10 Cool Jobs That Don't Require a College Degree

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College isn't the only path you can take to find a sweet career. There are lots of high-paying jobs that don't require a college degree or back-breaking labor. Here are ten in particular that you might want to try out.
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1. Virtual Assistant (Median Earnings: $40 Per Hour)

Businesses, entrepreneurs, writers and other professionals are always on the lookout for skilled individuals who can handle research, administrative duties and other specialized services from a remote location. If you are comfortable with computers and like the idea of working from home, a career as a virtual assistant might be a good choice. Virtual assistants with marketable skills typically earn between $25 and $60 per hour.

Virtual Assistant Resources

2. Gaming Manager (Median Salary: $62,820)

Gaming managers oversee operations at casinos and similar establishments. While you won't be able to land a job as a gaming manager without previous casino experience, there's no reason why you can't work your way up from other positions. In fact, most gaming managers start out as dealers or runners.

Gaming Manager Resources

3. Real Estate Broker (Median Salary: $58,720)

A real estate broker acts as the middleman between people who want to buy and those who want to sell real estate. Becoming a real estate broker is very painless--all you have to do is spend 30 to 90 hours in class and pass a state exam. Employment opportunities are usually dependent upon the local economy, but gaining a job and making a decent living is relatively easy.

Real Estate Broker Resources

4. Salesperson (Median Salary: $58,710)

They say that all you need to do to be able to sell something is believe in the product. It must be true, because you don't need a degree to become a salesperson. If there's something you are knowledgeable about, try to sell it. Most sales reps work on commission, which means the more you sell, the more you make. The median annual salary for sales reps is $57,710, but it is not unusual for skilled salespeople to earn more than $100,000 per year. Not bad for a job that doesn't require a college degree.

Sales Rep Resources

5. Police Detective (Median Salary: $53,990)

Police detectives collect evidence, interview perps and solve crimes. If you are a U.S. citizen who is at least 20 years old, you can become a police detective. Of course, you might have to start out as a patrol officer first and work your way up. But the opportunity for advancement is great. Most police offers are eligible for promotion within six months to three years of active duty.

Police Detective Resources

6. Ship Captain (Median Salary: $53,430)

Want to sail the high seas and get paid to do it? Consider a job as a ship captain. Ship captains command vessels and supervise ship crews. To become a captain, you need good vision, the proper licenses and the ability to navigate in the water. A good set of sea legs are helpful too.

Ship Captain Resources

7. Writer (Median Salary: $48,640)

Because there is more demand for writers than ever before, it is much easier to break into the industry without an English degree. New writers can create material for books, magazines, newspapers, trade journals, advertisements and online publications. They can also write content for motion pictures, TV or radio.

Writer Resources

8. Fish and Game Warden (Median Salary: $47,830)

Like the great outdoors? Consider a career as a fish and game warden. These government employees get plenty of fresh air patrolling the areas where people hunt and fish. There are approximately 8,000 fish and game wardens stationed around the country. To apply for a job, contact your state's Department of Personnel or the Federal Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Fish and Game Warden Resources

9. Web Designer (Median Salary: $43,059)

A job as a web designer is perfect for someone with an eye for design. Web designers create and design content for web pages. Designers have flexibility and can either freelance or work a regular nine-to-five. The pay isn't bad either. Web designers with less than one year's experience earn a median annual salary of $34,791, according to a recent United States Salary Survey. Designers who have worked in this field for over ten years typically earn more than $50,000 each year.

Web Designer Resources

10. Game Tester (Median Salary: $37,861)

You know how your mom always told you video games were a waste of time? Well, she was wrong. Game testers play games all day long and get paid handsomely for it. Entry-level testers can usually earn at least $25,000 per year and experienced testers average $66,574. The best part is that jobs are plentiful in this growing industry.

Game Tester Resources

  • How to Become a Game Tester - This is a great place to start if you're interested in becoming a game tester.
  • Game Informer - Site with cutting edge video game news, reviews and previews.
  • Game Tester - This site has articles, jobs and all the information you need to get started in video game testing.

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Bryant & Stratton College

    Program Options

    Bachelor's
      • BA - General Management
      • BBA Human Resources Management
      • BBA Medical Services Management
      • BS Human & Social Services
      • General Management (GM) - BBA
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    Associate's
      • Criminal Justice Studies - AAS
      • AS - Business
      • AS - Criminal Justice
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    Certificate
      • Business Assistant Diploma
      • Criminal Justice and Security Services Diploma
      • Business - AAS
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      • Criminal Justice and Security Svcs. - Diploma
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    2. Grand Canyon University

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    Doctorate
      • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Qualitative Research
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      • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
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      • M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities (ITL)
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      • Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an Emphasis in Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationships
      • Bachelor: Business Admin
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    3. Saint Leo University

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    Doctorate
      • Doctor of Criminal Justice: Education
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      • MS: Criminal Justice
      • MS: Criminal Justice - Critical Incident Management
      • MA: Creative Writing - Poetry
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    Associate's
      • AA: Criminal Justice
      • AA: Business Administration
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  • Online Programs Available
    4. Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology

    Program Options

    Master's
      • Masters in Psychology
      • Masters in Dispute Resolution
      • Masters in Legal Studies
      • Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis
      • Masters in Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
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    5. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • DME: Doctor of Music Education
      • LLM: International Legal Studies
      • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction
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      • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction/Middle Grades Education
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      • CTG: Communication
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    6. The Chicago School

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    Master's
      • Dual Degree: MA Counseling Psychology and MS Applied Behavior Analysis
      • M.A. Counseling Psychology
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    Certificate
      • Suicide and Cyberbullying Prevention Certificate
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      • Certificate in Forensic Psychology - M.A. Non-Licensure Track to Licensure Bridge Program
      • Certificate in Behavioral Economics
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    7. Purdue Global

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • Master of Science - DNP Executive Leader
      • MSN-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
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      • Master : Business Admin
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    Bachelor's
      • BS in Communication
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      • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
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      • BS in Finance
    Associate's
      • AASBA in Business
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    Certificate
      • Professional Focus + Google Project Management Certificate
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    8. Penn Foster High School

    Program Options

    High School Diploma
      • HS Diploma
  • Campus and Online Programs
    9. Full Sail University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • Master of Science - Film Production
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      • Visual Arts Bachelors with Game Art Concentration - Campus
    Certificate
      • Computer Science Bachelors with AI Concentration - Online
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    Stanford University

Featured Schools

Bryant & Stratton College

  • BA - General Management
  • Criminal Justice Studies - AAS
  • Business Assistant Diploma

What is your high school graduation status?

Grand Canyon University

  • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Qualitative Research
  • M.S. Psychology with an Emphasis in Gerontology
  • BS in Psychology

What is your highest level of education?

Saint Leo University

  • Doctor of Criminal Justice: Education
  • MS: Criminal Justice
  • AA: Criminal Justice

What is your highest level of education completed?

Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology

  • Masters in Psychology
  • Masters in Dispute Resolution
  • Masters in Legal Studies

What is your highest level of education completed?

Liberty University

  • DME: Doctor of Music Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
  • CTG: Communication

What is your highest level of education?

The Chicago School

  • Dual Degree: MA Counseling Psychology and MS Applied Behavior Analysis
  • M.A. Counseling Psychology
  • Suicide and Cyberbullying Prevention Certificate
  • Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning

What is your highest level of education completed?

Purdue Global

  • Master of Science - DNP Executive Leader
  • M.S. in Health Education
  • BS in Communication
  • AASBA in Business
  • Professional Focus + Google Project Management Certificate

Which subject are you interested in?

Penn Foster High School

  • HS Diploma

What is your highest level of education?