Best-paying jobs for high school-educated veterans

Best-paying jobs for high school-educated veterans

Many veterans enter the military right out of high school, so they don’t have a college degree when they transition out. While many choose to pursue higher learning once they leave the service, others feel that college isn’t the right path. So for them, it is important to know which careers don’t require a degree and how much they pay. If you’re transitioning out of the service or soon will be, here are 24/7 Wallstreet’s top seven jobs that don’t require a high school diploma:

1. Subway and streetcar operators: Being a subway or streetcar operator is as stressful a job as the city or town you’re working in. Densely packed cities tend to bring stressed people into crowded situations, while smaller areas tend to be more relaxed. This is a job that doesn’t require strong interpersonal skills, but they do help when assisting hapless citizens navigate the local area. Strong time-management skills are extremely appreciated by the public, whether or not the local transit system enforces them.

Average salary: $62,730

2. Fashion designers: As with any creative endeavor, becoming a fashion designer is a risky proposition. The reward for succeeding, however, is enjoying a career you probably love. It would be inadvisable to attempt becoming a fashion designer without a strong passion for the industry. While advanced degrees aren’t required for good fashion design, learning basic principles and techniques will certainly help.

Average salary: $62,860

3. Power distributors and dispatchers: If you become a power distributor and dispatcher, you can say that you literally wield the power of an entire city. These jobs are well-paying and don’t require a college degree. Understanding the basics of electricity is a requirement, and obtaining a certification before applying for a job will help your chances.

Average salary: $71,690

4. Detectives and criminal investigators: Do you like hats? Do you enjoy sitting in poorly-lit offices with half-smoked cigarettes, waiting for someone to walk through your door with a mysterious case for you to solve? If so, becoming a detective or criminal investigator is not for you. These jobs are stressful, bureaucratic and draining. However, there are many lucrative benefits to sticking with this profession until retirement, and the skills you learned in the military will definitely apply to this position.

Average salary: $74,300

5. Nuclear reactor operators: Concentration, professionalism and a very strong grasp of how the plant operates are all stringent requirements for nuclear reactor operators. You should strongly consider obtaining some kind of certification, if not some post-high school education, before applying for a job in this field.

Average salary: $74,990

6. Elevator installers and repairers: These technicians have very important jobs to perform, and it’s best suited for people with a penchant for working with electronics and machinery. Furthermore, the skills you learn in this job may apply to other types of repair and maintenance careers, so you’ll be giving yourself employment flexibility.

Average salary: $76,650

7. Airline pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers: The airline industry is enormous; it doesn’t just include civilian transport, there are numerous reasons why people need to pilot, co-pilot or maintain aircraft. Becoming a pilot or co-pilot takes an enormous time commitment, so don’t go after that job unless you’re willing to spend many, many hours in a cockpit. Flight engineers may not need a college degree, but they are highly trained professionals so be prepared for either on-the-job training or spending time to get a certification.

Average salary: $114,200

Article courtesy of Military.com