7 Careers to Get Into Without a College Degree

What careers can you get into without a degree? Are there high-paying jobs that don’t require experience? The good news is, having specific in-demand skills combined with creativity and passion can earn you good money even without a college degree. Several job opportunities out there require essential skills besides a college diploma.

As the demand for skilled professionals grows, you can build a rewarding career and financial stability without the traditional path of higher education. So, if you’re on a job hunt, here’s a list of high-paying jobs without a college degree you can secure.

Real Estate Agent

Real estate is one of the careers to get into without a degree. Professionals in this field facilitate the buying, selling, or renting of residential and commercial properties. Real estate work involves:

• Assessing property values
• Marketing listings
• Connecting buyers with suitable properties
• Negotiating transactions 
• Guiding clients through the transaction processes
   

Even though you do not need a college diploma to become a real estate agent, you’ll need to enroll in a real estate course to get a license. You'll also need to stay informed about the market trends and understand property laws. Knowing how to work with people is also a benefit in this industry. Do you also have strong negotiation skills? If yes, that's also a bonus.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

A licensed practical nurse is a high-paying job that doesn’t require experience, and you can pursue it without a college degree. As a licensed practical nurse, you provide patient care under the instructions of registered nurses and doctors. Your duties may include the following:

• Taking vital signs of patients
• Changing their bandages
• Administering medical equipment 
• Maintaining medical records
   

These roles may vary depending on your training level, the nature of the job, and its location. You only need to enroll in an LPN program for 12–24 months with an accredited vocational college and pass the NCLEX-PN exam to qualify.

Sales Representative

Sales representatives market and sell goods or services to companies, businesses, and government entities. They can also act as liaisons between wholesalers or manufacturers.

In addition to selling goods and services, their other duties may include:

• Reviewing sales data
• Organizing expense reports
• Delivering sales presentations
• Maintaining customer relationships
• Finding new customers
   

To become a good sales representative, you must be personable, adaptable, and self-driven. Besides a high school diploma, you could also pursue Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP) or other industry-specific credentials and advanced training.

Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

An occupational therapy assistant works under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Their duty is to help their patients perform exercises and any therapeutic activity as instructed by the occupational therapist. 

Their places of work may be at home with the patient, in the hospital, in nursing homes, or in therapy offices. OTAs are required to have an associate degree. 

Executive Assistant

Executive assistants provide high-level administrative support to an executive or a team of executives in a business or an organization. Their duties include:

• Managing schedules and appointments
• Screening and handling phone calls and emails
• Coordinating meetings and travel arrangements 
• Preparing reports and presentations
   

To become an excellent executive assistant, you must be a highly organized and tech-savvy. You also need to have excellent communication, multitasking, and quick-thinking skills.

Home Health Aide

Home health aides provide personal care to patients and assist with activities of daily living, typically in patients’ homes or in group homes or day services programs.

The demand for home health aides is expected to grow significantly in the next decade, making it a good option for entry-level job seekers. Becoming a home health aide is also a great first step toward a career as a CNA, RN, physical therapy assistant, or other specialized healthcare roles.

In addition to a high school diploma, home health aides are also required to complete a certification course and, in some cases, additional state-required training.

Commercial Driver

Commercial truck driving is one of the most accessible high-paying careers out there. You’ll need to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL), but no college degree is required. With only a few weeks of training, you can become qualified for local and long-haul truck driving positions. Experienced drivers can earn approximately $50,000 to $70,000, with overtime pay boosting yearly income.

There is high demand for truck drivers too, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting 4% growth through 2032. If you like solitude, travel, and operating large vehicles, commercial driving could be a lucrative option.

Land Your Dream Job

While furthering your education is good, a college degree is not the sole gateway to a prosperous career. Vocational training, certifications, apprenticeships, and experience can also open doors to high-earning positions. 

Once you find a career path that aligns with your skills and aspirations, explore our Resource Center for expert job search advice on resume writing, interviewing, salary negotiation, and much more.