While it is possible to live in the United States without a bachelor’s degree, the path to achieving financial stability and upward mobility is generally more challenging without one.
A user asked the forum, “Americans without bachelor’s degrees, what do you do for a living?”. Here are the top responses.
AUTO INSURANCE ADJUSTER
“Auto insurance adjuster. I work completely remotely and make about 70k a year without OT. I made about 108k last year with my OT.”
DECORATING CAKES
“I decorate cakes. I studied fashion design until I had to drop out to take care of my disabled mom. It’s not how I pictured life would work out but making art for a living genuinely makes me happy. So I’m mostly satisfied with how things have turned out so far.”
DRIVING TRUCKS
“I’m driving a truck.”
MILITARY
“I’m in the military. My bills get paid though I am single with no dependents; it is harder for those with families. I am actively attending school (online) to finish my bachelor’s, though.”
TRAVEL NURSE
“I am an RN with an associate’s degree. I work as a travel nurse and support my family of 4 as the sole income.”
RECEPTIONIST
“I’m a receptionist at a doctor’s office. It doesn’t pay me enough to live; my husband and I combined our finances to be able to afford to live in Denver. (Combined income around $80k — we are barely getting by).”
MECHANIC
“I have zero college education; I work for a European company in the States as a specialized mechanic on heavy factory equipment.
Last year I grossed 90k.
I make well over the average income in my hometown. I moved to the city, so I’m not sure what the average income is where I live. I don’t plan to live here anymore after this lease.
I was able to get land in my hometown, and I will build a place there next year with my VA loan.
I like my job; it’s hard work, though I wish I could have afforded college. I grew up very poor, and I wasn’t about to take out a loan and indebt myself to the government for a student loan.
It pays the bills, and I live comfortably. I’m grateful for my job even though I hate it sometimes. The fact I have such a high wage is the only reason I put so much effort into the job.”
TOWBOAT DRIVER
“My husband doesn’t have a bachelor’s and drives a towboat. He makes six figures a year. I have a master’s and make half of what he does.”
ELECTRICIAN
“I went right to work after high school as a laborer in the labor union. After five years of that, I became an electrician’s apprentice. I’m now a licensed master electrician in 3 states and own my own two men’s electrical business.”
SALES
“My dad didn’t graduate from high school, got into sales, and has a very comfortable life. I just got a degree but worked in sales while I was in school, and I still do. I actually make more money than I would in a job related to my major.”
CARDIAC MONITOR TECHNICIAN
“I work at a hospital as a cardiac monitor technician. I learned on the job and took a class at my hospital. I work tons of OT (typically 60 and 48 hours a week for each paycheck)
I make enough to pay my bills, do what I want, go on vacation, etc. I just bought a PS5 the other week with Final Fantasy XVI.”
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
“Medical Assistant. I do like it, I work in dermatology, so I’ve seen some things. It pays some of the bills; husband picks up the bulk- he’s a computer guy.”
RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR
“Residential contractor in Los Angeles. I live within my means. It does get tight, but I have a decently furnished townhouse in Burbank (a very nice area), go on a two-week vacation every year, and have an annual supply of meat and weed, so life’s good.”
WORKING IN MORTUARY
“I work full-time in a mortuary. I am trying to get my associate’s in mortuary science to become a contract embalmer. It’s tough, and I am living paycheck to paycheck in a small apartment with my boyfriend and his mom in San Diego.”
MANAGER IN FURNITURE TOWN
“Well, right now, I’m the manager of a small town furniture store, and I’ve been the manager since I was 19. I guess I’m doing a good enough job ’cause the owner really only comes by once a week to drop off checks; other than that, I’m running the place.”
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
“I’m an air traffic controller for the FAA. I don’t even have an associate’s degree.
I make $97k, which is on the low end of my career’s pay; I have the chance to move and make just over twice that.
Those numbers don’t include overtime or other premium pay and since it is a government job, the benefits aren’t too shabby either.”
13 Things Are Scientifically Proven, But People Still Don’t Believe Them. Do You Believe Them?
There are so many things that are scientifically proven but some people try to ignore the scientific experiments and prove the theories wrong. Read more about it.
15 Red Flags That Someone Is Stupid. Are You?
Intelligence is not a binary trait. Everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses, and what constitutes “smart” can vary depending on the context. Here are 115 red flags that you’re stupid.
15 Dead Giveaways That You’re Nonsense Person
Sometimes, a single act can reveal a person’s true character. If you see someone doing something that you find disgusting, it can be hard to understand if they’re a reliable person. Here are 15 giveaways you’re a nonsense person.
12 Scams That Will Fool Even the Smartest People. Have You Fallen For It?
Scams come in all shapes and sizes, but what makes them particularly dangerous is when disguised as something legitimate. Read here about scams that food the smartest people.
13 Reasons Why Most Older Women Cut Their Hair Short
A lot of women seem to prefer cutting their hair short once they reach a certain age. Why exactly do you think they do that?. Read here.
This article was originally published on Mrs. Daaku Studio.