UPS Drivers, Air Traffic Controllers, And 15 Other Professions That Don’t Require A College Education — But Pay As Much As One That Requires Four Years Of It

I'm reconsidering my college degree...

People who are or have been in college are no strangers to the world of student debt. With total student loan debt in the US approaching nearly two trillion dollars, it's no surprise that some may question whether or not getting a college degree is actually worth it — especially since we live in a day and age when earning a degree doesn't necessarily equate to financial stability or success.

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Though finding a job that pays a living wage without requiring a college degree can be a daunting task, it's certainly possible. Recently, UPS made headlines for this exact reason; after narrowly avoiding a strike, their new contract went into effect, and it boasts a serious pay bump for their drivers. But even beyond UPS, there are still plenty of jobs that will pay just as much (if not more) than many jobs that require a degree. These are just some of the jobs that will pay $65,000 or more on an annual basis — no degree required.

Note: Nationwide average annual and hourly wages are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

1. UPS Driver — $170,000/year

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Of course, to kick things off, the demand of wanting to become a UPS driver will most likely increase thanks to the new contract the company negotiated with the Teamster Union, which represents more than 300,000 UPS employees. Some specific wins of the historic negotiation include raising part-time UPS workers' hourly wage to $21, and raising full-time employees to an average top rate of $49 per hour. Additionally, drivers will no longer be forced to work overtime on their days off.

2. Plumber — $65,190/year

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A skilled trade job, plumbers make an average hourly rate of $31.34.

Though you don't need a college degree, becoming a plumber will require you to go to technical or trade school, get an apprenticeship, and then take an exam to acquire a license. 

3. Power Plant Operator — $88,960/year

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The minimum requirements to become a power plant operator is a high school diploma or equivalent, along with, of course, a lot of extensive on-the-job training.

The average hourly pay for a power plant operator is $42.77.

4. Performance and Theatre Makeup Artist — $81,600/year

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Makeup isn't just about making actors look good — makeup is an art that helps tell a story. Whether it's to reflect the time period, a character's personality, or even just a setting, makeup artists play a huge part in performance and theatre.

Though artists have different rates, the mean hourly wage is $39.23.

5. Subway and Streetcar Operator — $75,880/year

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If you've ever wondered how the subway system even works, you can thank subway and streetcar operators for looking out for railway obstacles, enforcing emergency protocols, and more. 

The hourly wage, on average, is $36.48.

6. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager —$108,910/year

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As a transportation, storage, and distribution manager (whew, that's a mouthful), your main job is to oversee logistical activities so that everything an organization is transporting or distributing is being done efficiently and in accordance with local laws.

The average hourly pay nationwide is $52.36.

7. Claims Adjuster — $73,380/year

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If you like drama and money, being a claims adjuster might be in your wheelhouse.

In charge of reviewing settlements and payments, this role makes an average hourly rate of $35.28.

8. Boilermaker — $69,780/year

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Responsible for constructing, repairing, and inspecting boiler furnaces, this job has an hourly average of $33.55. 

9. Media and Communication Equipment Worker — $74,490/year

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If you're into music and tech, you might want to look into the media and communication equipment industry. Common duties of those in this role include installing, maintaining, and repairing audio and visual systems. 

The mean hourly wage for this job title is $35.81.

10. Patrol Officer — $71,380/year

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As the job title suggests, patrol officers are typically assigned areas of a city and are expected to enforce laws and protect the community and its people. 

In order to become a patrol officer, you must attend and complete training at the police academy. The average hourly wage is $34.32.

11. Construction and Building Inspector — $70,130/year

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Building inspectors are super important because they literally save us all from potentially being crushed. If you have a building that needs to be inspected for compliance and structural soundness, thank your inspector for their service.

The average hourly wage for building inspectors is $33.72.

12. Escalator and Elevator Installer and Repairer — $93,960/year

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All heroes don't wear capes, and that's especially true when it comes to being an escalator and elevator repairer. Responsible for assembling, installing, repairing, and maintaining passenger-carrying machinery and electric or hydraulic freight, this role demands completion of an apprenticeship and a license.

The average hourly wage is $45.17.

13. Commercial Diver — $85,630/year

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Commercial divers do construction underwater, and if that doesn't already impress you, then I don't know what to tell you. 

The average hourly rate for a commercial diver is $41.17.

14. Aircraft Mechanic — $72,640/year

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Being an aircraft mechanic comes with some pretty hefty responsibilities, and though you don't need a college degree, you do need to attend technical school, complete on-the-job training, and pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exam. 

The mean hourly wage for an aircraft mechanic is $34.92.

15. Electrical Lineman — $82,770/year

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In order to become an electrical lineman and be a pro with wires, you must have at least a high school diploma, go through vocational training, and obtain a license.

Electrical linemen receive an average hourly wage of $39.79. 

16. Gambling Manager — $95,830/year

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If you want a job in a fast-paced, unpredictable setting, a gambling manager job might be calling your name. This role oversees gambling operations in casinos, which includes planning, directing, and coordinating. 

The mean hourly wage for this role is $46.07. 

17. And finally: Air Traffic Controller — $130,840/year

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You don't need to graduate from higher education to become an air traffic controller, but the road to becoming one is definitely involved. 

Being an air traffic controller requires completing the program at the FAA Academy, in addition to serving two to four years of on-the-job training. The average hourly rate is $62.90.

Everyone deserves to make a livable wage, regardless of whether or not they graduated from college. If you don't have a college degree but still make a good wage, what do you do? And if you do have a college degree, do you work in the field you majored in? Let me know in the comments!