College can be a big investment in time and money, and most who attend college do so to get a job. However, college isn’t the only route you can take to get a job; even high-paying jobs don’t require a degree.

With that said, if you’re on a hunt for a job that doesn’t require a college degree or are a college student looking for a job over the summer, then here are some of the highest-paying jobs that don’t require a degree.

Best Highest Paying Jobs without a Degree

Police Officer

If you’re interested in serving your local community, becoming a police officer is worth considering. The job typically offers a mix of desk and field work and will require training before you can officially start. The average salary for a police officer is around $59,000, and this commonly comes with benefits such as a 401(k) plan, health and life insurance, and others, depending on the location.

HVAC Technician

Becoming an HVAC technician is worth considering for those who enjoy working with their hands. HVAC technicians maintain, repair, and install ventilation equipment. The job typically involves driving from site to site to perform the work and often requires an EPA certification. When it comes to the average wage, EVAC technicians make around $70,000 a year. Benefits can include health and life insurance, a company truck (for work purposes), overtime possibilities, and more, depending on the company.

Plumber

The job of a plumber can vary widely from the typical maintenance and repair fixes on residential buildings to installing drainage systems for commercial and residential properties. Regular travel between sites is often the norm. The average salary for a plumber is around $73,000, and common benefits include a 401(k) plan, health and life insurance, and equipment, which may include a company phone, vehicle, and gas card.

Electrical Technician

Electrical technicians install, repair, and maintain electrical equipment and wiring. This job can involve a lot of traveling from site to site and requires a mix of reading technical diagrams and manual labor. Trade school or an apprenticeship are the best ways to get into this field of work. The average salary of an electrical technician is around $66,000 and can come with a 401(k) plan, health and life insurance, and several benefits, which may include incentive-based pay.

Sales Consultant

Becoming a sales consultant is a good option if you’re good with people and want to get into sales. The job can vary depending on the company, but it typically involves a lot of desk work on phone calls with current or potential clients. It can also involve “field work” to meet with clients in person. The average salary for a sales consultant is around $74,000; however, earnings are often commission-based and can vary significantly. Benefits are typically in the form of bonuses, which may also include a sign-on incentive.

Truck Driver

A truck driver position is regulated not just for semi-trucks but also for other commercial vehicles like dump trucks. While many truck driver positions involve long trips away from home, there are some that are regional where the driver can return home every day. A CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) will be necessary, and the rest of your training will often be facilitated by the company you join. The average salary is around $75,000, and benefits can include a 401(k) plan, health insurance, and paid training.

Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents earn on a commission-based system and are highly independent. If you want a flexible schedule and are willing to put in the work, then becoming a real estate agent is a good option. You will need to become licensed by the state and then find a brokerage to work through. The good news is that many brokerages will help newcomers by providing training, resources, and even assistance in getting licensed. The average real estate agent makes around $100,000 a year, but this number can vary greatly depending on the amount of work you put in and the market you are working in.

Final Thoughts: Next Steps

There are plenty of fields to choose from that don’t require a college degree and there is always the option to carve your own path by starting your own business.

If you’re debating about whether or not college is for you, there are high-paying jobs that don’t require a difficult major to get. There are also plenty of online jobs for current college students who want to make an income on the side.

Pardon the cliché, but the opportunities are endless, and a fulfilling career is achievable with or without a college degree.