Video:Highest Paying Jobs That Don't Require a Degree

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Transcript:Highest Paying Jobs That Don't Require a Degree

It used to be that a college degree was the only path to a high-paying job. But a focus on real-world skills, experience, and knowledge has proven that the best candidate is not always the one that comes with papers. Here are some of the top money careers that don’t necessarily require a degree, and some of them just may surprise you.

Management Skills Are Learned on the Job.

Numerous managers simply do not have to be college graduates to have the skills necessary to delegate, motivate, and lead other people. Often, these types of skills don’t come from a book; they’re learned on the job. Management is a somewhat generic category, but there are many industries and management positions that don’t need a degree and can earn anywhere from an hourly wage of $38 to $44 or $79,000 to $92,000 annually, according to 2009 figures. Job titles that fit high-paying management positions include such areas as compliance, logistics, regulatory affairs, loss prevention, transportation and distribution, and wind energy. These jobs can be found in both the private and public sector and especially in fast-growing segments like clean energy, information technology, and security.

Sales Jobs Can Vary

A career in sales is often seen as a lucrative path, allowing anyone to get their foot in the door and use their natural abilities, creativity, and drive to generate success. Topping the list of sales jobs without a degree are sales reps positions with companies that specialize in technical and scientific products. They can earn a median salary of $71,000 according to 2009 estimates. Many of the jobs that top the list are for first-line supervisor positions across numerous industries, including police, firefighting and prevention, and non-retail sales. Their primary role is to oversee other workers who carry out the main responsibilities, but those in the supervisory role must have experience in those fields. They earn anywhere between $32 and $36 per hour or $68,000 to $76,000 annually.

High Risk Jobs Require Training but Not Degrees

Then, there are those surprising jobs that pay a lot – mostly due to the risk and skill level required. An elevator installer and repairer can make, on average, $33 per hour or $69k annually. In addition to elevators, they work on escalators, chairlifts, dumbwaiters and the like. Air traffic controllers, who must keep the skies safe for those flying and try not to fall asleep in the process, can make, on average, $52 per hour or $109,000 annually.And believe it or not, a nuclear power reactor operator doesn’t need a degree and can make $34 per hour or $72k on average. They do undertake rigorous training and may take some college courses to oversee the equipment that powers the nuclear reactor. Who knew Homer Simpson was so flush?

I'm Jonathon Stewart, with About.com.