Money expert Clark Howard has long said that continuing education is the key to finding a good job in a changing employment landscape — one that currently features the rise of artificial intelligence and the automation of many positions.
But let’s face it — traditional four-year college is not for everybody.
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Overeducated and unemployed? Not in these jobs!
Too much education can certainly break the bank. College costs were up more than 3% last year, which is well above the 2.1% rate of inflation in 2017.
Unfortunately, that’s pretty much been a wash, rinse and repeat scenario as college costs routinely skyrocket year after year well above the pace of other consumer expenditures — except for health care.
It’s gotten to the point that it now typically costs $47,000 a year for a private college or $20,090 annually for a public institution!
Meanwhile, MoneyTalkNews.com reports that a year of community college will run you less than $4,000! And the great news is community colleges offer associate’s degrees in a wide range of fields that can land you a high-paying job.
If you’re not keen on borrowing yourself in student loan debt oblivion, consider these careers below. They all require a two-year degree or equivalent experience such as an apprenticeship or trade school.
Salaries and growth projections are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Career | Median income (2016) | Projected job growth through 2026 |
| Air traffic controller | $122,410 | 3% |
| Radiation therapists | $80,160 | 13% |
| Nuclear medicine technologists | $74,350 | 10% |
| Dental hygienist | $72,910 | 20% |
| Diagnostic medical sonographers | $69,650 | 23% |
| MRI technologists | $68,420 | 14% |
| Web developer | $66,130 | 15% |
| Computer network support specialist | $62,670 | 8% |
| Avionics technician | $60,760 | 5% |
| Occupational therapy assistants | $59,010 | 29% |
| Respiratory therapists | $58,670 | 23% |
| Radiologic technologists | $57,450 | 12% |
| Physical therapist assistants | $56,610 | 31% |
| Geological and petroleum technicians | $56,470 | 16% |
| Fire inspectors and investigators | $56,130 | 10% |
| Cardiovascular technologists and technicians | $55,570 | 10% |
| Funeral service workers | $54,830 | 5% |
| Drafters | $53,480 | 7% |
| Paralegals and legal assistants | $49,500 | 15% |
| Chemical technicians | $44,480 | 4% |
So if you’re in a dead-end job, know that it is possible to switch things up without going back to school for another traditional degree.
Four years of traditional college is no longer a necessity if you want to bring home a hefty paycheck!
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