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Earning a bachelor's degree has long been regarded as the golden ticket to achieving the American Dream, a sort of cure-all checkbox that ensures economic success.
For recent graduates, the reality is far less rosy. According to a recent salary survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the average annual salary for college graduates is around $50,000. Now compare that to the average student loan debt which is $37,693.
The solution? In this special Unmudl guide we look at the highest paying jobs in Arizona without a degree available as an alternative to college for those seeking financial stability quickly and without incurring massive debt. Construction management, electricians, healthcare assistants, web development, and other similar trades pay well and are also in high demand.
If you're looking for a lucrative career, join us on a deep dive into the highest-paying trades jobs available.
If you like mechanical jobs, we have free trial courses to get you started!
There are many trade jobs that require only a high school diploma or at max a two-year associate’s degree from a community college. These trades pay well and knowing your options will help you plan for your future.
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Many people are astonished to hear that working in air traffic control does not require a bachelor's degree. An associate's degree or equivalent military experience is often all that is required of air traffic controllers.
Of course, there are still a lot of hurdles to clear. However, most of them can be finished in two years if you enroll in a two-year vocational program. It comes down to work, much like many other high-paying careers from trade schools.
Related: Another exciting career in a similar field is being a private pilot. Try this course to get your career started.
2021 Median Pay: $129,750 per year ($62.38 per hour)
Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree
Job Outlook, 2020-30: Air traffic controllers' employment is expected to expand by 4% between 2020 and 2030, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite slow job growth, an average of 2,500 openings for air traffic controllers are expected each year over the next decade.
Air traffic controllers manage the movement of planes in order to keep them at a safe distance from one another. The major priority for air traffic controllers is safety, but they must also direct aircraft efficiently to avoid delays.
Typical duties include:
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Construction managers are in charge of almost every facet of a construction project. They make certain that the task is finished on time, according to specifications, and on schedule.
The majority of construction managers are self-employed individuals who seek out their own work. This also means that, as construction managers, they have the freedom to choose whatever projects they wish to work on.
You can start your career off as a Construction Manager with an associate’s degree from a community college. It is optional, in order to grow further in this career, to later transfer credits to a bachelor’s degree program.
2021 Median Pay: $98,890 per year ($47.55 per hour)
Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree (Bachelor’s degree to advance career)
Job Outlook, 2020-30: Construction managers' employment is expected to expand 11% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
Over the next ten years, an average of 38,900 construction manager job vacancies are expected.
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From start to completion, construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects.
Typical duties include:
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In tall buildings, many technologies are applied and elevators and escalators are among the most complicated. It's also critical to keep them in good working order.
We don't give these human transportation capsules much thought, despite the fact that they may rapidly lift people hundreds (or thousands) of feet into the air. Fortunately, there are specialist tasks for keeping these machines in peak working order. Elevator installers and repairers construct and maintain the elevators we use on a daily basis.
2021 Median Pay: $97,860 per year ($47.05 per hour)
Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Job Outlook, 2020-30: From 2020 to 2030, the employment of elevator and escalator installers and repairers is expected to expand at a rate of 6%, which is approximately average for all occupations.
Over the next ten years, an average of 2,500 openings for elevator and escalator installers and repairers are expected.
Elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts are installed, maintained, and repaired by elevator and escalator installers and repairers.
Typical duties include:
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Most people confuse Radiation Therapists with Radiologists. You typically see a Radiologist if you break a bone while people who are sick and require radiation treatment are treated by Radiation Therapists.
The majority of their time is spent in oncology departments. Hospitals, cancer centers, and other medical facilities may fall under this category.
2021 Median Pay: $82,790 per year ($39.80 per hour)
Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree
Job Outlook, 2020-30: From 2020 to 2030, employment of radiation therapists is expected to expand at a rate of 9%, which is approximately average for all occupations.
Over the next ten years, there are expected to be over 1,100 opportunities for radiation therapists.
Patients with cancer or other serious disorders are treated with radiation by radiation therapists.
Typical duties include:
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When it comes to dealing with patients, the best hygienists have excellent bedside manners and compassion. They also have the technical ability to operate cleaning equipment around a patient's mouth.
It's one of the best trade occupations since it pays well and gives you weekends off. Many two-year programs in Arizona can help you break into the field of dental hygiene. Community colleges, trade schools, and vocational schools all offer these courses. You may even be able to join an accelerated program to complete your studies in less than two years.
Related: How much does community college cost in Arizona?
2021 Median Pay: $77,810 per year ($37.41 per hour)
Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree
Job Outlook, 2020-30: Dental hygienists' employment is expected to expand 11% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
Over the next ten years, an average of 15,600 openings for dental hygienists are expected.
Related: Try this similar career in infection control
Dental hygienists check patients for indicators of oral diseases like gingivitis and give preventive therapy, such as oral hygiene. They also provide oral health education to their patients.
Typical duties include:
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Web developers have some of the best-paying trade jobs available. Web development is a unique trade school job in which clients are unconcerned about your education. They are more concerned with the outcomes you can provide.
Your portfolio is one of the most important steps in preparing to be a web developer. This demonstrates that you are working on projects and learning new technologies. As a result, a web developer should get started right away with some hands-on experience.
This short course of just 4.5 months can get you started as a Front End Web Developer!
2021 Median Pay: $77,200 per year ($37.12 per hour)
Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree
Job Outlook, 2020-30: Web developer employment is expected to grow 13 percent between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
On average, 17,900 job openings for web developers are expected each year over the next decade.
Websites are created and maintained by web developers. They are also in charge of the site's technical aspects, such as performance and capacity, which are measures of a website's speed and capacity to handle traffic. Web developers may also create content for the site.
Typical duties include:
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Boilermakers are skilled tradespeople who design, build, install, and service commercial boilers. These are not your typical household boilers. They are large machines that use heat to generate electricity. The energy is then used to heat a building, ship, or factory.
A boilermaker may also work with closed vats or tanks that contain oil, liquids, or other chemicals. A four-year apprenticeship with an employer or boilermakers union is typically required to become a boilermaker. This is how you will receive on-the-job training and instruction.
Related: Considering changing careers for a better paying job? Here is a great article that shows you how to use affordable community colleges to get out of your job.
2021 Median Pay: $64,290 per year ($30.91 per hour)
Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Job Outlook, 2020-30: From 2020 to 2030, employment of boilermakers is expected to remain stable.
Approximately 1,300 boilermaker openings are expected each year on average over the next decade.
Boilermakers build, install, service, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gasses.
Typical duties include:
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Note: We estimate that Boilermaker's annual mean wage in Arizona is between $57,290 and $564,860
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Note: We estimate that Boilermaker employment in Arizona is between 110 and 180
Respiratory therapists are among the highest-paying trade jobs for those seeking a career in healthcare. They assist patients who are experiencing respiratory problems. An associate's degree from a community college is typically required to enter the field.
Related: How to get hired from a community college
Those who earn a respiratory therapy degree are likely to be in high demand. They also work in hospitals, nursing homes, sports complexes, and private offices.
This is a demanding position where you could be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, this also opens up the possibility of working shifts around the clock.
2021 Median Pay: $61,830 per year ($29.73 per hour)
Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree
Job Outlook, 2020-30: Respiratory therapist employment is expected to grow 23 percent between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
On average, 10,100 openings for respiratory therapists are expected each year over the next decade.
Patients with breathing difficulties, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are cared for by respiratory therapists. Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly people with diseased lungs.
Typical duties include:
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Construction and building inspectors determine whether a new or existing structure complies with building codes. They also determine whether the building is safe for potential occupants. They could work for the local or state government.
The majority of building inspectors learn on the job. Many have previously held trade school jobs in construction or another skilled trade. However, many people attend vocational or trade schools to learn specific aspects of their jobs.
Some states also require licensure or certification. These programs are frequently provided by a trade or vocational school. Construction and building inspectors must be familiar with all local building codes, so a quick recall is essential.
2021 Median Pay: $61,640 per year ($29.63 per hour)
Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Job Outlook, 2020-30: Construction and building inspector employment is expected to fall by 3% between 2020 and 2030.
Despite declining employment, an average of 14,300 openings for construction and building inspectors are expected each year over the next decade.
Building and construction inspectors ensure that construction complies with local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
Typical duties include:
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Occupational therapy is a collection of therapeutic techniques designed to help people return to their normal lives following an injury or illness. Those in this field assist people in developing the skills they require for daily work and life.
Occupational therapists work with people of all ages and from all walks of life. They may be of assistance to people who have physical, emotional, or mental limitations. Some work exclusively with children or senior citizens, while others work with athletes or veterans of the military.
To practice, occupational therapists must have a bachelor's and a master's degree. However, an occupational therapist assistant can begin by earning an associate's degree. Many such programs are available at community colleges, trade schools, and technical colleges.
Related: Community College vs Technical College: A Breakdown
2021 Median Pay: $61,520 per year ($29.58 per hour)
Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree
Job Outlook, 2020-30: Overall employment of occupational therapy assistants and aides is expected to grow 34% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the national average.
On average, 8,800 openings for occupational therapy assistants and aides are expected each year over the next decade.
Occupational therapy assistants and aides assist patients in developing, recovering, improving, and maintaining the skills required for daily living and working. Occupational therapy assistants are directly involved in the delivery of therapy to patients, whereas occupational therapy aides typically provide support.
Typical duties include:
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Electro-Mechanical Technicians operate, calibrate, and maintain robotics and electromechanical equipment. This exciting trade school job pays well. However, you only need an associate's degree or a postsecondary certificate to get started.
Obviously, electro-mechanical technicians must be familiar with mechanical and electrical systems. In these roles, they frequently collaborate with engineers. To begin, most people specialize in one area of technology. As a result, they may attend trade school in engineering, technology, electrical systems, and other fields.
2021 Median Pay: $60,360 per year ($29.02 per hour)
Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree
Job Outlook, 2020-30: From 2020 to 2030, employment of electromechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians is expected to fall by 2%.
Despite declining employment, an average of 1,200 openings for electro-mechanical technicians are expected each year over the next decade.
Electro-mechanical technicians combine mechanical knowledge with electrical and electronic circuitry knowledge. They are responsible for the operation, testing, and maintenance of unmanned, automated, robotic, or electromechanical equipment.
Typical duties include:
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Electricians have been in high demand for nearly a century, and the profession never goes out of style. Almost every building in the country has an electrical system. Yes, many of the systems and appliances in our homes have been upgraded. However, the underlying electrical work in homes and businesses has remained critical.
Electricians also have some of the most comprehensive educational paths for newcomers looking to enter a high-paying trade. Many states require workers to obtain a license before performing electrical system work. In addition, many states provide both apprenticeship and trade school pathways to sitting for an electrician exam.
Here is a Fast Track Course to get you started and earn as an electrician quickly.
2021 Median Pay: $60,040 per year ($28.87 per hour)
Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Job Outlook, 2020-30: Electricians' employment is expected to grow at a rate similar to the national average from 2020 to 2030.
On average, 84,700 electrician job openings are expected each year over the next decade.
In homes, businesses, and factories, electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.
Typical duties include:
Check out: How to Become an Electrician in Arizona
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Plumbers have one of the highest-paying jobs available with a trade school diploma. And they're not going anywhere anytime soon. Plumbers are required for almost every construction project in the country. They are also one of the most frequently requested tradespeople in residential settings.
Most plumbers learned their trade through apprenticeships in the past. Today, however, many people start their careers by attending a trade school. Many states require plumbers to be licensed.
Plumbers frequently work odd hours to make emergency house calls. They frequently have to work nights and weekends as well. These visits, however, are frequently billed at a premium rate. As a result, they provide an opportunity for plumbers to earn even more money.
2021 Median Pay: $59,880 per year ($28.79 per hour)
Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Job Outlook, 2020-30: Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are expected to grow 5% between 2020 and 2030, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite slowing job growth, an average of 51,000 openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are expected each year over the next decade.
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are individuals who install and repair piping fixtures and systems.
Typical duties include:
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Many people believe that skilled tradespeople make poor wages. In reality, many of the highest-paying trade jobs pay close to or above the median household income in the United States. Some have the potential to pay six figures once you've gained experience.
In this guide, we took you through some of the easy jobs that pay well in Arizona right now and we hope this guide helps you in finding a potential career in the future.
