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Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree

Here are the highest paying jobs without a college degree:, executive assistant, patrol officer, flight attendant, sales representative, sound engineering technician, structural iron and steelworker, electrician.

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# 1 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree

The duties of an executive assistant can be far more involved than those of an administrative assistant. Executive assistants complete important office management tasks and prepare and analyze reports. Read More

# 2 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree

A patrol officer’s duty is to protect and serve, whether it is in the community or filing reports in the office. Read More

# 3 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree

Flight attendants are the members of the flight crew that passengers probably interact with the most. They ensure passengers are comfortable, and they must be prepared to respond to safety issues that may arise during the flight. Read More

# 4 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree

This profession tends to be fickle, as job growth can depend on the economy being up. Sales reps must be able to evolve with changing products and anticipate their customer’s needs. Read More

# 5 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree

A career in sound engineering can take you to a diversity of places, from theater performances and sporting events to concerts and TV or movie sets. Sound engineering technicians are tasked with setting up the audio equipment, ensuring that microphones work and monitoring and operating the equipment during a performance or event. They might also record and synchronize sound, and they might even work the lights. Read More

# 6 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree

Tall buildings would not be possible without steelworkers reinforcing and installing iron and steel. This job usually requires an apprenticeship to increase knowledge and safety. Read More

# 7 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree

Electricians design, install, maintain and repair motors, equipment or electrical systems for businesses and residences. Read More

# 8 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree

This profession goes beyond troubleshooting problems when pipes or water fixtures are broken. Plumbers also plan and develop blueprints for new structures or those being refurbished. Read More

Hearing Aid Specialist

# 9 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree

Hearing aid specialists are involved with the major aspects of hearing aid selection and fitting. These specialists design and modify ear molds, select and fit hearing aids, and conduct and interpret hearing tests. Read More

Brickmason and Blockmason

# 10 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree

Brickmasons and blockmasons find jobs both commercially and with the government, working with materials including bricks, cement and concrete to create residential and commercial walls, as well as other structures. Read More

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Trade Schools Home > Articles > Hands-On Jobs That Pay Well

22 Hands-On Jobs That Pay Well and Require Less Than a Bachelor's Degree

Last Updated June 6, 2023

Hands-on jobs are great for people who want to see direct results from their hard work. With that kind of job, you can feel like you've really achieved something at the end of each day. That's probably why so many people who have practical careers report that they feel passionate, happy, and engaged in their jobs. Working with your hands can be fun, creative, and intellectually stimulating. And being responsible for fixing and building things, solving problems, or helping people can leave you feeling fulfilled and accomplished.

Choosing a hands-on career can also result in greater job security. That's because many jobs in this category can't be outsourced. For example, communities are always going to need auto mechanics, nurses, and police officers. Those jobs can't simply go overseas. Additionally, many practical occupations don't require you to spend years in school preparing for them. In fact, a lot of hands-on jobs that pay well only require one or two years of training. So it may not take you very long to prepare for an active career that provides a lot of opportunities.

Health care and skilled trades are two of the best sectors to find hands-on jobs that pay well, but they aren't the only ones. Other great sectors include beauty, design, media arts, technology, law enforcement, animal care, and culinary arts.

Check out the categories below to discover 22 jobs that allow you to work with your hands. Find out what the annual pay range is for each position and take a look at the number of new job openings that are projected each year.*

Health and Veterinary Care

1. dental hygienist.

People who are interested in high-paying hands-on jobs may want to consider careers as dental hygienists. With as little as two to three years of post-secondary schooling, you can start carrying out a number of tasks that involve working with patients and assisting dentists. A typical day could have you performing oral exams, cleaning and caring for teeth, and taking and developing x-rays. Although dental hygienists may have a few administrative responsibilities, the largest part of the work is hands-on in nature. Dental hygienist schooling typically takes from two to four years.

• Annual pay range: $60,100 to $100,200 or higher
• New job openings: 16,300
• Typical entry-level education: Associate degree

2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Ultrasound technicians spend most of their days working with their hands. They perform a variety of diagnostic procedures using sonography to help doctors and other medical professionals detect, diagnose, and keep track of conditions and diseases. For example, one patient may have a heart concern, whereas another patient could be a pregnant mom eager to see an image of her growing baby. You'll likely get to interact with a variety of different people while performing your work. Completing a diploma or associate degree program can prepare you to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer or ultrasound technician.

• Annual pay range: $59,640 to $101,650 or higher
• New job openings: 6,000

3. Occupational or Physical Therapy Assistant

Many hands-on jobs exist in the medical field, but opportunities in occupational and physical therapy assisting are known to be good-paying and growing in number. Even better, you can prepare for careers such as occupational therapy or physical therapy assistant in as little as two years through training at an occupational or physical therapy school. Physical and occupational therapy are both forms of treatment for helping people rehabilitate from injuries and illnesses. However, physical therapy works to treat the actual injury or condition, whereas occupational therapy focuses on improving patients' functional abilities. So, although the fields have a lot of overlap, the therapies have different purposes and goals.

As an assistant in an occupational therapy office, you may work with patients to help them recover, rehabilitate, and adapt so that they can continue to function in their everyday surroundings. In a physical therapy setting, you may provide treatments to patients and guide them through activities to help them recover, regain movement, and manage their pain. In either role, you could also be responsible for assessing and educating patients and managing their records.

Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides

• Annual pay range: $23,860 to $80,210 or higher
• New job openings: 9,300

Physical Therapy Assistants and Aides

• Annual pay range: $22,140 to $80,170 or higher
• New job openings: 25,500

Both types of nurses directly care for patients in various medical settings, but RNs tend to have higher-level responsibilities. As a result, they often earn higher pay. The advancement opportunities in nursing are often excellent, so a lot of people start by becoming LPNs and then move up the career ladder as they gain more education and experience.

• Annual pay range for registered nurses: $59,450 to $120,250 or higher
• Annual pay range for licensed practical and vocational nurses: $37,150 to $63,790 or higher
• New job openings for registered nurses: 203,200
• New job openings for licensed practical and vocational nurses: 58,800
• Typical entry-level education: Post-secondary diploma

5. Veterinary Technician

Try to think of a better way to spend your days than working directly with animals. If you can't, then you may want to consider a career as a veterinary technician. A short one- to two-year veterinary technician program can get you ready to work alongside vets to care for pets and other animals of all types and sizes, from hamsters to horses. Your daily responsibilities could include administering emergency first aid, assisting during surgeries and other procedures, collecting lab samples, giving medications, performing lab tests, providing nursing care, and taking x-rays. You may find a number of job possibilities at vet clinics, animal hospitals, and other animal care settings.

• Annual pay range: $28,370 to $48,100 or higher
• New job openings: 15,500

6. Paramedic

• Annual pay range: $46,770 to $74,200 or higher
• Typical entry-level education: Post-secondary certificate

7. Massage Therapist

Begin a career in which you use your hands to help people feel better. Massage therapists offer treatments that are designed to help their clients recover from injuries, manage pain, relieve stress and tension, and simply relax. A short massage therapy program can prepare you to offer a variety of massage techniques, such as reflexology, stone therapy, and deep tissue, infant, and Swedish massage. In less than two years, you could become a registered massage therapist (RMT) and start your own practice or work in settings like spas, clinics, resorts, and cruise ships.

• Annual pay range: $24,450 to $77,600 or higher
• New job openings: 25,200

Skilled Trades, Technology, and Law Enforcement

8. wind turbine technician.

Can you picture yourself working directly with one of today's leading green technologies? That's exactly what you can do as a wind turbine technician. You may even have the opportunity to travel to install, service, and repair wind turbines across the country. You'll likely spend your days climbing wind turbines to conduct routine inspections. And you may get to troubleshoot problems and take care of issues like fixing hydraulic systems, repairing electrical issues, and replacing components. With just a short amount of schooling , you could soon be prepared to take on an active job and play a part in fighting climate change.

• Annual pay range: $46,420 to $77,810 or higher
• New job openings: 1,900

9. Police Officer

One of the highest-ranking hands-on jobs is police work. You can take on an active role in law enforcement to catch lawbreakers and help keep your community safe. You may spend your days patrolling the streets or investigating specific crimes. Many police officers join specialized units that are responsible for handling crimes like money laundering, drug trafficking, murder, or fraud. And, as long as you meet the criteria, it doesn't take long to become a police officer . Upon doing so, you may enjoy many interesting possibilities related to beginning and advancing your career.

• Annual pay range: $40,420 to $105,540 or higher
• New job openings: 58,700
• Typical entry-level education: Post-secondary certificate and police academy training

10. Mechanical Engineering Technician

Imagine taking on a practical job that involves working alongside mechanical engineers to help them design, develop, and manufacture a variety of different mechanical devices. Often, technicians focus their efforts on bringing engineers' designs to life. You may be responsible for building, testing, and manufacturing items like engines, generators, and turbines. And, as you test those items, you'll likely analyze the results and report your findings in an effort to improve the end products. So if you'd like to work with your hands in order to create tangible goods, then the field of mechanical engineering could be a great choice. Mechanical engineering technician training is available online or on campus.

• Annual pay range: $37,670 to $95,300 or higher
• New job openings: 4,200
• Typical entry-level education: Post-secondary certificate or diploma

11. Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Get your hands dirty by servicing and repairing heavy-duty machinery and equipment. Along with engines, you'll also work on fuel and brake lines, hydraulics, electrical components, and other systems and components of heavy machines like tractors, bulldozers, and railway engines. Heavy equipment mechanics perform a lot of field work, so you'll likely travel around to worksites like farms, oil fields, coal mines, rail yards, and construction and logging sites. Heavy equipment mechanic training can prepare you to work as an independent contractor, for a company, or with the government (e.g., by servicing fleets and military equipment).

• Annual pay range: $36,900 to $78,280 or higher
• New job openings: 23,900

12. Electrician

Most of the work completed by electricians is hands-on. Additionally, electrical work is one of the best-paid skilled trades with a high demand for qualified workers. Many aspiring electricians start out by taking a short electrician trade school program to develop essential skills. From there, they complete an apprenticeship that eventually leads to achieving journeyman certification. Before you know it, you could be installing, servicing, and repairing electrical systems in residential, commercial, or industrial settings.

• Annual pay range: $37,020 to $99,800 or higher
• New job openings: 79,900

13. Computer Support Technician

The information technology (IT) field offers many incredible opportunities, but computer support is likely one of the best hands-on options. In today's connected world, it's important for computer systems and networks to run optimally. Computer support technicians play a crucial part in making sure that happens. When a computer or network crashes, they jump in to get it back up and running as quickly as possible. Many technicians specialize in either user or network support. But, depending on the size of your organization or the scope of your role, you may get to work in both areas. You can start preparing for those roles by completing a short computer technician program .

• Annual pay range: $38,560 to $102,410 or higher
• New job openings: 75,000
• Typical entry-level education: Post-secondary diploma or associate degree

14. HVAC Technician

Homes and buildings require climate control and airflow, especially in places that experience extreme temperature fluctuations in the winter and summer months. HVAC technicians work with crucial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems to ensure that temperatures are properly maintained. A short HVAC training program can prepare you to install, maintain, and repair a variety of residential and commercial HVAC systems so that people can reside or work in their buildings comfortably.

• Annual pay range: $34,320 to $78,210 or higher
• New job openings: 41,100

15. Truck Driver

Put your hands on the steering wheel and head down the open road as a transport truck driver. Society relies on the work of truck drivers to move goods around cities, regions, and states, as well as across the country. In fact, a large portion of the country's manufactured products are distributed to buyers and shipping docks via commercial trucks. You can take on the responsibility of safely hauling shipments to their destinations on schedule. You'll also get to take care of pre- and post-inspections and minor vehicle and trailer maintenance. After completing your formal commercial driver's license training , you can take your state's written exams and road tests to get your CDL.

• Annual pay range: $30,710 to $72,730 or higher
• New job openings: 259,900

• Annual pay range: $31,350 to $63,660 or higher
• New job openings: 47,600

17. Automotive or Diesel Mechanic

When people talk about hands-on jobs, mechanical work is often one of the first things brought up. Plus, with the number of cars and trucks on the roads today, it's no surprise that auto and diesel mechanics are in such high demand. You can prepare for one of those positions and become a certified mechanic in only about two years. That's a small investment to make for a chance at getting a practical job you'll love. In 2021, the median annual pay for diesel mechanics was $48,690 and $46,880 for automotive mechanics . You can develop your expertise with either gas or diesel engines and learn how to use the latest tools and technology to service and repair many different makes and models of vehicles. And depending on your school, you may gain additional qualifications. For instance, diesel technology programs sometimes include a truck driving component, leading to further job options should you want to explore a different industry area.

• Annual pay range: $29,010 to $76,150 or higher
• New job openings for diesel mechanics: 28,500
• New job openings for automotive mechanics: 73,300

Design, Media Arts, Beauty, and Culinary Careers

18. fashion designer.

Think about what it would be like to have a high-profile hands-on career in fashion design. That can become your reality with as little as two to three years of post-secondary training . You may soon be ready to jump into the fashion industry and bring your designs to the masses. Many designers start their careers by working for large companies. However, the Internet has made it easier than ever for entrepreneurial fashion designers to market their own products to customers. So you have options for how to begin your career. You could soon be designing and producing men's, women's, and children's apparel, as well as accessories like purses, scarves, hats, and belts.

• Annual pay range: $37,480 to $130,870 or higher
• New job openings: 2,300

19. Restaurant Manager

Why not place yourself among the exciting hustle and bustle of a busy restaurant? You can work directly with customers and restaurant staff to ensure that everything runs smoothly. You may be responsible for overseeing the kitchen and dining areas, ordering and organizing supplies, handling employee and customer problems, staffing, scheduling, and budgeting. Depending on the size and type of restaurant, you could oversee every detail down to the daily drink specials and table décor. Restaurant management training can prepare you for career opportunities in all kinds of settings from small, locally owned cafes to large corporate franchises.

• Annual pay range: $36,630 to $98,070 or higher
• New job openings: 45,000

20. Sound Engineering Technician

Your love for music, combined with your interest in technology, could make sound engineering an awesome career choice. A recording arts or audio production education could prepare you to work in studios or at live events to take care of everything to do with sound. That could include setting up and taking down equipment, controlling sound quality and volume levels, recording audio, synchronizing audio to video, and converting recorded content into digital formats for distribution. You'll likely need to know how to maintain and repair your equipment, and you may be responsible for lighting as well. Some of the top industries for sound engineering technicians are motion picture and video production, sound recording, radio and TV broadcasting, and the performing arts.

• Annual pay range: $29,120 to $96,520 or higher
• New job openings: 1,600

Can you picture yourself using your hands and tapping into your passion for cooking to create mouthwatering meals in a professional setting? If so, then consider the exciting possibility of becoming a professional chef . In less than two years, you can obtain the culinary skills needed to start out in a commercial kitchen. By gaining some experience, you could work your way up to a head chef position. Or you could open your own restaurant and put your innovative and creative ideas into practice every day.

• Annual pay range: $30,910 to $84,570 or higher
• New job openings: 24,300

22. Skincare Specialist

In less than a year, you could be ready to jump into a hands-on beauty career that offers many amazing benefits like ample job opportunities and good earning possibilities. Not only that, you can enjoy the satisfaction that comes from helping your clients feel and look incredible. You can spend your days offering skincare services like facials, waxing, body wraps, aromatherapy, exfoliation, and acne and eczema treatments. Most people begin their careers in salon, spa, and resort settings, but you may also find opportunities with medical-based establishments. Many beauty school programs include esthetics and skincare training.

• Annual pay range: $23,088 to $65,683 or higher
• New job openings: 13,500

"I recommend using Trade-Schools.net because you can find the program that you are interested in nearby or online. " Trade-Schools.net User

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook . Some careers listed may be part of a combined occupation profile (visited June 6, 2023).

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25 High-Paying Jobs That Don't Require a 4-Year Degree

11 Min Read | Dec 19, 2023

What do Henry Ford, Walt Disney and Rachael Ray have in common?

They’re influential people with successful careers who never earned a bachelor’s degree. History is full of movers and shakers who carved their own path—far away from traditional education. Despite what our culture, your parents, or your own inner critic tell you, there are plenty of high-paying and fulfilling jobs that don’t require a degree.

Guess who else never earned a college degree? Yours truly. Yes, folks, you read that right! I left undergrad to work on a political campaign that opened incredible doors of opportunity. By the time I was 23, I had a job offer to work for the governor. I’ve never needed to go back to school because my career path didn’t require it.

Now hear me on this: While you may not need a bachelor’s degree, you do need an education! Some of these jobs we’re going to talk about require an associate degree, some trade school, and others specific certifications or apprenticeships. But here’s the bottom line: You can earn good money and enjoy meaningful work without spending four years at college.

Check out these 25 high-paying jobs (from lowest to highest salary ) that don’t require a bachelor’s degree!

25. Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Median salary: $47,670 Education needed: high school diploma, on-the-job training Job growth: 27%

These guys and gals install and maintain solar systems that convert sunlight into energy. This job involves travel to various homes and businesses. If you like being active and outdoors, this could be a great fit for you! And as this becomes a more popular energy source, we’ll see the demand for this job increase. Folks, 51% is an astronomical growth rate!  

[Note: All median salary calculations are taken from 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . ]

24. Masonry Worker

Median salary: $48,040 Education needed: high school diploma, on-the-job training Job growth: -2%

Masons work with brick, stone and concrete to build and repair various structures. But it’s no walk in the park, folks! It’s a physically demanding job that requires heavy lifting and a lot of kneeling and standing.

23. Licensed Practical Nurse

Median salary: $48,070 Education needed: postsecondary nondegree award Job growth: 6%

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work with doctors and registered nurses (RNs) to assist with patient care. They take vital signs, administer medication, and complete paperwork. Unlike an RN, LPNs don’t require a college degree. You can attend an accredited program at a vocational school to get the necessary training. 

22. Carpenter

Median salary: $48,260 Education needed: high school diploma, apprenticeship Job growth: 2%

This age-old profession isn’t growing much, but it remains a consistent way for people to create beautiful and functional things with their hands. Carpenters learn by working with a master of the trade in a formal or informal apprenticeship.

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21. Surgical Technologist

Median salary: $48,510 Education needed: postsecondary nondegree award or associate degree Job growth: 6%

Surgical techs work with surgeons and nurses to perform operations. They make sure the room is ready for the surgery, prepare all the instruments, and provide the physicians with the tools they need throughout the surgery. 

20. Real Estate Agent

Median salary: $48,770 Education needed: high school diploma, licensing requirements vary by state Job growth: 5% 

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Real estate agents (or brokers) work with clients to buy and sell homes. The neat thing about real estate is that it’s commission-based, so you eat what you kill. You can put in lots of hours and effort to grow your business, or you can work on a more flexible and part-time schedule. To really succeed as a real estate agent, you must enjoy sales and working with people. 

19. Sound Engineering Technician

Median salary: $48,790 Education needed: postsecondary nondegree award or associate degree Job growth: 10%

Sound techs set up and run sound systems for media events. The most common industries for sound techs are radio, TV, recording studios and movies. This is typically a high-energy, fast-paced job that involves lots of travel and weekend work.

18. Firefighter

Median salary: $50,700 Education needed: postsecondary nondegree award Job growth: 4%

Lots of kids dream of becoming a firefighter when they’re wondering what to do with their lives when they grow up. Because honestly, firefighters are heroes! They rescue people, animals, buildings and the environment by extinguishing dangerous fires. Becoming a firefighter is a competitive process and will also likely require becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT).  

17. Sheet Metal Worker

Median salary: $53,440 Education needed: high school diploma, apprenticeship Job growth: -1%

Sheet metal workers are can be employed in construction or manufacturing. They create and install products from thin metal sheets. It’s a physically demanding job that requires lifting, bending and squatting.

16. Wind Turbine Technician

Median salary: $56,260 Education needed: postsecondary nondegree award, on-the-job training Job growth: 44%

Wind turbines are those huge white pinwheels that dot the plains of Kansas and other windy parts of the country. As they become a popular source of alternative energy, the job demand for technicians is skyrocketing! Technicians works to install and maintain wind turbines. For this job, you must be willing to spend a lot of time outside, and it’s not recommended for people who are scared of heights.

15. Plumber

Median salary: $56,330 Education needed: high school diploma, apprenticeship Job growth: 4%

Plumbers install and repair piping systems in homes, factories and businesses. Because plumbers often respond to urgent calls (nothing is worse than a busted toilet!), they’re expected to work occasional nights and weekends.   

14. Hearing Aid Specialist

Median salary: $59,500 Education needed: high school diploma Job growth: 16%

Hearing aid specialists work with audiologists to fit, fix and maintain hearing aids for patients. They also conduct screenings and tests to ensure that the hearing aids are working well. This position offers a mix of technical and interpersonal work. Best of all, you get to give people the gift of hearing, which is simply fantastic!  

13. Electrician

Median salary: $59,880 Education needed: high school diploma, apprenticeship Job growth: 2%

If working with wires sparks your interest (sorry, dad joke), then you might consider becoming an electrician. You can attend a technical school or find an apprenticeship for on-the-job training. Electricians bring power to buildings, homes, transmission lines and a variety of equipment.

12. Occupational Therapy Assistant

Median salary: $61,520 Education needed: associate degree Job growth: 25%

Occupational therapy is all about helping people learn and practice skills to live and work. Most occupational therapy takes place after someone has had an accident, or for elderly people who need help performing daily tasks around their homes. Occupational therapy assistants work with therapists and doctors to help patients in hospitals, nursing homes and therapy offices. It’s an active and interactive job that gives you plenty of opportunities to work with people! Plus, the job growth prospects are looking solid.

11. Radiologic and MRI Technologists

Median salary: $61,980 Education needed: associate degree Job growth: 6%

Both x-rays and MRIs are diagnostic tools that help physicians and patients understand what is going on inside the body. Techs are the workers who actually run the tests and work with physicians to get the information needed in order to make a diagnosis and treat patients.

10. Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives

Median salary: $62,890 Education needed: varies, on-the-job training Job growth: 4%

Sales reps can work in a variety of products and industries. Many positions are available to people with a high school diploma, but if you’re wanting to get into a more technical product, like medical instruments, you might need a bachelor’s degree.

9. Executive Assistant

Median salary: $63,110 Education needed: high school diploma Job growth: -20% 

Executive assistants assist leaders in businesses or nonprofits. They manage the executive’s schedule, communicate on their behalf, and perform a wide variety of office tasks to keep the organization running. They’re the behind-the-scenes support to the most powerful men and women in any given organization.

8. Police Officers and Detectives 

Median salary: $66,020 Education needed: varies Job growth: 3%

Law enforcement is a demanding, exciting and rewarding career. Obviously, it’s pretty straightforward: Protect those under your care, get the bad guys, and solve the case. Most positions do not require anything beyond a high school diploma, but certain positions prefer hiring candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree, so going back to college might be worth it .

7. Aerospace Technician

Median salary: $73,580 Education needed: associate degree Job growth: 6% 

If you’ve always had a fascination with planes and enjoy technical work, then you might consider becoming an aerospace technician. You’ll work with aircrafts or spacecrafts to test and calibrate systems, as well as install and repair various parts. 

6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers/Cardiovascular Technologists

Median salary: $75,380 Education needed: associate degree Job growth: 10%

Sonographers use medical equipment to create images of organs, tissues and blood vessels that allow people to understand what’s going on inside their bodies. Cardiovascular techs work with physicians to perform complex procedures related to heart health, such as inserting stents or pacemakers. They also help perform tests to diagnose cardiac health problems in patients.

These jobs are experiencing higher than average growth, which means you should have plenty of employment opportunities if you go this route!

5. Dental Hygienist

Median salary: $77,810 Education needed: associate degree Job growth: 9%

While cleaning teeth may not be for everyone, dental hygienists get a chance to impact their patients’ lives by take caring of their oral health. They screen patients, take x-rays, remove plaque from teeth, and counsel patients about good hygiene and nutrition habits. Most programs take three years to complete, and you must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam in order to practice.

4. Web Developer

Median salary: $78,300 Education needed: associate degree Job growth: 23%

Web developers blend a unique set of technical and creative skills to design and build websites. This is a high-demand job that you can find in a variety of agencies or businesses. Or you can even strike out on your own as a freelancer if you’re willing to make solid connections . And the pay is great!

3. Nuclear Technician

Median salary: $84,190 Education needed: associate degree Job growth: -19%

Nuclear techs work in nuclear power plants and use computers and other equipment to monitor and run nuclear reactors. They work closely with scientists and engineers. This job offers competitive pay, but keep in mind that it’s on the decline, which means poor job security in the future.

2. Elevator Installer and Repairer

Median salary: $97,860 Education needed: high school diploma Job growth: -17%

This is one of those random jobs that most people take for granted! As it turns out, elevator installers and repairers make good money working with their hands. It’s no surprise that they often work in cramped spaces around heavy machinery. They’re often required to be on call 24 hours a day for repairs. But if you’re afraid of heights, this probably isn’t the job for you!

1. Air Traffic Controller

Median salary: $129,750 Education needed: associate degree Job growth: 1%

Air traffic controllers have the exciting, high-stakes job of directing air traffic from the ground. They sit in those towers with lots of windows that you see at airports. Air traffic controllers often work nights and weekends to keep up with travel schedules. It’s a demanding job with a rewarding result—making sure people take off, travel and land safely!  

What Career Is Right for You?

Don't get me wrong—going to college may very well be the best path for you to pursue a career that lets you use your talents, perform your passions, and create results you care deeply about. But it also may  not  be, and I want you to be open to that possibility.

College degrees have become a status symbol, and we've been told that we're set up to fail in our careers if we don't have one. That we're "less than" if we take a different route after high school. Don't listen to that garbage, folks! The 25 jobs we just looked at—and plenty of others—are proof that you can excel and be fulfilled without a degree.

You  are the secret sauce to your success in life, not a fancy (and expensive) sheet of paper.

1. Start tuning in to  The Ken Coleman Show   to hear more career tips and strategies. You can even call in to the show at 844-747-2577 or email your questions to  [email protected] .

2. Look through the list we just went over to see if any of those potential roles stand out to you. Do any of them fit within your  talents  or  passions ?

3. To really get clear on what role is right for you, check out my free  Career Clarity Guide . Discovering what you were created to do isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.

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About the author

Ken Coleman

Ken Coleman is a career expert and author of the national bestselling book From Paycheck to Purpose and the #1 national bestseller The Proximity Principle. He hosts The Ken Coleman Show, a nationally syndicated, caller-driven show that helps listeners discover what they were born to do. Ken makes regular appearances on Fox News, and he co-hosts The Ramsey Show, the second-largest talk show in the nation. Through his speaking, broadcasting and syndicated columns, Ken gives people expert career advice, providing strategic steps to grow professionally, land their dream job, and get promoted.  Learn More.

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If you keep asking yourself, “What should I do with my life?” and just feel stumped, here are seven questions that can help you figure out your purpose.

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1. Police Officer

2. commercial pilot, 3. gaming manager.

• 4. Electrical Powerline Installer

5. Elevator Installer and Repairer

6. transportation inspector.

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The Bottom Line

• Salaries & Compensation

6 High-Paying Jobs With Low Education Requirements

Katrina Ávila Munichiello is an experienced editor, writer, fact-checker, and proofreader with more than fourteen years of experience working with print and online publications.

If you're ready to start your career or make a change from your current job, and you don't want to spend a lot of time and money on school, there are jobs you can get with a high-school education, plus some additional specialized training.

All these jobs pay substantially more than what high school grads generally end up earning. That number is $42,068 per year and is taken from data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the median earnings of a high school graduate.

There are plenty of reasons to be interested in alternatives to jobs that require college . Trillions, to be precise: American student loan debt has now reached roughly $1.74 trillion. Many recent graduates will be repaying their loans for 10 years or more.

Key Takeaways

• High-paying jobs that don't require a college degree include police officers, commercial pilots, and gaming managers.
• More technical jobs, such as powerline and elevator installers and transportation inspectors, may require specific training.
• Not all jobs that require a college degree will make it a hard rule if you can prove you have adequate experience and can handle the job without too much training.
• Certain jobs that don't require a degree will be working for the government. This can mean substantial retirement and healthcare benefits.
• More than 43.4 million Americans are saddled with student loan debt for college degrees.

Although many police officers do have college degrees , the minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma. The recruiting process is fairly competitive. In addition, in order to qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen and be over 21 years of age. Because it's a physically taxing job, you may be required to meet certain physical standards. Once you're hired, you'll probably have to attend police academy training.

Job growth for police officers is expected to be about 7% from 2020 to 2030. There are also opportunities for advancement into the detective and criminal investigator ranks, where salaries can hit six digits in some locations. The median annual salary for a police officer was $66,020.

Although it may pay well, police-force jobs have some of the highest rates of injury and illness among occupations, and there may not be any consistency with your shifts. In fact, many officers work around the clock and it becomes difficult to balance their family life outside of their work.

Most major airlines require pilots to have a college degree, but there are a number of options if you don't have a degree. In fact, you can fly charters and work for smaller companies as a cargo pilot, tour pilot, or ferry pilot. You'll need to pass a written Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exam and get a medical certificate, as well as complete 250 hours of flight time that is required to earn your license.

The industry is expected to grow by about 13% between 2020 and 2030. Most vacancies will arise as a result of pilots retiring, as opposed to an increase in the number of positions. The median annual salary for a commercial pilot was $99,640.

If you love the glitter of casinos and the thrill of gambling, you may enjoy a career as a gaming manager. You don't even need to move to Vegas to get in on the action, although you will need to live somewhere with legal gambling.

Gaming managers are usually moved up from the ranks after a couple of years of on-the-job training in a casino, and no formal education is required beyond a high school diploma. The gaming industry as a whole has a projected growth from 2020 to 2030 of 24%, dwarfing the 8% average for all occupations. The average annual salary for a gaming manager is $89,190.

4. Electrical Powerline Installer and Repairer

You need to be pretty fearless to work as a powerline installer. These are the workers who are called to fix downed or damaged lines after a storm or other disaster. Those who have a manageable fear of heights will find that the pay can be great if you are able to go where others won't.

You don't need a college degree, but you do need to have some advanced math (i.e. algebra and trigonometry) to pass the recruiting process. From there, your employer will put you through an extensive training program. Electrical powerline installers and repairers earn an average of $74,530 per year. The career outlook isn't forecasted to grow between 2020 and 2030, but it isn't expected to shrink either.

Find a good apprenticeship program, and you're on your way to a six-figure income in many locations. You don't need a degree to get in, but you do need competency in advanced math and engineering. Paid apprenticeships usually take about five years and cover things like electrical theory, physics, and technical specs. Once you're done, you'll need to get a license—some may require an exam—in order to work.

The median annual salary for an elevator installer and repairer.

This industry is expected to grow by 6% between 2020 and 2030, with new installation and maintenance expected to drive growth and demand for new workers. Keep in mind that you may be required to work in small, cramped spaces. Because this equipment runs all day, every day, you may be on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Planes, trains, ships, and subways all need transportation inspectors to keep people and cargo moving safely. In certain high-freight areas—think Texas and the coasts—demand for transportation inspectors is growing by upwards of 12% from 2020 to 2030.

You don't need a college degree to do the job, but you will need to complete some fairly extensive on-the-job training. Working as a transportation inspector earns an average annual salary of $77,620.

What Is the Highest Paying Job With Only a High School Diploma?

The jobs listed in this article are some of the highest-paying jobs that don't require a college degree. Of course, the highest paying job with or without a degree would be that of the entrepreneur, as their salary and income are nearly limitless.

What Is the Best Job for a High School Student?

Because your earning potential is extremely low, the best jobs for high school students are ones where you can make some money while learning valuable skills. Retail can teach you how to deal with many different types of people and also how to sell. Some jobs, like cooking or landscaping, teach you the value of hard labor in tough conditions. If you know which career path you want to pursue, you could look into receiving low pay to work as someone's assistant.

Is It Bad to Not Have a College Degree?

College is expensive and takes a considerable amount of time and effort. Many students, especially at top-tier schools, are consumed with their course load and are unable to work outside of their studying. Although college graduates have a higher earning potential, the reality is that many find that the extra time gained by not attending college can be well spent on one of the career paths in this article, or starting your own business. Considering that the average four-year cost of attendance living on campus is $101,948 for in-state students, it might make sense for some to not pursue a degree, and jump into the workforce instead.

For some, a college degree doesn't make sense. As you can see from this article, you aren't required to possess higher education in order to bring home a respectable salary. Be prepared for a steep learning curve, as you will be expected to learn and adapt quickly on the job when formal training is not available.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Unemployment Rates and Earnings by Educational Attainment ."

Education Data Initiative. " Student Loan Debt Statistics ."

Federal Student Aid. " Standard Plan ."

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Police and Detectives ."

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. " Title 14, Part 61—Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors ."

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Airline and Commercial Pilots: Summary ."

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Airline and Commercial Pilots: Pay ."

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Gaming Services Workers: Job Outlook ."

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Gambling Managers ."

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Line Installers and Repairers ."

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers ."

Career One Stop. " Projected Employment, Percent Change 2019-2029 for Transportation Inspectors in United States ."

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Transportation Inspectors ."

Education Data Initiative. " Average Cost of College & Tuition ."

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These Are the Jobs With the Most Pay for the Least Effort, According to Reddit

A Reddit thread in r/AusFinance discusses precisely that, with folks sharing their experiences of jobs that offer a decent ratio of hours worked to salary. Note that these comments are just individual folks sharing their experiences (over the past year or so), so these careers might not be the same at all companies or in all countries. But it’s still interesting to see what trends pop up, regardless.

Jobs with the highest pay for the least amount of work

Field Application Specialist

One of the most popular answers in the Reddit thread comes from user ‘lightskinkanye’ who said their job as a Field Application Specialist at a biotech company earns them $120,ooo a year. Woah!

So what does a field application specialist do exactly?

“Basically, my job is to do customer training and troubleshooting. The training is very rare, we don’t sell new instruments very often from my portfolio. The troubleshooting usually boils down to ‘run it again, you fucked up, let me send it to global support’. I spend most of my day WFH playing WoW on my PC with my work laptop next to me and just answer emails/calls when they pop up. Some weeks I work a lot. Most weeks I do not.”

Tech support for a big company

One post in the thread pointed to the high salary of employees at big tech companies, particularly for those in tech support. A few Reddit users came out to support this comment.

“I get paid $160k for ‘working’ a couple hours a day in tech support for an international tech company. The ‘working’ time is when I’m on the phone or remote session with customers who call our support line, maybe 5-15 mins a call, 5-10 calls a day. Most of the time it’s just waiting by the phone.” – ‘U/squat_bench_press’

“I sit somewhere between engineering & product, some days require a full 8 hours but a lot of days half of that is enough to get the work done. It’s interesting too! >170k” – ‘QueasyAllday’

Security guard

Security guards often have to deal with some of the roughest parts of the community, but at other times it’s a pretty cruisy job.

Redditor ‘MushyTushy7’ shared their experience of the role, commenting:

“I’m 19, and I live in Australia. I’m a security guard and I work night shifts while studying, I’m earning 2.5g a fortnight after tax for 40 hour weeks. I go on a 5min walk (internal and external patrol) every hour and a half, and at the end of my shift I write a report that takes 2 minutes. The rest of my shift is spent either studying, having lunch, or watching Netflix on the couch. It’s decent pay considering the fact that I don’t have any qualifications, and work experience other than McDonald’s and a HSC.”

We can all dream of making that much money in our teenage years.

IT contracting and sales

Our lives have shifted to primarily become digital, so it should come as no surprise that IT jobs seem to be where it’s at.

“IT contracting. Move from one big company to the next. Do a solid enough job to build a decent reputation — but not outstanding or you’ll be put on the high pressure and high visibility projects with more responsibility. Not too much of a stretch to bring in 220-250k after a few years experience. Keep in mind that you’ll need to clock 40 hours a week, but if you find the right balance you might only be genuinely busy for a third of that time.” – ‘Astro86868’

“Tech sales for the win. 200-300k a year. 2/3 hours per day. Free lunch, drinks, travel, health insurance, booze. Good fun people. If you can handle having a target, it’s a great role.” – ‘ELL_J’

Another user, ‘Bisah1342’, said a role in tech sales could earn $200-400k for under 38 hours of work, but it was unclear in which international market this was applicable.

A third user, TraditionalAddress8, shared in r/Jobs that their gig in IT gets them loads of money for little effort.

“Currently in Senior IT level. My day consists of watching for alerts, delegating my thoughts to engineers on site and generally browsing reddit all day long. “It pays exceptionally well and I often wonder how long I can keep this jig up before they cotton on.”

Electrician

A few Redditors put their hand up to say being an electrician is one of the best trades to have.

“Heavy diesel electrician is probably the cushiest sub category I’ve seen. 150 an hour as a subbie, full time employees will keep half that” – ‘DankMemelord25’ “Sparky, 40 hour week, easy to find 100k jobs now, doing something as simple as project construction works. Running cables. You get fit too.” – ‘ticklesmebickles’

These are just some of the professions listed in the insightful Reddit thread, but there are plenty of other careers that can earn you big pay with an equal life balance if you’re willing to put the work in. Additionally, if you’d like to learn about the Aussie jobs that get the highest salaries on average, you can find that information here .

Do you work a job that you consider has a good pay-to-hours-worked ratio? Let us know in the comments.

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The 50 jobs that pay the most in Little Rock if you have a graduate degree

Posted: April 16, 2024 | Last updated: April 16, 2024

Highest paying jobs in Little Rock that require a graduate degree

Education pays.

At least, that's what  Bureau of Labor Statistics data  shows. Higher degree holders earn more and experience lower unemployment rates than those without degrees or with lesser degrees. On a weekly basis, master's degree holders earn over $500 more than the median for all U.S. workers over age 25, and doctoral degree holders earn about $850 more than that median. Professional degree holders like doctors, lawyers, and veterinarians earn even more, at nearly $870 more than the median.

However, advanced degrees often cost significant funds to obtain. A year of graduate tuition and fees  cost about $19,750  for the 2020-21 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The average at private institutions was even more, at $26,620 per year. Some programs offer assistantships or fellowships that offset those costs, but many students will be on the hook for paying or borrowing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Other data from the center, released in July 2023, shows that  nearly 3 in 4 graduate students received financial aid  in the 2019-20 academic year, in amounts averaging about $25,300.

The catch? Much of the aid doled out to graduate students is in loans. Graduate students who took out loans averaged $26,000, compared to an average of $11,300 in grant funds among recipients. A  Center for American Progress analysis  found that graduate debt rose from 2010-11 to 2017-18 while undergraduate debt fell, and the share of student debt accumulated by graduate students rose to 40%.

Is the higher pay worth the cost? That's up to prospective graduate students to decide. Using  Bureau of Labor Statistics data ,  Stacker  compiled a list of the highest-paying jobs that require a graduate degree in Little Rock, painting a clearer picture of the earnings potential. Jobs listed here require a master's, doctorate, or other professional degree and are ranked by their median annual pay as of May 2022. Any jobs without annual compensation figures available were excluded from this analysis.

Read on to see what a graduate degree could earn you in Little Rock.

This story features data reporting and writing by Paxtyn Merten and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 366 metros.

#50. Archivists

- Median annual wage: $48,810 - Median hourly wage: $23.47 - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 30 people (0.1 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#49. Postsecondary teachers, all other

- Median annual wage: $49,710 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 120 people (0.35 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#48. Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $50,250 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 30 people (0.09 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#47. Statisticians

- Median annual wage: $53,270 - Median hourly wage: $25.61 - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 100 people (0.29 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#46. Family medicine physicians

- Median annual wage: $56,440 - Median hourly wage: $27.14 - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 790 people (2.36 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Internship/residency

#45. Healthcare social workers

- Median annual wage: $58,680 - Median hourly wage: $28.21 - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 460 people (1.37 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Internship/residency

#44. Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors

- Median annual wage: $58,780 - Median hourly wage: $28.26 - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 480 people (1.43 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#43. Librarians and media collections specialists

- Median annual wage: $59,940 - Median hourly wage: $28.82 - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 270 people (0.81 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#42. Education teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $60,250 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 80 people (0.24 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#41. Communications teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $61,040 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 60 people (0.19 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#39. Instructional coordinators (tie)

- Median annual wage: $61,170 - Median hourly wage: $29.41 - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 450 people (1.34 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#39. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists (tie)

- Median annual wage: $61,170 - Median hourly wage: $29.41 - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 150 people (0.44 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#38. School psychologists

- Median annual wage: $61,760 - Median hourly wage: $29.69 - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 70 people (0.2 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Internship/residency

#37. English language and literature teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $61,810 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 90 people (0.27 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#36. Chemistry teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $61,870 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 50 people (0.16 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#35. Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $62,030 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 70 people (0.2 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#34. Biological science teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $62,710 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 80 people (0.24 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#33. History teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $62,770 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 40 people (0.1 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#32. Urban and regional planners

- Median annual wage: $64,240 - Median hourly wage: $30.88 - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 50 people (0.16 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#31. Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $66,000 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 40 people (0.11 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#30. Judicial law clerks

- Median annual wage: $66,050 - Median hourly wage: $31.75 - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 60 people (0.18 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#29. Psychology teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $66,140 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 50 people (0.15 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#28. Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $66,450 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 180 people (0.52 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#27. Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $66,510 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 40 people (0.11 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#26. Nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $73,160 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 160 people (0.49 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#25. Speech-language pathologists

- Median annual wage: $76,510 - Median hourly wage: $36.79 - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 670 people (2.0 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Internship/residency

#24. Orthotists and prosthetists

- Median annual wage: $77,340 - Median hourly wage: $37.19 - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 50 people (0.16 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Internship/residency

#23. Chiropractors

- Median annual wage: $78,130 - Median hourly wage: $37.56 - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 80 people (0.25 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#22. Occupational therapists

- Median annual wage: $79,960 - Median hourly wage: $38.44 - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 570 people (1.68 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#21. Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other

- Median annual wage: $80,810 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 40 people (0.11 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#20. Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary

- Median annual wage: $82,130 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 630 people (1.86 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#19. Psychiatrists

- Median annual wage: $84,670 - Median hourly wage: $40.71 - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 60 people (0.19 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Internship/residency

#18. Lawyers

- Median annual wage: $87,240 - Median hourly wage: $41.94 - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 1,610 people (4.79 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#17. Computer science teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $87,410 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 90 people (0.25 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#16. Physical therapists

- Median annual wage: $89,730 - Median hourly wage: $43.14 - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 670 people (2.0 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#15. Audiologists

- Median annual wage: $89,980 - Median hourly wage: $43.26 - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 60 people (0.16 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#14. Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $90,020 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 50 people (0.16 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#13. Veterinarians

- Median annual wage: $91,680 - Median hourly wage: $44.08 - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 130 people (0.38 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#12. Education administrators, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $100,090 - Median hourly wage: $48.12 - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 350 people (1.06 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#11. Economics teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $101,360 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: Not available - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#10. Business teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $102,680 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 110 people (0.34 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#9. Nurse practitioners

- Median annual wage: $102,880 - Median hourly wage: $49.46 - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 930 people (2.76 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#8. Optometrists

- Median annual wage: $120,450 - Median hourly wage: $57.91 - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 90 people (0.28 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#7. Pharmacists

- Median annual wage: $127,840 - Median hourly wage: $61.46 - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 1,070 people (3.18 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#6. Health specialties teachers, postsecondary

- Median annual wage: $164,640 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 1,590 people (4.74 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#5. Nurse anesthetists

- Median annual wage: $169,070 - Median hourly wage: $81.28 - Education required: Master's degree - Total employment: 160 people (0.46 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#4. Physicians, all other

- Median annual wage: $178,000 - Median hourly wage: $85.58 - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 780 people (2.32 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Internship/residency

#3. Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates

- Median annual wage: $180,130 - Median hourly wage: $86.60 - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 60 people (0.19 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training

#2. Dentists, general

- Median annual wage: $200,530 - Median hourly wage: $96.41 - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 270 people (0.8 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

#1. Physicians, pathologists

- Median annual wage: Exact median salary unknown; at least $239,200 per year or $115 per hour - Education required: Doctoral or professional degree - Total employment: 60 people (0.17 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Internship/residency

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