Highest Paying Contractor Jobs That Don’t Require a University Degree

Most people want a well-paying job to support their future goals. However, not everyone has the resources to obtain a 4-year college degree. While it may seem like job options are limited without a degree, numerous high-paying employment opportunities don't require a college background. 

Needless to say, getting a good job will require valuable skills. Contractor Training Center, an institution that helps people obtain a South Carolina contractors license, reports that putting in the effort to become a certified contractor can quickly develop into a lucrative business. 

Here are some of the top-paying contractor jobs that don't require a college education:

Plumbers are an extremely valuable asset to our society. For over 100 years, people have relied on plumbers for comfort, cleanliness, and overall health. Think about the last time your shower or sink stopped working. How fast did you want your problem resolved?

Plumbers are not only in high demand, but they also make a pretty decent living. According to Career Explorer, the average plumber's salary is just over $50,000 per year. If you stick with your trade, you can make even more money by starting your own plumbing company.  

Like plumbers, we rely on electricians to keep all our electrical needs fulfilled throughout the year. Without electricity, we can't power our home appliances, stay warm in the winter, or cool off under the air conditioner during a scorching summer. 

As an electrician, you work directly with homeowners or businesses, fixing a wide variety of appliances. Since just about everyone relies on electricity in our society, there's always someone that could use your services. As a result, an electrician is an extremely lucrative gig. 

Do you have a knack for working with wood? If so, being a carpenter can be an excellent way to have fun and make a solid living. Construction companies are always on the lookout for someone who knows how to do quality woodwork. You may need to start as a laborer if you don't have any experience, but you can eventually work your way up to some high-paying carpentry jobs in the future. 

Once you build up your experience, you start earning between $50,000 to $70,000 a year with several employment opportunities. 

If you love working outdoors with a nice view, becoming a roofer may be an amazing job opportunity. As a roofer, you'll be responsible for installing, repairing, and replacing roofs for both homeowners and businesses. However, this is quite a physically demanding job. While it is hard work, it truly pays off, considering the average salary is around $50,000 per year. 

Becoming a roofer doesn't require a college education, but you need specialized training and a license. Obtaining a roofing license takes time, but it's worth the effort since the position offers outstanding job security.  

No doubt, working with metal isn't easy. However, becoming a welder can become an incredibly lucrative career choice. You don't need a university degree to get into welding, but you may need a high school diploma. Most welders also need to go to a trade school to learn the essential skills that come with the job. 

The average salary is around $40,000, but that can quickly go up if you land yourself a job at a good company. 

In this competitive job market, it can seem like there aren't any good job options for those who can't or don't want to attend college. However, countless jobs offer great salaries without spending time or money going to college. If you're unsure which contractor job suits you, try thinking about your hobbies and find one that lines up.