Additional Coverage:
- 11 Jobs Employers Can’t Fill Fast Enough That Pay Over $60,000 (financebuzz.com)
Ready for a Career Change? 11 High-Demand Jobs Paying Over $60K Annually, No Four-Year Degree Required!
**Across the nation, employers are scrambling to fill open positions, and guess what? That means big opportunities for you!
Forget the traditional four-year degree – many of these lucrative roles simply require skill, specialized training, and a good old-fashioned willingness to learn. **
If you’re tired of living paycheck to paycheck and dreaming of financial stability, now might be the perfect time to explore a new path. We’ve compiled a list of 11 in-demand careers that can help you achieve long-term financial security, all while earning at least $60,000 annually.
(Editor’s Note: All salary data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).)
1. Physical Therapist Assistant
Median Annual Salary: $65,510
Ever thought about helping people bounce back from injuries? Physical therapist assistants work alongside licensed physical therapists, guiding patients through exercises and treatments to regain mobility.
You’ll need an associate degree from an accredited program and state licensure. With a projected 16% growth through 2034, there will be around 26,000 openings each year!
2. Wind Turbine Service Technician
Median Annual Salary: $62,580
Go green and get paid! Wind turbine technicians are the heroes of renewable energy, installing, inspecting, and repairing the massive turbines that power our homes.
This job is a fantastic blend of electrical, mechanical, and safety skills. Most folks enter this field with a postsecondary certificate in wind energy technology and some on-the-job training.
Get ready for serious growth – employment is set to skyrocket by 50% by 2034!
3. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Median Annual Salary: $68,340
Help people regain their independence! Occupational therapy assistants play a crucial role in helping patients relearn everyday living and work skills.
An associate degree and state licensure are typically what you’ll need. This field is booming, with an 18% projected job growth through 2034, creating nearly 8,000 openings each year.
4. Hearing Aid Specialist
Median Annual Salary: $61,560
Bring the world of sound back to others! Hearing aid specialists fit and test hearing aids, ensuring clients can connect with the world around them.
While requirements vary by state, many start with a high school diploma and complete certification or on-the-job training. Expect a steady demand with 1,000 annual openings.
5. Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Median Annual Salary: $63,760
Are you good with your hands and love keeping things running? Industrial machinery mechanics are the backbone of manufacturing, power plants, and warehouses, maintaining and repairing complex equipment.
A high school diploma and at least a year of on-the-job training are standard. This occupation is projected to grow by 13% through 2034, adding over 54,000 openings annually!
6. Health Information Technologist and Medical Registrar
Median Annual Salary: $67,310
If you’re detail-oriented and tech-savvy, consider a career in health information! These professionals manage and secure vital healthcare data, ensuring patient information is accurate and accessible.
Depending on the role, an associate or bachelor’s degree may be needed, with some employers preferring certification. As healthcare systems go digital, this field is expected to grow by 15% through 2034.
7. Nursing Instructor, Postsecondary
Median Annual Salary: $79,940
Share your knowledge and shape the future of healthcare! Nursing instructors train the next generation of nurses at colleges and universities.
While a master’s degree in nursing is often sufficient for community colleges, a Ph.D. is usually a must for postsecondary teachers. With ongoing nursing shortages, this field is expected to grow by 7% through 2034, with a whopping 114,000 openings yearly.
8. Electrician
Median Annual Salary: $62,350
Keep the lights on! Electricians install and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories, ensuring safety and functionality.
Entry typically requires a high school diploma and an apprenticeship, combining classroom learning with paid, hands-on experience. Nearly all states require licensure.
Get ready for 81,000 openings each year, with a projected 9% growth through 2034.
9. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician
Median Annual Salary: $79,830
Reach for the stars (or at least help design the vehicles that do)! These specialists assist aerospace engineers in developing and testing aircraft, spacecraft, and defense systems.
Most earn an associate degree in engineering technology or complete a certificate program. This field is projected to grow by 8% through 2034, with about 900 openings annually.
10. Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician
Median Annual Salary: $77,180
Dive into the world of electronics! These technicians work alongside engineers to design, test, and maintain electrical systems and components for everything from telecommunications to manufacturing.
An associate degree in electrical or electronic engineering technology is typical. While overall growth is modest, about 8,400 openings are expected each year due to retirements.
11. Radiologic and MRI Technologist
Median Annual Salary: $78,980
Help doctors see inside the human body! Radiologic technologists use X-rays, while MRI technologists operate magnetic scanners to capture detailed images for diagnosing injuries and diseases.
Most enter with an associate degree in radiologic or MRI technology, and many states require a license or certification. This field is projected to grow by 5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 15,400 openings annually.
The Bottom Line: Your Path to Financial Stability
The current skilled workforce shortage is creating incredible opportunities for those ready to step into specialized, hands-on roles. Many of these jobs offer excellent pay, often exceeding $60,000 annually, and can be accessed with as little as two years of schooling or an apprenticeship.
As industries evolve and experienced workers retire, these critical positions will continue to offer stability, upward mobility, and solid earning potential for individuals eager to build a successful and financially secure future.
Money Tips That Can Work for Everyone
No matter your current financial situation, there’s always room to optimize and improve your finances. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started today:
- **Focus on paying off your debt. ** Debt can be a major roadblock to financial well-being.
Beyond cutting expenses, consider tools like balance transfer credit cards or debt counseling to accelerate your debt repayment.
- Earning extra income can provide much-needed breathing room.
If finances are tight, a part-time side job can make a huge difference without requiring a major career change.
- **Cut your expenses.
** This doesn’t have to be painful! Start by looking at your biggest expenses, as that’s where you’ll likely find the most significant savings.
For instance, with auto insurance rates soaring, shopping around for a new provider could quickly lower your bill. Planning a vacation?
The right travel credit card might help offset some of those costs.
Read More About This Story:
- 11 Jobs Employers Can’t Fill Fast Enough That Pay Over $60,000 (financebuzz.com)