You might think that lucrative careers require years of extensive training. But many jobs defy this notion — some careers allow you to earn big without spending ages in school. From fixing planes as an aircraft mechanic to designing websites or user experiences, there are plenty of paths to success.
Explore these career paths that not only promise short training periods but also boast impressive earning potential, efficiently paving the way for a lucrative future.
Trade Careers
- Aircraft Mechanic
Average Salary: $82,476 per year
Training Duration: 18 – 24 months
If you enjoy using both your hands and your mind, and you're fascinated by the magic of flight, becoming an aircraft mechanic might be just the thing for you. Aircraft mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair various aircraft types. They ensure the safety and reliability of these machines, which transport millions of passengers and tons of cargo annually.
To become an aircraft mechanic, you must complete an FAA-approved training program that typically lasts 18 to 24 months. After training, you must pass written, oral, and practical exams to obtain FAA certification as an airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic.
- Commercial Driver
Average Salary: $80,583 per year
Training Duration: 3 weeks – 6 months
Commercial drivers operate large vehicles like trucks and buses. They play a vital role in transporting goods and passengers across various industries, contributing significantly to the economy. This profession offers the allure of travel and competitive salaries.
You must pass written and road tests as well as a medical examination to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL). Some employers may require additional training or certifications, such as hazardous materials or passenger endorsements. The duration of training can vary but generally spans from a few weeks to several months. Desirable qualifications include strong driving skills, physical stamina, customer service abilities, and mechanical knowledge
- Cable Technician
Average Salary: $70,714 per year
Training Duration: 6 weeks
A cable technician installs and maintains cable TV, internet, and phone services for homes and businesses. They work with various equipment like cables, routers, modems, and cameras and fix any issues with the network.
A cable technician career usually requires a high school diploma and specialized training or certification. You'll also need a valid driver's license since you'll travel to different places. Cable technicians need physical strength, technical aptitude, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Electrical Power-line Installers
Average Salary: $82,340 per year
Training Duration: 1 – 2 years on-the-job training
Electrical power-line installers and repairers are responsible for installing, maintaining, and fixing power lines and equipment that transmit electricity to homes and businesses. Working with high-voltage electricity and often at significant heights, they face serious job hazards. They utilize a range of tools and vehicles like bucket trucks and cranes to access and repair power lines.
To pursue this career, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, along with extensive on-the-job training. Some employers may prefer candidates with certifications like the Certified Line Worker (CLW) credential.
Health and Wellness
- Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $78,712 per year
Training Duration: 2 – 4 years
Registered nurses (RNs) are healthcare professionals who treat injuries, illnesses, and disabilities while educating patients and families on prevention and healthy habits. They work in various settings like hospitals, clinics, schools, or home health care.
To become an RN, you must complete a nursing program leading to a diploma, associate, or bachelor's degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Training programs typically last two to four years, and some RNs pursue advanced degrees or specialties like nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
- Dental Hygienist
Average Salary:$99,488 per year
Training Duration: 2 – 4 years
Dental hygienists specialize in preventing oral issues and maintaining dental health by cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, educating patients, and performing other tasks.
Upon completing a two to four-year accredited dental hygiene program, you'll master skills in teeth cleaning, examining mouths for signs of disease, and educating patients about oral care. To become licensed, you'll need to pass national and state exams. Some states may also require CPR certification or further education.
- Radiation Therapists
Average Salary: $89,530 per year
Training Duration: 2 – 4 years
Targeting and destroying cancer cells, radiation therapists assist in treating cancer and other illnesses through radiation therapy. They collaborate closely with oncologists and medical teams, planning and administering treatments while ensuring patient safety and monitoring progress.
Aspiring radiation therapists must obtain an associate or bachelor's degree in radiation therapy, followed by certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and potentially a state license. Typically, the training program lasts two years for an associate degree and four years for a bachelor's degree.
- Ultrasound Technicians
Average Salary: $75,380 per year
Training Duration: 2 – 4 years
Ultrasound technicians, or sonographers, are integral to diagnosing medical conditions, creating images of internal organs and tissues. They work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, specializing in areas like abdominal, cardiac, or obstetric sonography.
To become one, you typically need an associate's or bachelor's degree in sonography, followed by certification from organizations like American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), and possibly a state license. Training durations vary but generally take two to four years. Key skills for ultrasound technicians include compassion, attention to detail, communication, problem-solving, and technical aptitude.
Technology and IT
- Cybersecurity Specialist
Average Salary: $96,185 per year
Training Duration: 2 years
A Cybersecurity Specialist safeguards computer systems and networks from cyber threats and attacks. Their primary task is to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cybercrimes. They ply their trade across diverse sectors like government, finance, and healthcare.
While having a bachelor's degree in computer science or cybersecurity is often preferred, a 2-year associate degree can also qualify you for entry-level positions in this field. Additionally, obtaining certifications like Security+ or CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) can significantly enhance your credentials and marketability.
- Web Developer
Average Salary: $75,073 per year
Training Duration: 2 – 4 years
A Web Developer is both a creative and technical expert who crafts and maintains websites and web applications. They use their knowledge of programming languages, web frameworks, and design principles to develop engaging and user-friendly online experiences across diverse projects like e-commerce, social media, gaming, or educational platforms.
Aspiring Web Developers typically pursue a mix of formal education, self-study, and hands-on experience to embark on this career path. While employers often seek at least an associate's degree in computer science, web design, or multimedia, some individuals acquire skills through self-teaching, online courses, or boot camps.
- Network Administrator
Average Salary: $78,637 per year
Training Duration: 2 years
A network administrator is an IT professional who oversees and maintains an organization's computer networks and systems. They ensure network reliability, security, and efficiency while enabling user access to necessary resources and services. Responsibilities include troubleshooting network issues, implementing security measures, and optimizing performance.
You can find various online courses and resources to help you learn network administration skills from top-rated instructors.with certifications like CompTIA Network+, CCNA, or MCSE. Essential skills for network administrators include problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking.
- Data Analyst
Average Salary: $74,342 per year
Training Duration: 4 months
A data analyst gathers and studies data from different fields to help individuals, businesses, and organizations make educated decisions. They employ various tools and methods to interpret data, spot trends, and convey insights.
A bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field is typically required to pursue a career in data analysis. However, you can master the required skills quickly through alternative paths like certificate programs or self-study. Data analysts find opportunities across diverse industries like finance, healthcare, education, marketing, e-commerce, and government, with specialization options including business intelligence, data science, data engineering, or data quality.
- Salesforce Developer
Average Salary:$125,000 per year
Training Duration: 6 – 8 weeks
Salesforce is a robust CRM platform that streamlines business sales, marketing, and communication services. Salesforce developers are pivotal in creating new Salesforce apps to align with company goals and ensure scalability. They find opportunities across diverse industries like finance, healthcare, education, e-commerce, and government, with specialization options ranging from cloud computing to mobile development.
Employers typically prefer candidates with bachelor's degrees in computer science or related fields. But you can get into salesforce development quicker through pursuing salesforce-specific certifications like Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I and II.
- UX Designer
Average Salary: $97,460 per year
Training Duration: 2 – 6 months
UX designers focus on shaping the overall user experience for websites, apps, and digital products by conducting research, creating prototypes, and refining designs based on user feedback. They collaborate with developers, product managers, and graphic designers to ensure a consistent and cohesive user interface.
To kickstart your journey as a UX designer, consider taking online courses, reading relevant materials, and practicing on real-world projects. You also need to have a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your skills and abilities in UX design.
Learn Fast, Earn Big
Why waste time waiting for a traditional education to kickstart your career when there's a world of opportunity waiting for you right now? Whether you're into getting your hands dirty with hands-on trades or diving headfirst into cutting-edge tech roles, there's a path out there with your name on it. Take the leap. Skip the years of schooling and jump straight into a job where you can earn serious cash while doing something you love.