Dropping out of college doesn’t signal the end of someone’s life, many prominent personalities that have impacted the world also dropped out from college to focus on a business and skill. People like Mark Zuckerberg who owns Facebook and Steve Jobs of Apple dropped out of school to establish their SaaS companies that have grown to become one of the largest tech hubs in the world.
There are many reasons that could see someone harbor the thought of dropping out of college, maybe lack of finance, poor results, or lack of zeal to complete school. We would be listing out some of the high-paying jobs for college dropouts, these are among the jobs that you can do without a college certificate.
11 High-Paying Jobs for College Dropouts
Below are some of the jobs for college dropouts that don’t require a certificate.
1. Computer Programming
Computer programming is one of the highest-paying jobs for college dropouts, you don’t need a certificate to become a bad-ass programmer and get employed by top tech firms, you only need to know at least one programming language and be crafty with your skills.
You can use YouTube to develop your programming skills or buy e-books that would guide you through the process.
Also Read: 10 Best Free Online Python Course For Beginners To Learn Programming
2. Firefighter
Firefighting is also a nice job for college dropouts, you get paid nicely if you join a high-paying fire department.
As a firefighter, you help put off the fire, and also help if any natural disaster occurs.
As a firefighter when a fire outbreak occurs instead of you running out you run in trying to save lives and properties, so to excel in firefighting you have to have the desire to help others.
Truthfully speaking firefighting is a nice job for college dropouts, the only disadvantage here is you don’t get promoted above the cardinal level, which means your career as a firefighter without a degree is limited. All that is needed to join the fire service is a high school diploma.
3. Truck Driver
Truck driving is another high-paying job for college dropouts, you only need to pass the required driving tests and obtain your driver’s license to be able to secure a truck driving job.
As a truck driver, you would be assigned a truck and transport goods from one place to another.
4. Automotive Mechanic
Automotive or Automobile mechanic is also another job that students without college certificates can indulge in, the job of an automotive mechanic is to examine the engine of a car and carry out maintenance or repairs when necessary.
Also Read: Easiest Engineering Degree That Pay Very Well
To become an automotive mechanic without a degree, you have to enroll as an apprentice under an established automobile mechanic and learn the skills required to excel in this trade.
After a few years of learning you can own your own mechanic workshop, to excel quickly in this field you would need to specialize in repairing one vehicle.
You can also attend workshops to broaden your mechanic skills.
5. Waste Disposal Personnel
These are persons who are in charge of collecting and properly disposing of waste, they may work in recycling facilities, offer remediation services, conduct septic pumping, or carry out other trash removal-related tasks.
You don’t need a college degree to have a career here, Waste disposal personnel can advance in this profession by learning the latest technologies and methods in waste management.
6. Insurance Agent
Insurance agents are people who are in charge of bringing new clients to partner with an insurance firm. They go from place to place revealing different plans of an insurance company to different categories of people.
Insurance agents are usually paid by commissions depending on the number of people they convince to partner, you only need a high school diploma to become an insurance agent.
7. Real Estate Broker
A real estate broker is also a nice job for college dropouts, you would open your own agency and assist clients in buying, selling, leasing, and purchasing residential and commercial properties.
Real estate brokers can also act as the buyer’s or seller’s representatives during negotiations.
As a real estate broker, you have to be familiar with laws guiding leasing and renting properties of the state you operate, the minimum educational qualification needed for real estate brokering is a high school diploma and the state license of operation.
8. Plumber
A plumber is a skilled man that fixes leaked or broken pipes, they also replace old or outdated pipes. A plumber can also be contracted to install piping and plumbing systems (such as dishwashers, toilet seaters, showers, etc) in a new structure such as hotels, homes, banks, and recreational parks.
As a plumber you would only need to possess the required skill needed to excel in your job, you need to be physically strong because the plumbing job requires labor.
9. Sommelier
A sommelier is a wine steward who serves wine in top restaurants, bars, or hotels. Sommeliers assist you in selecting the ideal wine that suits your mood, meal, or occasion.
Sommeliers are also trained in wine tasting, wine selecting, and knowledge of the food.
You don’t need a college degree for this Job, you only need to be passionate about the wines and the hospitality industries at large.
10. Massage Therapist
Massage therapists are specialists who make use of their hands or special instruments to manipulate the muscles or other soft tissues of the body. They relieve the body pains of their clients and also help in setting dislocated bones.
This is one of the most lucrative jobs in which college dropouts can engage themselves in.
This high-paying job does not require a college degree, you only need to be an excellent listener and communicator so you can understand the client’s needs.
11. Esthetician / Beauty Specialist
This is another high-paying job for college dropouts, estheticians are beauty specialists who focus on improving the skin of a client. It is one of the most in-demand jobs presently as most people are fond of wanting to make one or two changes to their looks.
If you are interested in becoming an esthetician, we’ve written a detailed article on how to become a licensed esthetician you can click and follow our guidelines.
Estheticians do not need college degrees, you only require a high school diploma, a certificate from an accredited esthetician school, and a license from your state to practice.
Also Read: Cheap Online Esthetician Schools
12. Sales Representative
Sales representatives are people who sell or market a company’s product to the final consumers, they are always in constant contact with buyers of a particular product.
This job might not pay you as others listed above but you can still make a fortune from it if you are lucky to work for a top organization.
You don’t need a college degree to become a sales representative, Only a high school diploma or its equivalent is needed.
13. Photography
Photography is also a high-paying job for individuals without college degrees, it only takes passion, skills, and a good camera to excel as a photographer.
As a photographer, your weekends would be prettily occupied as you would be booked to cover wedding occasions and other celebrations.
With the advancement of high-end smartphones, you may not need a digital camera to begin photography, you can use your phones and learn some basic editing skills to start your career as a photographer.
14. Freelancer
A freelancer is someone that does different remote jobs for clients over the internet.
Jobs can range from writing, web design, filling surveys, WordPress development, and other internet jobs.
Freelancers use websites like Fiverr and Upwork to source for jobs.
One benefit of being a freelancer is that you can work for different clients at the same time. It is one of the easiest jobs college students or dropouts can do to make cash.
Recap On Jobs for College Dropouts
- Computer programing
- Firefighter
- Truck Driver
- Automotive Mechanic
- Waste Disposal Personnel
- Insurance Agent
- Real Estate Broker
- Plumber
- Sommelier
- Massage Therapist
- Esthetician / Beauty specialist
- Sales Representative
- Photography
- Freelancer
What Is The Highest Paying Job For A Dropout?
The highest-paying job for college dropouts is computer programming. This job can change your life if you know your onions, Mark Zuckerburg of Facebook is a perfect example.
You can earn more than $10,000 monthly with this job.
What Can I Work As A College Dropout?
As a college dropout, you can work in any of the following jobs mentioned below.
- Firefighter
- Truck Driver
- Automotive Mechanic
- Waste Disposal Personnel
- Insurance Agent
- Real Estate Broker
- Plumber
- Sommelier
- Massage Therapist
- Esthetician / Beauty specialist
- Sales Representative
Can You Get A Good Job If You Drop Out Of College?
Yes, you can get a good and decent job if you drop out of college, you only need to master a particular skill and be good at what you do.
Conclusion
There are still thousands of jobs that dropouts can still use to make a decent living, but these are the high-paying jobs for college dropouts.
As a college dropout without a certificate, you have to be really passionate about your job and attend workshops, seminars, and conferences so you would be exposed to the latest happenings in the industry.
References
Indeed.com – jobs for college dropouts
cbsnews.com – well-paying jobs for college dropouts
