These 7 Well-Paying Jobs Actually Don't Require A College Degree, And I Never Would Have Thought Of Them

As a millennial, I think I can speak on behalf of most of my generation when I say that growing up, there was such an important emphasis on getting a college degree to obtain a well-paying job.

the back view of students wearing graduation hats and gowns
Nay Ni Ratn Mak Can Thuk / Getty Images/EyeEm

However, in recent years, it seems that the desire to attend college has declined. In 2020, fewer high school graduates attended college compared to previous years and according to a recent survey, college enrollments also dropped by 6.8%. It's possible that the burden of student loan debt is likely a big part of declining interest in college.

Ultimately, deciding to attend college and get a degree is a personal choice as some fields require a degree, while others do not. Here are some career paths that pay well and don't require a college education.

1.Power plant operator, $103,000.

a person reading a meter

2.Elevator mechanic, $99,500.

a person repairing an elevator

3.Power line technicians, $85,000.

two power line technicians working

4.Video game designer, $80,667.

a person in front of two monitors playing a video game

5.Construction manager, $73,500.

a construction manager on the phone

6.Quality assurance engineer, $73,167.

the back of a person's head on a laptop

7.Aircraft technician, $68,500.

two workers working on a helicopter's engine

What are your thoughts on college degrees these days? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions with me in the comments below!

And for more stories about money and careers, check out the rest of our personal finance posts.