Business

These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree

In recent weeks, it seems like college has been a topic of discussion a lot on The Blaze. There have been articles on the necessity of earning a college degree, the cost of attending so-called institutions of “higher learning,” and the ideological tilt of America’s “top 100” universities, to mention just a few.

But let’s talk about the issue of not going to college. Let’s say you want to strike out on your own and forgo the college experience. What kind of work can you get without a degree and more importantly, what pays well?

The job-hunting website CareerCast.com has put together a new report, 20 Great Jobs Without a College Degree, that addresses these questions.

“Although these jobs may require some training, they all offer a good salary, as well as income and employment growth potential,” writes Tony Lee, publisher, CareerCast.com.

“Even with a college degree, finding a good job in today’s economy is hard and can be very time consuming. Although those with degrees often earn more money, you can still earn a very good living without one,” he adds.

To be clear, no one is saying that a college degree is completely useless. Indeed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average starting salary for someone with a four-year college degree is about $51,000 whereas it’s about $28,350 for someone with just a high school diploma.

However, getting to that $51K salary starting point is an expensive investment (or “gamble” depending on whichever term you prefer). On average, the cost of tuition, room, and board at public institutions is approximately $12,800 and $32,200 at private institutions, CareerCast.com reports.

“That means that even a modest education — a Bachelor’s degree from a public university or college — will cost over $50,000, and you may incur student loans that need to be paid back after graduation,” the report adds.

Yikes. That’s an expensive risk.

“Earning a college degree simply isn’t for everyone. There are many satisfying careers available for high school graduates that allows them to spend four years establishing themselves in the workforce, rather than four more years in the classroom,” Lee wrote The Blaze in an email.

Here are CareerCast.com’s 20 Best Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree:

20. SEWAGE PLANT OPERATOR These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $25,000
Income Growth: 156 percent
Employment Growth: 11.60 percent

19. TEACHER’S AIDE These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $17,000
Income Growth: 112 percent
Employment Growth: 14.80 percent

18. ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTER These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $30,000
Income Growth: 140 percent
Employment Growth: 3.20

17. ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $34,000
Income Growth: 138 percent
Employment Growth: 1.90 percent

16. CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY OPERATOR These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $26,000
Income Growth: 173 percent
Employment Growth: 23.50 percent

15. SALES REPRESENTATIVE (WHOLESALE) These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $27,000
Income Growth: 304 percent
Employment Growth: 15.60 percent

14. TAX EXAMINER/COLLECTOR These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $30,000
Income Growth: 207 percent
Employment Growth: 7.30 percent

13. HAIR STYLIST These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $16,000
Income Growth: 163 percent
Employment Growth: 15.70 percent

12. COSMETOLOGIST These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $16,000
Income Growth: 163 percent
Employment Growth: 15.70 percent

11. INDUSTRIAL MACHINE REPAIRER These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $30,000
Income Growth: 127 percent
Employment Growth: 21.60 percent

10. INSURANCE AGENT These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $26,000
Income Growth: 342 percent
Employment Growth: 21.90 percent

9. EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $29,000
Income Growth: 131 percent
Employment Growth: 12.60 percent

8. SURVEYOR These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $31,000
Income Growth: 190 percent
Employment Growth: 25.40 percent

7. HEATING/REFRIGERATION MECHANIC These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $26,000
Income Growth: 158 percent
Employment Growth: 33.70 percent

6. STENOGRAPHER/COURT REPORTER These Are The 20 Best Jobs That Dont Require a College DegreeAverage Starting Salary: $26,000
Income Growth: 250 percent
Employment Growth: 14.10 percent

See the top 5 best paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree here.

[Note from the report’s author: “Income Growth” pertains to the percentage of increase from beginning earnings to top level; “Employment Growth” refers to the projected increase in number of jobs through 2020 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.]

All photos via CareerCast.com.

Comments (157)

  • fidel1234
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 6:58pm

    This article is B.S. trying to make it like you have to have college to make it big, seems they forgot that car salesman can make well over 100,000 thousand a year with a bunch making over 250k,underwater scuba welders make well above avg.,what about salvage divers,what about mechanics of any type,never seen one not make above 100k,also a guy that knows his wrecked cars and trucks are worth their weight in gold to a salvage yard, also plumbers and ac and heating experts make way above 100k a year, there is a lot more but not enough room.

    Report Post »  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 7:17pm

      I can’t think of a job that does require a college education ?
      How did a college become a college by going to a college.

      Report Post »  
    • Doctor Nordo
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 7:30pm

      This is exactly true. All of those listed jobs are fairly far down on the totem pole of careers not requiring college.

      Report Post » Doctor Nordo  
    • zoose
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 9:20pm

      Tower climbers make $1000 a day.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgO4Gd4RhvM

      Report Post » zoose  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 9:34pm

      One they forgot POLITICIAN with common sense.

      Report Post »  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 9:53pm

      Reactor operators have to pass a lot of demanding exams — but not one college course.

      Report Post »  
    • hayejay
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 11:22pm

      Average starting car salesman makes 30,000-35,000 and a guy in the job awhile make 45-55,000 and 60,000 tops most of the time.. Guy in it for 25 yrs or more that can stomach it and get lucky might make more. Average car sales and most sales of any kind work has 45-55 hour work weeks and make 40-60,000. Lot of them went to 4 year schools too. it‘s not the salary it’s the inflation our money is the main issue we have. 60,000 is pretty good if you can make it year after year.

      Report Post »  
    • hayejay
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 11:34pm

      A starting car salesman makes 30,000-35,000 a year. Someone doing it for a few years will make 45-60,000. If they can hack the 45-50+ work weeks year after year. Most sales are 40-50,000 incomes. anyone who claim 90-100,000 are the lucky ones or lying(most likely lying). That’s a finance/sales manager pay. GM’s of the store might make 150,000+. Sales people in most to any field 40-60,000.

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 11:36pm

      It’s stupid to spend the money to get a college degree. Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and the other FOX and AM radio hosts never got college degrees, and look at them. They’re worth millions and are respected experts on every topic that might come up on the news.

      America has become exceptional not because of, but in spite of educated people. Let other countries waste money to support basic education and advanced education for their young and those coming into adulthood! We in this country, in America, know that advanced education is a tool of the communists to indoctrinate our children. Why otherwise would educated people tend to be liberal?

      Let other loser countries waste their national resources and increase their debt supporting education to teach evolution or whatever liberal ideas are out there. We know in this country that we are exceptional and we’ll always lead in technology no matter what. Because we’re better. It’s our destiny, given to us by God because we are a Christian nation. Eliminating funding for schools, scholarships and cutting teachers pay and whatever other measures are needed so that we cut taxes for the rich will not jeopardize our position as the world’s leader in technology. Because of American Exceptionalism, which is our due as as Christian Nation, our lead in technology is guaranteed. No matter what.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • barstooltestpilot
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 11:39pm

      Case in point.. I joined the U.S. Navy directly out of High School at the age of 17. Left the Navy seven years as an E6 Electronic Technician. On week later I am working for Motorola. And, the next two corporations keep me employed for the next 46 years. Retired in 2010 and spend time working on old cars. No collage loans. No debt. Plenty of beer money. Life is good. It’s a terrific place to learn skills that transfer to the rest of your life.

      Report Post » barstooltestpilot  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 12:01am

      @jzs

      Do you have a College Degree? If so, what in? Not trying to be funny. I really want to know.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 12:05am

      @jzs “We have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.” – Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation

      Funny thing is, about 65+ years ago, when all that was basically true, we were NUMBER ONE in all the world, in Math, Science, and other fields.

      The House of Representatives of the Thirty-Fourth Congress, 1854… passed the following, “Whereas, The people of these United States, from their earliest history to the present time, have been led by the hand of a kind Providence, and are indebted for the countless blessings of the past and present, and dependent for continued prosperity in the future upon Almighty God; and whereas the great vital and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and divine truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, it eminently becomes the representatives of a people so highly favored to acknowledge in the most public manner their reverence for God”

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 12:17am

      Our first college, Harvard, in its original rules stated, “Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the maine end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternall life, Jon. xvii. 3. and therefore to lay Christ in the bottome, as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning.” and that “Every one shall so exercise himselfe in reading the Scriptures twice a day,”(A History of Harvard University, Benjamin Peirce, 1833, Appendix, p. 5)

      “All the distinctive features and superiority of our republican institutions are derived from the teachings of Scripture.” —Edward Everett, President of Harvard University, Governor of Massachusetts, United States Secretary of State (Faiths of Famous Men in Their Own Words, 1900, p. 119)

      “I believe a knowledge of the Bible without a college course is more valuable than a college course without the Bible.” —William Lyon Phelps, American author and scholar (Human Nature In The Bible, 1922, p. 9)

      President Ulysses S. Grant said: “Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet anchor to your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts, and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for all progress made in our true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future.” (The Literary Primacy of the Bible, by George Peck Eckman, 1915, p. 148).

      Report Post »  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 1:17am

      @jzs
      Are we really that advanced particularly in computer science the U.S. is so far behind we have to hire foreigners to do the work because you were sold a education and I mean that you were sold and by the time you get out of school it’s obsolete and worthless in the rest of the world. Schools and colleges have instructors who are teaching obsoletes and out of date software that they are not even qualified to teach. Many of times I had to prove professors wrong and teach them a few things. So don’t think we are superior in computers cause were not and are education system is a failure. Some of the best software comes from Russia, Germany, Sweden and other countries who are literally kickin our butts.

      Report Post »  
    • Bryan B
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 1:26am

      Most millionaires and billionaires don’t have college.

      And almost all CEO’s of major corporations, that went to a college or university, did not attend a Ivy League schools or even State Colleges…..

      Report Post » Bryan B  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 1:32am

      HI MONK,

      Not sure if I remember correctly or not, but I think he once mentioned statistical analysis and psychology as some of his studies. Again, not sure about either of those.

      But I am sure that he never studied tact, logic, or how to win friends and influence people.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • SovereignSoul
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 1:49am

      Myth of the college dropout millionaire

      “…of the current Fortune 500 CEOs, some 99% have a college degree. Similarly, of the Forbes 400 richest people in America, 81% hold postsecondary degrees.”
      Forbes Magazine

      Report Post » SovereignSoul  
    • Cascadia
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 1:52am

      The US also has great opportunities in the railroad industries. There are positions for laymen as well as grads. Look at web sites in your area: CSX, NS, UP, BNSF as well as many “short line” RRs….

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 2:12am

      Monk, I left school in second grade to make money picking fruit and vegetables to make a few dimes to buy food for my parents.

      You probably think that’s funny. You probably think you’re superior to someone who makes a living doing a job that usually goes to Mexicans. There aren’t many Americans who will do this kind of work, but there are lots of Mexicans who are happy for the money. I guess if we kicked the Mexicans out the unemployment rate would go down, because Americans would then picking these fruits. Then I‘d be pickin’ fruit with white people instead of brown people and American wouldn’t have an unemployment problem.

      Yeah, I have a degree. I have a degree being a migrant farm worker pickin‘ peaches and I have a degree pushin’ broom and raking leaves and cleaning up other people’s crap and filth. Yeah, I got a degree alright, living in squaler because I my parents had nothing and I didn‘t get an education and you smart guys think if I just applied myself I’d be a millionaire like Mitt Romney even though I never got an education. Yeah, I got a degree in realizing that there’s no way I can be the next Bill Gates since I never laid hand on a computer or book in my life. Yeah, I got plenty of degrees. Just like lots of Americans.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 4:37am

      THERIGHTSOFBILLY and THE-MONK, I think that somebody figured out JZS’s password. The two posts that I have just read are not in JZS’s writing style.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • scjeff
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 9:39am

      My cousin started her first business when she was a single mother at 20. As an entrepreneur for over 30 years she has made millions in real estate, retail, and you name it and she is selling off a number of her holdings now to retire at 53. She finished high school and made her own way and never once felt entitled just grateful for the opportunities.

      Report Post » scjeff  
    • black9897
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 10:17am

      At 14 they misspelled criminal.

      Report Post » black9897  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 12:51pm

      @RJJinGadsden

      I heard, from one of the other posts, that JZS‘s Uncle is visiting them for Mother’s Day.
      Perhaps it‘s Uncle JZS on JZS’s computer…

      I tried to ask nicely about his education because I was curious. All I got was peaches and cream. : (

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • usedCZARsalesman
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 2:36pm

      I was thinking the same thing about JZS…doesn’t “sound” like him at all. Except that the babbling is as incoherent as always.

      Report Post » usedCZARsalesman  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 3:12pm

      I’m beginning to think that JZS is a left wing remnant of the “Max Headroom” program that has gone rogue and is infecting the Webernets.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYdpOjletnc

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 5:58pm

      Hey JZSaul,

      Love the new pic.

      It’s so………….foreboding looking.

      Spooky even.

      It’s very you.

      You are getting sleepy……..very sleepy………when I snap my fingers you will begin to bray like a jackass.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Darkstar58
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 8:39pm

      @Therightsofbilly,

      The image he is using is Big Brother from the ‘84 film version of 1984

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 10:59pm

      @DARKSTAR58

      I know, just giving him some jazz.

      He has previously used both Winston Smith, and Emmanuel Goldstein as his avatar.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • henent
      Posted on May 27, 2012 at 6:30pm

      I agree with you. Our private school in Bluffton, SC teaches a business course where we all as a class invest in the store. Each owning stock in the company. We all purchase from our store items made in America. Each student graduates with a franchise model that I have put together. It is a “Rickysmart” which is a model of Walmart. We have a auction like Ebay which the school owns called “www.Bargainboxauction.com” . We will guarantee after this 90 day class everyone will be making a decent income, money to diversify into another class project. We teach the student how to invest in gold and silver. This online course will “transform” America because we as American citizens can invest in Free Enterprise with our business model. If you own a computer you can do this course. Cost: $180.00 entry level $250.00 Masters Degree.

      Report Post »  
  • blair152
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 6:25pm

    I don’t have the dexterity to be a construction machinery operator, I can’t draw that well, on that account,
    I’m Frank Lloyd Wrong :), and I don’t have the math skills to be a tax collector.

    Report Post »  
  • The Eleventh Doctor
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 6:13pm

    I’ve got a good work ethic. That can get me any job better than a lazy Occupier with a four-year degree.

    Report Post » The Eleventh Doctor  
    • henent
      Posted on May 27, 2012 at 6:34pm

      I can take your work ethic and teach you to grow money. Yes, a money tree. Gold and Silver companies and a Green company. With these three investments you can earn unlimited income. Purchase from our school book store and enter the class. Free Enterprise!

      Report Post »  
  • Jim Pryor
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 4:30pm

    Our U.S. Educational System has failed us taxpayers and made MANY that belong to that system that made them VERY WEALTHY.. No more of our tax dollars for education, on any level. Ford,GM,Microsoft and all companies need to start their own trade schoos AND HOPEFULLY, will hire the people they will traIn. I’m guessingf but start Trade School in no later than the 11th grade ???

    Report Post »  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 6:18pm

      Back in the day, an ‘apprentice’ started at a very young age, sometimes as early as 9 years old. And by the time they were in their late teens they were already ‘journeymen’, ready to ‘journey’ out on their own and begin their own business or take over the business where they served their apprenticship.

      Unions have destroyed that potential for most people seeking ‘journeyman’ status. I’m a NCCER certified jouneyman millwright. A non union affiliation and nationally recognized organization. Get and retain as much training as possible.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • socialism.rocks
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 6:58pm

      they already have them you can go pass microsoft certification from microsoft……i think its a hundred bucks for the tests… you dont need no college education-

      Report Post » socialism.rocks  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 8:59pm

      I learned leadwork from my dad who worked at Fischer Body and that art is no longer taught but is valuable in auto restoration there wasn’t no Bondo back in those days. You can go to college all you want but until you have experience and the wisdom that you can master it.

      Report Post »  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 9:12pm

      And I may ask what has Microsoft invented ? They just took someone elses idea changed a little code and threw a patent on it. Then they put a fresh face on the same old crap next year and push it out the door. If your serious go Linux even the big boys use Linux as their servers. But Microsoft would rather soak the consumer the schools and other ignorant people where linux is virtually free and free to improve on without copyright infringement. Thats why the rest of the world runs on Linux.

      Report Post »  
    • LoriInNC
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 2:29am

      MAMMY_NUNN: Sorry to disappoint you on your Linux rant, but serious businesses run on serious platforms. There’s more to software than just installing it.. it needs to run and it needs to be supported. In that regard, Linux cannot hold a candle to Microsoft.

      Report Post »  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 11:38am

      @ LoriInNC
      Sorry if you are reading this your using Linux use Google using Linux watch Fox News using Linux use a cell phone or ATM using Linux check into it you will be surprised.

      Report Post »  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 11:52am

      @ LoriInNC
      Here’s a starter for you Companies using Linux
      http://aaxnet.com/design/linux2.html

      Report Post »  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 11:58am

      Some more http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_companies_use_Linux_or_Unix
      It takes more than a GUI to run a system.

      Report Post »  
    • WykkedWiggz
      Posted on May 20, 2012 at 8:45pm

      The education system doesn’t want anyone to rival them or become more successful than they are.

      Report Post » WykkedWiggz  
  • burnteye86
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 4:26pm

    Don’t forget Pipe Welder. It‘s not only lucrative but it’s also fun.

    Report Post » burnteye86  
    • Bryan B
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 5:31pm

      You are right about Welders, and theirs not enough of them.

      Plumber is a good job, also Automotive Mechanic.

      Another one you don’t hear a lot about is Locksmith….

      Report Post » Bryan B  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 3:56pm

    Not everyone needs a college degree. I told my children that if everyone had a college degree, who would dig ditches, fix your plumbing, wire your house, ect?

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • turkey13
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 4:50pm

      Go to snopes.com/White House Raises All you need is marching and brown noseing experience. Kevin Lewis/Dir. of AFRICAN AMERICAN Media $42,000 to $78,000 86% raise. Elizabeth Nelson/Deputy Dir. of scheduling $45,000 to $75,000 63%. Ashely Gilmore/Dir. of traveloffice $$45,000 to $75,000 – 63%. Matthew Vogal/Assistant to Economic Policy $71,000 to $130,500 83% raise.Go and check out the whole top 20 W.H. raises. All this and money wasted on Green Energy, yet we can’t afford raises for our seniors to keep up with cost of living. Many have to choose between eating or dieing because of the cost of heart Meds.

      Report Post »  
  • lobo2525
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 3:18pm

    Techincal school is diffiinately a way to go provided the government stopped putting more and more restections on them. Carpenters, Plumbers and Electicians make good money with steady market.

    Report Post » lobo2525  
    • Blazesurfer
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 4:12pm

      Commercial carpenter for 22 years.[ metal stud rough in and acoustical drop ceilings etc..]50 grand plus a year. All, on the job training.

      Report Post » Blazesurfer  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 9:23pm

      Think of College as a consumer the Colleges are in a business of one thing selling you something and they will they will try and sell you anything whether it’s legit or not.

      Report Post »  
    • SovereignSoul
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 1:32am

      What’s the entrance exam like for getting into a good techincal school? Do I have to know any spilling, riting or mathe?

      Report Post » SovereignSoul  
  • lobo2525
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 3:14pm

    What I have seen in alot of countries where economy is bad…The government comes in and fosters the Idea of college degree for everything…those keeping young people “busy” for 4 years. Image how far we are from the founders…Washington was a surveyor at 15. If that happen today the company would face huge fines.

    Report Post » lobo2525  
  • Larry1951
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 2:55pm

    Now that you have put this information out they will soon make a college degree mandatory for these jobs. Watch and see.

    Report Post »  
  • deerfawn
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 2:46pm

    My husband didn’t go to college and he makes close to 100k a year. He did have quite a bit of training on the job, of course he started this job nearly 30 years ago. Now that same job requires a 2 year degree and you still go through the same training once on the job. While I hope my youngest does finish college, I don’t think it is the end all to be all.

    Report Post »  
    • Okiemomx2
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 10:54pm

      What does your husband do for a living? Thanks for sharing!

      Report Post »  
  • MammalOne
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 2:42pm

    all of these jobs sound awful. except maybe architectural drafter.

    Report Post » MammalOne  
    • GERATMO
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 3:54pm

      Are you one of those OWS people who demand $80,000 starting salary with no experience? I would do any one of those jobs if I had to.

      Report Post » GERATMO  
  • Individualism
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 2:20pm

    Your unlikely to get a job as a web developer without a Bachelors in a computer field. Online Advertising Manager they would like a business/technology 4 year degree with that. those are jobs that i might even get when i get out of college. But only certain degrees with internship land you jobs before you graduate. only certain things are in demand now.

    Report Post » Individualism  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 2:55pm

      @individualism

      So, you’re a College boy. That explains your unwillingness to answer my questions, your lack of basic grammar and your affinity for the OWS.

      Will you be going to Tampa for the RNC Convention?

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 3:23pm

      In-duh-vidual, BS. A web developer is hired based on skills and adaptability, the edumacation is irrelevant, because the field is so fluid that what you learned in college is obsolete the moment you finish. I don’t hire fresh college graduates at all, unless they can prove that are able to compete with others. In fact, a self-taught dudes/dudettes are more valuable to me because they have the right aptitude and won’t whine learning constantly something new, not regurgitate stuff that was fed to them by a professor.

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
    • Individualism
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 5:58pm

      i said experience helps aka internship or doing it on your own, its stupid i know but to many best employers require degrees for things they shouldn’t.

      Report Post » Individualism  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 8:06pm

      @Individualist
      “i said experience helps aka internship or doing it on your own, its stupid i know but to many best employers require degrees for things they shouldn’t.”

      You better hurry up and get that College degree. Sorry, I mean, you better study more; especially English.

      (I) know you’re (too) busy to bother because (it’s) (too) much like work.

      Are you going to answer my questions anytime soon?

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 9:49pm

      @ Individualism
      What’s wrong with starting at SCMOE & SCHMOE first instead of the best you know they will never bother with you it’s called weeding out the chafe.

      Report Post »  
    • Alessandre
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 3:59pm

      Actually, I’ll be hiring a web developer in the near future & I don’t care about a college degree. I do care if the developer can do the job. 70% of jobs come from small businesses yet so many behave as if big business attitudes run the country. They don’t. I worked in law (major NYC firms) for 15+ years. We hired kids out of college as paralegals, they couldn’t read, write or think. We hired attorneys out of law school, they couldn’t read write or think. For my own business, the ability to read, write & think along with common sense comes before any sort of degree. Once a person has those, he can learn to do anything. If he’s awake & aware enough, he can teach himself most things by watching what others do.

      College degrees would be useful if they taught the truth & exposed students to a wider range of human thought & human history than is covered through high school. Now, most of them include a great deal of indoctrination & fluffy, worthless courses that teach students to destroy any morals & faith they may have. The only schools I would allow a child of mine to attend are Christian schools that are both rigorous & faithful to their founding beliefs. Otherwise, college either means years unlearning indoctrination or a lifetime of being unable to use what was once a perfectly good heart, mind & soul.

      Report Post »  
  • KyleD
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 2:17pm

    What about a game developer? Developing houses often don’t even look at college transcripts. In programming it’s your code that sells you, not your degree.

    Report Post »  
  • Aceofshades
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 2:11pm

    I don’t know about the rest of the country but most of those jobs have a billion people applying for them. I have certifications for a lot of things, yet here I sit looking for jobs and loathing the fact that I’m on unemployment. But the economy is so bad no one is hiring, I would move but I don’t have enough money in my pocket for gas to look for a job let alone move. I know architects, and yes, they make good money (and they have degrees, to make good money you need to know what you’re doing) but they make that “good” money on the 2 jobs a year they do now. Down from around 6 or 8 a month to 3 or 4 a YEAR.. I’m so glad the recession is over

    Report Post »  
  • k1607
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:57pm

    can’t even explain how angry knowing this (having known it for several years now) after working hard to graduate with honors from a great University, only to be told, try volunteer positions and then realizing compared to the debt I am in, and the jobs that those without college degrees can get, making way more than most college grads, it makes me angry. It makes me feel as if my education is worthless and the university system in America is a big money making scam and pointless. Unfortunately, I am back in school to get an education certification, and I have friends with Masters degrees who have had to go back to college and get a second BA or BS to get a job that would pay the bills or for the family. Education is important, but now a days, experience trumps that because of the low job options in many areas and so many people who are not retiring.

    Report Post »  
  • inferno
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:34pm

    This is hersey !!!!! We know everyone MUST attend college. How else can a student find themselves in debt up to their eyeballs, and not even have a job. Also, they can’t be brainwashed by the leftist college climate, if they go directly to trade schools or the work force.

    Report Post »  
  • Ask Uncle JZS
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:31pm

    Where are the puter jobs?

    Report Post » Ask Uncle JZS  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 9:13pm

      Well, as you could see from some comments (like in-duh-vidualism), there is a perception that a college degree is required, and true, some hiring agencies do insist on it. But I don’t hire through agencies, craiglist is my tool. And I could care less if someone has a degree in comp.sci. or not.

      Can you code? Alrighty, here are the specs, how’d you do it? How fast?

      That’s all that interests me.

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 9:18pm

      The universities don’t teach the right stuff thats why they have to hire the foreigners to do the work
      http://www.blueseed.co/

      Report Post »  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 9:32pm

      Everyone want’s the easy job until everyone is qualified and doing the easy job that they realize nothing is getting done.

      Report Post »  
  • Micah.Stone
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:26pm

    Any rational person will admit that there are MANY jobs for which a college education is a waste of time, money and effort. Examples include:
    1. a ruling-class establishment politician (a self-serving, insider-trading, lying, criminal instinct is all that’s needed)
    2. a member of the OBOZO regime, in particular, and/or any federal, state or local government bureaucrat, in general
    3. a lamestream socialist media “news” anchor (i.e., a ted baxter word-mispronouncing newsreader that spews forth nothing but leftist propaganda – see #4)
    4. every other member of the socialist media including leftist blog writers (just repeat what the OBOZO regime, george soros and the JournoList vast left-wing media conspiracy tell you to say)
    5. a (self-serving, corrupt, clueless) member of the Federal Reserve
    6. a d-cRAT socialist activist excuse for a “judge” (there’s no need for complicated things like the law or the US Constitution when all you do is repeat the lunatic-left extremist ideology – this is especially true for an OBOZO appointee to SCOTUS)
    7. a union goon, thug or willing dues-paying member (the concept of “minimum work for maximum pay and benefits” is instinctive in ALL of the naturally lazy and unmotivated)
    8. anybody who votes for BIG GOVERNMENT socialism (a “vocational” school is the best place to learn how to live off other peoples’ money as your “career”)
    9. a socialist indoctrinator (also called “child molesters” and, strictly as an inside joke, “t

    Report Post » Micah.Stone  
    • Micah.Stone
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:27pm

      9. a socialist indoctrinator (also called “child molesters” and, strictly as an inside joke, “teachers”)
      10. a late-night or an HBO leftist imitation of a “comedian” (even adolescents know all the four-letter words, insults and misogynist slurs that constitute their “humor”)
      11. a member of the domestic terrorist #occupy bowel movement (even preschoolers understand “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme”)
      12. a “community organizer” (they can read The Communist Manifesto and Rules for Radicals without college)
      13. a member of any professional sports team (obvious)
      14. the head of government motors (just follow orders from their leftist eco-nut master, OBOZO)
      15. a crony capitalist pal of OBOZO (they get the taxpayer money regardless of their education)

      Report Post » Micah.Stone  
    • Clive
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 2:12pm

      you seem well adjusted.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 1:17am

      Clive,

      You finally said something intelligent.

      Guess there’s no global warming in hell tonight.

      Maybe global wasn’t the right choice of words.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • cessna152
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:09pm

    These are the 5 top jobs that require no education or any common sense at all:

    1) President of the USA
    2) President of the USA
    3) President of the USA
    4) President of the USA
    5) President of the USA

    Report Post » cessna152  
    • Ask Uncle JZS
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:33pm

      VP of the USA, 6th grade, Joe Biden.

      Report Post » Ask Uncle JZS  
    • k1607
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:58pm

      It really doesn’t, the only requirements is age and citizenship, but I wonder if one of those has been waived for our recent President. Hope he is out come January.

      Report Post »  
    • cdavis411
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 4:16pm

      hahaha!

      Report Post » cdavis411  
  • right-wing-waco
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:06pm

    Add truck driver. Local work $40,000 to 100,000.

    Report Post »  
    • k1607
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:59pm

      and military-they may not make much starting out, but staying in and moving up in rank and retiring with full benefits is well worth it.

      Report Post »  
    • OklahomaBound
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 9:26pm

      I was thinking the same thing, truck drivers are in high demand right now and many long-haul companies are offering sign-on bonuses and to offering to pay for a candidates driving school costs if they stay on with the company for a specified period of time. I drove back in the early 90′s and then went on to other professions, but with a down economy I decided to dust off my old CDL and just went to work for a local tanker company. Love the work and I’ll probably make around $50K in my first year back driving, and that’s local work, home every night, and in a state where wages and cost of living are lower than other states so that $50K would be like $65K-$75K in some other states.

      Report Post » OklahomaBound  
  • guido.cavalcanti
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:05pm

    So is the Blaze planning on to do an article on NDAA 2012 being ruled unconstitutional? You might think that story is more important than this one. But I guess that story wouldn‘t fit Romney’s agenda, since he supported bill. I guess the “truth” really does have an agenda.

    Report Post » guido.cavalcanti  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:25pm

      You must not subscribe to GBTV, or you’d know that Glenn has expressed a lot of concern for Romney as POTUS. Most people who pay attention (and you seem to be such a person) knows just how Progressively Socialist Romney is. The guy supported NDAA, as you said, and he proto-typed Obamacare.

      Most Constitutional Conservatives understand that Mitt Romney is bad for America. The case many are making is that Obama is so much worse. So, a lot of Tea Party people are complaining that, “We’re sick of choosing the lesser of two evils!” That’s where I fit in.

      I don’t know. Romney is a slightly-less-radical Obama from my perspective. We should fear greatly when Obama’s former people start to show up in the Romney administration as advisers and assistants.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • Ming The Merciless
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:34pm

      Awesome post – I’ve been wondering the same thing about that – and I never see that story or other stories about RNC shenanigans at the caucus conventions.

      It‘s like the Blaze has an agenda and it ain’t the truth necessarily. And Glenn isn’t talking about it on his radio show – it’s all about how bad Obama is. And we already know that. *duh*

      Why doesn‘t Beck talk about these issues I’ve raised?

      Makes you wonder doesn’t it?

      I don’t wonder anymore – I get Beck’s gimmick.

      Report Post » Ming The Merciless  
    • guido.cavalcanti
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:49pm

      No, cancelled GBTV a long time ago, when I noticed he did have an agenda. Beck will express concern about Romney, but at the end of the day he‘ll tell his viewers they need to vote for Romney because he’s the lesser of two evils. I’m not going to choose the lesser of two evils, I’m going to vote for the candidate who I feel is right.

      It’s funny you mention the tea party as being tired of this because the majority of Tea Partiers support the establishment backed Romney. In fact, it was our wonderful tea party congress that passed NDAA before Obama signed it. The tea party is as authentic a grass roots conservative movement as media matters is an authentic liberal grass roots movement.

      Report Post » guido.cavalcanti  
    • bpodlesnik
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 4:42pm

      Hey Guido, here is a suggestion, instead of complaining in the comments section about how they aren’t reporting on a story because of their “agenda”, why don’t you write up about the story yourself, and send it to The Blaze. You must have forgotten that they have a relatively small staff and can’t cover every story that you deem worthy. Or, perhaps they are in the process of writing as you continue to whine to like a 4 year old.

      And tell me, which candidate do you feel is right?

      Report Post » bpodlesnik  
    • Ming The Merciless
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 5:18pm

      @ BPODLESNIK –
      you must be the Blaze’s rep.

      If I type up a story – the blaze will not print it here – c’mon – who are you fooling? Not me sir/madam.

      First of all – the NDAA/SOPA stuff has not gone away – it still needs to be covered – I know beck talked about it on his radio show a number of months ago but since then I haven’t heard him say 2 peeps about it. Has he talked about it on his radio show and I missed it?

      2nd – there’s alot of fraud going on in the caucus conventions on a local level.

      3rd – the RNC helping Romney out and Romney hasn’t been nominated yet. Why doesn’t Beck talk about that?

      4th – Glenn needs to get Ben Swann on his program. Ben is an honest reporter asking honest questions on the local Fox news network in Cincinnati. Glenn should ask Ben about what he‘s been finding regarding election fraud by the RNC and Romney receiving ’help’ from the RNC.

      Beck does not want to talk about these things publicly on the radio nor does he want it here on The Blaze. Glenn cries out for constitutionalists but then slags the only one running (Ron Paul) and favors big govt douches like Bachmann & Santorum. Pathetic!

      And now Beck will be going for Romney because he is the lesser of 2 evils and we have got to get Obama out of office. This will be Beck’s reasoning – which is silly.

      If an editor from the Blaze emails me and asks me to write some stories to contribute to the Blaze on issues I think The Blaze and/or readers should know – I will

      Report Post » Ming The Merciless  
    • JustMeHere_01
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 9:42pm

      @Ming The Merciless

      You seem to critize what The Blaze is reporting or not reporting. Your criticisms astound me. Are you suggesting that we should re-elect Pres. Obama for another 4 years. Is that what you are rallying for.

      It appears that there will be two choices come November. You either vote to give Pres. Obama another 4 years or you vote for the other candidate which I think is going to be Mitt Romney.

      I voted for Rick Santorum in the Fla. Primary but he is no longer a candidate. You also talk about voter fraud. I don’t know how much voter fraud is taking place in the Republican Party. I do know there is a great deal of that taking place in the Democratic Party.

      I suspect that you must be an Obama supporter and here only to demonize any Republican candidate. I would vote to elect a pet animal before I would cast a vote to keep this current administration in power.

      I can just imagine what the current crop of czars have lined up and ready to implement if Obama wins in November. You haven’t seen anything yet. I would suggest that if Romney wins the election that he will not bring in progressives and communist to secretly re-write administrative procedures to over ride the Senate and Congress which will happen if Obama remains in office.

      Report Post » JustMeHere_01  
    • Ming The Merciless
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 6:37am

      @ JUSTMEHERE_01 –
      yes, I’m criticizing the Blaze for what they are reporting and not reporting.

      Of course you don‘t know about the voting fraud going on in the RNC because Beck isn’t talking about it and the Blaze is not reporting it.

      So far Mittens hasn’t been nominated anything.

      I never voted for Obama, or John McLame or Palin.

      I did vote for Ron Paul and then Gary Johnson for pres.

      Sounds like to me you are one of the sheeple who keep voting for the lesser of the 2 evils. Not me – I don’t play that game anymore – but you and Beck have fun with that.

      And nice demagoguing on your part. Seems the right wing establishment has got you right where they want you.

      Think for yourself and don’t let parties think for you.

      Report Post » Ming The Merciless  
  • Locked
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:03pm

    Now, I realize that these are the top 20, so the lowest will be lower… but look at some of the numbers:

    “19. TEACHER’S AIDE Average Starting Salary: $17,000
    Income Growth: 112 percent
    Employment Growth: 14.80 percent”

    It says right at the bottom, that the income growth is the difference between the starting salary and the highest salary. So a teacher’s aid with several years of experience will go from $17,000… to $19,000. That’s HORRIBLE. Even at the maximum, that’s still less than $10 an hour.

    How about 13. HAIR STYLIST?
    Average Starting Salary: $16,000
    Income Growth: 163 percent
    Employment Growth: 15.70 percent

    The highest paid hair stylist will be making $26,000 a year.

    9. EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Average Starting Salary: $29,000
    Income Growth: 131 percent
    Employment Growth: 12.60 percent

    $37,000 at most. Not bad… but it‘s misleading to say you don’t need a degree. The companies I’ve worked for ALL required degrees, OR at least 4 years equivalent experience. Which means that the “starting salary” means working a worse job for at least 4 years prior to that one.

    As for the degrees themselves? According to the article:
    “Indeed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average starting salary for someone with a four-year college degree is about $51,000 whereas it’s about $28,350 for someone with just a high school diploma.” And the cost of college? $12,800 (public) and $32,200 (private).

    Get a degree.

    Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:21pm

      Do you know anyone who has one of those jobs? I know several. Some on your little list are tipped jobs, and the people who work them make substantially more.

      The implication is that you don’t need a 4 year degree. You don’t. You can approach 6 figures with only a 2 year degree. We could do a quick search for mutli-millionaires who only had a high school diploma. America is where you can make it if you work your butt off.

      Get off your lazy butt and do something productive.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • Locked
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:33pm

      @Jaycen

      “Do you know anyone who has one of those jobs?”

      Yes, for every one of these. Most still have degrees; the teacher’s aid and hair stylist have certifications as well.

      “Some on your little list are tipped jobs, and the people who work them make substantially more.”

      Not my list; read the article.

      “The implication is that you don’t need a 4 year degree. You don’t. You can approach 6 figures with only a 2 year degree. We could do a quick search for mutli-millionaires who only had a high school diploma. America is where you can make it if you work your butt off.”

      And the odds are extremely against you. Unemployment among those with a high school education is over 10%. Unemployment among those with a 4-year degree or higher is 4%. Play the odds: get a degree.

      “Get off your lazy butt and do something productive.”

      Done. Your turn! I suggest getting some education in a productive field.

      Report Post »  
    • MJ-All-Day
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:41pm

      @LOCKED:
      Dude, seems that you need a degree…

      A 112% increase from $17,000 = $36,040.

      Do the math; if something increases by 100% it has doubled.

      I agree with you that degrees are good to have, but they’re more, and more expensive each year. I think the point is if you‘re intelligent and hard working you don’t necessarily need one.

      Hell! Some people WITH degrees can’t even do basic math, (hehehe)

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:47pm

      @MJ

      … By George, you’re right! I misread what the article said, thinking it said it would increase TO, not BY. I am shamed…

      Report Post »  
    • DaySleeper
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:48pm

      This list looks like it was compiled by a person with a degree. If they would only talk to their plumber or handyman, they might be surprised how much some of these people make. Usually they own their own business and pocket the profits. In the extra 2 years they would need beyond their technical school to get a degree, they could have established reputable businesses.

      I didn’t see aircraft mechanic or even auto mechanic. I know for a fact the aircraft mechanics make over $100K after five years with a little overtime.

      If you are planning to make a lot of money just because you have a degree then I think your are destined to tell your woes to the other baristas after graduation.

      The secret to making a living is having something to offer the job market that isn‘t readily available and doesn’t come cheap. There are simply too many people in this generation who have been taught that getting your hands dirty at work is beneath them.

      Report Post »  
    • MittensKittens
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 2:53pm

      @LOCKED, I’m a licensed insurance agent, with renewal income from past policies, and new business, I’m into a 110,000 income bracket, by which 2/3 of that is renewal income I don’t work for anymore…Insurance is a great business for a self starting, self managing individual. Unfortunately most people in the USA ARE NOT either, and are too scared to be self reliant!

      Report Post » MittensKittens  
    • Brooke Lorren
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 2:58pm

      My husband was an executive assistant for years…

      Then we realized that even the best-paid executive assistants never really make great money, so he decided to go to college. It would have been better for him to go earlier, because as a college student, we have less money than ever, and four people have to live off of it. Fortunately, he only has one year left and he’ll have a law school degree.

      Not that everybody should go to college, but the choice to go to college or not is a big one. Not going to college can be a big pain later on.

      Report Post »  
    • Homeschoolmama
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 3:45pm

      Most of these jobs won’t even earn you enough to not be qualified for food stamps. My husband works for an evil oil drilling company. Started at the bottom less than two years ago at over $65,000/yr, now after 3 promotions he’s at $85,000/yr and we’re expecting 2 more promotions this year to put him at $100,000. Also likely to get 2 more big promotions in the next 4 years that will get him to more the $250,000. However, he’s moving up a lot faster than normal, no relatives in the company but with 10 military service and an AA degree (not required for the job) he’s smarter than the average bear at this job. The hours are long and the work is hard but he only works 15 days a month.

      Report Post »  
  • swoods08
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 12:56pm

    Wow, that EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT is pretty hot.

    Report Post »  
  • JRook
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 12:47pm

    It should be noted that the majority of the jobs on the list require formal training of one sort of another and in the case of the top 5, training of at least 2 years to receive the position status they reference. So while it might not be college it is training from the “for profit” mills that have cropped up and quickly becoming the bigger problem with respect to student loans and career misrepresentations. I am skeptical about the report and the source.

    Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:18pm

      Becket Adams stated in the article that many of the jobs on the list require formal training. Look at the list, and any American with a television set would know this.

      I have an Associates Degree. I graduated from ITT in ‘98 with a Associates of Applied Science in Electronics Engineering Technologies. The degree was preparation for a career as a VCR repair technician. There was very little practical knowledge unless you were going to either design or repair things at a board level. Guess how many companies want to hire someone with a 2 year degree to design boards?

      Anyway, I started at $25K. Within 2 years I was making $30K. Now, I’m under $100K, but I haven’t had a raise in 3 years. I did recently receive a profit sharing check for a decent amount, because our last few quarters were up, and we paid off some debt.

      I worked my butt off to get where I am, and it absolutely can be done. JRook, your defeatist view is as anti-American as ever.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 10:28pm

      What do most rich people do ?
      Spend the money so the Government don’t get it.

      Report Post »  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 12:46pm

    INDUSTRIAL MACHINE REPAIRER? Where? In China?

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 1:14pm

      the Congo….

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • flatdaddio
      Posted on May 18, 2012 at 3:06pm

      here is the US, you ned to think of all the food processing plants, packaging machinery, forklift repair, conveyor repair, The problem is it’s hard to get a foot in the door, Industrial Maintenance is a field in itself with no training programs.

      Report Post »  

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