Typically a college degree has been viewed as the best and sometimes only way to get a high-paying job. However, employers are increasingly viewing experience and skills as a valuable alternative to a degree. We’ve taken a look at how this more practical route is rivaling a college education.
Our research analyzed over 127,000 resumes uploaded to our ValueMyResume tool since January 2021. The study took a look at over 2,700 job titles to compare the average market value of jobseekers with a degree (BA, MA, PhD, post doc, etc.) to those without.
Let’s start by looking at the jobs earning higher salaries without a degree:
1. Infrastructure consultant
Infrastructure consultant is the top job not requiring a degree. On average, those in the role with a degree earn $52,166, which seems like a solid salary until you look at those in the role without a degree. On average, degreeless infrastructure consultants earn a huge $168,814. To put it into perspective, this is a difference of 69%. This means that not only will you avoid huge amounts of student debt, but you will also be earning over $110,000 more every year.
So, if you are into tech, this is a great option. The role involves designing and delivering IT infrastructure solutions. IT infrastructure refers to hardware, software, network resources, and services, all of which are required to operate and manage enterprise IT environments.
Technology consultant roles can be found here.
2. Insurance sales manager
With degreeless insurance sales managers earning 51% more than those with a degree, the job title is next on our list. The role involves dictating the number of policies to be sold, as well as providing strategies for improving sales, feedback, and developing marketing campaigns.
On average, those without a degree earn $111,724 compared to a much smaller salary of $55,153 for those with a degree in the role. This suggests many of the most established and highest-paid insurance sales managers prioritized hands-on experience and climbing the ladder over a college education. If you’re interested in this industry, this is worth considering when weighing up the value (and cost) of college.
Jobs in insurance sales can be found here.
3. Construction safety inspector
Construction safety inspectors with degrees earn $46,692 on average compared to their degreeless counterparts, who earn $86,316. That means that degreeless construction safety inspectors earn 46% more than their college-educated peers. Again, years of practical experience is the best way to improve your pay rates in this job and beats a formal education.
The role involves inspecting the standards and safety of building structures and materials.
Check out all construction vacancies here.
4. Payroll analyst
Payroll analyst is next on the list. If you were to enter the field with a degree, you can expect to see earnings of $48,701. To compare, if you don’t have a degree, earnings for payroll analyst roles average at $88,250, a difference of 46%.
The responsibilities of a payroll analyst include reviewing payroll data, ensuring that there are no errors. Payroll analysts also ensure that all payments are made on time.
Typically, payroll assistants require some knowledge of Excel, math, and communication skills.
Payroll administrator roles can be found here.
5. Chemist
The fact that degreeless chemists earn more than those that are college-educated may be surprising. On average, those with a degree earn $57,643 compared to those without, who earn $87,435. This is a difference of 34%.
Chemists carry out experiments on chemical substances, with the aim to ensure quality control, or develop new products or knowledge.
To become a chemist without a degree, experience is typically required. Try and find a role as a laboratory assistant or a technician. By doing this, you will learn the essentials of the field.
Why not become a chemist?
Table 1: Top jobs earning higher salaries without a degree
| Job Title | Average Earnings (No Degree) | Average Earnings (With a Degree) | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure Consultant | $168,814 | $52,166 | -69.10% |
| Insurance Sales Manager | $111,724 | $55,153 | -50.64% |
| Construction Safety Inspector | $86,316 | $46,692 | -45.91% |
| Payroll Analyst | $88,250 | $48,701 | -44.81% |
| Chemist | $87,435 | $57,643 | -34.07% |
| Financial Risk Analyst | $196,849 | $133,570 | -32.15% |
| Building Inspector | $82,269 | $55,850 | -32.11% |
| Delivery Service Driver | $52,823 | $37,259 | -29.46% |
| IT Help Desk Manager | $96,643 | $69,178 | -28.42% |
| Software Development Manager | $205,921 | $154,581 | -24.93% |
| Cyber Security Analyst | $117,156 | $90,695 | -22.59% |
| Meter Reader | $37,898 | $29,603 | -21.89% |
| Parking Officer | $33,416 | $26,169 | -21.69% |
| Quantitative Analyst | $141,157 | $111,736 | -20.84% |
| Criminal Investigator | $51,289 | $42,599 | -16.94% |
| Event Manager | $60,374 | $50,151 | -16.93% |
| Speech and Language Therapist | $47,336 | $39,456 | -16.65% |
| Steward/Stewardess | $46,459 | $39,018 | -16.02% |
| Hotel Concierge | $37,969 | $32,070 | -15.54% |
| Java Developer | $172,509 | $149,764 | -13.18% |
Why does it matter? According to Opportunity@Work and Accenture, there are more than 77 million American workers without college degrees, and as many as 30 million of these workers have the skill sets required for higher-paying jobs but are held back by degree requirements. In the past, many employers found it convenient to use a college degree as a specific requirement needed in order to make the screening of resumes more efficient. But now, employers are recognizing that the absence of a credential from a four-year college doesn’t mean a person lacks the skills, drive, or ambition needed to succeed in the workplace.
Now let’s take a look at the roles where having a degree will bring you a higher salary.
1. Cyber security consultant
The job rewarding graduates the most is cyber security consultant. In this role, employees with a degree earn a huge 205% more than those without. Without a degree, you can expect to see salaries of $51,24. However, with a degree, earnings reach $156,143.
Cyber security consultants assess computer systems, networks, and software for vulnerabilities. Following this, they design and implement the most suitable security solutions.
Why not check out roles in cyber security here?
2. Classroom teacher
With a degree, classroom teachers can earn $51,036. By comparison, those without a degree earn $30,701 on average, a difference of 66%.
Classroom teachers are responsible for organizing the classroom and resources. As well as this, they must plan, prepare, and present lessons to their students.
Although it is unlikely that you can become a classroom teacher without a degree, there are some related careers that are possible without a degree. Jobs such as tutors, daycare assistants, teacher’s aides, and substitute teachers do not require a degree and are great alternatives.
Explore teaching vacancies here.
3. E-Commerce manager
If you have a degree and wish to become an e-commerce manager, good news! You can expect to see a salary of $77,987, which is 65% more than those without a degree. E-commerce managers without a degree earn $47,408 on average.
E-commerce managers are responsible for the online sales of a brand. They also oversee the look, feel, and design of a website.
All e-commerce manager vacancies can be found here.
4. Chief financial officer
Chief financial officers (CFOs) with a degree can expect to see earnings of $124,898. However, those without a degree can expect to see a salary of 57% less. CFOs without a degree earn $79,485 on average.
CFOs are the most senior financial officers in a company. They report directly to the CEO and oversee the financial operations of an organization. This includes accounting and financial reporting.
Looking to become a CFO? Explore vacancies here.
5. Pharmacist
On average, pharmacists with a degree earn $61,829, which is 56% more than their degreeless counterparts. Pharmacists without a degree earn $39,726 on average.
Pharmacists provide advice on the use and supply of medicines as well as medical appliances.
Check out pharmacist vacancies.
Table 2: Top jobs earning higher salaries with a degree
| Job Title | Average Earnings (With a Degree) | Average Earnings (No Degree) | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyber Security Consultant | $156,143 | $51,234 | 204.76% |
| Classroom Teacher | $51,036 | $30,701 | 66.24% |
| e-Commerce Manager | $77,987 | $47,408 | 64.50% |
| Chief Financial Officer | $124,898 | $79,485 | 57.13% |
| Pharmacist | $61,829 | $39,726 | 55.64% |
| Chief Marketing Officer | $124,998 | $84,281 | 48.31% |
| Lawyer | $74,672 | $53,232 | 40.28% |
| Chief Information Officer | $206,867 | $157,442 | 31.39% |
| Chief Executive Officer | $123,789 | $94,915 | 30.42% |
| Chiropractor | $47,926 | $36,886 | 29.93% |
| Data Scientist | $118,304 | $91,159 | 29.78% |
| Professor | $79,647 | $61,508 | 29.49% |
| Orthodontist | $49,743 | $38,870 | 27.97% |
| Games Developer | $70,928 | $55,681 | 27.38% |
| IT Director | $176,382 | $141,286 | 24.84% |
| Postman/Postwoman | $42,535 | $35,193 | 20.86% |
| Chief Technology Officer | $136,246 | $116,116 | 17.34% |
| Secretary | $48,464 | $41,549 | 16.64% |
| Social Care Worker | $32,840 | $28,372 | 15.75% |
| Private Detective | $70,256 | $61,004 | 15.17% |
| Flight Attendant | $42,709 | $37,175 | 14.89% |
| Real Estate Agent | $57,384 | $50,080 | 14.59% |
| Police Officer | $43,672 | $39,186 | 11.45% |
| Call Center Sales Agent | $40,832 | $36,951 | 10.50% |
| Nurse | $44,736 | $40,560 | 10.30% |
This list just goes to show that a college education isn’t the only route to high-paying jobs. Employers are increasingly valuing soft skills and experience over a degree. This will only create a more diverse and well-rounded workforce. However, some jobs, such as doctors and dentists, do still require a degree so make sure that you fully understand the requirements of the role before applying.
Looking for a new job? Check out all available roles in the US here. Why not use our ValueMyResume Tool to find out how much you should be paid?
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