10 High Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a University Degree

There's a reason TV shows like CSI and True Detective have such a cult following. This is one cool job! Though you won't have to collect your bachelor's degree to get detective on your badge, you will need to train with the police academy and work your way up the ranks before you reap the benefits of this lucrative position. 

Rate of Pay: up to $97,218/year

Believe it or not, the person manning the cockpit on your 787 most likely did not go to university. Instead, this job requires clocking in some serious flight hours, aviation training and a series of logistical tests in order to obtain a license as a commercial pilot.  

Rate of Pay: up to $127,500/year

Want to balance the scales of justice but don't have four extra years (and a serious wad of cash) to go to law school? Training to be a paralegal may be a better option. Not a walk in the park, this profession still requires schooling and a licensing process but you won't face the time and expense of getting a degree.

Rate of Pay: up to $70,891/year

Whether you're working on the ground or up in the tower, air traffic controllers play a major role in ensuring the safety of anyone who travels. Instead of a university degree, you will need to complete a program with salaried on-the-job training as well as in-class and simulator work. 

Rate of Pay: up to $239,662/year

With the emphasis on university education in the last two decades there has been a great decline in workers seeking out employment in the trades. With less competition, electricians are in a unique postion to make a killing. Though hourly rates aren't overly impressive, the high demand for work means lots of (potentially) lucrative time spent working overtime. 

Rate of Pay: up to $91,521/year

Not afraid to get your hands a little dirty? Consider working as an auto mechanic. Again, hourly rates are pretty mediocre but putting in a little bit of overtime will really boost your annual intake. 

Rate of Pay: up to $68,981/year

Though most jobs in the corporate field require a university education, there are still a number of of positions (particularly in administration) where you can get by with some great organization skills and a professional attitude. One of the best paid options is an executive assistant. Though it make take a few years to work yourself up to this position, many EAs play major roles in top corporations and businesses and have competitive salaries to show for it. 

Rate of Pay: up to $69,275/year

Do your part to make smiles brighter by training to be a dental hygienist. Most diploma programs are only 2 years and if you feel like you want to further your education there are options to turn your diploma into a degree. 

Rate of Pay: up to $97,490/year

Most people think that if you want to work in the medical field you're looking at years upon years of school. That's not entirely true. Radiation therapists work hands on with cancer patients to plan and administer potentially life saving treatments. Though some provinces do require a degree in order to become a registered radiation therapist, diploma programs are still offered in Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Rate of Pay: up to $86,840/year 

People with a knack for codes and digital encriptions may find that a career in web development may be a lucrative option for them. Though a number of university programs offer degrees in computer science which can be useful, continuing education programs are updated regularly with what's fresh and new in the industry and will provide the basics on web design and HTML coding. 

Rate of Pay: up to $73,172/year