In fact, according to the Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2020 report, the average cost to attend a four-year college in 2020-2021 was over $26,820 for in-state students, and a whopping $43,280 for out-of-state students. Also, the average student loan debt in the United States is over $37,000. That’s a heavy debt burden to carry. Many believe that they have to obtain a college degree in order to make a decent living, but that’s just not true. You can make a great salary without a college degree—if you know where to look. So whether you are just starting out in your career or making a mid-life move, check out these top-paying jobs, no college degree required. You can get started by completing prelicensing courses online or in person. Of course, training varies depending on your state, but most states require a minimum of 60 hours of education. Once you complete your training, then you will have to pass your state’s real estate license exam. The cost of training and the exam can range from a couple hundred to over a thousand dollars. Not too bad, considering how much a college degree would run you. The cost of education versus the salary payout makes this an excellent career choice. Take the guesswork out of how to get started by checking out courses like Write Your Way To 1k and Killer Cold Emailing. You can also create samples by starting your own blog or joining a site like Medium. According to ZipRecruiter, the typical salary for a freelance writer is over $60,000 a year. Of course, the income potential is pretty much unlimited, because you can work and earn as much as you want. It also depends on what type of services you offer as a writer.; for instance, you can write blogs for businesses, product descriptions, web copy, and more. Basically, you can use whatever knowledge you have and write about it to make a living. However, there are minimum height and maximum weight requirements (you need to be able to reach the overhead bins and move through tight aisles). You also need to be over 21 (to serve alcoholic beverages to customers). If you can land a job at an airline, most will provide on-the-job training, and you will become certified with the Federal Aviation Administration. The median flight attendant salary in the United States is $78,831, according to salary.com. To become a massage therapist, you need to attend a post-secondary school and receive a certificate or diploma after 500-1,000 hours of training. The amount of training depends on your state’s requirements. Keep in mind that you will be using your hands a lot, so this is a pretty physical job. However, if you have the right qualities, such as being friendly, discreet, and comforting, this can be a very rewarding career. You can take an online course through QC Event School and become a certified wedding event planner. Payscale.com lists the average wedding planner’s salary at $42,266 a year, which doesn’t include bonuses or tips. Wouldn’t you want to get paid to throw a party? Once you complete your program, you will have to pass a state board cosmetology test in order to receive your license. The U.S. Bureau of Labor lists the median pay for a hairdresser at $27,630 a year. However, this is usually a good deal lower than the actual take-home pay, because hairdressers tend to receive hefty tips. So if you are always styling your own hair and find it fun, why not learn how to get paid for it?
