With college costs soaring, you may wonder if it’s possible to obtain the education you need to make a decent living.
However, you do not have to spend years in school and hundreds of thousands of dollars just to earn a paycheck.
Here are 15 jobs that require little to no education or experience. Whether you view them as full-time opportunities or simply want to get ahead financially , these jobs have become easier to get.
Editor's note: All salary figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially 1. Security guard
You can find security guards in a lot of places, from stores to office buildings. They patrol an area and help protect property.
Security guard jobs typically require a high school diploma, and most states require guards to be licensed, particularly if they carry a gun. The median salary for a security guard is $37,090.
That salary is not enough to make you rich, but it will put more money in your wallet. And once you have experience as a security guard, you might move into a supervisory position or even a career in law enforcement.
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2. Web developer
If you enjoy helping to create websites, a web developer job may be for you.
These jobs are available in many industries, and some developers even work as self-employed contractors. Educational requirements vary by employer, and the median salary is $92,750.
3. Welder
In this job, you can expect to join metal pieces or other materials together using special tools.
Welders — or cutters, solderers, or brazers — typically only need a high school diploma and some training. The average salary is $48,940.
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Dental hygienists usually need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. All states also require them to be licensed.
The median salary for this job is $87,530, which is good pay for a job requiring so little education.
5. Cook
If you like making food, a job as a cook in a restaurant might be for you. This can sometimes be one of the easier jobs to get.
You typically don't need formal training or education to become a cook. Many learn on the job. The average pay is $16.50 an hour, almost $34,320 a year if you work full-time.
6. Occupational therapy assistant
An occupational therapy assistant job is an excellent choice for those who like helping others. In this job, you help patients recover or improve as they work on skills needed for everyday living, such as grasping things or getting dressed.
Occupational therapy assistants typically only need an associate’s degree from an accredited program. They make an average of $65,450.
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Administrative assistants tend to do organizational tasks and clerical work. They are found in many industries.
More than 40% of these jobs are in education, health care, and related roles. Opportunities also exist in professional, scientific, and technical services.
A high school diploma is typically all the formal education that is required. However, people may need a few years of experience to be an executive assistant.
The average salary for an administrative assistant is $46,010.
8. Paralegal
To become a paralegal, you don’t need nearly as much schooling as a lawyer. Some paralegals have an associate’s degree or certificate; others may have a bachelor’s degree.
Legal experience may not be required, as training is sometimes provided on the job. The average salary is $60,970.
9. Electrician
One option for becoming an electrician is going to a technical school. Another is learning through an apprenticeship, which involves performing tasks under the supervision of a professional electrician.
Most states require you to have a license. The average salary for an electrician is $61,590.
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The increase in renewable energy has created a greater need for jobs related to running those machines.
To be a wind turbine technician, you’ll likely need to complete a specialized program and receive on-the-job training. The average salary is $61,770.
11. Nursing assistant
Nursing assistants help care for patients in hospitals or other facilities. Unlike the doctors or nurses you work with, you don’t need an advanced degree to be a nursing assistant.
You typically need at least a high school diploma before completing a state-approved program and passing an exam.
Nursing assistants typically make $38,130.
12. Car mechanic
Generally, becoming a car mechanic involves finishing a special program after high school and getting a certification.
The typical salary for a car mechanic or service technician is $47,770.
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For some people, few things are better than spending days instructing young children as a preschool teacher.
To be a preschool teacher, you typically need at least an associate’s degree. States then may have their own requirements after that. The average salary for a preschool teacher is $37,130.
14. Claims adjuster
Insurance companies hire claims adjusters to investigate and evaluate insurance claims. You will need a high school diploma for this role, although some positions might require a bachelor’s degree.
Adjusters who assess auto damage may need some postsecondary school or work experience before landing the role.
The average salary for a claims adjuster is $75,020.
15. Real estate agent
Many real estate agents are self-employed and have the freedom to set their own schedules. You typically only need a high school diploma and a special license to do this job.
The median salary for agents is $56,620, but some do much better. This is a field where hard-working, experienced people can move beyond living paycheck to paycheck .
Bottom line
You don’t always need an advanced degree to land a job. There are plenty of positions that you can easily get with little education or training.
The jobs on this list can help you make more money and boost your bank account . Consider applying for one today.
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