Here is your guide to the highest paying occupations. Whether you are looking for the highest paying occupations with maximum education or those with no college education at all, this article will provide you with the hourly income expected within a few key occupations.
Our first look at the highest paying occupations will begin with those positions that do not require any college education:
- Air Traffic Controllers – If you have had an interest in the air, this career pays very well. Take a course and pass the exam and you are in business. The average hourly wage for this occupation is an eye-popping $54.29 per hour, giving them the top spot in our short list of highest paying occupations without a bachelor’s degree.
- Managers, various industries – Can you lead a team? Are you knowledgeable about the operations of the company? A career in management may be for you. The average hourly wage is $38.06.
- Law Enforcement -- Do you have a desire to protect and serve your community? Although there are risks associated with this profession, law enforcement promotes from within. After a few years as an officer, take an exam and you can easily move up on the pay scale. $34.91 is the median hourly wage for a front line supervisor in law enforcement.
What if you have a college education? Here are the highest paying occupations with a bachelor’s degree:
- Airline pilots –Something about reading the instruments, charting flight paths, etc. requires a bachelor’s degree and experience. In addition to great perks, pilots make an average of $95.80 per hour.
- General Managers – Although different industries offer variations, the average hourly wage for this position is $45.48. Understanding operations, budgeting, forecasting, management, ethics, sales, etc. is required for this position, which is the reason a bachelor’s degree is mandatory.
- Engineers – there are many types of engineers from civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, etc. Without getting too technical (pardon the pun), the average hourly wage for an engineer is $33.51.
Depending on what you are looking for, there are well paying careers that do not require a four year education. Aside from a career as an airline pilot, you will notice that the salaries between the highest paying occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree compared to those where no college education is required do not traditionally differ that much. Here is a warning for you. Just because a position does not traditionally require a bachelor’s degree does not mean that you are eligible to earn that position. Most jobs have a list of “minimum qualifications” which you will need to meet. These may include varying levels of experience and or technical know how.
Additionally, depending on the job market and number of people who are competing for a given position, the weight given to education may change. Positions which are hotly contested for will have you competing against those with bachelors and possibly masters degrees.
