In a world where the necessity of a college degree seems to be increasingly emphasized, it can be easy to feel discouraged if you lack one. However, the myth that a degree is the only pathway to a high-paying job is being increasingly debunked. Florida, for instance, boasts a wide range of lucrative professions that don’t require the conventional four-year degree.
Whether you’re looking for a career change or starting in the job market, here are ten high-paying jobs you can secure without a degree in Florida.
10 high-paying jobs without a degree in Florida
- Air Traffic Controllers
One of the highest-paying jobs without a degree, air traffic controllers manage the flow of aircraft into and out of the airport airspace, guide pilots during takeoff and landing, and monitor aircraft as they travel through the skies. While this role does require a special course and training, a traditional four-year degree is not necessary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, air traffic controllers in Florida earn an average of $123,000 annually.
- Real Estate Brokers
Florida’s booming real estate market opens up opportunities for high earnings as a real estate broker. Brokers handle real estate transactions, working with buyers, sellers, and renters. They earn money through commissions, and in a market like Florida, where both commercial and residential properties are in high demand, successful brokers can earn well over $100,000 a year.
- Commercial Pilots
Commercial pilots in Florida can work in varied industries, including tourism, agriculture, and emergency services. They require a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which does not require a college degree. The median annual wage for commercial pilots in Florida is around $78,000, with the top 10% earning more than $120,000.
- Elevator Installers and Repairers
As a state with plenty of high-rise buildings and condos, Florida has a high demand for elevator installers and repairers. This job requires a five-year apprenticeship program but doesn’t necessitate a college degree. The average yearly salary for this profession in Florida is approximately $75,000, with experienced workers earning over $90,000.
- Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists work under the supervision of a dentist, performing cleanings, taking X-rays, and educating patients on oral health. Although this role requires an associate degree, it doesn’t demand a traditional four-year degree. As of 2023, dental hygienists in Florida earn a median wage of $74,000 a year.
- Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists work in the medical sector, operating machines to deliver radiation treatment to patients. An associate degree or a certificate program in radiation therapy is usually required. The average annual salary for radiation therapists in Florida is approximately $86,000.
- Web Developers
Web developers design and build websites, a job that often values skills and experience over formal education. Self-taught programmers or those with a certificate or associate degree can find opportunities in Florida’s tech industry, particularly in cities like Miami and Tampa. The median pay for web developers in Florida is about $69,000, with experienced professionals earning over $100,000.
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents
Postmasters and mail superintendents manage operations at U.S. Post Office branches. While these roles require several years of work experience in a related occupation, they don’t require a bachelor’s degree. Postmasters in Florida earn an average of $75,000 annually.
- Police and Detectives
Florida, like most states, has a strong need for law enforcement personnel. While the job often requires police academy training and on-the-job experience, a degree is not a must. Detectives and police officers in Florida earn an average annual wage of around $65,000, with the top percent earning over $100,000.
- Loan Officers
Loan officers evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of loan applications for people and businesses. While some positions may require a bachelor’s degree, many loan officers start their careers with on-the-job training. Florida’s robust financial sector offers many opportunities for loan officers, who earn an average of $63,000 per year in the state.
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Despite the perception that a four-year degree is the only route to a high-paying career, these ten roles prove otherwise. In Florida, numerous lucrative professions don’t require a bachelor’s degree, underscoring that success comes in many forms and paths. Whether you have your heart set on the exciting real estate market, the thriving tech scene, or the essential healthcare sector, Florida offers a wealth of opportunities for a rewarding career without a traditional degree.