Within the job market, there are tonnes of job opportunities to pursue as a degree or non-degree holder. But many people don’t know this, the majority of people think only those with a degree have a chance to pursue and secure a job. Well, if you are part of those with this mindset, clear it off your mind today, because there are different exciting job opportunities to pursue without a degree.
Having a degree is a booster which increases your chances of securing a job, but that doesn’t mean those without a degree are left out. In fact, some non-degree holders have secured a better-paying job that pays them better than what some degree holders earn. Mind you, we are not saying that having a degree is a waste, it surely isn’t! We are just saying that even as an individual who doesn’t have a degree, you can still find your spot in the job market.
Now, amidst the multitude of exciting jobs out there, where do you fit in as a non-degree holder? To address this, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 exciting careers to pursue without a university degree. Rest assured, our list of jobs doesn’t necessarily require a degree; all you need is a skill and experience. Without further delay, let’s dive into it!
Why You Don’t Need a Degree To Secure a High-Paying Job
Most of us believe that having a good degree yields high employment opportunities and a good salary earnings. Well, this isn’t totally true, because having a degree without a skill will yield you nothing but day-to-day rejection.
Fast forward to today, many industries or companies prioritize skills over degrees. This is because having a skill shows that you have been practically exposed and have experience. Generally, this means that an employee can have a degree and not have the skill, experience or passion for the work, making them futile to the company.
On the other hand, a jobseeker can have the skill, experience and passion for work, but has no university degree. But, because industries prioritize skill over degree, they stand a high chance of securing the job. This means that without a degree, you can secure a job, including an international job, provided you have a promising and in-demand skill. Therefore, to fit in and compete in the job market without a degree, ensure you have a valued skill.
Top 10 Exciting Jobs to Pursue Without a Degree
Here is a list of 10 exciting jobs you can pursue without a degree. Rest assured, these are the best and most high-paying jobs in the job market. Now, let’s skill up!
1. Software/Web/Game Developer
- Skill Level: Medium
- Average Annual Salary: $100,000 to $150,000 per year
- Exciting Aspect: Innovation and problem-solving
- Demand Level: High
A developer, also known as a programmer or coder, is someone who uses programming language to create computer software/applications. This IT professional plays a vital role in the digital industries, building varieties of software that we use in our day-to-day life.
The interesting part about this job aspect, especially with the high patronage of artificial intelligence, is that it allows you to create and innovate. With the challenges you face while programming, this skill further helps you in solving tech-related problems. While there are different fields in which tech developers excel, here are the best and in-demand areas:
- Software Developers: Develop different computer software
- Web Developer: Develop websites and web applications
- Game Developers: Develop games for all devices including iOS, Android, PlayStation, and more.
- Backend developers: Design system structure and components.
- And so on!
2. Sales Manager
- Skill Level: Easy
- Average Annual Salary: $80,000 to $130,000 per year
- Exciting Aspect: Problem-solving, travel opportunities and wide connections
- Demand Level: Average
Next on our list of jobs to pursue without a degree is Sales manager. A sales manager is a leader, a mentor, and a supervisor who oversees a team of salespersons. The responsibility of this personnel ranges from hiring to firing and encouraging to criticizing the sales team.
The exciting thing about this career is that it grants the opportunity to travel around the world while on business trips.
3. Machine Engineer
- Skill Level: Medium
- Average Annual Salary: $50,000 to $100,000 per year
- Exciting Aspect: Job Retention, High Salary, and Other Incentives.
- Demand Level: High
As we all know, engineering is more practical to a degree. Hence, industries in need of this skill prioritize employing people with skills and experience over degrees.
The role of a machine engineer is straightforward but it varies with the field of work. Overall, their role necessitates the use of their knowledge to analyze and solve problems, design devices, and so on. While most positions in the engineering sector will require both degree and skills, here is a list of job positions that you can pursue without a degree:
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician: Uses computer software to draft designs for buildings, structures, and machinery.
- Machinist: Produces parts for machines, instruments, and tools
- Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Technician: Examine products, parts, tools, and materials to identify any structural flaws
- Electrical Engineer: Responsible for drafting and developing the plans for electrical systems and power distribution.
- Mechanical Engineer: Design or restructure mechanical and thermal systems.
4. Real Estate Agent
- Skill Level: Easy
- Average Annual Salary: $90,000 to 110,000 per year
- Exciting Aspect: Connect with people and explore different building structures
- Demand Level: High
Estate agents help clients buy, sell, and rent homes and lands. Working as an estate agent doesn’t require a degree, but it requires communicating, convincing, and advertising skills. If you are good at connecting people with clients, then this job opportunity is one of the best 10 jobs you can pursue without a degree.
5. Commercial Pilot
- Skill Level: Medium
- Average Annual Salary: $70,000 to $120,000 per year
- Exciting Aspect: Travel opportunity
- Demand Level: Average
The role of a commercial pilot is to fly passengers to long or short destinations.
The most exciting part of this job is that it offers the opportunity to fly over and around the world. While you don’t need a degree to become a commercial pilot, there are other criteria you must meet. To be able to fly commercial aircraft, such as airplanes, helicopters, and so on, you must have completed 1,500 flying hours. This means that you need to attend flight school to gain experience.
6. Air Traffic Controller
- Skill Level: Easy
- Average Annual Salary: $70,000 to $100,000 per year
- Exciting Aspect: Fun and problem-solving
- Demand Level: Average
As the name implies, Air traffic controllers control the movement of aircraft during takeoff, landing, and any other aircraft movement. Their main role is to ensure that there isn’t a collision during an aircraft movement.
The best part of this job is that it requires no degree qualification. In most cases, you’ll receive job training from the industry before you proceed to the field. Nevertheless, becoming an air traffic controller is one of the easiest and most exciting jobs to pursue without a degree.
7. Firefighter
- Skill Level: Hard
- Average Annual Salary: $50,000 to $80,000
- Exciting Aspect: Saving Lives
- Demand Level: High
Becoming a firefighter is another exciting job one can consider, especially for people without a degree. While the job seems hard and risky, it’s highly in-demand and the annual salary pay sounds interesting.
It’s worth noting that the role of a fighter is beyond quenching or putting out fire. This is just one of their many roles. Other responsibilities of a firefighter include:
- Conducting search and rescue missions
- Attend Medical emergency
- Educate the public about fire safety and prevention
- Work with other emergency services to prevent fire outbreaks on people and property
8. Machine Operator
- Skill Level: Medium
- Average Annual Salary: $20,000 to $60,000 per year
- Exciting Aspect: Continuous learning and opportunity to work with advanced machines
- Demand Level: High
A Machine operator operates, watches over and maintains a machine and its equipment used in an industry or factory. While this job doesn’t necessitate degree qualification, it’s one of the best choices for individuals without a university degree looking forward to securing a job.
9. Chef/Head Cook
- Skill Level: Medium
- Average Annual Salary: $20,000 to $60,000 per year
- Exciting Aspect: Innovation and free food
- Demand Level: Average
If you have a great culinary skill, becoming a chef or head cook is one of the jobs you should pursue if you don’t have a degree.
A chef or head cook is a professional cook who serves as a leader to kitchen staff in restaurants, private homes, and other dining establishments.
The exciting aspect of this job is that you get to innovate by experimenting with different recipes and ingredients.
While this job opportunity requires no degree, to become one, you’ll have to gain at least five years’ experience as a professional cook or sous chef.
10. Entrepreneur
- Skill Level: Easy
- Average Annual Salary: $60,000 to $75,000 per year
- Exciting Aspect: Self-employed
- Demand Level: High
We can also classify them as business owners. An entrepreneur is a person who creates, owns, and invests in a business. The interesting aspect of this job is that it doesn’t require a degree to set up. Aside from this, it also offers the opportunity of being your own boss and what you want to do. This means you don’t need to be an employee before you make a living.
However, starting a business isn’t for everyone, especially for people who are shallow business-minded. Know what works for you!
In Conclusion
If you are considering pursuing a job as a non-degree holder, here is where you should start your journey. Above we compiled a detailed list of the top 10 exciting jobs to pursue without a degree. However, our list above is for individuals without a degree but with skills. Therefore, before considering our article as a go-to guide, ensure you have an in-demand skill.
