There are plenty of high-paying jobs in US that
require only a two-year associate degree, postsecondary nondegree certificate,
or even just a high-school diploma. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics recently
published a report unveiling the highest-paying jobs which don't need a
four-year degree. Each has a median annual salary of at least $68,000
Air-traffic controllers
Their job is to monitor and direct the movement
of aircraft. Median annual wages of air-traffic controllers are the highest for
any occupation in which workers typically do not need a bachelor's degree.
Median annual wage (2016): $122,410
Education required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2024): 7,500
Work
experience: None
On-the-job training: Long-term
Nuclear power reactor operators
They operate or control nuclear reactors, move
control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, record
data in logs, and implement emergency procedures when needed.
Median annual wage (2016): $91,170
Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2024): 2,600
Work
experience: None
On-the-job training: Long-term
Transportation, storage and distribution
managers
They are in-charge of coordinating
transportation, storage or distribution activities in accordance with
organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations.
Median annual wage (2016): $89,190
Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2024): 27,100
Work
experience: Five years or more
On-the-job training: None
First-line supervisors of police and
detectives
They
directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of a police force.
Median annual wage (2016): $84,840
Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2024): 43,000
Work
experience: Less than five years
On-the-job training: Moderate-term
Power distributors and dispatchers
They are tasked with coordinating, regulating,
or distributing electricity or steam.
Median annual wage (2016): $81,900
Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2024): 3,900
Work
experience: None
On-the-job training: Long-term
Radiation therapists
They check equipment, observe patients' reactions
to treatment, and document sessions.
Median annual wage (2016): $80,160
Education required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2024): 6,200
Work
experience: None
On-the-job training: None
Nuclear technicians
Their job is to assist physicists, engineers,
and other professionals in nuclear research and nuclear production.
Median annual wage (2016): $79,140
Education required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2024): 2,800
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: Moderate-term
Elevator installers and repairers
They assemble, install, repair, or maintain
electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or
dumbwaiters.
Median annual wage (2016): $78,890
Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2024): 5,900
Work
experience: None
On-the-job training: Apprenticeship
Detectives and criminal investigators
Their work involves conducting investigations
related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or
solve crimes.
Median annual wage (2016): $78,120
Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2024): 28,300
Work
experience: Less than five years
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Commercial pilots
They pilot and navigate the flight of
fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air-carrier routes or helicopters. Requires
commercial-pilot certificate.
Median annual wage (2016): $77,200
Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2024): 15,100
Work
experience: None
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
