16 High-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require Prior Experience (UPS Pays $170K for #10)

It can be hard sometimes to find a job you like that also lets you stop living paycheck to paycheck , especially if you don't have much prior experience.

However, some positions require no prior experience to get started. For others, you can get an apprenticeship and learn on the job to gain experience.

Check out the details at UPS and these other positions that pay well without any prior experience in the field to see if one might be right for you.

1. Flight attendant

Flight attendants provide service on airlines and are prepared to respond to emergencies.

You can become a flight attendant after completing training from an airline training program, and you have to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Becoming a flight attendant can earn you a median annual salary of $68,370, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and step up your travel game .

2. Postal service worker

Postal workers sort and deliver mail and packages. You need to pass a written exam to qualify and generally need a high school diploma, but it's not required. Training on how to sort and deliver mail is on the job.

Postal service workers can earn a median annual income of $56,510.

3. Aircraft equipment mechanic

Aircraft equipment mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft. You may be responsible for emergency repairs or caring for scheduled maintenance to keep planes flying safely.

Expect to earn a median annual income of $75,400 as an aircraft equipment mechanic.

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4. Telecommunications technician

Telecommunications technicians can install, maintain, and repair equipment used for radio, internet, and other forms of communication. You usually need at least a high school diploma or an associate's degree to get hired as a technician.

Telecommunications technicians can make a median annual income of $62,350, according to the BLS.

5. Wind turbine technician

Green jobs are becoming more popular, and you may be able to find one without prior experience in the field.

One option is a wind turbine technician who repairs and maintains wind turbines that generate electricity. These positions usually receive on-the-job- training.

If you become a wind turbine technician, you can expect to make $61,770 in median annual income.

6. Plumber

Plumbers are responsible for taking care of pipe fixtures and systems. You can install and maintain pipes or be called to repair plumbing issues that arise for customers.

Plumbers can learn how to do the job with apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training. Expect to earn $61,550 in median annual income as a plumber.

7. Firefighter

Firefighters are trained to respond to emergencies in a community, like fires, accidents, and other emergencies that threaten the public's safety. Most firefighter academy before working in a firehouse.

Firefighters can earn a median annual wage of $57,120, according to the BLS.

8. Graphic designer

A graphic designer creates visual art to communicate ideas for clients who are trying to reach customers with a particular message.

You usually need a bachelor's degree, but you can become a freelance designer without previous graphic design experience.

A graphic designer can make a median annual income of $58,910.

9. Sales representative

Sales representatives are responsible for selling goods and services to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations.

You will generally need at least a high school diploma for the position, but you can learn about the different features of a product and how to properly sell it with on-the-job training.

Sales representatives can earn a median annual wage of $73,080, but that salary can be affected by commissions, which may be part of your compensation package.

10. UPS driver

William/Adobe

A UPS driver went viral on TikTok for showing how much he earns. His paycheck showed that he earned $1,300 on a 42-hour workweek for a job that didn't require previous experience.

The recent union agreement with UPS provides opportunities for full-time UPS drivers to make an average of $170,000 per year at the end of a 5-year contract.

11. Computer support specialist

Computer support specialists can help customers troubleshoot and fix computer and related equipment issues. Although at least an associate degree is helpful, it's not necessary to get a job as a specialist.

Computer support specialists can earn a median annual income of $60,810, according to the BLS.

12. Electrician

Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems needed to provide electricity to businesses, homes, and other locations.

To become an electrician, you may have to attend a technical school or get on-the-job training. Expect a median annual income of $61,590 as an electrician.

13. Ironworker

Ironworkers work on the structural and reinforcing iron needed for buildings, bridges, and roads. You may be required to work up high or on physically demanding projects.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that ironworkers get paid a median annual income of $60,780.

14. Writer

Writers can create a variety of projects based on written words, such as articles, blog posts, social media posts, and other media, to convey a message to clients.

Writers may be able to get a job, particularly on a freelance basis, without needing previous experience. As a writer, you can expect to earn a median annual income of $73,690.

15. Real estate broker

Real estate brokers can help clients buy, sell, or rent property. You can work in residential real estate, working with homebuyers and home sellers, or in commercial real estate, dealing with businesses.

Real estate brokers can earn a median annual income of $56,620, but commissions can affect that income.

16. Claims adjuster

A claims adjuster is responsible for reviewing insurance claims and appraising the insured property based on damages or other issues the insurance company needs to address.

You usually need a high school diploma, and some automotive experience is helpful if you’re an auto insurance claims adjuster.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, claims adjusters earn a median annual wage of $75,020.

Bottom line

High-paying job options indeed exist, even if it’s in a field you haven’t tried before. If you’re willing to do something new, you could earn more money than you expected, avoid costly education expenses, and build a career in a field that interests you.

It’s important to do additional research before you make a job switch to see if there are things you need to do to make yourself stand out, such as earning a certification or finding a way to get into a trade or apprenticeship program.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).