3 jobs with high pay and low entry requirements

A college degree is one way to break into the upper income bracket levels, but it’s definitely not the only way. There are many jobs that don’t require a college degree, but actually offer the potential to earn a very decent living.

The following are 3 jobs with high pay and low qualification requirements.

Air Traffic Controllers Make Over $100K a Year

Air traffic controllers are the people responsible to navigating traffic in the skies. Controllers follow strict procedures to keep air craft apart while en route to different locations around the world. The job can get very stressful because controllers are essentially in charge of preventing mid-air collisions which can be affected by several variables, such as weather, the number of air craft and system shortcomings.

The air traffic controller needs to be an excellent communicator, but the other skills necessary are industry specific and are usually taught while on-the-job. The Bureau of Labor provides some useful information on what is needed to qualify as well as the average pay scale.

Police and Detective Supervisors Make Decent Money

Individuals can enter the force with a high school diploma and with hard work and additional training can advance through the ranks to get to the supervisor level. This is an exciting and rewarding career choice for people who thrive on the satisfaction of a job well done.

However, good police and detective supervisors must also be willing to accept accountability. A career in the police force is also not for the faint at heart because events can get fast paced and even life-threatening. For a job filled with adventure and intrigue with fairly low entry requirements, $40,000 to $70,000 a year is quite a piece of change.

Realtors Have the Potential for High Earnings

This career is for the self-motivated person that loves a sales-based environment. Real estate professionals do not need a college degree, although the industry requires them to sit a qualifying exam. Laws may differ from state to state so professionals must be licensed in the state in which they wish to practice.

There are several ways to work as a realtor. Some prefer to enlist the services of a personal assistant, while others prefer to go it alone. Those who hire an assistant often end up making more money because the assistant frees up time so they can focus on actually closing the sale. In this industry, income is directly related to sales, so there is no real limit on the potential, but on average, real estate professionals make a little over $50,000 a year with some of the more experienced easily breaking into the $100,000 income bracket.

College is not for everyone, but this doesn’t mean there is no hope for a high income earning job. The job options outlined in this article are just the a few suggestions, but just a bit of research will reveal a whole world of opportunities that exist for those who aren’t afraid of a challenge.

The Real Value of Continuing Education

The value of continuing education increases every year. Without a college degree, including a degree from two-year program, the prospects of finding a high-quality job with excellent earnings is difficult at best. The level education for the average person in the United States is increasing, making it essential to complete additional education beyond a high school degree.

This increasing average level of education of the general working population causes earning potential increases (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Demographics of Labor Force, April 2010). An additional indicator of the value of continuing education is measured as follows for full-time workers age 25 and over (Usual Weekly Earnings for First Quarter 2010, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 15, 2010):

no high school diploma – median weekly earnings of $448
high school graduates (no college) – median weekly earnings of $624
bachelor’s degree – median weekly income of $1,140
professional or master’s degree and above – $3,319

Cost of College Education: Return on Investment

Using the monetary figures provided above, a comparison can be quickly made regarding the value of continuing education. For example:

a high school graduate’s annual earnings equal $32,448
a college graduate’s (bachelor’s degree) annual earnings equal $52,280

The difference equals $19,832 and over a ten year period this difference may equal more than $190,000.

This potential ten year difference more than pays for the average cost of a bachelor degree from a public university. The average cost for four years is $56,000 (U.S. News & World Report, Paying for College, October, 2009). This cost takes into consideration tax breaks, grants, tuition, room, board, fees, books, and other typical out-of pocket expenses.

The return on investment of $56,000 equals over $130,000 and this is only after ten years. The earnings difference continues to increase over time. In fact, education pays!

Education and Employment: Work Place Stability

There are many reasons why people change jobs or careers and often it is because of upward mobility after earning an additional education degree or certification. However, when considering a job or career change it is essential to bridge any gaps between education, essential job skills, and experience.

With the high level of education for the average worker today, employers can be selective in who they hire. This means, more often than not, adults with a college degree are hired before those without a degree. This increases the value of continuing education.

Most people have heard of businesses closing overnight and layoffs without prior notice. This is another reason why it is essential to remain current in job skills, along with pursuing education in the latest trends and techniques related to a career field. Waiting until an employer closes its doors or passes out layoff notices, may lead to long term unemployment.

These facts lead to the question – “Is there real value in continuing education?” The answer, Yes!

However, the success of any college graduate is based strictly on their personal performance, determination, and responsibility. Everyone in society needs continuing education, because education is a valuable asset which should never be taken lightly. Obtaining additional education opens doors which remain firmly closed for those with less education.