7 College Courses You Can Do to Get High Salaries

Have you completed a high school diploma and want to find some courses that can help you land a high paying job? Well, you are not alone. There are plenty of reasons why people decide to complete a few courses and get to work instead of opting for a college degree. Quality education isn’t cheap and not everyone can afford it. Those who can afford it also have difficulties because the competition is quite fierce. So, if you are surfing the internet looking for answers, let me help you. I have conducted thorough research – thanks to my Spectrum promotions – and here is a list of careers with required courses that pay very well.

1. Air Traffic Controller (ATC)

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can become an ATC in many different ways. You can,

1. Have 3 years of work experience in the field.
2. Earn a bachelor’s degree.
3. Have postsecondary education in combination with work experience that totals 3 years.
4. Complete an associate’s degree from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI).

You must keep in mind that several other career and training conditions must be met apart from these qualifications. It is a very lucrative career and according to the 2019 data reported by the BLS, ATCs earned approx. $59 per hour.

2. Web Developers

Web Developers have varying educational requirements. The required courses depend entirely on the type of industry and work settings you are interested in. You can complete an associate’s degree in web design or complete a few courses from a community college in programming or graphic designing to get started. However, web development is a competitive field and all web developers are required to have a firm grasp of HTML programming.

In addition to that, your work may need you to learn other programming languages such as SQL or JavaScript. In this line of work, it would be better if you know how to handle multimedia tools like Flash. Not only that, since technology keeps upgrading rapidly, you have to keep updating your skills to have a competitive edge in the market. The BLS reported in 2019 that Web Developers earned approx. $35 per hour.

3. Police and Detectives

Once you complete your high school diploma or a GED, you can think about becoming a police officer or a detective. It is not only a well-paying career but also a very respectable one. Most police officers or detectives typically need at least a high school degree or a GED. However, some police departments and federal agencies prefer candidates to have completed some college courses or have earned a college degree.

Several community colleges, regular colleges, and universities offer programs in law enforcement as well as criminal justice. In addition to the educational requirement, candidates must fulfill other requirements. Once selected, police officers and detectives must graduate from training academies to become eligible for on-the-job training. The data reported by the BLS states that Police and Detectives earned approx. $31 per hour in 2019.

4. Computer Support Specialists

Since it is a technical job and involves IT knowledge, you must take some computer-related courses. Completing an associate’s degree in computer science is a great way to become a Computer Support Specialist. Just like the Web-designers, people in this career must also keep their skills up-to-date to thrive. As per the 2019 data reported by the BLS, Computer Support Specialists earned approx. $26 per hour.

5. Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Those who are interested in the field of law as paralegals can opt for an associate’s degree after completing a high school diploma or a GED. This degree can be completed from a community college in approx. 2 years. It offers training courses in paralegal studies that include legal writing, legal research, corporate law, the legal applications of computers, international law, and so on. The BLS reported in 2019 that Paralegals and Legal Assistants earn approx. $24 per hour.

6. Firefighters

Anyone with a high school diploma or a GED can complete a few training courses in emergency medical services from a community college to become a Firefighter. People in this line of work are generally required to be a certified EMT (an emergency medical technician) or a Paramedic. Other requirements must be fulfilled as well so, do some research before applying to your local fire station. The BLS reported that Firefighters earned approx. $24 per hour in 2019.

7. Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents

I only get to watch people selling pretty houses on my Spectrum TV app. However, if you love the idea of selling houses, becoming a real estate broker or sales agent might just be your calling. People who want to opt for this career are typically required to complete college courses related to real estate, business administration, finance, law, and economics, etc. Though, it is better to earn an associate’s degree or a certification from a community college. Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents must also clear a state-conducted exam to become licensed. According to the 2019 data reported by the BLS, Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents earned approx. $24 per hour.