Non-4-Year Degree Career Paths that Are Important and Pay Well

(Inside: These non-4-year-degree fields are important and pay well. Let’s talk to our kids about these great career options.)

Let’s talk to our kids about the non-four-year-degree fields.

My sons had the best time helping their dad repair our riding lawn mower. They were in constant motion, troubleshooting, taking apart, putting together, researching, shopping for new parts, and problem-solving. I thought my teens might tire and disappear, but nope. They worked on the engine until it was fixed.

I think my kids could feel how important the job in front of them was. There’s just something about working as a team to take something hard and figure it out. It’s confidence-building and soul-satisfying.

Watching this, I thought, we just need to keep talking to our kids about the non-four-year-degrees.

Vital jobs our society needs. Work that is challenging, rewarding, and pays well. (And won’t be taken over by AI.)

I teach 11th and 12th grade and have a heart for helping kids analyze their interests and talents, what the world needs, and where those two areas overlap. Some are eyeing bachelor’s degrees, but others are looking for a different route where they can still make their mark and buy that car.

To help the conversations, I compiled a list of non-four-year degree fields. Salaries are researched but still estimates. They vary according to location, economy, supply and demand, company, overtime, and bonus potential…etc. If something interests your kids, I say research the specifics in your location.

But here’s to get the words rolling….

TRANSPORTATION
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager: $57, 000 – $164,000
Commercial Driver: $53,000 – $127,000

OPERATORS
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator: $51,000 – $115,000
Gas Plant Operator: $37,000 – $74,000
Subway and Streetcar Operator: $41,0000 – $86,000

ELECTRICAL
Electrical Line Installer and Repairer: $39,000 – $108,000
Electrician: $37,020 – $99,800

MECHANIC

Auto: $21,000 – $97,000
Aircraft: $20,000 – $109,000
Auto Body: $24,500 – $87,500
Elevator Mechanic: $28,000 – $175,500
Wind Turbine: $47,000 – $64,000
Diesel: $38,000 – $78,000

BUILDING
Roofer: $18,000 – $81,000
Carpenter: $31,000 – $76,000
Painter: $31,000 – $57,000
Plumber: $33,000 – $97,000
Construction Worker: $37,000 – $46,000
Heavy Equipment Operator: $28,000 – $111,000
Welder: $29,000 – $207,000
Flooring Installer: $35,000 – $61,000
Landscaper: $17,000 – $63,500
HVAC Technician: $31,000 – $80,000
Solar Installer: $36,000 – $72,000
Pipefitter: $38,000 – $82,000
Structural Steelworker: $29,000 – $50,000
Boilermaker: $43,000 – $78,000
Tile Contractor: $63,000 – $129,000
Paving Machine Operator: $30,000 – $63,000

HEALTHCARE

Certified Nursing Assistant: $30,000 – $56,000
Medical Assistant: $27,000 – $43,000
Medical Coding Specialist: $37,000 – $70,000
Dental Assistant: $46,850 – $73,630
Biomedical Equipment Technician: $10,000 – $284,000

ANIMALS
Veterinary Technician: $30,000 – $48,000
Pet Groomer: $24,000 – $53,000

COMPUTERS
Coder: $67,000 – $116,000
Software Designer: $63,000 – $150,000

BUSINESS

Digital Marketing Specialist: $50,000 – $74,000
Sales Specialist: $36,000 – $127,000+ Administrative Assistant: $36,000 – $56,000

ARTS
Photographer: $23,0000 – $87,000+
Graphic Designer: $35,000 – $77,000
Web Designer: $42,000 – $96,000

BEAUTY
Cosmetologist/Beautician: $20,0000 – $200,000
Esthetician: $28,000 – $60,000

Are you in these fields? Can you give us further insight?

Or are you in another great field that doesn’t require a 4-year-degree? Please see the other ideas people have given, join the conversation, and leave your thoughts here. Help us all keep learning.

Shopping for your family?

Best Booklist for High School Teenagers

Best Booklist for Middle School Tweens

Inspirational Books Moms Will Love to Read

Gift Ideas for Moms of Tweens and Teens

Gift Ideas for Teenage Boys

Gift Ideas for Teenage Girls

Gift Ideas for Dads

45+ Inexpensive Stocking Stuffers for Tweens and Teens

Easter Baskets Stuffer Ideas for Big Kids

Dorm Room Essentials

And so many more great lists of must-haves built just for families of big kids on Empowered Moms and Kid’s specialized Amazon Affiliate Storefront…

Join this community of moms raising big kids

Your brain bounces between your day at work, what time(s) your kids need to be at practice, your teen’s missing school assignments, that you haven’t called your mom lately, the load of the laundry to be switched, “What’s for dinner?” and “Why are 3 of my brain-tabs frozen?” 

You are raising tweens and teens and college-age kids – the unique parenting phase where everything gets easier…and harder.

Join our community of raising big kids and get occasional email encouragements in your inbox including instant access to the freebie library. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.