Higher education can help you land a high-paying job faster, but contrary to popular belief, there are some high-paying jobs that don't require a college degree. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that between 2020 and 2030, 60% of new jobs in the economy will be in occupations that typically do not require an associate's, bachelor's, or graduate degree.
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In addition to offering good pay, these roles represent a shift in the 2024 job market and how job seekers think about work, said Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius.
“Rising college tuition costs and student loan debt are causing more people to explore alternative career paths that don't require a degree,” Chan said, adding that the pandemic has accelerated this change, which has led to more job opportunities. He added that this has led to increased interest. We offer a competitive salary and career growth without a four-year education requirement.
Employers in many sectors of the economy are noticing this trend, according to Chan.
“What we are seeing today is that diverse educational backgrounds, practical experience, and continuous learning are gaining more value in the job market and opening more doors than ever before. ” she said. “This change is particularly evident in healthcare, information technology, logistics, transportation and hospitality, all of which offer job seekers competitive careers that do not require a college education.”
However, Chan pointed out that a university degree can still provide advantages in many fields.
“The decision to pursue a degree should be based on an individual's career goals, interests, and financial situation,” she said.
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Employment report outlines employment trends in 2024
Recognizing this upward trend, Resume Genius' 2024 High Paying No Degree Required Jobs Report compiles a list of the top 20 high paying jobs that don't necessarily require a degree.
Of these, the highest paying jobs were as airline or commercial pilots. However, while a degree is not necessarily required to advance in this field, it is likely to be a necessary advantage for those looking to advance.
“Commercial pilots are well-paid and are a great example of a high-paying role that can be achieved without a four-year degree,” Chan said. “Professional flight schools provide the necessary training and experience, with a focus on flight hours and obtaining the necessary licenses and medical certificates.”
information security analyst
Among the jobs most likely to focus on a high school diploma or vocational training, the top occupation was information security analyst. With an average salary of $112,000, an estimated 168,900 positions, and a potential 32% increase in employment, working in the cybersecurity field can be a high-paying calling.
The position does not require a computer science degree and has the potential to earn a significant income, Chan added.
“Future analysts acquire skills through a variety of channels, including self-study, professional programs, and on-the-job experience. Certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker provide further validation of their expertise,” she says. said.
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers, special effects artists and animators, and transportation, storage and distribution managers topped the list of popular jobs.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: This job offers a six-figure salary and incredible growth opportunities — no college degree required
