Many jobs in Texas pay well and don’t require a college degree. Texas has a booming job market where people can make good money in many industries without formal education beyond high school. Today’s high school students can opt for vocational training or apprenticeships instead of a 4 year college degree. In this post we will list the highest paying jobs in Texas, breaking down the requirements, salaries, median annual salaries and job growth.
Best Jobs That Don’t Require A Degree In The Lonestar State
Texas has many careers where a high school diploma or specialized training will get you decent pay without a college degree.
Many of these jobs have low education requirements and pay decent and are in growing industries like construction, transportation and technology. For example, petroleum pump system operators make good money without higher education.
Popular Jobs
- Petroleum Pump System Operators
- Electricians
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Truck Drivers
- Welders
These jobs show a trend of skills based work being in high demand in Texas with median annual wages varying across industries. While these jobs pay well, it’s worth noting that the median wage for bachelor’s degree holders is higher but these jobs are an alternative without the 4 year degree.
Skilled Trades and Construction
The skilled trades have some of the highest paying jobs in Texas without a college degree. Workers in fields like electricians, plumbers, welders and electrical and electronics repairers are in demand due to Texas’ growing infrastructure and construction boom. These jobs pay well, have job stability and strong job growth.
Job Examples:
Below are examples in the skills trad sector and the qualifications needed.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary | Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Electricians | $56,900 | Apprenticeship or certification |
| Welders | $46,000 | Certification or training |
| Plumbers | $53,000 | Apprenticeship or certification |
Truck Driving and Transportation
Texas being a logistics hub has many opportunities for truck drivers and other transportation professionals. In addition to truck driving, executive administrative assistants within the transportation industry can also make good money without a college degree. Truck driving is a growing career, drivers can make good money on long haul routes. Many companies in Texas offer entry level positions for drivers with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Job Examples:
Truck driving and related jobs in Texas are expected to grow steadily, driven by high demand for goods and services across the state. As of recent reports, more truck drivers are needed to keep up with the state’s transportation needs.
Below are examples in the skills trad sector and the qualifications needed.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary | Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Drivers | $47,130 | CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) |
| Transportation Inspectors | $57,000 | High school diploma + training |
Real Estate and Property Management
In Texas real estate is a lucrative option for those without a degree. The concept of a college degree stacker is often challenged in the real estate industry where many high paying jobs prioritize skills and experience over formal education. Real estate agents and property managers can make big commissions and salaries. Many real estate agents start with a high school diploma and get their license through training programs that prepare them for the state’s real estate licensing exam.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary | Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Agents | $59,000 | Real estate license |
| Property Managers | $56,000 | High school diploma + training |
The Texas real estate market is booming so this is a great field for those who want jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree but have high earning potential. Real estate agents can make more in commissions based on the number of homes they sell.
Technology and IT Support
Technology is a growing industry and many IT support roles such as help desk technicians and network administrators don’t require a college degree. Instead many of these roles require certifications which can be obtained through short term programs. The median annual salary for some tech jobs can be over $50,000 with room to advance.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary | Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| IT Support Technicians | $52,000 | IT certifications |
| Network Administrators | $59,000 | Networking certifications |
There’s also growing opportunities in fields like cybersecurity where certifications in various tools and systems are more valued than traditional college degrees. With job growth in the technology sector this is a great field for those who want to avoid college degree requirements.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing jobs often offer high paying opportunities with commission based earnings. Sales and marketing jobs offer high paying opportunities that can impact students’ future careers even without a college degree. While some positions in this field require a degree many companies hire based on experience and sales skills. For example insurance agents and sales representatives can make big commissions and push their annual salary higher.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary | Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Agents | $48,000 | High school diploma |
| Sales Representatives | $60,000 | High school diploma |
Many of these jobs are entry level with higher pay potential through experience and performance. Sales is one of the few industries where income potential is tied to performance so it’s a popular choice for those without a college degree.
Final Throughts
Texas has many high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree so today’s high school students have great options. From skilled trades to technology and sales individuals can achieve financial stability and career satisfaction through vocational training, certifications or hands on experience. With job growth in many sectors these jobs not only pay decently but also have long term career opportunities.
- There are many high paying jobs in Texas that don’t require a degree.
- Skilled trades like electricians and welders can make over $50,000.
- Careers in technology, real estate and sales have big earning potential with minimal education.
- Apprenticeships and certifications can get you into high paying jobs in construction and technology.
By building skills, getting certifications or getting hands on experience today’s youth can get into the workforce and start making decent money without the financial burden of college.
Popular Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
Are there any high-paying jobs in Texas’s energy sector that don’t require a college degree?
Yes, there are several high-paying jobs in Texas’s energy sector that don’t require a college degree. Petroleum pump system operators and refinery operators can earn substantial salaries without formal education requirements. These positions often require on-the-job training and can pay decent wages. Additionally, power distributors and dispatchers in Texas can earn competitive salaries with just a high school diploma and relevant experience.
What are some unexpected high-paying jobs in Texas that don’t require a bachelor’s degree?
Some unexpected high-paying jobs in Texas that don’t require a bachelor’s degree include:
– Executive administrative assistants: These professionals can earn competitive salaries while supporting high-level executives.
– Transportation inspectors: With a focus on safety and compliance, these roles offer good pay without requiring higher education.
– Electrical and electronics repairers: Specializing in commercial and industrial equipment, these technicians can earn substantial wages with vocational training.
These jobs often require a high school diploma, specialized training, or an apprenticeship program instead of a four-year college degree.
How can today’s high school students in Texas prepare for high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree?
Today’s high school students in Texas can prepare for high-paying jobs without a college degree by:
– Exploring vocational programs: Many high schools offer vocational training that can lead to well-paying careers in trades and technical fields.
– Seeking apprenticeships: Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience and can lead to high-paying jobs in various industries3.-
Developing soft skills: Focus on communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills, which are valuable in many high-paying professions.
– Researching growth industries: Stay informed about industries with job growth and high demand in Texas, such as energy, healthcare, and technology.
By taking these steps, students can position themselves for successful careers that pay decent wages without the need for a traditional college education.
