8 Highest Paying Careers – No Degree Required!
There are many jobs that pay well without a degree! The world of recruitment has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Many organisations these days take a skills-based approach to hiring rather than the traditional degree-based approach. In fact, many careers don’t require a degree and employers themselves often determine what a candidate requires in order to secure an interview.
Taking the time to gain a degree (which is often years) can also be a negative, whereas Certificates and other entry pathways take a lot less time to obtain — time that could be spent honing your skills in the workplace, which can give you a competitive advantage. There are also a range of jobs that pay well without a degree, which is added incentive for you to undertake one of our online courses!
#1 – Construction Manager
Construction is a large industry that encompasses the construction, renovation, demolition, maintenance and repair of buildings and infrastructure. There are a wide variety of opportunities available for construction managers, from planning and surveying to structural construction and ensuring the sustainability and health of buildings.
Construction professionals are often sole traders with their own businesses, and with the continual boom of the real estate industry in Australia, the demand for construction managers is high. They can also earn fairly decent coin, as according to Payscale, Construction Managers earn an average of over $111,000 per year.
And while construction managers don’t need a tertiary degree to work in the construction industry, it does help if they have a number of particular skills in order to do the job well. These include having project management qualifications and practical experience in construction and building.
#2 – ICT Manager
Given the reliance modern workplaces have on technology, it’s no surprise that ICT Managers are well-paid. According to Payscale, they earn an average of over $105,000 per year. They are one of the most popular jobs that pay well without a degree. ICT managers also don’t just fix computer issues. They can be responsible for the acquisition, setup, security and ongoing maintenance of computer systems within an organisation. Many ICT Managers also create strategic policies and plans that are specific to a businesses’ unique needs.
You don’t need a degree to become an ICT Manager, although it is recommended that you have a broad knowledge of IT operations and computer systems. You can also enhance your career further by studying IT courses that focus on providing computer systems and service troubleshooting.
#3 – Project Manager
Project Managers are among the highest paid professionals in Australia. According to Payscale, they earn, on average, over $100,000 a year.
They are responsible for ensuring projects are completed on budget and on time. From building a website to constructing a bridge, project managers can work on a wide variety of projects. A great place to start if you are interested in a project management career is with a Certificate of Project Management.
#4 – Senior Care Worker
With Australia’s ageing population on the rise, the demand for senior care workers is growing rapidly. According to Treasury’s 2015 Intergenerational Report, the number of Australians aged 65 years and over is forecast to more than double over the next 40 years, increasing from around 3.6 million in 2014-15 to 8.9 million in 2054-55.
Senior care workers are responsible for monitoring and overseeing care assistants, care workers and home carers. According to Indeed, their average earnings a year are around $96,000. They are another one of the jobs that pay well without a degree, although basic qualifications are highly regarded. There is also the scope to study in specialised areas, including in home and community care or supporting elderly people with conditions like dementia.
#5 – Human Resources (HR) Manager
HR Managers play an integral role in workforce recruitment, planning, employee relations and performance management within an organisation. According to Payscale, they earn an average of over $91,000 a year. If you’re a people person who is passionate about shaping an organisation through employee management and helping employees reach their potential, then a career in HR is for you!
You don’t need a degree to be a HR Manager, although in order to work your way up from an entry level position, there a range of courses that will kick-start your career trajectory.
#6 – Digital Marketing Manager
Digital marketing is a crucial part of modern business, as regardless of the product or services a business provides, digital marketing can help grow their audience and customer base. And it not only has a range of diverse disciplines, it has proven over the years to be a moneymaker for organisations, so they are often willing to pay high salaries when they see direct returns on their investment.
If you are after jobs that pay well without a degree, you may want to consider the role of a Digital Marketing Manager, as, according to Payscale, they earn, on average, around $83,000 a year. Specialising in platforms like social media can also allow you to diversify and boost the revenue of an organisation (and possibly even your salary!)
#7 – Health and Safety Advisor
Workplace Health and Safety Advisors play a critical role in ensuring staff, contractors and the general public are protected from potential hazards. They can work across a range of industries, including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, hospitality and transport.
According to Payscale, Health and Safety Advisors can earn an average of over $82,000 a year. You can work in this role in Australia without a degree, although you will need qualifications such as a Certificate of Workplace Health and Safety.
#8 – Office Manager
If you are looking for an office role and love to be organised, then a career as an Office Manager will be right up your alley! Responsible for the smooth running of an office on a day-to-day basis, the duties of Office Managers can vary greatly depending on the organisation they work for. Tasks can range from greeting visitors, developing new admin systems and setting up appointments, to managing office expenditure, booking business travel, organising the office layout and ordering equipment and stationery.
An Office Manager role is one of the more surprising jobs that pay well without a degree, with Payscale citing a salary of up to $81,000 per year. Undertaking an office administration course can also help you negotiate an even better salary!