20 Jobs That Don't Require Degrees but Pay Big Salaries

Higher education isn't for everyone, and people have a variety of paths to choose from once they graduate from high school. They might know from the start that they want to go straight to the professional world. Other new graduates often decide to try college for a semester to see how it goes and then realize it's not for them.

While the decision to pursue a degree or to enter the work force is fraught with pros and cons, earning a lot of money isn't. Not that money means everything, but wouldn't we all like to see some bigger numbers on our next paycheck? You can find jobs in many industries that don't require formal degrees, but you still need relevant experience, skills and possibly other training, depending on the position.

If you're in the market for a job that doesn't require a degree but does come with a nice salary, here are 20 jobs to consider and their average annual salary:

1. Aides supervisor

Aides supervisors typically supervise home-health aides, monitoring quality of care and setting work schedules.

Average Annual Salary: $60,652*

2. Assembly supervisor

Assembly supervisors oversee workers who put together products by using power tools or other dangerous equipment.

Average Annual Salary: $59,926

3. Assistant site manager

At a construction site, assistant site managers report to head site managers and plan, direct and coordinate the necessary tasks to complete that day's activities.

Average Annual Salary: $86,584

4. Automobile service station manager

The manager draws up guidelines for gas stations and automotive repair shops and decides on hours of operation, assigns job duties and sets prices for services and products.

Average Annual Salary: $81,793

5. Cable supervisor

Cable supervisors monitor workers who install, maintain and repair cables, and also perform related services.

Average Annual Salary: $71,826

6. Carpenter supervisor

Carpenter supervisors oversee carpentry work on a specified project to ensure that workers are on schedule and executing plans accordingly. The supervisor also performs some of the carpentry duties if time permits.

Average Annual Salary: $70,565

7. Chemical supervisor

Chemical supervisors oversee workers who make chemical products, which involves handling dangerous substances and following strict guidelines.

Average Annual Salary: $67,114

8. Construction equipment operator

These operators are in charge of the large tools and equipment used during construction projects and they also inspect the equipment for safety and performance issues.

Average Annual Salary: $50,783

9. Credit and collection supervisor

Credit and collection supervisors manage employees who calculate credit risks and collections, and they sometimes review client credit history to grant or deny extensions of credit.

Average Annual Salary: $61,387

10. Data control supervisor

Data control supervisors manage data entry workers and are responsible for the completion and accuracy of that work. On occasion they help with assignments.

Average Annual Salary: $61,118

11. Flight service manager

Airlines hire flight service managers to ensure that flight attendants adhere to personal appearance and preflight requirements. They also compile flight reports.

Average Annual Salary: $67,766

12. Gas plant operator

Pipelines that produce and transport gas need to stay at certain pressures to function safely, and that's what these workers do.

Average Annual Salary: $64,198

13. Home care aide supervisor

Home care aides assist homebound patients with daily activities and some rehabilitation exercises, and the supervisor ensures that all patients are being taken care of properly by their aides.

Average Annual Salary: $66,244

14. Housekeeping manager of a medical facility

In a medical facility, the housekeeping manager sets the schedules and tasks for his or her team. Housekeeping duties vary depending on the type of medical facility, but managers must work with other hospital staff to ensure they are following health and safety guidelines.

Average Annual Salary: $60,584

15. Lead carpenter

Lead carpenters ensure that construction projects are completed on time and correctly, and they perform some of the labor themselves.

Average Annual Salary: $68,616

16. Locomotive engineer

Locomotive engineers drive electric, diesel-electric or gas-turbine electric trains that transport passengers or freight.

Average Annual Salary: $70,116

17. Margin department supervisor

Margin department supervisors manage customer credit-card accounts for a company, and one of their principal duties is to approve or deny credit to customers.

Average Annual Salary: $87,745

18. Painting supervisor

Painting supervisors monitor all painting activities involved in a particular job. They ensure paint is mixed properly and surfaces are prepared correctly, and they apply decorative or protective finishes when needed.

Average Annual Salary: $62,211

19. Payroll supervisor

These supervisors oversee payroll employees to ensure that all pay calculations follow company policy, government regulations and tax codes.

Average Annual Salary: $63,626

20. Route sales manager

Product and service delivery teams have to achieve goals pertaining to customer satisfaction, efficiency and personal performance. The route sales manager monitors their work and keeps them on track to achieve their objectives.

Average Annual Salary: $65,771

*Salary figures based on data from CBsalary.com, powered by SalaryExpert.com