Is it possible to get a well-paying job without a conventional degree?

The answer is yes. Sometimes, all you need is an associate degree to make a good living for yourself. There will be a lot less flexibility and options without a college degree, of course. However, you also won’t get into a lot of debt and don’t have to dedicate three or more years of your life to earn a traditional degree. Earning a non-traditional degree has its pros and cons and will require you to plan ahead.

Today on Topthingy, we will be looking at four non-traditional degrees that can help you land a well-paying job.

1. Web design certification at a web design school

To be honest, you can do well as a web developer even without earning a degree at all – your employers will mostly be looking at your portfolio items and your experience anyway. However, a certificate does have its merits. It shows that you have gone through the proper learning process and has been tested by an authorized education institute before joining the work-force. The field of web development has become increasingly competitive in recent years due to the low barrier to entry. However, with the right set of skills and experience, you can command an above-average salary of at least $70,000 working as a developer.

2. Registered Nurse Degree

You can study and train to become a registered nurse. Healthcare is a growing industry, and there are more opportunities to make good money in this market every day. The median pay of a registered nurse is somewhere between $70,000 – $80,000 a year with the potential to go over $100,000 in certain areas. You only need to earn an associate degree at a college to become a registered nurse and work in health-care facilities.

3. Electrician Degree

The median pay for an electrician in the U.S is around $54,000, with the potential to get very close to 6 figures earning as you become more experienced. To get into this field, all you need is some schooling at a vocational school to earn your certificates and an apprenticeship to get some experience. As an electrician, you will be responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical wirings in buildings and other facilities.

4. Plumbing Certificate

Similar to an electrician, you only need to go through a trade school training program to earn your vocation and an apprenticeship to get some experience before you can become a plumber. On average, you are looking at $50,000 salary at the start, scaling up to $90,000 and even more as you progress in your career.

5. HVAC Technician Certificate

HVAC technicians are responsible for installing and maintaining the heating and cooling systems at your house. Once again, if you want to enter this trade, you will be looking at a short apprenticeship and some training at the trade school to earn your certificate. You won’t earn as much as an electrician or plumber, but your job is a lot less demanding and safer.

Related Article: Top 4 In-demand Degrees in 2019