CareerCast.com Reports on Great Jobs Without a College Degree

CARLSBAD, Calif., May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As college students scramble to find jobs after receiving their hard-earned degrees, CareerCast.com examines the best jobs for those without a college degree. In its new report, 20 Great Jobs Without a College Degree, CareerCast.com identifies careers where you can earn a good living with just a high school education. Although these jobs may require some training, they all offer a good salary, as well as growth potential. At the top of the list: dental hygienists, online advertising managers, web developers, medical secretaries and paralegal assistants.

"Even with a college degree, finding a good job in today's economy is hard and can be very time consuming. Although those with degrees often earn more money, you can still earn a very good living without one," says Tony Lee , publisher, CareerCast.com.

In most cases, a college education does pay. The average American worker will earn approximately one million dollars more during his or her career with a four-year degree. The average starting salary for someone with a college degree is $51,000, while a job with no degree requirement starts at $28,350. The top average salary for people with a degree is $130,600, those without a degree top out at $79,150.

To determine if a college degree is right for you, CareerCast.com suggests you carefully choose your field of employment. Even a modest education will cost over $50,000, and you may incur student loans.

"If you want to earn a lot of money without a college degree, take a look at the amount of training you'll need, then focus on a job that can still provide a satisfying, comfortable career," says Lee.

CareerCast.com's 20 Great Jobs Without a College Degree:

1. DENTAL HYGIENIST
2. ONLINE ADVERTISING MANAGER
3. WEB DEVELOPER
4. MEDICAL SECRETARY
5. PARALEGAL ASSISTANT
6. STENOGRAPHER/COURT REPORTER 
7. HEATING/REFRIGERATION MECHANIC
8. SURVEYOR 
9. EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
10. INSURANCE AGENT 
11. INDUSTRIAL MACHINE REPAIRER 
12. COSMETOLOGIST
13. HAIR STYLIST
14. TAX EXAMINER/COLLECTOR 
15. SALES REPRESENTATIVE (WHOLESALE) 
16. CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY OPERATOR
17. ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN 
18. ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTER 
19. TEACHER'S AIDE 
20. SEWAGE PLANT OPERATOR 

To read CareerCast.com's full report, 20 Great Jobs Without a College Degree, visit http://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated/20-great-jobs-without-college-degree.

SOURCE CareerCast.com

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