Air traffic controllers to miners jobs that pay more than $100k a year without a degree

As the global economy continues to experience low wage growth, many workers are suffering from financial stagnation.

And with the cost of living steadily rising, a growing number of Australians are seeking careers offering more than a liveable wage – without requiring a time consuming and costly bachelors degree.

FEMAIL spoke to career experts Sue Ellson and Michelle Gibbings to discuss the roles taking home more than $100,000 a year and how you can rise through the ranks to the top pay grade before crossing the threshold of university.

Career mentor Michelle Gibbings said school leavers must be willing to put in hard graft to rise to the top roles in industries where degrees are unnecessary

Career experts and employment mentors Sue Ellson (left) and Michelle Gibbings (right) agree learning is the key to success and a healthy salary package

What jobs can earn you in excess of $100k without a degree? 

* Construction manager

* IT manager 

* Miner

* Procurement manager

* Distribution manager 

* Funeral service manager

* Power plant operator

* Air traffic controller

* Supervisory fire fighter

‘Most people incorrectly assume that you need a university degree to land a high paying job – there are lots of careers where you can progress without one,’ Ms Gibbings said, with the caveat that some of these roles require basic accreditation or on-the-job training.

Construction managers, air traffic controllers, miners and power plant operators all earn in excess of $100,000 annually without the need for a bachelors degree.

‘High paying jobs will usually go to the people who can deliver the value an enterprise needs,’ Ms Ellson added.

‘I often notice that people start their resume with educational background first. While formal university education can demonstrate that a person can apply themselves to study, it does not always demonstrate their vocational ability.’

Becoming accredited as an air traffic controller in Australia could prove extremely lucrative, as the average take home pay is $134,000

Becoming accredited as an air traffic controller in Australia could prove extremely lucrative, as the average take home pay is $134,000

Miners can earn an average of $117,000 a year; on the job training is usually provided

Miners can earn an average of $117,000 a year; on the job training is usually provided

Despite this, the experts agreed that constant learning is essential to career success.

‘I believe no form of knowledge is wasted,’ Ms Gibbings said.

‘There is an endless list of online courses offered by prestigious universities which are either low cost or free of charge. If you want to be successful, you need to invest in your knowledge and fall in love with learning, because this is what achievement is all about.’

Working your way up through the ranks of the construction industry could be worth the effort, with site managers taking home an average of $111,000 each year

Working your way up through the ranks of the construction industry could be worth the effort, with site managers taking home an average of $111,000 each year

Both career experts stressed the importance of fostering meaningful working relationships. 

‘Up to 85 per cent of jobs are never advertised, so good quality candidates can source the best opportunities by networking, referrals and voluntary work,’ Ms Ellson said.

Ms Gibbings said maintaining contact with former employers is important as referrals make you stand out in the hiring process.

Maintaining relationships and a solid network of contacts is essential to securing a top job

Maintaining relationships and a solid network of contacts is essential to securing a top job

Ms Gibbings highlighted the importance of consistently monitoring the jobs market to identify lucrative openings and to gauge what industries are booming.

‘It’s basic law of economics – supply and demand. If you’ve got a highly valued skill and demand is high for it – go to that area. It’s easier to negotiate a higher wage,’ she said.

Ms Gibbings also stressed the financial value of being an expert in your field.

‘My best advice for new entrants to the job market is to identify your core values and strengths and work towards finding the opportunities most aligned with your aspirations,’ Ms Ellson concluded.



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