21 Best-Paying Jobs for College Dropouts Right Now

There’s no question about it: college is expensive, and it’s only getting more expensive yearly.

While the long-term financial benefits of going to college are undeniable, you might be unable to justify the cost of tuition if you’re worried about finding employment after graduation.

College dropouts face an uphill battle in today’s job market. However, the good news is that there are still plenty of high-paying jobs available to them – they have to be willing to work in different fields than their peers who went to college.

The 21 highest-paying jobs for college dropouts right now are very lucrative. They offer some of the best opportunities in the business world.

If you have any of these careers, you’re likely swimming in more money than you know what to do with.

Jobs for College Dropouts, Best Paying Jobs for College Dropouts

Director of Security

Being, a director of security in a company or any organization is one of the best jobs for college dropouts.

Salary depends on experience and the size of the company. The average salary for a director of security is $120,840 a year.

As a director of security, you will be responsible for developing and implementing policies.

Ensure that physical and information assets are adequately protected from internal and external threats.

Computer Programmer

A bachelor’s degree isn’t required to become a computer programmer; you can work as a computer programmer as a college dropout if you have the required skills.

The median annual wage in 2014 was $89,190 for computer programmers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Data Scientists

Data scientists are in high demand, so if you have a solid math and statistics background and the required skills and experience, then it’s worth considering as a college dropout.

The salary for a data scientist ranges from $70,000 to $110,000.

Radiation Therapists

Radiation therapists treat cancer patients with ionizing radiation. Note that most companies require that you have a bachelor’s degree.

Others may require a high school diploma, so this is also /an excellent career for college dropouts.

They must be licensed by a state health board and certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The salary of a Radiation therapist can range from$49,720 to $87,120

Truck Driver

One of the best-paying jobs for college dropouts is becoming a truck driver. According to Indeed, drivers earn an average of $77,527 a year.

Personal Trainer

As a personal trainer, you can work one-on-one with people to help them develop healthy lifestyles.

Depending on your client’s goals, this may involve more exercise or dietary changes.

The salary ranges from $47,000 to $72,000 per year.

Real Estate Agent

The real estate market is excellent right now. Home values are on a steady incline, which means people will be looking to buy houses.

If you’re a college dropout with a drive to succeed, consider becoming a real estate agent.

The salary of a real estate agent varies greatly depending on location. Still, it’s estimated that you can make anywhere from $58,000 to $80,000 annually.

You don’t need a college degree to become a real estate agent.

Freelance Writer

A freelance writer, copywriter, or content creator creates and sells written content to businesses and individuals.

Freelance writing is ideal for anyone looking to make money online because you can start your business doing something you enjoy.

The salary range for freelance writers depends on experience and skill level. Still, you can expect to make between $4,000 and $60,000 a year.

USPS Worker

USPS workers are responsible for collecting and delivering mail on a regular route by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot. They sort mail and deliver it to post office boxes and individual addresses.

Workers lift and carry mail bags that weigh up to 50 pounds.

Workers in local, rural, or suburban mail delivery positions within the United States Postal Service earn $62,800 annually. A high school diploma or equivalent is required to apply.

Wind Turbine Technician

Wind Turbine Technician makes around $58,000 a Year. Their job is basically to inspect, maintain and repair wind turbines.

Good pay, flexibility, and job security are common reasons people become wind turbine technicians.

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Photographer

A good eye and access to a quality camera or smartphone are all needed to earn money as a photographer. According to Payscale, photographers earn an average of $49709.

Home Health Aides

You don’t need a degree to help others. Instead, you need a caring personality and dedication to your work, which is precisely what you’ll get from home health aides.

The salary of a home health aide is $20,500. That’s almost twice as many high school graduates make out of college.

Mechanic/Technician for Automotive Services

One of the best-paying jobs for a college dropout is that of mechanic or technician in automotive services. The average salary of a mechanic/technician is $53,000 annually.

Call Centre Agent

A call center agent handles inbound calls from customers. The median annual salary is $30,620, and it’s expected to increase by 10% over the next decade.

Sommelier

A sommelier is a wine steward who specializes in wine service and knowledge. Sommeliers typically help pair specific wines with different dishes in high-end restaurants.

The salary of a sommelier can vary widely depending on their level of experience and geographic location.

For example, in New York City, an entry-level sommelier could earn between $45,000 and $65,000 per year.

Waste Disposal Professional

If you lack a college degree but want a job that will pay you well, consider becoming a waste disposal professional.

The salary estimates that these professionals can earn upwards of $50,000 annually in some areas of the country.

Sales Representative

If you can’t stand to be inside an office all day, consider a career in sales. Sales reps spend lots of time on their feet and dealing with customers.

They’re also often paid well and are constantly meeting new people.

Solar Installer

According to Glassdoor, solar installers pay an average of $51,000 annually. Installers typically have to be able to lift 50 pounds (at least), and they often work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Millwright

A Millwright, also known as a machine operator, has learned to operate and service heavy machinery such as welding equipment, presses, and grinders.

The salary of a millwright varies depending on their experience and education level. An average salary could be up to $48,859 per year

Plumber

If you didn’t graduate from college, you could still succeed. In fact, if you want to make perfect money fast, one of your best bets is working as a plumber.

The salary range of plumbers varies depending on where you live. Still, as a rough estimate, you can expect to make between $50,000 and $80,000 per year.

This is based on an average of about $30 per hour in a given state.

Massage Therapist

At an average annual salary of $41,800, massage therapists hold one of the best-paying positions for college dropouts.

In addition to enjoying a comfortable yearly salary, these workers have low-stress levels and excellent job security.

Conclusion

There’s no substitute for a college degree, but you can boost your earning potential and gain skills out of high school.

These are some of the best Jobs for a college dropout, best-paying jobs for college dropouts.

As technology evolves and job opportunities change, there will be plenty more to choose from in years to come.

So, get a head start on your career now and grab one of these top jobs; after all, it won’t hurt to add an extra degree to your resume.