With continually increasing college tuition rates many people are thinking twice before spending thousands of dollars to get a degree. Check out these eight high paying STEM jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. They just might make you reconsider taking out those college loans. When you’re done reading, take the STEM Type Quiz to see where you fit in the world of STEM careers.
Electrical Technicians
Annual Salary: $47,700
Educational Requirements: Many electrical technicians complete a four-year paid apprenticeship program.
Perks: Avoid college loan debt and enter the field with experience and money in the bank.
Dental Hygienist
Annual Salary: $66,700
Educational Requirements: Only an associate’s degree.
Perks: Family-loving hygienists love the flexible hours and high hourly wage. Plus, half of dental hygienists are given an employee-sponsored benefits package.
Graphic Designer
Annual Salary: $57,000
Educational Requirements: Graphic design students can learn the technical aspects of the trade in a two-year degree or certificate program and then intern to learn the artistic side.
Perks: You get to work on something creative, and there’s room for advancement. Design directors earn a median salary of $95,000.
Registered Nurse
Annual Salary: $67,700
Educational Requirements: Four-year or two-year degrees are available.
Perks: Nurses enjoy flexible schedules, generous benefits packages, and the ability to work in a wide variety of settings. Plus, job opportunities are expanding at a rate of 22% per year. So, you’ll have no problem finding a job.
Air Traffic Controller
Annual Salary: $113,600
Educational Requirements: must be U.S. citizens; complete an air traffic management degree from a Federal Aviation Administration certified school; earn a qualifying score on an FAA pre-employment test; and complete training at the FAA academy.
Perks: Rewarding job with great job security.
Radiologic Technologist
Annual Salary: $54,800
Educational Requirements: A two-year degree along with a passing score on your state’s radiologic licensing exam.
Perks: Radiologic Technologist is one of the fastest growing occupations, and it offers flexible hours and full benefits.
Computer Support Specialist
Annual Salary: $45,000
Educational Requirements: You can break in with a two-year degree (though some jobs in the field require a four-year degree).
Perks: Growing field, full benefits, and the possibility of tuition reimbursement.
Nuclear Technician
Annual Salary: $68,000
Educational Requirements: An associate degree in nuclear science or a nuclear-related technology and extensive on-the-job training.
Perks: Specialized field, full benefits.
Hi Everyone, I’m very surprised to not see NDT technician not discussed. Based on the 2015 salary survey (found Here: http://www.pqndt.com/NDT-salary-Survey/PQNDT-2015-Salary-Survey.pdf) on average a level I tech makes about $65,927 per year at $20.97 per hour. . And that’s something you can achieve in months, not years. You do not need a degree to do this job. In fact you can get your entire education for around $7,000.00-$9,000.00 dollars and in less than 8 months. NDT Technicians do inspections on the vital infrastructure of our country; from Bridges and railways to oil/gas pipeline, brake pads, landing gear and plane wings. Our daily safety is dependent on these technicians. There is a need for high quality people in this high demand high paying career field.