High Paying Jobs without a Degree in Chicago

High Paying Jobs without a degree in Chicago

Although going to school and getting a degree is important, it is also really hard. One of the reasons we go to school is to get a good-paying job. For years, it’s been said that getting a four-year degree is the only way to succeed in today’s society. However, in today’s world, that is changing. Did you know you can get a high paying job without a four-year degree? Read on for some of the high paying jobs without a degree in Chicago.

If you are in Chicago and wondering if getting a good-paying job without having a degree is possible, you are in luck. Chicago is well-known for its wide range of job opportunities. In addition to offering well-paying jobs to individuals with degrees, Chicago also offers well-paying jobs to those without a degree.ย 

So, if you are looking for a good degree-less job, there are so many promising ones in Chicago. In this article, you will get eight jobs that do not require you to have a degree. Continue reading

Eight High Paying Jobs in Chicago without a Degree

Here are eight highly demanded and lucrative jobs in Chicago you can get without having a degree

1. Auto Electronics Installers

If you love working on cars, here’s on job for you that does not require a college degree. The minimum education is a high school diploma or GED and some certifications in-car electronics. The certifications are not required by most employers but it is a good thing to have, as a booster. 

As an automotive electronics installer, you get to work on the electronic parts of the car, such as the navigation and communication equipment. 

2. Commercial Pilots

If you have always wanted to be a pilot, here is one for you and you can get in without having a college degree. Commercial pilots navigate aircraft for rescue operations, charter flights, aerial photography, and other non-airline flights. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), commercial pilot jobs are growing faster than average, as the demands for people are high. A commercial pilot’s job is one where you can make well over six figures every year.

To get started, you need to attend a flight training school to get licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Once hired, you take additional training in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).

One of the good things about commercial pilot jobs is that while working, you can earn a degree if you want to move to a major airline. American Airlines, Delta and Southwest are some of the top airline companies hiring! Check out our other article on getting into the airline industry!

3. Real Estate Agents 

Chicago is a city with big job opportunities in real estate marketing. While having a degree can be beneficial, it is not a determining factor or a strict requirement in getting a job as a real estate agent. If you have a knack for sales, know how to convince, and have strong interpersonal skills, you are good to go. With the right amount of training and networking, you can create a successful career out of it without having a degree.

4. Makeup Artists

It might not seem like it, as there are lots of makeup artists available today, but you don’t need a degree to work as a makeup artist. You need to know that being a makeup artist is one of the highest-paying jobs there is today. Although having a certificate or a degree might be an added boost, skills are all that matters in getting a job as a makeup artist. According to BLS, jobs for makeup artists are currently on the rise. So, that is a good opportunity for you.

5. Customer Service Reps

Customer service representatives are in high demand in Chicago, making it ideal for individuals with no degree to apply. All you need is a customer-centric mindset, good speaking and interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to work under pressure. 

Some customer service representative job areas include 

  • Sales Reps: They focus on selling the products or services to customers
  • Technical Support Reps: They help customers with issues regarding the products or services and come up with ways to resolve them.
  • Inbound Customer Service: They are in charge of handling incoming calls and attending to customers regarding information or issues about the products or services.
  • Outbound Customer Service: They are in charge of reaching out to customers about product offers and promotions, following up on orders, and more.

It is important to note that although some employers prefer individuals with some level of degree, many do not, as the degree is not a prerequisite; your customer relationship skills are.

6. Police Officers

Who would have known that you don’t need to have a degree to join the police force? In Chicago, you can protect and serve as a police patrol officer. They make up most of the police officers and detectives in Chicago. As a police patrol officer, you can make arrests, patrol public places, conduct searches, and more. Police jobs in Chicago are good-paying jobs, so if it is your dream to join the police force and earn well, you are in luck because this is for you.

7. Trade Professions

Chicago is always developing. Day in and day out, various infrastructures and buildings are being developed. If you are skilled in trades such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, HVAC installation, and more, you can get a high-paying job at Chicago’s Union Trades

You don’t need a degree; instead, you get hands-on training and a pathway to certification while on the job.

8. Writers

If you have a knack for writing, degree or not, you can get a high-paying job in Chicago. Many companies are constantly looking for writers to help them craft content that promotes their business, and the amazing thing about many writing jobs in Chicago is that it can be done remotely. Of course, certifications and training can help you stand out as a candidate, but you don’t need to have a degree to get hired as a writer and make good money. Besides, who doesn’t love a good story!

High Paying Jobs in Chicago without a Degree Conclusion

Just as Chicago is named the Windy City, so also is it blowing the wind of opportunities in the direction of those without degrees. Whether it’s in the technology, aviation, communication, information, sales, or skilled trades industries, there is something for you. As you can see, these are just some of the many high paying jobs without a degree in Chicago. Furthermore, by leveraging the right amount of training, brushing up your skills, and getting relevant certifications, you can get the best jobs without having a degree.

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