No Degree? No Problem.

These 5 jobs pay over $40K... no college degree required!

Think a college degree is the only way to score a high-paying job? Think again.

There are many routes to a career, and a four-year degree is only one of them.

Today's educational system provides numerous options for people who want to see their education investment pay off a bit faster.

Check out these five jobs you can get without a four-year college degree.

1. Police Officer

This is often a challenging and stressful job, but it's one of the occupations with the most prestige among the public, according to a survey conducted by USA Today.

The Preparation: To apply to a police academy, a high-school diploma is a must. While most knowledge is gained on-the-job, many agencies do encourage aspiring police officers to take law enforcement classes.

The Numbers: Salary.com lists the average wage in 2009 as $49,158. Perks are great too - according to the U.S. Department of Labor, many agencies will help officers earn their associate's degree in criminal justice, police science, administration of justice, or public administration by paying part, or all, of the tuition.

Search for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice programs now.

2. Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), called licensed vocational nurses in some states, take vital signs, treat simple wounds, and assist registered nurses with other duties. Most work in a hospital or nursing care facility and often have a lot of interaction with patients and families.

The Preparation: Unlike registered nurses, who have a nursing degree or a nursing diploma (which takes three years to complete), LPN students can be on the job in less than a year. LPN certificate programs, which take 9 to 12 months to complete, include both classroom and hands-on training.

The Numbers: LPN salaries vary from state to state, with several states having an average salary well over $40,000. Massachusetts' average salary, for example, is $48,180.

Find LPN certificate programs.

3. HVAC Technician

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning. If you've ever been without one of these vital systems, then you know how valuable the skilled professionals who install and maintain them are.

The Preparation: Many technical schools offer HVAC training programs that can last from a few months to a couple years. Apprenticeships are also common and are run by several industry associations.

The Numbers: As an HVAC technician, you would earn an average of $44,000.

See HVAC training programs now.

4. Automotive Technician

Modern automotive technicians need training in the specialized tools used to diagnose and repair today's technologically sophisticated cars.

The Preparation: You can get up-and-running in this field in 12 to 24 months with an automotive technician training program. Some people choose to specialize in a particular manufacturer's cars. Either way, you'll probably require ongoing training as technology continues to evolve.

The Numbers: The highest-paid automotive technicians make an average hourly wage of $27.22 per hour. Working full time, that nets out to over $50,000 per year.

Search for Automotive Technician training programs.

5. Real Estate Agent

Whether the market is up or down, helping buyers and sellers navigate the complicated world of real estate is what skilled agents do best.

The Preparation: Almost all states require real estate agents to have between 30 to 90 hours of classroom instruction and to pass a licensing exam. Classes can be taken in person or online and cover topics like contracts, appraisals, and real estate law. People with a two-year degree in finance or marketing might have a leg up in this competitive field.

The Numbers: The average earnings of salaried real estate agents, including commission, are $60,790.

Sunny With A Chance of Job Growth

The U.S. Department of Labor recently released its employment projections for 2008 through 2018.

Despite the current clouds, the future of the country's job market appears to be mostly sunny with an increased chance of job growth in many sectors.

Roger J. Moncarz, one of the department's leading occupational forecasters, said the bright job future does not come as a surprise.

"We've been in the projections business for a long time, since World War II when the soldiers were coming home," Moncarz said. "Over the years, we can see that manufacturing is on the decline, but every day and every month is a new data point."

The department's latest "Employment Outlook" is pointing to job opportunities increasing for people who hit the books and train in careers requiring a postsecondary education.

A peek at the extended job forecast reveals the following major occupational categories rank as the top five in terms of employment growth through 2018.

1. Health Care Support Jobs

Percent Growth: 28.8%
New Jobs: 11.47 million

Careers in this field:
- Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants ($24,620)
- Occupational Therapist Assistants ($48,440)
- Physical Therapist Assistants ($46,300)
- Massage Therapists ($39,850)
- Medical Assistants ($29,060)
- Medical Transcriptionists ($32,960)

The forecast: Changing demographics, particularly in terms of Americans getting older, will spur job growth in health care support from 39.82 million employees in 2008 to 51.30 million employees through 2018.

Search for online and local Health Care Support training programs.

2. Computer and Mathematical Jobs

Percent Growth: 22.2%
New Jobs: 7.86 million

Careers in this field:
- Computer Programmers ($73,470)
- Computer and Information Scientists, Research ($100,900)
- Computer Software Engineers, Applications ($87,900)
- Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software ($94,520)
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators ($69,570)
- Mathematicians ($94,960)
- Statisticians ($74,790)

The forecast: The technological boom will continue to push businesses, government agencies, and other organizations to utilize more sophisticated tools. The projection for computer software applications engineers, for example, will increase by 175,000 jobs - the leading number among all computer specialists.

Find online and local IT and Technology degree programs now.

3. Health Care Practitioners and Technical Jobs

Percent Growth: 21.4%
New Jobs: 16 million

Careers in this field:
- Physician Assistants ($81,610)
- Registered Nurses ($65,130)
- Pharmacy Technicians ($28,500)
- Chiropractors ($81,340)
- Dentists ($154,270)
- Dietitians and Nutritionists ($51,470)
- Pharmacists ($104,260)

The forecast: New developments in treatments for more medical conditions will require an increased number of health care professionals. Registered nurses will lead the way with 581,500 new jobs during the projection period. Find RN training near you now.

Search for Health Care schools now.

4. Personal Care and Service Jobs

Percent Growth: 20.4%
New Jobs: 10.31 million

Careers in this field:
- Child Care Workers ($20,350)
- Personal and Home Care Aides ($19,690)
- Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors ($34,310)
- Gaming Supervisors ($46,600)
- First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Personal Service Workers ($48,700)
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists ($26,660)
- Flight Attendants ($39,840)

The forecast: As more of the elderly require help with daily activities, the number of personal and home care aides will increase by 375,800 jobs.

Find schools offering online and local job training now.

5. Life, Physical, and Social Science Jobs

Percent Growth: 19.0%
New Jobs: 2.77 million new jobs

Careers in this field:
- Biochemists and Biophysicists ($88,450)
- Microbiologists ($70,150)
- Economists ($90,830)
- Market Research Analysts ($67,340)
- Survey Researchers ($42,060)
- Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists ($70,190)

The forecast: With businesses trying to maintain a competitive edge, the employment of market and survey researchers will help their major category increase from 14.61 million jobs to 17.38 million.

Guide To Nonprofit Careers

The holidays inspire many people to give back, whether it's through donating money to charitable organizations, buying gifts for the less fortunate, or volunteering time to lend a helping hand.

If you thrive on the spirit of giving and would like to keep it going all year long, consider a job with a nonprofit organization (NPO), where every day presents the chance to improve the lives of others.

According to The Urban Institute, which collects data and conducts research on social and economic problems and issues in the United States, there are more than 1.5 million NPOs in the United States and the number of public charities alone has grown more than 60 percent in the last ten years.

So how can you get in on this expanding employment sector full of feel good work?

Check out our guide on NPOs to see if a job in this sector is right for you – and what education you'll need to get started.

What is a NPO?

Nonprofit organizations are those that don't make money for owners or shareholders. Employees earn a salary but any money earned by the organization goes into its programs or operating costs.

NPOs include:

• Charities
• Educational institutions
• Human service programs
• Arts programs
• And more

NPOs are a significant part of the U.S. workforce, making up one in ten jobs nationwide and contributing more than $666 billion to the U.S. economy.

NPO Jobs

Any job that exists in the for-profit world has a nonprofit equivalent. And you might be glad to hear that nonprofit salaries are not "nonprofit" for employees.

Offices need to be staffed; programs created, marketed, and carried out; some organizations even need automobile mechanics and paralegals.The national average salary for paralegals is $47,000-$60,000. You should see comparable or only slightly lower salary numbers in the non-profit sector.

Because budgets are often tight, employees should be flexible and willing to wear more than one hat.

For example, you may be hired as a graphic designer, but be prepared to help the fundraising staff from time to time. Graphic designers earn a median annual salary of $42,000 per year.

Want to work in accounting? According to a survey of New York City-area nonprofit organizations by Professionals for NonProfits, you'll make between $50,000-$60,000 per year. And that could go up to $90,000 if you work at a larger organization. But don't be surprised if you're also tasked with answering calls when the receptionist is out sick.

The relatively small size of most nonprofits helps create a rich working environment. The multi-tasking required can help you expand your resume of marketable job skills. And who knows, maybe you'll move up to the top spot at a nonprofit organization. According to Professionals for NonProfits, you could earn up to $300,000 per year if you run a large organization.

Look for schools that can prepare you for a nonprofit career now.

Nonprofit Job Training

Because of the wide range of jobs available at NPOs, you have a variety of educational options.

• If you like numbers, an associate's degree in accounting will help you get started in fundraising. If you rise to the top in that field, becoming a Chief Development Officer, you could make as much as $100,000 per year at a large nonprofit.
• An associate's or bachelor's degree in graphic design will prepare you to design web sites, flyers, and magazines. These are vital for raising money and informing people about the organization's mission.
• A bachelor's in information technology will keep the computers running smoothly. According to Professionals for NonProfits, IT professionals in the New York City area can make $50,000-$90,000 per year.
• A bachelor's or master's degree in education, psychology, or nursing can put you on the front lines, teaching vital skills or delivering health care to those in need.

Many nonprofits encourage their employees to continue their education and offer generous tuition reimbursement while they work.

If you're looking for an advanced degree that will be especially useful in the nonprofit world, consider a master's of business administration, social work, or public administration.

Start preparing for your nonprofit career now.

Nonprofit Job Benefits

A common stereotype of nonprofit jobs is that they just don't pay as well as their for-profit counterparts. Not true. Here's a breakdown of the benefits you could enjoy working for a nonprofit organization.

• Salary – While hefty bonuses and stock options may be uncommon, salaries are usually comparable for similar positions in the for-profit sector, especially in fields like health care where services are standardized.
• Perks – Some nonprofit jobs offer fun perks like travel to program locations and access to glitzy fundraising dinners (even if you're staffing the event).

And, of course, the chance to contribute to something larger than themselves is a major benefit for many employees.

Just ask Joshua Lamont, who most recently served as a vice president at amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.

"When I began working full-time in the nonprofit sector, I looked forward to applying my professional skills to more directly effecting social change," says Lamont.

"What I have enjoyed most – and had not expected – is the great sense of personal fulfillment that has added greatly to the professional experience."

How Do I Find a Nonprofit Job?

• Start by getting an education. A few classes or a degree in your area of interest will show that you have the knowledge, skills, and dedication to help an organization succeed.
• While you're in school, consider doing an internship. You'll gain valuable experience and have a chance to see if a nonprofit career is right for you.
• Search the Web. Many NPOs advertise job openings the same way for-profit companies do – through online job sites, college career offices, or word of mouth. But there are also specialized job listings for the nonprofit area on websites like idealist.org, philanthropy.com, or nonprofitcareer.com.
• Think outside the workplace. Have you done any volunteer work? Put it on your resume and it will show that you have a commitment to goals that are bigger than just your pocketbook. The person in charge of the volunteer project could be a great reference as well.
• Tip: If you're interested in a particular organization but there aren't any current openings, offer to volunteer. You'll get the inside scoop on any new job openings, and when you apply, they'll already be familiar with you and your skills.

Find Your Dream Sports Job

According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association (SGMA), in 2004 there were an estimated 96.4 million recreational swimmers, 88.8 million recreational walkers, and 53.7 million recreational bicyclists.

With so many sports enthusiasts, it makes sense that a number of career fields exist to support all these athletes and help them remain healthy and injury-free.

Sound like one of these might be your dream job? Here's four sports-related jobs that let you help others be the best they can be on the court... on the field... anywhere!

1. Nutritionists

While exercise is a key component to getting healthy, providing your body with the proper fuel is also important. It's not as simple as figuring out which foods are good and which are bad. Today's nutritionists look at the needs of each individual and help him or her maximize performance with the right food and liquids.

Salary: Nutritionists are so valuable, in fact, that according to the U.S. Department of Labor, they can earn upward of $57,000 per year.

Career Training: Earn a bachelor's degree in nutrition to learn about diet, physiology, chemistry, biology, and other subjects tied to diet and sports performance.

2. Massage Therapists

Increased flexibility is one way to prevent injury - making the sports massage therapist a crucial player in keeping sports enthusiasts injury-free and helping injuries heal. Sports massage therapists are required to understand physiology, and may sometimes work in support of chiropractors, who may recommend various massage techniques for their clients.

Salary: The Department of Labor estimates that sports massage therapists can earn between $24 to $33 dollars per hour, depending on the number of clients and massage expertise.

Career Training: Look into certificate and training programs that offer sports massage therapy.

Find Massage Therapy schools near you.

3. Personal Trainers

For many athletes, gyms and exercise equipment are not enough to reach their fitness goals. Enter the personal trainer, who works side by side with clients to help them reach their fitness goals. Trainers may work with everyone from the fitness novice to professional athletes.

Salary: Personal trainers can earn in the mid-$40,000 salary range, but their potential earnings can go higher, depending on level of expertise and number of clients.

Career Training: You can get certified after completing a fitness education program. From there, you may want to pick a specialty like yoga or Pilates, or become an expert in multiple exercise areas. Your versatility is what will determine your ultimate earning potential.

Search for schools and universities with Fitness programs near you or online.

4. Beauty and Aesthetics Professionals

While it may not seem like a sports-focused career, beauty and aesthetics professionals often work in the same settings as personal trainers, nutritionists, and massage therapists. Spas, gyms, and hotels and resorts often employ many of these same workers to enhance their clients' experiences. Beauty and aesthetics professionals specialize in skin, hair, and body treatments designed to enhance overall well-being - much like the activities managed by other sports professionals!

Salary: The salaries for beauty and aesthetics workers vary greatly - starting usually in the $13 per hour range. With greater experience, employees can increase their earning power considerably.

Career Training: Beauty and aesthetics training programs come with many different concentrations and can often be completed on a part-time basis. Many can be completed in 12-18 months. Licensure is required in many states.

Be Your Own Boss

It used to be that getting a job with one company and working there for your entire career was the goal.

Nowadays, the dream is more likely this: set your own hours, make a good salary, and schedule your vacation time as you please… In short, the goal is to Be Your Own Boss (BYOB).

Sound like something you could live with? Check out these 5 BYOB jobs that pay.

BYOB Job 1: Graphic Designer

While every kind of business requires the services of a design expert, many small businesses cannot afford to hire a full-time design staff. Larger companies may contract out design work when it requires a fast turnaround or when the work is too much for their in-house designers. That's where freelance graphic designers come in.

The Training: A bachelor's degree in graphic design can help you learn the principles of graphic design and hone the skills needed to stand out from the crowd.

See Graphic Design programs now.

The Pay: Freelancers can charge anywhere from $25 to $125 per hour.

BYOB Job 2: Computer Programmer

The need for new software applications has grown, but the supply of competent coders doesn't always keep up with demand. Because of this, freelance jobs have grown exponentially.

The Training: If you like computers and have aptitude in math, you may want to explore a degree in computer science or programming.

Search IT training programs now.

The Pay: A skilled freelance programmer can command anywhere from $50 to $150 an hour for her services.

BYOB Job 3: HVAC/R Technician

Trained technicians who have the expertise needed to fix and maintain heating and air conditioning equipment are always in demand - especially during peak winter and summer seasons. This is where you'll find freelance opportunities if you have the right training.

The Training: If the flexibility of being an HVAC technician sounds like something you'd enjoy, training can last from six months to two years.

Find HVAC training programs now.

The Pay: According to Payscale.com, technicians at established companies earn an average hourly wage of nearly $20 per hour. Those who set off for themselves, on the other hand, are often rewarded for their initiative, earning an average hourly bill rate of $62.50, according to hotgigs.com.

BYOB Job 4: Landscape Architect

The layout of trees, bushes, and flowers in public areas and private homes is often the result of careful design and implementation by a landscape architect. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, landscape architects get to be their own bosses at double the rate of other occupations.

The Training: A bachelor's degree in landscape architecture can qualify you for this exciting BYOB career. Knowledge of computer-aided design will help immensely.

The Pay: Salaried landscape architects enjoy a healthy mean annual wage of $55,140.

BYOB Job 5: Technical Writer

As more companies look to reduce full-time headcount, the freelance market for technical writers offers plenty of opportunities. It's no easy feat turning complex technical information into understandable written documents, but if you're skilled in this area, you should be able to find some well-paying, flexible opportunities.

The Training: Technical writers normally have a four-year college degree in a field like communications, information technology, or journalism.

The Pay: Freelance technical writers get to work their own hours and enjoy a billing rate of $40 per hour and up.

Physical therapist assistants

help physical therapists treat victims of accidents or people with disabling conditions. The job involves working to improve patient mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or alleviate physical disabilities. A physical therapist might prepare physical therapy equipment, assist with exercises, or apply hot and cold packs while recording and reporting patients' responses to treatment.

How Fast Is It Growing? Consumer demand for physical therapy services is on the rise, helping employment for physical therapy aides to grow much faster than average for all occupations. The main reasons: an increasing elderly population, a baby-boom generation entering the prime age for illness, and an improved survival rate for trauma patients. There were 60,000 employed in 2006, and that number is expected to rise to 80,000 in 2016.

How Do I Get Started? Most physical therapists earn an associate's degree from an accredited physical therapist assistants program.

Salary: $46,300 a year

ubstance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors

offers counseling and advice to people dealing with problems such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gambling, and eating disorders. Some counselors work at therapeutic communities where people with addictions live while being treated.

How Fast Is It Growing? The number of counselors will rise from 83,000 to 112,000 by 2016, a 34.3 percent increase over the 10-year period. The rising number of people suffering from depression and other serious mood disorders has helped create a demand for counselors, according to a recent study by jobfox.com. That growth, coupled with the need to replace people leaving the field, make this a solid choice for those who seek a stable, rewarding career.

How Do I Get Started? A master's degree is usually required to be licensed as a counselor. Some states accept applicants with a bachelor's degree and appropriate counseling coursework.

Salary: $39,670 a year