent. However, a college degree in finance or related field may prove beneficial. On-the-Job Training: Even though you must take a couple of classes to obtain your certification, these courses are much less of an expense compared to financing a college degree. Licensure requirements typically vary from state to state. Average Salary is $56,730.

13. Lead Carpenter

High school diploma or equivalent. Most Lead Carpenters begin their careers as skilled apprentices. This job requires a high amount of experience in the field either through attending a trade school to master technical skills or by being an apprentice to a lead carpenter. Average Salary is $51,150.

14. Landscape Architect

Typically a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture is preferred. An internship experience is highly encouraged.  This job may require you to take some classes at a community college on horticulture as well as landscape design, but these types of courses are not required. Average Salary is $65,760.

15. Director of Security

Typically a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field is preferred along with years of experience in related positions. In reality, this job will involve starting off in an entry level security position before working your way through the ranks to become the Director of Security.

Recommendation

• What is a Bachelor’s Degree? | Cost, Requirements, Jobs
• 30 Highest Paying Jobs With Least Amount of Schooling