What are the Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree in Orlando?
Are you looking for the highest paying job without a degree in Orlando, here’s some good news. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8 of the 10 fastest-growing occupations through 2014 do not require a college degree.
Here is a list of high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree (based on a report on the median wages in 2013 by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics). For most of the entry-level jobs in these fields, all you will need is a high school diploma and your GED.
Many of these employers offer on-the-job training, although some prefer to hire candidates with work experience. Even if these jobs do not require a college degree, having one can still make you more competitive.
Note: The median wages listed below are not necessarily what you will earn. It can go above or below depending on the employer, level of training, training, experience, and location.
#10: Power Plant Operators
While the minimum requirement for this job is a high school diploma, employers might prefer candidates who have attended vocational school or some college. Once you are hired, you will go through formal technical and on-the-job training. Power plant operators control and maintain the equipment used in generating electricity. In 2011, power plant operators earned an average annual salary of $68,100, which translates to an average hourly rate of $32.74.
#9: Farmers, Ranchers and Other Agricultural Managers
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers are responsible for the operations of establishments that produce livestock, crops, and dairy products. Although employers only require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, most prefer to hire candidates with work experience. Employment in this field is projected to drop by 19% from 2012-2022 because of the continuous upgrades in technology that allow the agricultural sector to produce more with less workers. However, agricultural managers will continue to have more opportunities since owners of agricultural lands do not usually live in these properties, so they rely on the expertise of agricultural managers to run their farms and ranches and maintain their businesses. The median annual salary in this sector is $69,300 per year while the median rate per hour is $33.32.
#8 Sales Managers
Otherwise called first line supervisors of non-retail sales workers or branch managers, sales managers directly supervise and coordinate the activities of sales representatives. They may be responsible for accounting, budgeting, personnel work. While the minimum requirement for this job is a high school diploma, most who work in this job have associate or bachelor’s degrees. Median annual wage for this occupation as of 2013 is $70,560 or an hourly rate of $33.92.
#7 Commercial Pilots
Pilots fly aircraft like airplanes and helicopters. Airline pilots usually work for companies that transport people and cargo while commercial pilots work for companies that offer chartered flights, rescue operations, or aerial photography. The requirements to become a commercial pilot is a commercial pilot’s license and at least a high school diploma. Some pilots received their training in the military or by attending FAA certified flight schools. Although the minimum requirement is at least two years of college or a high school diploma, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree. As of 2013, commercial pilots earned a median annual salary of $74,470.
#6 Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Power plant operators, dispatchers, and distributors control the systems that generate and distribute electric power from power plants to substations to consumers. The minimum requirement for this occupation is a high school diploma, employees need extensive hands-on training once hired. Many employers in this field also require employees to take the Power Plant Maintenance (MASS) and Plant Operator (POSS) exams from the Edison Electrical Institute to see if they have the right aptitudes for this job. These tests measure understanding of mechanical concepts, mathematical ability, spatial ability, and reading comprehension. Employers usually look for candidates with strong backgrounds in math and science since these are highly technical jobs. As of 2013, the median salary of power distributors and dispatchers was $75,080 a year while the median rate per hour was $36.10.
#5: Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Also called special agents, detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and evidence in order to determine if suspects have violated local, state or federal laws. A special agent may specialize in a particular type of crime such as homicide or burglaries. They usually start off as police officers, which require at least a high school diploma. Some municipalities require at least some coursework for promotion to detective or investigator while some prefer to hire those who have earned a college degree. As of 2013, median annual salary of detectives and criminal investigators was $76,730 and their median hourly rate was $36.89.
#4: Nuclear Operators
Nuclear Operators, also called nuclear power reactor operators, control the flow of electricity generated by a nuclear power plant. They adjust and maintain the plant’s equipment and implements procedures that regulate the startup or shut-down of the plant. They also troubleshoot any abnormalities in the plant. The minimum requirement for this job is a high school diploma, however, a license and on-the-job technical training is required. As of 2013, the median annual salary of nuclear operators was $78,350 and the median hourly rate was $37.67
#3: Elevator Mechanics
Sometimes called elevator installers, constructors, or repairers, elevator mechanics work on escalators, chairlifts, dumbwaiters, moving walkways and similar equipment, aside from installing them. A high school diploma is required, at the minimum, as well as training which usually consists of completing a four year apprenticeship, usually sponsored by a union or contractor. They earned a median annual salary of $78,640 in 2013 and median hourly rate of $37.81.
#2: First Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
First line supervisors of police and detectives supervise the work of police and detectives. Some of their titles may include captain, chief, sergeant, and lieutenant. They train staff, coordinate investigations, keep records, and evaluate the performance of their subordinates. They usually start as a police officer, which only requires a high school diploma, but some employers usually promote only those who have taken courses in college or earned a degree. The median annual income for this job as of 2013 was $79,190 and median hourly rate was $38.07.
#1: Transportation Managers, and Storage and Distribution Managers
They plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in a company and this also includes logistics managers. Employers require only a high school diploma but prefer candidates with experience. Workers in these occupations earned a median salary of $83,890 annually and a median hourly wages of $40.33 in 2013.
If you are just starting out with a career, do not rely heavily on lists like this of highest paying jobs without a degree in Orlando. While salary is a big consideration, you will be happier if you end up in a career that you like and suits your interests, skills, and aptitudes.
