Are you doubting the possibility of getting a high-paying job without a university degree? You may be surprised to learn that several unique jobs pay over 200k a year without a college degree.
While a college degree is undoubtedly a significant investment and a primary requirement for gaining meaningful employment in some organizations, it’s not the only path to a high-paying job. There are several careers out there that offer a six-figure salary without requiring a four-year degree.
So if you’re looking for a career change and don’t want to spend years and tens of thousands of dollars in tuition, you’re in luck. Plenty of unique jobs will pay you 200k or more per year. Learn more about these jobs as you read through this article.
What are some Jobs That Pay 200k a Year Without a College Degree?
Here is a list of high-paying jobs you can pursue without a university education.
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1. Real Estate Associate
A real estate associate is one career that can pay you heavily without a university degree. However, you sure need some licenses and qualifications to function professionally.
Research conducted by Indeed.com reveals that the average annual salary of a real estate associate is about $68,300 a year. The primary role of a real estate associate is to show properties to interested buyers. They also list and markets real estate properties for sellers.
Real estate associates often work from their real offices to support clients through their mortgages.
Many paths can lead you to obtain a career in real estate. However, you must be 18 years old and above and have a minimum high school diploma or a GED to get started.
2. Voice-over artist
I bet you didn’t know voice-over artists earn close to 200k without going to college. The national average salary of a voice-over artist is nothing less than $77,000 a year. If you naturally have a lovely voice, a career as a voice-over artist is ideal and will be rewarding for you.
Wondering what a voice-over artist means?
A Voice-over artist uses voice play in audion productions like TV and radio commercials, movies, or even animated roles. Unlike screen actors who appear on the screen, voice-over artists do not appear on the screenplays. They only use their voices to act out a role or read a script.
Here are some examples of voice-over works:
- Commercials
- Public service announcements
- Video games
- Foreign language films
- Audiobooks
- Toys
- Podcasts
- Animated films
- Award shows
- Computer programs
- Automated systems
- Documentaries
To become a highly sort-after voice-over artist, you must practice developing and marketing your skills. Practice reading aloud, audition for casting calls, and find casting agents to increase your chances of succeeding in this career.
3. Business Owner
This is one perfect career that requires no college degree or any of such qualifications. As a business owner, you have complete control of every aspect of your business, from management to daily operations and even employees.
There are numerous reasons why starting your own business seems lucrative:
- Business owners can operate in a variety of industries.
- They have unrestricted power to make crucial decisions
- Owning a business comes with a high level of flexibility.
- Business owners have the power to design a workplace culture that suits them.
- There is no limit to how much you can earn – you enjoy the increased financial potential.
There are various ways to become a business owner. However, the success of your business will be by your determination, your confidence, negation skills, and many more.
The following tips can help you get started as a business owner:
- Have an apparent reason why you want to become a business owner.
- Take time to figure out the business structure you want to operate.
- Choose an industry to focus on
- Research the current market to gain insights into business techniques and ideas that can help you thrive
- Create a business plan
- Explore funding options
- Choose a business structure (corporation, partnership, sole partnership, S corporation, or LLC)
- Choose a business name and location
- .Register your new business and obtain the necessary approvals
- Market your products and services
- Hire team members if need be
Successful business owners make over $90,000 in profits per year.
4. MakeUp Artist
Primarily, a makeup artist uses cosmetic products to improve or alter a person’s facial appearance. They also provide beauty services like prosthetic application ad facial treatments. Some makeup artists also offer beauty products or styling services for sale.
To become a makeup artist, postsecondary education is enough to get you started. However, you must first acquire basic knowledge of various cosmetics products and their application process.
Successful makeup artists have the following skills:
- Knowledge of cosmetics products and tools
- Good customer service
- Good communication and listening skills
- Reliability and dexterity
The average salary for a makeup artist varies depending on their experience and the industry they’re in. For instance, makeup artists in the movie industry earn more than other makeup artists.
5. Independent Contractor
An independent contractor offers skilled trade services like landscapers, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, etc. But do people who offer these skills have that amount of money in a year? The answer is Yes!!!
Indeed, these skills might not be the sexiest job, but some people have successfully turned these skills into a rich six-figure income stream.
To become a highly paid independent contractor, you must be extremely good at your work. The first step, however, is to acquire a skill, gather experience, get the relevant licenses and purchase the instruments and equipment needed for smooth service delivery.
6. Truck Driver
Truck driving is a fantastic job where you can earn up to 200k a year. An average truck driver earns $70,000 a year. The primary duty of a truck driver is to convey and deliver different kinds of products with a truck or trailer for companies or personal services.
In addition to moving goods, the following are some everyday duties of a truck driver:
- They also secure cargo
- Load and offload trucks
- Complete and cross-check all paperwork
- Ensure the truck is always in a good operating condition
- Track deliveries and ensure that products are delivered in good shape and on record time.
As a truck driver, you must have good qualities like – time management, excellent communication skills, problem-solving, and stress management.
As long as there isn’t a decline in the production of goods, truck drivers will never be out of a job because goods will always need transporting.
7. Professional Personal Trainer
This is one career that is not often talked about. Some personal trainers earn over $200,000, and some only meet their clients twice or thrice a month.
Some people have argued that making $200,000 a year as a personal trainer is impossible unless your client is a celebrity or a wealthy person. While that might be true, countless individuals spend heavily every year just to attain the body they desire.
Some personal trainers aren’t making enough money from this career because they do not understand the importance of value proposition and intelligent business. And as a result, they don’t exceed the average salary range.
To succeed as a personal trainer, you should be ready to invest the time to understand how to render a value-based personalized service.
8. Hairdresser
I know you’re surprised to see hairdressing on the list. But did you know that expert hairdressers make nearly $30,000 a year? That’s how the saloon industry is cost.
Every day, more and more people want to spend money to look more beautiful. And many are willing to pay more for a first-class treat. It would be erroneous to think that hairdressing is only about haircuts.
However, you need to keep that the saloon is genuinely competitive. The key to succeeding is to be extraordinarily skillful.
FAQ
So what are the benefits of having a job that pays 200k a year without a college degree? Well, for starters, you’re going to make more money. A lot more money.
But that’s not all. These jobs also come with a ton of prestige and respect. People will look at you differently when you tell them what you do for a living. And you’ll have opportunities to travel and learn new things you never thought possible.
Not to mention, these jobs are usually pretty exciting and challenging. If you’re looking for a career that will keep you on your toes, look no further than the jobs that pay 200k+ without a college degree.
Let’s face it—there are some drawbacks to jobs that pay 200k a year without a college degree. For one, you’re going to be working your butt off. These are high-stress positions that require long hours and a lot of dedication.
You also need to be good at what you do. There’s no room for error in these jobs, and you can’t afford to coast on your laurels. You’ll quickly be left behind if you’re not constantly learning and expanding your skills.
And finally, these jobs can be isolating. You may not have much time for friends and family, and you’ll miss out on the college experience. Is it worth it? Only you can decide that.
Conclusion
The jobs listed in this post are just one-tenth of the numerous impressive careers you can venture into and earn big without a college degree. However, the first thing to do is to identify where your skills and interest lies.
If you enjoy driving, you will not need to force yourself to become a physical trainer when you can quickly monetize your passion as a truck driver.
I believe this article has been super helpful. Tell us which of these jobs appeals the most to you.