Forget what your 6th grade homeroom teacher told you about college. No, you don’t need a college degree to succeed in life. While having a diploma or advanced degree does statistically earn people higher salaries on average—it does not mean people without degrees are unfit to thrive in today’s workforce.
From the U.S. News & World Report, here are seven of the highest paying jobs that require little more than a high school diploma or equivalent. Which jobs are right for you? Find out here.
1. Electrician
Median salary: $55,190
Job requirements:
- High school diploma
- Electrician apprenticeship
- Valid driver’s license
Job responsibilities:
- Install, maintain, and repair electrical components (cable, conduit, wiring)
- Read and interpret electrical plans and blueprints
- Organize and control tools and materials
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2. Wind Turbine Technician
Median salary: $54,370
Job requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Experience working with hand tools and power tools
- Valid driver’s license
Job responsibilities:
- Troubleshoot or repair wind turbines
- Resolve electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions
- Inspect or repair fiberglass turbine blades
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3. Plumber
Median salary: $53,910
Job requirements:
- Outstanding troubleshooting and repair skills
- Plumbing experience
- Valid driver’s license
Job responsibilities:
- Faucet repairs
- Water heater installation
- Plumbing system replacements
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4. Medical Assistant
Median salary: $53,610
Job requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalency
- CPR certification
- Excellent communication skills
Job responsibilities:
- Coordinates referrals, scheduling, and correspondence
- Register patients according to established protocols
- Assists in nursing care as directed by RN
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5. Insurance Sales Agent
Median salary: $50,600
Job requirements:
- Property and casualty insurance license
- Strong communications and sales skills
- Self confidence and excellent initiative
Job responsibilities:
- Sell and service insurance policies
- Conduct underwriting assessments
- Serve as a liaison between the customer and insurance provider
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6. Firefighter
Median salary: $49,620
Job requirements:
- Supreme physical fitness
- Courage, confidence, resilience, and ability to work well under pressure
- Valid driver’s license
Job responsibilities:
- Respond to emergency situations beyond fired
- Attend to car crashes, chemical spills, flooding, and more
- Use sophisticated firefighting equipment
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7. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Median salary: $42,680
Job requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Ability to work in extreme environments
- Valid driver’s license
Job responsibilities:
- Assemble solar modules, panels, and support structures as necessary
- Apply weather sealing to all relevant fixtures
- Examine designs to determine requirements for assembly
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