While many high school students attend four-year colleges, others choose different career paths. For those students, entering a career straight from high school, or with a limited amount of post-secondary education can often find higher salaries than some of their classmates graduating from four-year schools. No matter what vocational area peaks one’s interest, there are many high-paying jobs for those not wanting to pursue a four-year degree.

Salesperson

Whether it’s selling automobiles, appliances, or furniture this is one career where personality and natural ability often take precedence over educational accomplishments. Many of these industries offer in-house training programs, opting to teach new employees everything they need to know. Sales positions usually pay a combination of salary and commission, with many top salespeople in these and other fields earning well over $100,000 yearly.

Computer Technician

Often requiring no more than a two-year degree, this occupation is great for those who love computers, and figuring out how things work. Many people enter this field from the military, where they gained the necessary training while completing service to their country. The average salaries for these positions are $50,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Electrician

With only one year of training at a community college or vocational school, electricians can average as much as $100 per hour for their skills. Many work for industrial companies, power companies, or property management firms. Others choose to go into business for themselves, sometimes making close to $200,000 per year by having contracts with large commercial properties.

Cosmetologist

Those who attend a Canadian Beauty College, or cosmetology schools in Toronto can find themselves with training that leads to a rewarding and lucrative career. Many cosmetologists go into business for themselves, while other land jobs at beauty salons. Those having their own businesses average $40,000 yearly, while others working in high-end salons can sometimes average $75,000 yearly.

Computer Programmer

Many future programmers begin in high school, learning to write code on computers in their bedrooms. By the time they graduate high school, they often have the necessary skills for employment. If they are up to the task, they can average $78,000 yearly if working for a major corporation.

By researching various career fields and knowing one’s interests, it’s quite possible to have a career offering great pay, along with excitement and daily challenges. For those not wanting a four-year degree, there are plenty of alternatives from which to choose.