Trade Schools
Career and technical schools, in contrast to most conventional four-year colleges, focus on placing students on a clearer route to employment success.
They also provide the opportunity to obtain rapid degrees or diplomas, as well as complete short certification programs.
Many of the highest-paying entry-level positions may be obtained with only two years of a specialized career school or less.
The following professions do not need a lot of post-secondary education.
In many situations, a two-year associate degree is all that is required.
For some of them, a diploma or certificate, which can frequently be acquired in a couple of months, is sufficient to get you started.
The figures for wages and job growth come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment forecasts data.
Between 2019 and 2029, employment in each of the 15 jobs listed below is expected to grow at a pace that is equal to or greater than the national average of 4%.
Salary figures are based on projections until May 2020.
Keep in mind that your earning potential varies based on where you work in the country.
1. Dental Hygienist
The major responsibilities of persons in this profession include cleaning teeth, checking mouths for symptoms of illness, and educating patients about appropriate dental hygiene.
- Average pay: $78,050
- Top pay: $104,420 or more
- Job growth: 6 percent
2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
These healthcare workers utilize ultrasound technology to capture pictures that aid doctors in diagnosing and treating their patients appropriately.
- Average pay: $77,790
- Top pay: $105,340 or more
- Job growth: 17 percent
3. Registered Nurse
You may enter the field of delivering and organizing crucial care for patients in places like hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings with just an associate’s degree.
- Average pay: $80,010
- Top pay: $116,230 or more
- Job growth: 7 percent
4. Digital Interface Designer/Web Developer
Building appealing and effective websites necessitates a great deal of technical knowledge but not necessarily a lot of training, especially if you like teaching yourself new tactics.
- Average pay: $85,490
- Top pay: $146,430 or more
- Job growth: 8 percent
5. Respiratory Therapist
Many people require expert assistance to breathe properly, which is where these health professionals come in.
Work might range from enabling life support to assisting individuals with asthma and other respiratory problems in tiny clinics.
- Average pay: $65,640
- Top pay: $89,170 or more
- Job growth: 19 percent
6. Cardiovascular Technologist/Technician
For heart-related problems, these professionals administer tests, capture ultrasound pictures, or help during surgery.
- Average pay: $60,940
- Top pay: $96,790 or more
- Job growth: 5 percent
See schools offering cardiovascular technologist programs by state.
7. Electrician
A small amount of vocational training and a brief apprenticeship is generally sufficient to pursue this trade, which allows you to wire buildings for electrical power and communications.
- Average pay: $61,550
- Top pay: $98,720 or more
- Job growth: 8 percent
See schools offering electrician programs by state.
8. Plumber/Pipefitter/Steamfitter
You can specialize in installing and repairing pipes and related equipment with only a few months of formal trade school or apprenticeship training.
- Average pay: $61,100
- Top pay: $98,990 or more
- Job growth: 4 percent
See the top online plumbing programs.
9. Commercial Driver
This tradesperson works underwater in specialized diving equipment to assist in the construction, maintenance, or removal of major buildings or equipment.
- Average pay: $71,850
- Top pay: $111,130 or more
- Job growth: 5 percent
10. Paralegal or Legal Assistant
These well-paid specialists are educated to assist attorneys by doing activities such as legal research, administrative tasks, and document preparation.
- Average pay: $56,610
- Top pay: $85,160 or more
- Job growth: 11 percent
See the top schools offering paralegal programs by state.
11. HVAC Technician
These professionals install, maintain, and repair the heating and cooling systems in our homes, workplaces, and other structures.
- Average pay: $53,410
- Top pay: $80,820 or more
- Job growth: 4 percent
See the top schools offering HVAC techs programs by state.
12. Surgical Technologist
This type of healthcare technician’s major responsibilities include preparing operating rooms, arranging surgical equipment, and aiding surgeons during operations.
- Average pay: $51,510
- Top pay: $73,110 or more
- Job growth: 7 percent
13. Construction Equipment Operator
This specialized trade includes operating large construction machines for the construction of highways or significant constructions.
- Average pay: $55,280
- Top pay: $87,220 or more
- Job growth: 4 percent
14. Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse
This level of nursing does not require a degree and allows you to work alongside physicians and other health professionals after a short vocational study.
- Average pay: $50,090
- Top pay: $65,520 or more
- Job growth: 9 percent
15. Clinical Laboratory Technician
This employment (also known as medical laboratory technologist) collects fluid and tissue samples from medical patients and uses specific lab equipment to perform basic diagnostic procedures.
- Average pay: $55,990
- Top pay: $83,700 or more
- Job growth: 7 percent
Even though these jobs don’t require a lot of education, they still need your attention.
Make sure to be determined and finish the small education requirement so that you can finally get a job that you will enjoy and be proud of.
