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You might be looking for jobs that require no degrees (college degree or Bachelor’s)to get hired. Or perhaps you’re looking for something that suits your skills or passions. And of course it has to pay well enough for you to survive. If you’re going to spend most of you time working, why not look for one that has them all?

To help you, here is a list of four top-paying jobs without degrees, for different interests and expertise.

For those interested in healthcare: Assisted Living Technicians/ Personal Care Aide

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• Annual median salary (2019): $25,280 per year
• Time it takes to complete: 6 months
• On-the-job training:  Short-term on-the-job training
• Projected job growth from 2019-2029: 34%
• Certification exam the program prepares you for:  National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Exam and National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Assisted Living Technician (CALT) Exam
• Offered in: Clemson University, Auburn University, Fresno Pacific University, Louisiana State University - Shreveport,Montana State University,Texas A&M University - Texarkana

Assisted living technicians, also called home health aides or personal care aides, assist people, particularly the elderly or people with disabilities, accomplish everyday tasks such as bathing, ambulation, and eating. In many cases, the clients these professionals cater to require assistance in essential living skills but still prefer some level of independence, thus, one does not need a diploma to perform necessary functions. This makes being an assisted living technician one of the most accessible jobs that require no degrees. These professionals can often be found working in client or group homes, long-term care facilities or hospices, and day service centers.

Note that you may be required to obtain relevant training like CPR certification when applying.

For those interested in IT: Computer Technician (CompTIA A+)

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• Annual median salary (2019): $55,260
• Time it takes to complete: 6 months
• On-the-job training: None; may require associate degree
• Projected job growth from 2019-2029: 8%
• Certification exam the program prepares you for: CompTIA A+ Certification Exams (220-901 and 220-902) and Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification Exam
• Offered in: Clemson University, Fresno Pacific University, Auburn University, Montana State University, and Texas A&M University - Texarkana

When it comes to good paying jobs without degrees, computer technicians certainly are among those who get a good head start in the IT industry. BLS data shows most entry-level ones earn above the annual median salary, which may increase with CompTIA A+ certification - arguably the most recognized certification in the field. 

Providing PC support for a wide range of clients, computer technicians are tech-savvy professionals who are proficient in both software and hardware. Their everyday tasks include installation, upgrades, configuration, troubleshooting, optimization, repair and preventive maintenance of personal computers and operating systems. They know foundational techniques that are helpful in lending PC support in networking, security, virtualization, desktop imaging, deployment, and other basic, as well as technical issues concerning computers. 

While technically computer technician falls under jobs that require no degrees (i.e. most companies do not require a Bachelor’s degree under their belt to hire applicants), some organizations require an associate degree in the field.

For those interested in legal/ law: Paralegal 

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• Annual median salary (2019): $51,740
• Time it takes to complete: 6 months
• On-the-job training: None; may require associate degree
• Projected job growth from 2019-2029: 8%
• Certification exam the program prepares you for: National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certified Paralegal (CP) / Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) Exam
• Offered in: Clemson University, Fresno Pacific University, Auburn University, Montana State University, Texas A&M University - Texarkana, Louisiana State University - Shreveport, University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, and Western Kentucky University

With their intellect and know-how of the judicial system, paralegals work with the legal team to help others achieve justice, making the profession an excellent choice for job seekers looking for fulfilling yet good paying jobs without degrees. 

These professionals conduct legal research and writing to help lawyers build their case, ensure proper citations, and in some countries, even, they represent clients in the court. In addition to strengthening the legal team’s case through excellent research and drafting, and filing skills, paralegals also often serve as a client’s first and frequent point of contact all throughout the case. They prepare clients for trials and work with them on data gathering and assessment, and assist the client in most points of the legal procedure. Paralegals have well-rounded knowledge of the law: from family law to other civil cases, to contracts and ethical issues, to criminal and federal law, paralegals lend their expertise to help clients win cases.

And while paralegals earn $51,740 on average, they make more through overtime and bonuses - definitely something you should consider if you are seeking top paying jobs without a degree.

A note though: Although you don’t need formal law education or a college degree to become a paralegal, you do need an associate degree and be certified as a paralegal through that degree in order to practice. 

For those interested in personality development: Public Speaking Expert

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• Annual median salary (2019): $106,000
• Time it takes to complete: 6 months
• On-the-job training: None
• Projected job growth from 2019-2029: 4.1%
• Offered in: Fresno Pacific University and Texas A&M University - Texarkana

The motivational speaking industry is a fast-growing industry in the US. In 2019 alone, the industry generated approximately $1.9 billion in revenue, according to a market research. This number is only expected to grow to $2.30 by 2025. If you have always dreamed of sharing your story and inspiring others, a mycaa career as a public speaking expert thus remains to be a good choice among top paying jobs without a degree required of practitioners.

An online career training programs or online course on public speaking is not only useful for those who wish to be full-time motivational speakers. Public speaking is an important skill even as an employee in a company, particularly if you’re in a mid-level or managerial position. Communicating ideas in forums and conferences are essential to organizational success, and public speaking skills will come in handy in that regard.

Are you looking for other good paying jobs without degrees? Check out all the courses offered by our partner institutions today!