There are so many high-paying jobs for college dropouts today. If sitting in school wasn’t for you, here are 17 options for you to make a career without a degree.
Business Owner
Owning a business can be an amazing option for a college dropout. If you have a passion for something–any kind of hobby or topic–you can turn it into a business. Being a business owner is the ultimate way to have no ceiling for how much money you can make without any previous experience. Utilize mentors and work because you love what you do.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $51-81K
Firefighter
Becoming a full-time firefighter is a great opportunity for college dropouts who maybe didn’t feel like they belonged in an office environment. Becoming a firefighter requires specific training you can apply for at your local fire station–no massive student loans or degrees needed. If you want to work hard while helping people at the same time, this high-paying job can be perfect for you.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $25-72K
Real Estate Agent
Any college dropout interested in real estate can sign up for a course or online training at any point–no prerequisites are needed. Real estate agents get to see new places and meet new people every day, and their success is completely in their hands.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $42-66K
Sommelier
Do you like eating out and learning about different wines? Maybe a job as a sommelier is your calling. Being a sommelier requires no degree other than specific training based on the trade. Sommeliers typically work in high-end restaurants, creating artistic wine lists and recommendations alongside chefs. This is one of the great high-paying jobs for college dropouts interested in making a career in a restaurant.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $34-87K
Freelancer
Any college dropout can decide to go the freelancer route and create anything out of their career. There are so many websites that freelancers can get started on, whether that means they are freelancing, writing, editing, creating videos, or taking pictures. There are so many options for turning your favorite hobby into a freelancing career; you would be surprised! The great news is freelancers can make six figures after working hard and developing a reputation for themselves.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $27-110K
Massage Therapist
Any college dropout can decide to get a certification to become a massage therapist. Massage therapists can improve the quality of their clients’ lives day today. If you enjoy spending time in a calming environment built to make other people smile, this could be a great option for you.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $44-70K
Personal Trainer
For the college dropout who would much rather have spent their time at the university gym than in the library, personal training could be the perfect career path. Personal trainers are able to learn their craft outside of the traditional Bachelor’s degree simply by studying and taking a course outside of school to earn their certifications.
Once a personal trainer, there is no limit to how much money you can make–both by utilizing your physical skill in person with other people looking to get or stay in shape and by being able to create online programs to spread your knowledge.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $32-91K
Insurance Agent
Being an insurance agent is the perfect path for a college dropout looking to make great money and interact with people all day. This position is typically a sales position, where your pay greatly depends on commission. Find new clients, oversee your own clients, and ensure your people are covered with everything from car insurance to life insurance. Be their go-to person who helps set them up for success in life, all without a college degree.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $44-65K
Pharmacy Tech
If you are a college dropout interested in working your way up in the medical field with little schooling, this is a great option for you. Pharmacy techs only require a high school degree and a passion for what you’re doing–along with a detail-oriented mindset. If you’re looking for a career path that has very actionable next steps and growth options, this is a great option for you.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $24-40K
Delivery Driver
There are so many options for becoming a delivery driver, and the options continue to grow by the day. In today’s day of staff and supply shortages, everyone is desperately looking to order things online–and have them delivered quickly. Get out of the house and enjoy driving around to make a living through anything from USPS to UPS or Amazon Prime.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $37-50K
Truck Driver
Truck driving is a no-brainer when it comes to high-paying jobs for college dropouts. Truck drivers do not require a college degree, and it is a career that may stay in for the long haul. Truck drivers start at some of the highest salaries of any on this list, and they love what they do. See the whole country, stay in shape by lifting heavy loads, and enjoy having a truck that is truly your own by entering the truck driver career.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $36-77K
Social Media Influencer
The social media influencer world may seem like a saturated market these days, but there is no shortage of eyes looking for influencing content. If you enjoy spending all your time on social media, creating content, or inspiring others, this is the perfect route for you. Becoming a social media influencer requires literally no education. All it requires is a passion for what you’re doing, a consistent work ethic and ability to push out content, and a smartphone.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $24-64K
Website Developer
There are so many website developers out there who are making an amazing living without a college degree. While many think that it is required to have a degree to become a website developer, it is actually untrue. There are so many free courses, YouTube videos, and articles online to help you learn the things you need to know and gain the certifications needed to be qualified for a web developer role.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $96-140K
Lodging Manager
Are you obsessed with hospitality? Another great opportunity for a college dropout to find a high-paying job with the potential for growth is the lodging manager job. Lodging managers work at hotels, motels, or any other lodging establishments, ensuring guests have a great stay and will return.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $55-180K
Restaurant Manager
Another high-paying job for college dropouts is the restaurant manager role. If you are willing to work hard and work your way up, you can become a restaurant manager or general manager. The higher-end or larger-scale the restaurant, the more successful you can be. Working as a restaurant manager requires a great work ethic and a knack for customer service, but it is one of the highest-paying jobs you can aim for without a college degree.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $36-77K
Automotive Mechanic
Left-brained college dropouts with a love for cars can go down the automotive mechanic route for their careers. This industry is easy to break into and learn from others with lots of experience and a willingness to be a committed mentor. We recommend applying to work as a mechanic while taking courses or learning things for free online. Like so many other crafts, this field has an infinite amount of content online to learn from and get you started practicing with.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $32-53K
Office Manager
Last on our list of 17 High Paying Jobs for College Dropouts is the office manager position. This job is perfect for the college dropout looking for a steady nine-to-five job behind a desk. This job typically attracts the worker who is organized, great with answering the phone, and has an interest in working in a more corporate environment. Many of those who begin as office managers are able to develop a trusting relationship with the company they are at and work their way up from there.
Average annual salary according to Salary.com: $60-99K
As you can see, there are so many options for college dropouts to develop a steady and dependable career. There are also limitless opportunities to continue trying different careers until one sticks. Today, there is no right or wrong way to go about making a living for yourself. Just follow what you enjoy doing, and you can find a high-paying job doing it.
