Ten Career Choices That Doesn't Require College...... (Oklahoma City, Tulsa: sales, real estate)

[Howest2008]

by Michael Kling

You don't have to go to college earn a decent living. Some professions pay good salaries without requiring post-secondary schooling.

A college degree can be a great path towards a well-paying, satisfying profession, but a bachelor's degree isn't for everyone. In fact, some see advanced education as overrated. A surge in the number of college graduates have dampened the value of a college education. College comes intact with high tuition, room and board, and supplies fees - and that's not even factoring in debt payments that usually last for years, if not decades.

Trusting the 'Net
Beware of online lists of top-paying professions with little schooling. Some lists cite obscure professions or ones requiring long-term on-the-job training. Just because a profession doesn't officially require a degree is no indicator that and education wouldn't be advantageous, especially for inexperienced applicants in today's competitive job market.

Your New Career
Here's a list of top-paying jobs requiring little schooling, and their median annual earnings as of 2006, using the latest data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Keep in mind that these jobs have their own challenges and often require some type of specialized schooling - sometimes on-the-job training.





1. Air Traffic Controllers: $117,200



These workers make sure airplanes land and take off safely, and they typically top lists of this nature. The median 50% earned between $86,860-142,210, with good benefits. Air traffic controllers are eligible to retire at age 50 with 20 years of service, or after 25 years at any age.

Watching blinking dots on a radar screen that control the lives of hundreds can be stressful, and the job require specialized FAA schooling and on-the-job training. Typically, two to four years of training are needed in order to become fully certified, although previous military experience can cut that time down significantly.



2. Industrial Production Managers: $77,670



They oversee manufacturing activities. A college degree is preferred, but not necessarily mandatory. They often work in industries such as aviation and automobiles.



3. First-Line Police and Detective Supervisors: $69,300



Police officers can advance through the ranks to become supervisors by passing exams and achieving good performance reviews, and advanced training can help win promotions.



4. Funeral Director: $49,620



College programs in mortuary science usually last from two to four years. You typically must also serve a one-year apprenticeship, pass an exam and obtain a state license. Hours can be long and irregular. Dealing with dead bodies and crying relatives isn't for everyone.

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More From Invesopedia

• Retire A Millionaire In 10 Steps
• A Bigger Salary Or Better Benefits?
• 8 Great Companies With Top-Notch Healthcare Benefits

5. Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers: $47,460



Police corporals had an average minimum annual base salary of $44,160, according to the International City-County Management Association. But total income can significantly exceed base salary because of overtime pay. And police officers can often retire at half-pay after 25-30 years of service.

Applicants usually must have at least a high school education, and some departments require a year or two of college or even a degree. Rookies are trained at police academies.



6. Advertising Sales Agents: $42,750



20% have a high school degree or less, and 10% have an Associate's degree.



7. Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents: $39,760



Don't let that figure fool you; the highest 10% earned more than $111,500. While advanced coursework is not necessarily required, new entrants must pass an exam and get a state license. Connections in the community and a willingness to work hard are what really count, but experience and a good housing market also help.



8. Occupational Therapist Assistants: $42,060



These workers usually need an associate degree or a certificate. They work with occupational therapists, helping injured patients recover from, or compensate for, lost motor skills. Job prospects are good in the growing health care field, especially for those with some post-secondary education.



9. Occupational Therapist Aides: $25,000



These employees receive most training on the job. Under supervision of occupational therapists, they also work with injured people. Competition for jobs is tougher for those with only a high school diploma.



10. Physical Therapist Assistants: $41,360



These workers deal with physical therapists, helping patents improve mobility, relieve pain or overcome injuries or disabilities. Those working in home health care services tend to make more on average. Aides, earning an average of $22,000, are trained on the job. Assistants, who have greater responsibilities, typically need an associate's degree.


The Bottom Line
Despite a recession, plenty of career paths can lead to well-paying professions without spending four years or more hitting the books, including opportunities in law enforcement, health care and sales. The goal is to find a job that matches your own particular talents and preferences in addition to supporting your lifestyle.


Next: Top 10 Companies Hiring

[Howest2008]

Originally Posted by Howest2008

by Michael Kling

You don't have to go to college earn a decent living. Some professions pay good salaries without requiring post-secondary schooling.

A college degree can be a great path towards a well-paying, satisfying profession, but a bachelor's degree isn't for everyone. In fact, some see advanced education as overrated. A surge in the number of college graduates have dampened the value of a college education. College comes intact with high tuition, room and board, and supplies fees - and that's not even factoring in debt payments that usually last for years, if not decades.

Trusting the 'Net
Beware of online lists of top-paying professions with little schooling. Some lists cite obscure professions or ones requiring long-term on-the-job training. Just because a profession doesn't officially require a degree is no indicator that and education wouldn't be advantageous, especially for inexperienced applicants in today's competitive job market.

Your New Career
Here's a list of top-paying jobs requiring little schooling, and their median annual earnings as of 2006, using the latest data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Keep in mind that these jobs have their own challenges and often require some type of specialized schooling - sometimes on-the-job training.





1. Air Traffic Controllers: $117,200



These workers make sure airplanes land and take off safely, and they typically top lists of this nature. The median 50% earned between $86,860-142,210, with good benefits. Air traffic controllers are eligible to retire at age 50 with 20 years of service, or after 25 years at any age.

Watching blinking dots on a radar screen that control the lives of hundreds can be stressful, and the job require specialized FAA schooling and on-the-job training. Typically, two to four years of training are needed in order to become fully certified, although previous military experience can cut that time down significantly.



2. Industrial Production Managers: $77,670



They oversee manufacturing activities. A college degree is preferred, but not necessarily mandatory. They often work in industries such as aviation and automobiles.



3. First-Line Police and Detective Supervisors: $69,300



Police officers can advance through the ranks to become supervisors by passing exams and achieving good performance reviews, and advanced training can help win promotions.



4. Funeral Director: $49,620



College programs in mortuary science usually last from two to four years. You typically must also serve a one-year apprenticeship, pass an exam and obtain a state license. Hours can be long and irregular. Dealing with dead bodies and crying relatives isn't for everyone.

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More From Invesopedia

• Retire A Millionaire In 10 Steps
• A Bigger Salary Or Better Benefits?
• 8 Great Companies With Top-Notch Healthcare Benefits

5. Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers: $47,460



Police corporals had an average minimum annual base salary of $44,160, according to the International City-County Management Association. But total income can significantly exceed base salary because of overtime pay. And police officers can often retire at half-pay after 25-30 years of service.

Applicants usually must have at least a high school education, and some departments require a year or two of college or even a degree. Rookies are trained at police academies.



6. Advertising Sales Agents: $42,750



20% have a high school degree or less, and 10% have an Associate's degree.



7. Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents: $39,760



Don't let that figure fool you; the highest 10% earned more than $111,500. While advanced coursework is not necessarily required, new entrants must pass an exam and get a state license. Connections in the community and a willingness to work hard are what really count, but experience and a good housing market also help.



8. Occupational Therapist Assistants: $42,060



These workers usually need an associate degree or a certificate. They work with occupational therapists, helping injured patients recover from, or compensate for, lost motor skills. Job prospects are good in the growing health care field, especially for those with some post-secondary education.



9. Occupational Therapist Aides: $25,000



These employees receive most training on the job. Under supervision of occupational therapists, they also work with injured people. Competition for jobs is tougher for those with only a high school diploma.



10. Physical Therapist Assistants: $41,360



These workers deal with physical therapists, helping patents improve mobility, relieve pain or overcome injuries or disabilities. Those working in home health care services tend to make more on average. Aides, earning an average of $22,000, are trained on the job. Assistants, who have greater responsibilities, typically need an associate's degree.


The Bottom Line
Despite a recession, plenty of career paths can lead to well-paying professions without spending four years or more hitting the books, including opportunities in law enforcement, health care and sales. The goal is to find a job that matches your own particular talents and preferences in addition to supporting your lifestyle.


Next: Top 10 Companies Hiring

Before I finished my enlistment in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1980 I
was already on the Contra Costra County Firefighter Employment List
A very upscale area of the San Francisco Bay Area. The Fire Chief had
even mentioned that they were going to hire me at my Board Inter-
view ( a board of Captains and the Fire Chief)...However I never was
employed...This is a Even Higher Paying Vocation THAN AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROLLER.....

After I didn't make it on with the fire department I applied to the FAA
TO BE A AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER But was cut and DIDN"T MAKE IT TO
OKLAHOMA CITY That Where They Train ALL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS
(Civilian) (At Lease) (Military) Air Force Air Traffic Controllers Are
(Special Forces) That Work From Behind Enemies Lines Trained by the
Military...

I took a written test for the Veteran Administration and scored a 90%
, but my 5 points Veteran Preference points were somehow not added
to bring my score up to a 95% and I wasn't hired at the VA Hospital
In Napa County In YOUNTVILLE CA The Bay Area Most Upscale County
.I have been on MANY OTHER EMPLOYMENT LIST..US Post Office Urban
and Rural Postal Route Carrier...Contra Costra County Road Main.....
etc. etc. etc....And My ADVICE TO EVERYONE IS TO GET A COLLEGE
DEGREE TO BACK UP ANY VOCATION NOT REQUIRING A COLLEGE DEGREE
(THAT playing it safe)..all of my sisters and brothers have gone to
College and (4) four have Grad..from College OU..OSU...TU....I'm a
College Drop Out and (2) of my sisters are also. I make below $25,000
a year as a Poet/Licensed Minister , but that kept me humble and down
to earth and from being too desirable hehehehhe.hahahahaha...hahaha
To The Opposite Sex..and chasing all these skirts out here in California
hehehehehe....I have enought College Credits for a Associate Degree ,
and I'm thinking OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASST or PHYSICAL THERAPIST
ASST..But There Are No Community Colleges Out Here That Offer Those
Associate Degree's , and I couldn't get those Two Degree without the
core (OT) and (PT) courses....

[TulsaArtist]

Ten Career choices that DON'T require college....

But likely require one to be able to spell and use proper grammar. ;-P

[Howest2008]

Originally Posted by TulsaArtist

Ten Career choices that DON'T require college....

But likely require one to be able to spell and use proper grammar. ;-P

Yes my spelling and grammar is probably off , but I'm sure that my
Brothers And Sisters that did finish College would do a lot better...don't
you think that I was right in trying to encourage everybody to at the
very least put some College Edumacation under their's belt.I don't have
time to use spell check Most Of The Time..but what do you think about
the article. Didn't use Spell Check This Time.