In most career discussions about jobs, all we often hear about are jobs and positions that need people with degrees. This can make it seem like it is impossible to get a high paying jobs in Houston without a degree when this is in fact, far from the truth. While jobs with degrees pay higher on average, there are several high paying jobs you can apply for and get even without a degree. Some may require prior experience and some may not require this.
In this article, we will be looking at the top 9 high paying jobs in Houston without a degree requirement and how to secure these jobs.
High Paying Jobs In Houston Without a Degree – Top Paying Job Careers in Houston
1. Web Developer
Web developing is one of the high paying jobs in Houston without a degree and in fact it is one of the good top paying careers in many parts of the world today that thrive in technology. Web developers build and maintain websites. They are concerned with the background work, coding and programming aspects of websites and internet applications.
To work or get a job as a web developer, you need the right skill, a convincing portfolio, an ability to sell yourself and network effectively.
This career role also offers flexibility as you can choose to either work as an independent contractor on a freelance basis or work full-time for a company.
You would need a deep understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript and other programming languages. Becoming a web developer can take anywhere between 3 months and one year or more depending on your level of commitment.
2. Gas Plant Operator
The minimum requirement to qualify for this role is a high school diploma and maybe other courses related to the field. As a gas plant operator, you will be responsible for managing the daily operations of gas plants. This may include creating reports and routine supervisions.
Most times, employers will make arrangements for training for entry level roles but senior roles are likely to require past experience.
To excel in this role and climb higher in the field, you may need to take certification courses from reputable organisations.
3. Agricultural Manager
There is no minimum educational qualification required for this role although many agricultural managers are likely to have high school diplomas or associate degrees. In this role, you will be responsible for supervising the day to day operations and productions in the farm or agricultural site.
To get a job in this role, you may need to apply for internships or volunteer in order to get some experience. With a well written CV and the right exposure, you can land this high paying job in Houston without a degree.
4. Power Plant Operator
Power Plant operators work in power plant facilities. This role can be physically demanding as it requires a lot of physical strength and undivided concentration. They are in charge of checking and maintaining the right electricity levels, equipment operation and management.
Skills acquired in this role can also be useful in several other roles if you consider switching paths and as the demand for professionals in this path continues to decline due to technological developments. Other less competitive roles include: technician, electrician, water treatment plant operator.
5. Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienists work with dentists to care for the oral health of patients. Common dental Hygienists routines include educating patients about their oral health, taking medical histories, examining patients for signs of periodontal disease, administering anesthetics and many more.
Unlike the first four roles, the minimum educational requirement for this position is an associate degree. In addition to having an associate degree, you must take and pass the licensing exams to have a licence to practice. Most professionals who venture into the practice via these routes took courses in vocational institutions.
And although this role requires more investment before a position can be gotten, the salary is a good compensation.
Other High Paying Careers Without a Degree or Experience
6. Project Manager
While many project manager roles require a bachelor’s degree, you can break into this field with either an associate degree or a certification from a reputable body. The responsibilities in this role will differ and depend on industry and individual companies.
Skills required to take up this role include efficiency in scrum and agile, leadership and communication, waterfall project management, risk management and many more. The industry is quite competitive so you will need a good CV and a great portfolio with experience to back it up.
7. Product Manager
Contrary to common belief, it is very possible to land a product manager role without a degree but definitely not without experience. Product managers may need to carry out routine research and keep abreast of industry trends in order to be a resourceful guide in the making of a company’s product.
This requires a blend of skills in marketing, sales, finance as well as other industry specific skills. To start, you can join a boot camp or sign up for an online class to get professional guidance as you try to find your feet in the field. Networking skills are also needed when it comes to job search especially when you are lacking prior experience.
8. Real Estate Manager
A real estate manager or a property manager is someone who supervises and manages property owned by someone else. These responsibilities may include tenant management, property supervision, follow ups on agreement and rent payments. In this role, you can choose to work for yourself or work for a real estate agency or a management firm.
Getting a Degree for this role is optional but you may choose to consider it in your long term plans. For a start all you need is a high school diploma before you can apply for licensing. There are also several certification programs available that can boost your CV.
9. Transportation Inspector
As a transportation inspector, you will be charged with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo. You can choose to work for the government or a private company and most roles only require a high school diploma. Although, you would need certifications to be considered for more specific roles.
Skills you would need for this role include effective communication, listening, writing and proficiency in Microsoft office.
Conclusion: High Paying Jobs In Houston Without a Degree
A degree is only useful if it applies to the line of work you wish to venture into. As stated above, there are lots of respected roles you can land in Houston even without a degree. However, you will still need a lot of commitment and excellent work ethic to stand out from the competition.