South Carolina is a hotbed of exciting, high-paying career opportunities that don’t require a traditional four-year degree. Many of these roles rely on specialized training, certifications, or years of on-the-job experience, making them perfect for recent high school grads, young adults, and career changers.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the highest-paying jobs in the Palmetto State and show you how to launch a training or experience-based career. With the South Carolina job market expected to experience sustained growth through 2028, there’s no time like the present to get started.
The following are job opportunities that are high-paying but don’t necessarily need a degree!
Transportation and Logistics Management Roles
Average Salary: $108,350 per year
Job Description: Transportation, storage, and distribution managers coordinate the movement of goods, overseeing daily operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and finding ways to improve efficiency.
Get There Fast:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is a good place to start.
- Gaining logistics or warehouse experience is key.
- Develop leadership and analytical skills.
Example Jobs:
- Warehouse Managers
- Freight Coordinators
Why It Rocks: South Carolina’s thriving logistics industry needs qualified managers, and the pay is exceptional.
Air Traffic Control
Average Salary: $95,010 per year
Job Description: Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft to prevent collisions and minimize delays.
Get the Training:
- Find an FAA-approved program.
- Complete the required training and certification.
Why We Love It:
- Relatively little education is needed to land a high-paying job.
- Major South Carolina airports offer plenty of job openings.
Real Estate Broker
Average Salary: $87,210 per year
Job Description: Real estate brokers oversee real estate agents and help buy, sell, and rent properties. They earn a commission on each transaction.
What’s Needed:
- Pass the South Carolina real estate exam.
- Get a state broker license.
- Sales experience is a plus.
- Develop leadership skills to manage other agents.
- If you’d like to own the business one day, gain human resources experience.
Why It’s Awesome:
- Flexible schedules.
- South Carolina’s housing market is on the rise.
Skilled Trade: Elevator Technician
Average Salary: $74,000 per year
Job Description: Elevator technicians install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. They diagnose problems, perform repairs, and upgrade systems.
How to Get There:
- A high school diploma is a good starting point.
- Enroll in an apprenticeship program (available throughout South Carolina).
- Obtain a state license.
Why It Rocks:
- This job is almost always in demand.
- Hands-on learning opportunities are plentiful.
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Maintainers
Average Salary: $68,000 per year
Job Description: Electrical power-line installers and maintainers repair and maintain power lines and towers to keep electricity flowing.
Get the Training:
- Apprenticeship programs are available across South Carolina.
- Be physically fit and not afraid of heights.
Why It Matters:
- As the infrastructure is upgraded, this critical service is seeing more opportunities.
Plumber and Pipefitter
Average Salary: $50,000 per year
Job: Plumbers install and maintain piping systems in residential and commercial settings.
How to Become One:
- Enroll in an apprenticeship program.
- Get certified after completing a trade school program.
On-the-Job Tasks:
- Repairing leaky pipes.
- Installing water heaters.
Job Projections: Stable demand in both rural and urban areas.
Commercial Pilot
Average Salary: $81,990 per year
Job: Commercial pilots fly charter planes, crop dust, or give sightseeing tours.
Get the Licenses:
- Commercial pilot’s license.
- Get specialized training.
Why It’s Awesome:
- Love the lifestyle and travel opportunities.
- Earn higher-than-average pay for a non-degree job.
South Carolina Job Growth and Projections
The job outlook in South Carolina is bright, with many industries experiencing fast growth and several positions topping the national projections. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports South Carolina’s employment growth rate is projected to outpace the national average through 2028. Here are a few key job growth and projection stats for South Carolina:
- Healthcare: A 28% employment growth rate is projected from 2022 to 2032, with medical directors and health services managers in high demand to care for South Carolina’s aging population and increasing healthcare needs.
- Technology: The industry is projected to grow 22% from 2022 to 2032, driven by the need for software developers and data scientists as businesses technology and data-drive decisions.
- Manufacturing: This industry is projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032, with industrial engineers and production managers playing key roles as South Carolina’s manufacturing sector expands.
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Other Ways to Find High-Paying Jobs in South Carolina
- Training Programs:
- Many high-paying positions require training from a trade school or apprenticeship.
- South Carolina offers programs for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeships.
- Certifications through LinkedIn Learning or your local community college are affordable and widely recognized.
- Specialize in high-demand skills to boost your earning potential.
- Career Assessments:
- Tallo offers personalized recommendations based on your skills and interests.
Why South Carolina? A Brief Recap
Growing Industries:
- Manufacturing and logistics.
- Aerospace and aviation.
- Renewable energy and utilities.
Supportive Services:
- Workforce development programs emphasizing practical, skill-based training.
- Training subsidies for in-demand fields.
Final Points
A wide range of high-paying careers is available in South Carolina for non-degree holders. Whether you need to gain skills, get certified, or switch to a field that’s in high demand, it’s easy to launch a rewarding career with good pay. Use a resource like Tallo to discover personalized pathways, bridge skills gaps, and take control of your future.
Get Started Today: Your first step is researching certifications and trade schools near you. It’s time to land a well-paying job that matches your skills and interests.
Popular Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
How can I effectively network while searching for high-paying jobs without a degree in South Carolina?
Networking is important in job searching, especially for high-paying positions. Here are some effective strategies:
– Attend Job Fairs: Participate in local job fairs to meet recruiters and hiring managers in person.
– Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and join relevant groups
Informational Interviews: Reach out to individuals in your desired field for informational interviews to gain insights and build connections.
What resources are available in South Carolina to assist with my job search?
South Carolina offers various resources for job seekers, including:
– SC Works Centers: These centers provide job search assistance, resume workshops, and career counseling
– Online Job Portals: Websites like SC Works Online Services and other job boards (Indeed, Glassdoor) can help you find openings
– Staffing Agencies: Agencies can match you with temporary or permanent positions based on your skills and preferences
How should I prepare my resume for high-paying jobs without a degree?
To make your resume stand out for high-paying positions, consider the following tips:
– Highlight Relevant Skills: Focus on technical skills and certifications that are pertinent to the jobs you’re applying for
– Use Action Verbs: Start bullet points with strong action verbs to convey your accomplishments effectively
– Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each application by aligning your experience with the specific requirements of the job
