In today's uncertain economy, a college education no longer guarantees you a high-paying job. But on the flip side, if you don't want to go to college, you don't have to — you can still get a high-paying job without a bachelor's degree.
According to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are the 40 highest-paying jobs that don't require workers to have a four-year college degree. Each has an annual salary of at least $58,000.
The median annual wages listed are calculated to include hourly, weekly, and annual pay, as well as sales commissions and production bonuses. Overtime wages are not included in the data. We also provided the expected job openings through 2022 and the work experience or on-the-job training needed for a particular job.
Compared to last year's list, newcomer jobs include makeup artists, transportation inspectors, and funeral service managers. Out of all of the jobs, registered nurses have the most projected openings through 2022 with 1,052,600 estimated positions.
40. Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products
Median annual wage (2012): $58,760
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 61,600
Work experience: None
Description: Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment.
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
39. Computer network support specialists
Median annual wage (2012): $59,090
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 39,600
Work experience: None
Description: Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
38. Engineering technicians, except drafters
Median annual wage (2012): $59,440
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 14,600
Work experience: None
Description: Solve technical problems. Some help engineers and scientists do research and development.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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