While there is no doubt that obtaining a college degree can be valuable, it may not necessarily be the fastest way to make 6 figures.
In reality, there are many overlooked jobs that don’t require a college degree and have the potential to make over $100,000 a year.
Below are 6 professions that can make 6 figures without a college degree.
Let’s dive in.
Fastest Ways to Make 6 Figures: Consider These 6 Jobs
1. Computer Programmer
Becoming a computer programmer is a safe bet in order to quickly earn 6 figures.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for computer programmers is $89,100 with the top 10% earning more than $146,050.
The primary skills for computer programmers are the ability to code in different languages such as Python, JavaScript, Java, C, C#, etc.
The type of programming you want to do will help determine which language makes the most sense to learn. However, if you are having trouble deciding which language to learn, UC Berkley’s curated a useful list of the most in demand programming languages.
Fortunately, there are a lot of free online resources as well as coding bootcamps where you can learn these skills at your own pace. With an aggressive learning schedule, you can become a computer programmer within a couple months to a year.
If you are interested in becoming a computer programmer, Columbia’s College of Engineering put together a great guide on how to become a computer programmer fast without a degree.
2. Makeup Artist
A licensed makeup artist can easily make 6 figures depending on the program they choose, what segment of the makeup artist industry they work in, and where they work.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for makeup artists is $106,920 with the top 10% earning more then $157,680.
Based on data from the BLS, there are ways to increase your odds of making 6 figures as a makeup artist:
- Pursue opportunities in the Motion Picture & Video Industry (highest average mean wage)
- Relocate to where the high paying work is located
- Develop your skills to include all aspects of being a makeup artist (nails, hair, makeup, etc.).
If you are interested in becoming a makeup artist, the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) states that the national average to complete a full program is between 1,400 to 1,600 hours.
3. Commercial Pilot
Maybe you are not interested in a traditional office job and would rather literally have your head in the clouds all day 🙂
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for commercial pilots is $93,300 with the top 10% earning more then $200,920.
What’s interesting about being a commercial pilot is that earnings are primarily tied to 2 factors:
- Seniority
- The airline you fly for
To really understand seniority’s role in earning 6 figures as a commercial pilot, iflycoast has a great resource visualizing what a potential career roadmap for commercial airline pilots looks like.
Furthermore, ATP Flight School has a resource detailing the different pay scales for the major airlines.
While some airlines prefer a degree, it’s not a showstopper. In fact, ATP Flight School states one can become a commercial pilot after acquiring 1500 hours of experience which can be earned in two years.
If you are interested in locating flight schools near you, the Aircraft Owners & Pilot Association has a great resource to locate and learn more about flight schools near you.
4. Medical Sonographer
Medical sonographers conduct and analyze ultrasounds in order to assist medical professions in diagnosing and treating different types of medical issues.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers is $75,920 with the top 10% earning more than $105,340.
Medical sonographers can maximize earnings by working in private hospitals in states such as California and Hawaii, which can pay on average $100,960 and $102,140 respectfully.
To qualify as a sonographer, one doesn’t need to go to college.
Instead, one can enroll in an acceptable certification program. With that being said, it’s important to enroll in a program certified by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
5. Web Developers
If you can perfect how to use website and app builders, you can be on your way to earning over 6 figures a year or more without attending college.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for web developers is $77,200 with the top 10 % earning more than $146,430.
This is impressive considering it can take approximately one year to become a web developer and another 1-2 years to enjoy medial earnings.
More importantly, you don’t need a degree to get started.
In fact, most web developer certifications can be acquired faster than a college degree.
While computer programmers focus more on coding languages like Python, web developers hone more of their attention on developing their HTML, CSS & JavaScript skills. For a complete list of skills that a web developer may need, Codebrainer put together a comprehensive guide to web developer basics.
Furthermore, ZDnet also has a good guide detailing the different routes in becoming a web developer.
6. Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists are part of oncology teams responsible for offering cancer treatment.
Their main duties include updating patients on treatment plans, maintaining patient records, and operating radiation machines.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for radiation therapists is $86,850 with the top 10 % earning more than $132,930.
However, a radiation therapist’s salary varies widely depending on the specific industry they are in.
With that being said, outpatient care centers and specialty hospitals typically see 6 figure salaries.
Furthermore, location is another major factor in determining a radiation therapist’s salary.
While most people seek associate’s degrees before becoming radiation therapists, one can qualify for the job by going through a radiation therapy program. These programs can typically take 1-2 years to complete.
If one wants to enroll in a radiology therapy program, it’s important to find a program certified by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
7. BONUS – Start Your Own Online Business
Starting your own online business has never been easier.
Let’s look at an example: setting up a blog or YouTube Channel.
Not only can you set these up within a few minutes, but they also have almost no overhead.
With little to no financial investment, this can result in two scenarios:
- You can see success and can start bootstrapping your business
- You can fail resulting in minimal financial and time lost
If you want to go down the path of starting your own online business, be smart about it.
While the idea of being your own boss sounds tempting, it is also the riskiest option.
Final Thoughts
While a college degree can be a sound investment, it is not a precursor in order to make 6 figures.
What matters most is focusing your efforts on gaining specialized skills.
And the faster you are able to master those specialized skills, the faster you will be able to earn 6 figures.
Finally – if you curious on how a 6 figure salary breaks down by state, I did a detailed analysis you can find here.
Thank you for reading! 🙂
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