The highest-paying jobs in Ohio without a degree include roles like commercial pilots, power plant operators, transportation inspectors, and elevator installers. Other high-paying options are real estate brokers, executive assistants, and claims adjusters. Many of these positions require certifications or on-the-job training rather than a college degree.
Many jobs in Ohio pay well without a college degree, and some of the highest paying job opportunities are available for those with specialized skills, certifications, or on-the-job experience. This list details those jobs, the median annual salary, and qualifications needed to succeed in those careers.
You may also be interested in our article on the overall highest-paying job in Ohio.
Jobs Without a Degree in Ohio – Skilled Trades, Transportation & Management
Ohio has jobs in skilled trades, transportation and management that don’t require a 4 year degree. While a college degree isn’t required for these positions, on the job training, apprenticeships or certifications often play a big role in career advancement.
Top 10 High Paying Jobs in Ohio Without a Degree
Here are the top 10 highest paying jobs in Ohio that don’t require a college degree:
Job Title | Median Annual Wage | Education Required |
---|---|---|
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers | $90,570 | High school diploma or equivalent |
First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers | $92,630 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Electrical power-line installers and repairers | $83,920 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians | $79,660 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Power distributors and dispatchers | $79,480 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Millwrights | $70,560 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters | $65,140 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Real estate brokers | $64,240 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators | $63,980 | High school diploma or equivalent |
First-line supervisors of production workers | $62,830 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Key Insights:
- Certifications: Most jobs require specialized certifications or hands-on training, such as apprenticeships for electricians or CDL licenses for truck drivers.
- Earning Potential: Some roles, like real estate brokers and sales supervisors, offer opportunities for additional earnings through commissions, bonuses, or overtime pay.
Notes:
- Certifications: Many jobs require specialized certifications or on the job training, like electricians apprenticeships or CDL licenses for truck drivers.
- Earning Potential: Some jobs, like real estate brokers and sales supervisors, have opportunities for extra income through commissions, bonuses or overtime pay.
Skilled Trades: A Steady Way to High Pay
Skilled trade jobs are the backbone of Ohio’s economy. These careers involve hands on work, like maintaining systems, assembling machinery or working with advanced tools.
Examples of Skilled Trade Careers:
- Electricians: Average annual salary of $60,040, with demand for installations and repairs growing across industries.
- Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters: Median annual pay of $65,140, one of the top trade jobs in the state.
- Millwrights: Earning $70,560, millwrights install and maintain machinery in factories and industrial sites.
Skilled trades often require vocational training or apprenticeships, which are shorter and less expensive than a college degree.
Transportation and Logistics Careers
Ohio being a logistics hub has high paying jobs in transportation and distribution. These jobs often require a high school diploma and a CDL.
Top Jobs:
- Transportation, storage, and distribution managers: Earning $90,570, these professionals manage logistics and supply chains.
- Truck drivers: CDL-certified drivers earn competitive pay, with opportunities to make more through long haul or specialized freight jobs.
- Power distributors and dispatchers: Median annual salary $79,480, managing electrical grids and power supplies.
Healthcare Support Jobs
Healthcare jobs without a degree have great pay and job security. Ohio’s growing healthcare industry relies heavily on skilled support workers who help deliver services.
In Demand:
- Pharmacy technicians: Assist with medication preparation and earn $37,970.
- Home health aides: Projected growth of 25% by 2031, these professionals deliver care to patients in their homes.
- Medical assistants: Earn competitive pay while supporting doctors and nurses with patient care and administrative tasks.
Many of these jobs require certifications, like CPR training or medical coding programs, but not a traditional college degree.
Sales and Customer Service Jobs
Sales jobs have great earning potential through commissions and performance bonuses. These roles focus on soft skills like communication and relationship building.
Examples of High Paying Sales Jobs:
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers: Earning $92,630, these professionals manage sales teams and operations.
- Real estate brokers: Median salary $64,240, but can make much more depending on market conditions.
- Insurance sales agents: Typically $55,000-$80,000 per year depending on sales volume.
Technology and IT Jobs without a Degree
Ohio has tech jobs for individuals with certifications or self-taught skills like coding or troubleshooting.
Examples of Tech Jobs:
- IT support specialists: Provide technical support to businesses and earn $55,510 per year on average.
- Web developers: With coding skills from bootcamps or online courses, web developers can earn up to $80,000 per year depending on experience.
- Computer repair technicians: Handle hardware repairs and maintenance with median salary around $42,000.
Online certifications and programs like CompTIA, Cisco or Google IT Support are a great way to get into these fields.
Final Points – Career Potential without a Degree
Ohio has many career options without a college degree. Careers in skilled trades, transportation, healthcare and technology have great pay with minimal education requirements. To maximize pay, consider certifications, apprenticeships or on the job training.
Use local trade schools, government programs and career websites (https://ohiomeansjobs.ohio.gov) to get started.
Common Questions
Below you can see common questions we get asked about this topic.
How can I use my browser history to identify high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree?
Analyzing your browser history can reveal interests that align with high-paying careers. For example, if you frequently visit sites about renewable energy, you might consider becoming a wind turbine technician. This job can earn you around $61,818 annually without a degree. Your browsing data can be a valuable tool in discovering potential career paths.
Are there any high-paying jobs in the data field that don’t require a degree but offer good earning potential?
Yes, data-related jobs like data analysts can offer high earnings without a college degree. With an average salary of $66,283 per year, this career allows you to work with data and earn a competitive wage.
While many data jobs require degrees, self-taught individuals with strong analytical skills and relevant certifications can compete for these positions.
How does the experience gained in non-degree jobs compare to the time spent earning a college degree in terms of career advancement?
Experience in non-degree jobs can be highly valuable. For instance, wind turbine technicians can gain significant hands-on experience while earning. Over four years (the time typically spent earning a degree), they could potentially earn over $240,000 and gain valuable industry experience.
This practical experience can sometimes lead to faster career advancement compared to recent graduates.
What are some unconventional high-paying jobs not commonly listed on job sites that don’t require a degree?
Some unconventional high-paying jobs that often fly under the radar on job sites include:
– Farm labor contractors: $61,910 per year
– Power distributors and dispatchers: $79,480 per year
– Transportation, storage, and distribution managers: $90,570 per year
These jobs offer unique opportunities for those willing to explore less traditional career paths and can be found through specialized industry sites or networking.
How can I create a career log to track my progress towards high-paying jobs without a degree?
Creating a career log can help you track your progress towards high-paying jobs. Use a spreadsheet or a career tracking app to record:
– Skills learned (e.g., data analysis, technical skills)
– Certifications obtained
– Job applications submitted (including site used)
– Networking events attended
– Salary progression
This log can help you visualize your career growth and identify areas for improvement. It’s also useful for updating your resume and preparing for interviews. Remember to include relevant experience that might not be obvious, like projects from online courses or volunteer work.