High-Paying Trade Jobs and Careers That Don’t Require a College Degree

I had recently talked about cool jobs that only require an Associates Degree. We explored the new Minnesota Northstar Promise program to help pay for these programs. I often talk about if people do need to attend college to land that rewarding and well-paying career.  I often then talk about how we, as a society, need more people in the trades. Those skilled workers that we all need to build, repair, and maintain the equipment, systems and appliances we rely on everyday. 

An Opportunity For Work

The trades, across many industries, are currently facing a significant shortage of skilled workers. This is creating a high demand for trades jobs such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, as well as HVAC technicians. According to a report by the National Association of Home Builders, 77% of contractors are struggling to find qualified workers. This demand for skilled tradespeople outpacing supply. This shortage is partly due to the aging workforce, as many experienced tradespeople are retiring without enough new workers to replace them. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% growth rate for HVAC technician jobs and a 9% growth rate for electricians through 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The construction industry is also expected to add nearly 1 million new jobs in 2024. This growing demand highlights the critical need for more individuals to enter the trades, offering lucrative career opportunities with excellent job security and the potential for high earnings.

Let’s dive into some of these lucrative careers that you can pursue with minimal formal education.

Full Stack Web Developer

• Median pay: $92,750

• Education needed: Technology training or Certificate Program

• Job growth rate: 16%   

Full stack web developers create and maintain websites and web applications we all use everyday! handling both front-end and back-end development. Their duties include designing user interfaces, developing databases, writing code, and testing and debugging software. They must collaborate with clients and other team members to deliver functional and visually appealing websites. This role requires a blend of technical skills in coding languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various back-end technologies, along with a creative eye for design. There are many bootcamp programs to get you up and running quickly!

Air Traffic Controller

• Median pay: $137,380  

• Education needed: Associate degree  

• Job growth rate: 1%  

This one maybe a bit too stressful for me personally, but air traffic controllers have the critical job of directing aircraft safely through the skies and on the ground. They monitor and guide aircraft during takeoff, landing, and en route flight, using radar, computers, and visual references. Controllers must communicate clearly and efficiently with pilots to provide instructions on altitude, speed, and flight paths. This role demands quick decision-making and the ability to stay calm under pressure, as they are responsible for preventing collisions and ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew.

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