Simply put, liability-only car insurance is a type of policy that only provides coverage for damages you cause, not damages you sustain. Full coverage builds on liability-only and adds additional coverage, including coverage for damages to your vehicle from collisions as well as non-collision incidents such as storms and fires. In the U.S., the average cost of car insurance for minimum coverage — the lowest coverage level of insurance that you can purchase — is $622 per year, while full coverage costs an average of $2,014 per year.
Keep in mind, though, that your auto insurance needs will likely change over time. You may find that full coverage is the best option for you now, while in the future, you may be more apt to choose liability-only. Reassessing your needs once in a while, especially if you’ve recently gone through a life change, can help you align your coverage with your circumstances. Below, we delve deeper into the differences between liability-only and full coverage to help you determine which is best for you as you gather car insurance quotes.
Liability-only car insurance
Liability car insurance coverage is the part of your policy that pays for the injuries and damages you cause to someone else in an at-fault auto accident. Most states require drivers to carry at least a minimum car insurance coverage limit, often called “minimum coverage.” However, you can buy higher liability limits than required by your state and still have a “liability-only” policy, as long as you don’t add coverage for damage to your vehicle.
Liability coverage is broken down into two parts:
Bodily injury liability: This coverage pays for the injuries you cause to another party in an at-fault accident.
Property damage liability: This portion of your liability coverage pays for the damages you cause to another’s property, such as another vehicle, a fence or a building.
Liability coverage is often listed as split limits, which are listed in a bodily injury per person / bodily injury per accident / property damage per accident format. However, your liability coverage may also be a “combined single limit,” meaning it’s one number that can be used flexibly to cover the damages and injuries you cause.
Some states also require other coverage types as part of their minimum coverage requirements, including:
Personal injury protection (PIP): This coverage pays for your medical bills and your passengers’ medical bills if you are injured in an accident, regardless of fault. PIP may also pay for lost wages and the costs for household services you can’t perform due to injuries. In no-fault states, PIP is required.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist: These two coverage types pay for injuries you sustain if you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your bills. This also provides coverage if you are a pedestrian hit by an uninsured motorist or a victim of a hit-and-run accident.
Medical payments: Although only required in a few states, medical payments coverage is similar to PIP. It pays for your injuries and the injuries to your passengers regardless of fault. However, medical payments coverage does not cover lost wages or household services like PIP.
Takeaway: You must purchase a car insurance policy with at least your state’s minimum required coverage types and limits in states where car insurance is required. However, you can purchase higher liability limits and other coverage types, such as medical payments, and still have a “liability-only” policy.
Full coverage car insurance
Full coverage car insurance refers to a policy that has all the state-required coverage types as well as comprehensive and collision coverage, which add coverage for damage to your vehicle. While it’s possible to have a full coverage policy with low liability limits, many full coverage policies have higher limits for liability coverage to offer more robust coverage and greater financial protection for you and your family.
Full coverage policies include:
Collision: This coverage pays for your vehicle’s damages from collisions, such as hitting another vehicle, tree or building. Collision coverage will help cover your vehicle’s repairs in a covered claim, regardless of fault.
Comprehensive: Often called “other-than-collision” coverage, comprehensive pays for non-collision damages, such as damages caused by fire, theft, weather, vandalism or striking an animal.
You may also be able to add some additional coverage types, known as endorsements, to full coverage policies:
Rental reimbursement: This coverage will pay for a rental car if your vehicle is not driveable and is being repaired or replaced by a claim covered under your comprehensive or collision coverage. There is generally a per-day coverage limit and a total maximum amount of coverage limit.
Roadside assistance: This endorsement pays for service calls needed for your vehicle, like a tow, jump start or tire repair service.
Gap insurance: Gap coverage is designed to pay the difference between your new car’s actual cash value and the amount you owe on a loan or lease. If your vehicle is totaled or stolen and you owe more than the car is worth, gap coverage pays the difference.
Takeaway: A full coverage policy is generally more expensive than a liability-only policy, but it provides more financial protection and often has higher liability limits. Full coverage is often required when a vehicle is financed or leased. Additionally, you must have full coverage to qualify for several common endorsements, including car rental coverage and roadside assistance.
That was a phrase that my father continually beat into my head harder than Lars Ulrich could pound on his bass drum (in case there is a generation gap, Lars is the drummer from the rock band Metallica).
Even though on average college graduates do earn more in the long-run and online colleges are bringing down costs, the current job market is saturated with sustainable careers that don’t necessarily require a degree.
Taking a closer look, it seems a major shift in employer priorities is occurring in certain fields, such as manufacturing and information technology (IT), where soft skills and on-the-job training are deemed more beneficial than a formal educational background.
Individuals bringing these resources to the table are now in high demand, especially since many companies now offer assistantship programs or even paid training for high-achieving candidates.
In this day and age, it just might be more about the right skills than the right schooling.
Table of Contents
Looking To Make Money?
Survey Junkie is a great way to make real money fast. Read our full Survey Junkie review for more information.
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad
25 Highest Paying Jobs Without A College Degree
Margin Department Supervisor
Air Traffic Controller
Automobile Service Station Manager
Real Estate Broker
Landscape Architect
Lead Carpenter
Director of Security
Elevator Mechanic
Cable Supervisor
Flight Services Manager
Freelance Photographer
Personal Trainer
Funeral Director
Commercial Pilot
Truck Driver
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Firefighter
Emergency Medical Technician
Railroad Jobs
Medical Coder
Information Technology Technician
Criminal Investigator
Brick Mason
Postal Service Worker
Pharmacy Technician
If you have decided to not attend a four-year college right out of high school, or are looking for a fresh start at a new career path, 25 of the highest paying careers with virtually no degree are featured below.
Looking for a fun job that pays well? Scared that the cause of unemployment may be growing? Sign up for free and see who’s hiring in 2023 at www.FlexJobs.com.
Disclaimer: While there are definitely some good paying trade jobs on this list, I still think having a college degree is worth it. Yes, tuition is high and will continue to rise, but the experience, connections, and mindset that college offers are invaluable. Now on to the jobs…
1. Margin Department Supervisor
Average Salary: $74,799
Prior Education: A finance or accounting degree is not required, but knowledge of all basic processes is needed.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training and/or shadowing.
Job Description: A Margin Department Supervisor oversees a company’s credit department, which manages customer credit accounts and approves or denies credit to customers.
As would be expected, approving or denying credit sometimes involves unhappy customers, so you’ll need strong communication and negotiation skills for this role.
Since the scope of the job requires mathematical calculations as well as debt analysis and recognition of accounting principles, make sure you are confident with these basic processes. Some companies may increase pay if you have a degree under your belt.
You’ll also primarily be in charge of ensuring all department employees adhere to federal policies and regulations.
2. Air Traffic Controller (ATC)
Average Salary: $124,540
Prior Education: A college degree is not required, but the nature of the field is very competitive where experience is highly valued. A combination of progressive work experience and formal education is generally preferred.
On-the-Job Training: Rigorous training and testing is required.
Job Description: An Air Traffic Controller is required to pass rigorous testing by the FAA, which includes health checks, as well as mental stability tests. You must initiate the testing process before age 31.
Being an Air Traffic Controller has been voted the most stressful job in the United States for many years because of what the job entails on a daily basis. Air traffic controllers also often work night shifts, weekends, and even holidays.
A typical work day may include monitoring and directing in-air traffic, including routine take off/landing. Sometimes in-air emergencies must be handled, hence the high stress associated with the position.
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities along with excellent communication skills are highly valued in this role. It does help to know someone already in the business to land a job in this field.
3. Automobile Service Station Manager
Average Salary: $45,204
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer a Bachelor’s degree in management or similar field and/or several years of experience in automotive service management.
On-the-Job Training: Most can obtain this type of position by working one’s way up the ladder through on-the-job experience. Obtaining certification may also be required.
Job Description: Essentially, the role of the Service Station Manager is to run the day-to-day operations of a gas station.
The scope of the work includes setting the gas prices for the day, scheduling and training the rest of the employees who work at the station, ordering new merchandise to keep the shelves stocked, ensuring service station safety, as well as being the direct manager for the other employees.
Some skills that would be helpful in obtaining this job would be good personal skills as well as some managerial and accounting experience.
4. Real Estate Broker
Average Salary: $56,730
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. However, a college degree in finance or related field may prove beneficial.
On-the-Job Training: Even though you must take a couple of classes to obtain your certification, these courses are much less of an expense compared to financing a college degree. Licensure requirements typically vary from state to state.
Job Description: To become a real estate broker you will still need to take a couple of classes to become certified. But still, these courses are still much less of an expense to you compared to financing a college degree.
You will be trying to sell houses as well as filing the paperwork for the transactions. In addition, you will help customers with their loan agreements.
However, if you are considering this career, you should be very friendly and have flexible hours since you will most likely be working on your customers’ schedules.
You typically are self-employed setting your own hours and working on a commission basis. Good negotiation skills along with market research experience will prove helpful in this role.
5. Landscape Architect
Average Salary: $65,760
Prior Education: Typically a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture is preferred. An internship experience is highly encouraged. This job may require you to take some classes at a community college on horticulture as well as landscape design, but these types of courses are not required.
On-the-Job Training: With this career, you will have the option of whether you would like to be becoming certified or not. However, if you are certified, you will have access to larger contracts and a wider scope of work. Most states do mandate licensure, though, and the requirements vary from state to state.
Job Description: If you do not mind getting a little dirty and working hard for a living, then this might be a good career for you. Typical job duties include designing functional yet attractive outdoor spaces and parks for a variety of clients.
Landscape architects spend a large portion of their time creating blueprints and preparing cost analysis reports. You would also analyze environmental conditions for projects and even participate in restoration initiatives.
Make sure you have a good eye for design and a strong work ethic to consider this career. Understanding GIS technologies and project management is a must.
Here’s a how-to guide for starting your own lawn company and making some serious money (in turn being able to and saving some serious money, too!).
6. Lead Carpenter
Average Salary: $51,150
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Most Lead Carpenters begin their careers as skilled apprentices.
This job requires a high amount of experience in the field either through attending a trade school to master technical skills or by being an apprentice to a lead carpenter.
On-the-Job Training: By going to trade school you will actually have to obtain some type of certification, possibly making you more marketable in the field.
Often training includes learning how to expertly handle a variety of power tools, such as power drills or saws.
Job Description: Serving as an apprentice would most likely land you in a job replacing your teacher. Either way, you can be very successful in this type of career if you enjoy working with your hands.
Although highly dependent on the type of industry, job duties may include analyzing construction plans, creating project timelines, and managing and overseeing team production activities.
Carpenters often work in both indoor and outdoor settings and may need to eventually join a union.
7. Director of Security
Average Salary: $78,608
Prior Education: Typically a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field is preferred along with years of experience in related positions.
In reality, this job will involve starting off in an entry level security position before working your way through the ranks to become the Director of Security.
On-the-Job Training: You might also be required to pass a security guard training program, but this will most likely be paid in full by the employer so the actual educational cost to you would be zero.
Depending on the company you will work for, you might also be required to pass a background check as well as some minor health inspections.
Job Description: A typical work day would include reviewing and implementing security department policies along with ensuring relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations are adhered to. This role may also involve actively participating in training programs with the security staff.
Some good skills to have for this type of job would be some above average physical characteristics, as well as integrity to always choose what is right.
This position often involves being on-call for any emergencies after-hours, so make sure you can fulfill this requirement.
You can also try going the Police Officer route. If you decide to pursue this career, make sure you study with the Police Exam Guide.
8. Elevator Mechanic
Average Salary: $77,806
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Just like the Lead Carpenter job, this job will most likely be acquired through a trade school degree, assistantship, or lots of years of experience. Being an elevator mechanic does have a couple more stipulations, though.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training; may need to attend trade school to contract with large corporations.
Job Description: Lots of major corporations will require you to have a license and work for an insured company, which in this case would then force you to go the trade school route so that you could work on these large corporate jobs.
A typical work day would include repairing elevators and fulfilling routine preventative maintenance when needed. Installing and repairing control systems or adjusting and inspecting safety controls are other common work tasks.
Elevator mechanics should be able to identify and troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently, and having a working knowledge of elevator mechanics is needed. Most of this industry is unionized, so make sure you are willing to join a union before entering this line of work.
9. Cable Supervisor
Average Salary: $51,112
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. However, technical school education or an internship/assistantship may prove beneficial.
On-the-Job Training: A good way to acquire this type of a position is to either apply for the job with some type of managing/scheduling background or to apply for an entry-level position and work your way up by knowing the business.
Job Description: This career would be in a managerial-type setting. You would be responsible for overseeing the maintenance as well as installation workers setting up cable boxes and internet connections.
Typical work duties would also include interpreting cable specifications, troubleshooting issues with cable equipment, and also hiring and training any new cable technicians.
You would be responsible for the scheduling aspect as well as holding the workers accountable to be where they need to be.
10. Flight Service Manager
Average Salary: $64,042
Prior Education: Typically a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in aviation management or related field is preferred. Completing an internship program is highly suggested.
On-the-Job Training: This career would most likely be obtained through lots of on-the-job experience along with obtaining certification if required.
Job Description: You would be responsible for helping schedule flight crews as well as taking care of customer complaints and filing any necessary paperwork.
This job would require great personal skills as well as lots of patience with unhappy customers. Making sure all passengers have the best onboard experience possible is of top priority for Flight Services Managers.
Airlines can be a stressful arena to work in, so if you are considering this line of work make sure you can keep your cool in the toughest of situations.
11. Freelance Photographer
Average Salary: $36,630
Prior Education: No educational experience required.
On-the-Job Training: This career typically involves both self-education and hands-on training through practice. Natural talent and creativity are highly valued in this field.
Job Description: Being a Freelance Photographer takes dedication to one’s tasks, as well as a great eye for artistic detail. This type of career may also require traveling long distances to be able to acquire the right “shot” for the right story.
In a sense, being a Freelance Photographer can take many forms, such as snapping pictures of nature for magazines, or taking pictures of stories for newspapers, or even being a paparazzi-type photographer and searching for the next big celebrity scandal.
To really make a sustainable living in this field, it may prove helpful to complete some basic business management courses, or to attend training sessions on editing or even lighting techniques.
It’s best that Freelance Photographers have good personal skills and can identify and fulfill client needs and/or requests. If you become a really good photographer, you could even sell your photos on Shutterstock to make some extra cash.
12. Personal Trainer
Average Salary: $38,222
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
This career will most likely require that you are qualified to teach proper physical fitness techniques to clients. Many Personal Trainers have strong backgrounds in nutrition, exercise science, or other related fields.
This certificate is not very difficult to obtain; however, it is relatively cheaper compared to any other type of trade school mentioned above.
On-the-Job Training: Continual through updating or expanding one’s professional certifications.
Job Description: To be successful in this line of work you will most likely want to be a very physically active person yourself, as well as have a passion for this line of work.
A typical work day would include meeting one-on-one with clients to assess their physical fitness needs with the intent of designing an individualized training program.
Personal Trainers also motivate and encourage their clients to reach and even surpass their fitness goals. As a result, good personal and communication skills are a must.
Most Personal Trainers work at gyms, private workout facilities, or provide at-home or virtual coaching services. Some decide to work both inside and outside the home to help facilitate a higher income.
Also, you can try getting your Yoga certification.
13. Funeral Director
Average Salary: $56,850
Prior Education: Educational requirements range from a high school diploma or equivalent to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Funeral Service Education or related field. Internships are also encouraged.
On-the-Job Training: Licensure is required in the U.S. before taking on a Funeral Director position, and some states may require a certain level of education or the completion of an apprenticeship.
Job Description: You do need some training to become a Funeral Director and possibly certification, but you can eventually make as much as $80,000 a year.
A typical work day would include helping families organize funeral details and complete any corresponding paperwork, such as a death certificate.
Offering counseling to grieving family members and helping to prepare the deceased body for the funeral service are other common duties.
It is important that you be able to handle the macabre, and you do need to have tact and a warm personality since you are dealing with people in difficult situations. Make sure you can accommodate a flexible schedule since visitations and funerals are often on weekdays and weekends.
14. Commercial Pilot
Average Salary: $78,740
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent, but most airlines now require a Bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite for employment.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training is involved. Often the first step is to get your private pilot’s license. You’ll get your flight hours up and be more comfortable in the cockpit.
Job Description: Commercial Pilots fly planes for very specific reasons, such as for rescue operations, aerial photography, aerial tours, or charter flights.
Pilots generally evaluate overall conditions of aircraft, communicate with air traffic control, and monitor engines and fuel consumption, among other routine tasks. Being a team player with strong communication and observational skills is also a plus.
You’ll be spending a considerable amount of time away from home, so make sure you aren’t too much of a homebody. Fatigue and jet lag may also be experienced often.
Excellent observational and communication skills prove quite beneficial in this field of work. You can easily make more than $50,000 if you get on as a commercial pilot at the right airline.
15. Truck Driving
Average Salary: $53,199
Prior Education: Typically a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and/or high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
On-the-Job Training: Drivers must complete several weeks of on-the-job training.
Job Description: After completing six to eight weeks of training and obtaining your commercial driver’s license, you can make $45,000. Work your way up to becoming a trainer, and you can clear more than $70,000 a year.
Maintaining a clean driving record is crucial. Truck Drivers must adhere to all traffic laws, ensure cargo is secure for transport, and keep all trucks and equipment in good working condition.
Hand-eye coordination, visual stamina, and mental focus are important qualities to have for this type of position.
To become a Truck Driver you need a Commercial Drivers License or CDL. I recommend using both a CDL Practice Test and CDL Test Answers to help you study up so you can pass.
16. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Average Salary: $72,384
Prior Education: A degree in a field like engineering is required by some nuclear power plants, but you do not need a college degree to land a lower level operator job. In some cases, all you need to do in some cases is to simply pass the certification test.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training is required along with possible certification.
Job Description: Nuclear power reactor operators manage nuclear reactors, monitoring them and making adjustments as necessary to ensure the safety of the nuclear power production process.
They also have to perform routine maintenance on the reactors and shutdown on very specific systems. Because the job is quite risky and requires very careful attention to detail, it pays quite well.
It also helps to become efficient in the required computer technologies involved in nuclear power plants. Make sure you can handle shift work and long hours.
17. Fire Fighting
Average Salary: $49,080.
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Any prior training in emergency medical services is a plus.
On-the-Job Training: Completing a physically demanding training program is mandatory along with other certifications.
Job Description: The starting salary for a Firefighter is often just a little more than $30,000, but you can make more than $50,000 a year depending on where you work and whether you reach a supervisory position.
Firefighters must know how to use standard field equipment, such as hoses and ladders, become proficient at providing medical attention to injured victims, and properly handle coming in contact with hazardous materials or wildfires.
Depending on which state you work in, you may need to complete specific training programs, such as high-rise building rescues.
Being a firefighter is a very strenuous and dangerous occupation, and you often must work long shifts and over 40 hours per week. To help you get physically ready for firefighting duty, I recommend you check out Pass the Beep Test, a guide to help you prepare your body for firefighting.
18. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Average Salary: $33,380
Prior Education: Typically a high school diploma or equivalent and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is required. Completing a postsecondary educational program is common.
On-the-Job Training: Generally there is little to no on-the-job training, but completing levels of certification are more than likely required for most states.
Job Description: If you are about to take your EMT classes to become an EMT, you will be happy to learn that the job outlooks in this field are very promising. However, chances of having a good job in the EMS are given to those who have more EMT certifications (like paramedics).
EMTs are first responders in a medical emergency, assessing victims’ conditions and possibly transporting them to the hospital by ambulance. Often people’s lives are on the line when EMTs arrive on the scene.
The hourly wages can vary from $12.08 (10% of the workforce earns less than this) to $24.77 (10% earn more than this bracket). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023 the median hourly wages of EMTs was at $17.76 per hour.
19. Railroad Jobs
Average Salary: $59,780
Prior Education: Typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
On-the-Job Training: Several months of moderate-level training is standard. Obtaining certifications may also be required.
Job Description: Do you like trains? Do you enjoy traveling? If so, a railroad job might be just for you.
A variety of positions are available, ranging from engineers and conductors to switch operators and management positions. Railroad jobs give you a chance to see new parts of the country while getting paid very well in the process.
Since trains operate every day of the week, expect to work nights, weekends, and holidays in all kinds of weather conditions.
Hand-eye coordination, visual acuity, and communication skills are valuable assets in this industry. If you’re looking at getting a railroad job, here’s a comprehensive guide that shares how to get a job in the railroad industry.
20. Medical Coder
Average Salary: $45,035
Prior Education: Typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, while an Associate’s Degree is sometimes preferred.
On-the-Job Training: There is little to no on-the-job-training since specific training programs are generally completed as a prerequisite for employment. Completing certifications may also be required.
Job Description: The healthcare industry is currently booming, and you can expect it to continue to rise with the Baby Boomer generation getting older. There aren’t enough doctors and nurses available.
Behind all of the doctors is a team of medical coders typing up detailed reports on what procedures you had done and billing you or your insurance company the amount owed.
According to The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)’s 2022 salary survey, on average medical coders without certification bring home approximately $47,200 per year. However, becoming certified as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is highly sought after to seek higher pay.
21. Information Technology (IT) Technician
Average Salary: $41,305
Prior Education: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or certificate program in computer science or related field is typically preferred. A degree is usually not required to land an entry-level position.
On-the-Job Training: Little to no on-the-job training expected since some employers require that candidates complete some level of formal training as a prerequisite for employment.
Job Description: There are a number of career paths within information technology that do not require a college degree.
Starting out you’ll probably conduct support calls on a helpdesk and only make $11-13 per hour. As your skills and experience progress and you get more experience you can easily make $50,000 to $70,000 per year as you get into systems administration and network engineering.
Typically IT technicians diagnose and repair computer malfunctions and install and maintain network systems. Get started on your IT career path by getting some online computer training and certification.
22. Criminal Investigator
Average Salary: $58,582
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Several years of prior experience in law enforcement is encouraged. Some employers do require a minimum of an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate on-the-job training is expected. Most states do require standard licensure for criminal investigators, along with a license to carry an armed weapon.
Training typically involves learning how to properly gather information and conduct remote surveillance, among other routine tasks. Reconstructing accident scenes is also a field-specific skill learned.
Job Description: Criminal investigators are the individuals tasked with interviewing and collecting evidence for specific cases.
Depending on the case at hand, you may be performing background checks, verifying facts and statements, conducting surveillance, searching online records, or gathering information on persons of interest.
You may even need to testify in court or make a physical arrest. This job is fast-paced and often involves working odd hours, weekends, and holidays.
Important skills to have include resourcefulness, inquisitiveness, and integrity. Being able to stay cool, calm, and collected during criminal investigations is integral to performing well in this role.
23. Brick Mason
Average Salary: $42,900
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Many masons also complete extensive apprenticeship programs or specific coursework before employment.
Any previous experience as a construction laborer is acceptable.
On-the-Job Training: Learning the trade is often accomplished through completing apprenticeships and/or on-the-job training shadowing experienced masons.
In these apprenticeship programs, promising candidates learn standard masonry practices, such as construction basics, measurement calculations, and safety procedures.
Job Description: Generally a brick mason uses bricks to construct walls, fences, and other structures.
A typical work day would include reading blueprints, gathering required materials, cleaning surfaces with power tools, and lifting heavy materials for proper alignment.
Brick masons often work long hours in a fast-paced and strenuous environment where becoming injured on the job is common. Protective gear, such as safety glasses, should be worn at all times.
Construction deadlines must be met, so brick masons often work indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather. Important skills to have for this role include hand-eye coordination, physical strength, and attention to detail.
24. Postal Service Worker
Average Salary: $57,260
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. An excellent driving record is a must along with a clean track record.
On-the-Job Training: There is some short-term on-the-job training involved, including passing a written exam, road test, and other standard background checks.
Job Description: Postal service workers generally collect, sort, process, and distribute mail in a timely manner. It’s their responsibility to make sure mail is delivered seamlessly.
They also sell common postal products, such as stamps, and obtain any customer signatures for certified mail.
Important skills to have for this role include a strong focus on customer service and attention to detail.
25. Pharmacy Technician
Average Salary: $31,750
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Complete a postsecondary program in pharmacy technology before employment is acceptable.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate on-the-job training is required, which typically involves passing an exam or specialized program.
You may also need to learn how to operate automated dispensing equipment, and some states may require certification.
Job Description: Pharmacy technicians are responsible for correctly filling, packaging, and labeling customers’ or health professionals’ prescriptions.
You would also be involved in organizing inventory, processing insurance claims, and accurately entering patient information into a computer database.
Having excellent organizational, listening, and customer-service skills is highly valued for this role.
Pharmacy technicians may be required to work nights and some weekends. Make sure you are physically fit enough to spend most of the day on your feet fulfilling orders.
Is Attending College Overrated?
[embedded content]
There’s one thing I know for sure – college is extremely expensive! As the College Board highlights in a recent survey outlining changes in college tuition between 2012-2013 and 2022-2023, tuition is on a steady upward climb that shows no signs of letting up.
In 2023, public four-year in-state tuition is $10,950 for full-time students. This was a 1.8% increase from the previous college year.
There are a vast amount of careers that you can obtain without an actual college degree, but most require either a trade school certification or just time on the job and working your way up through the ranks.
“Formal education will make you a living. Self education will make you a fortune.” – Jim Rohn
Looking for a job? Scared that the cause of unemployment may be growing? Sign up for free at www.FlexJobs.com and see who’s hiring today!
FAQs on High Paying Jobs with No Degree
Are there high paying jobs with no degree?
Yes, there are several types of jobs that do not require a college degree but can still offer competitive salaries. Some examples include web developers, software engineers, medical coders, sales professionals and IT support staff.
What qualifications do I need for these jobs?
What qualifications do I need for these jobs? The requirements for these types of positions vary depending on the job and company, but often include certifications or specialized training in the field you are interested in pursuing.
In addition to technical skills, employers are looking for individuals who demonstrate strong problem solving abilities, excellent communication skills and an understanding of customer service principles.
Q: What are some high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree?
Here are some examples of high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree:
-Commercial pilots: median salary of $121,430 per year -Detectives and criminal investigators: median salary of $81,920 per year -Nuclear power reactor operators: median salary of $94,350 per year -Power distributors and dispatchers: median salary of $83,020 per year -Real estate brokers: median salary of $61,720 per year -Elevator installers and repairers: median salary of $80,180 per year -Web developers: median salary of $73,760 per year -Petroleum engineers: median salary of $137,170 per year -Computer network architects: median salary of $112,690 per year -Medical and health services managers: median salary of $100,980 per year
Are there any high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree, but do require experience?
Yes, there are many high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree but do require experience. Some examples include:
-Commercial pilots: typically require several years of flight experience as a co-pilot before being considered for a pilot position. -Detectives and criminal investigators: typically require several years of experience in a related field, such as a police officer or federal agent. -Nuclear power reactor operators: require extensive on-the-job training and experience. -Real estate brokers: typically require several years of experience as a real estate agent before becoming a broker. -Petroleum engineers: typically require several years of experience in the oil and gas industry before being considered for a position as a petroleum engineer.
Over the last few months, I’ve spent countless hours researching the process of selling items online for a large project I’ve been compiling. It’s taught me that as much as I thought I knew about selling online, there’s so much more that I have no clue about!
For example, a family member recently asked for my help selling an unneeded car on the internet. “Sure!” was my first thought. “Heck, maybe I’ll even use this as a case study!” However, there’s one major problem with this situation: I’m completely ignorant when it comes to cars.
Actually, I shouldn’t say completely ignorant. That’s not correct. I’m inexcusably ignorant when it comes to cars.
As a younger member of the male population of American society, I feel like I’ve failed to inherit this basic knowledge that was supposed to written into my DNA. In fact, my inability to prioritize the maintenance and regular care of my own car is likely one of my biggest financial weaknesses. Maybe that’s one reason I enjoyed our recent year without owning any vehicle at all!
Even with this blatant gap in knowledge, I actually have had some success selling cars online through Craigslist. Before we left for our year abroad, we sold both of our cars using their online classifieds. However, those were a couple of clunkers. If I remember correctly, we sold one for $1,000 and one for $2,000 after negotiations.
Because we were leaving, our priority was to just get our cars sold. We didn’t want to give the cars away for free, but we weren’t trying to squeeze out an extra 10% or additional $100. We were more concerned with not being stuck with a set of wheels parked in Indiana while our bodies were in New Zealand!
The situation with this car is different. The family member I’m assisting doesn’t need to sell the car — he wants to sell the car. He has no delusions about getting top retail dollar, but is willing to take the time to obtain a fair private-party offer.
Plus, this isn’t anything close to a clunker. It’s a 2003 Honda Accord EX Coupe. It’s been driven 150,000 miles, but still has only a few minor bumps, blemishes, or flaws. It runs very smoothly and has been taken care of by someone more responsible than me for the majority of its years!
Giving eBay Motors a Fair Shake
Normally, I’d take the same approach with this car as I have with the others I’ve sold. I’d take plenty of photos, research the competition, and write a detailed description. I’d present the price and the process for getting more information in a firm, but politely worded manner. I’d then upload the info to Craigslist and wait for the phone to ring!
In other words, normally I would never give eBay a passing glance. I know that for the last few years they’ve had some form of classified through what used to be Kijiji.com, but for one reason or another I never considered it a viable option. I’ve also heard stories of people buying and selling cars through traditional eBay auctions (non-classified formats), but that process seems too risky and intimidating.
Recently, however, eBay has started a huge push on its newly re-branded classified section, eBayClassifieds.com. They’re heavily promoting this, and they seem to be incorporating the classified listings much more fluidly with the general automobile searches for the main site. Classified listings within a certain distance (200 miles by default) are now included alongside the national listing in searches when logged into your eBay account.
In addition, constructing a classified ad in eBay has several benefits over its competitors. It’s a more guided process, with eBay providing reminders and recommendations along the way. For example, they supply a fantastic, printable Sell Your Car Checklist [219kb PDF] to help gather everything you’ll need to create a detailed listing. Currently, your first six classified ads in the eBay Motors section are free during a 12-month period.
The process of creating a classified ad to sell a car is so smooth that, for the first time, I’m going to construct my classified ad in eBay first. I’ll then take my description, pictures, and relevant details, and copy them into my trusty Craigslist format, as well. The more I research and tinker with eBay’s classified section, the more I’m starting to view this as a necessary part of giving the car adequate online exposure.
Step It Up with a National Auction?
Selling via a classified ad isn’t the only way you can list your car on eBay. You also have the option to list it through the eBay Motors site under a standard auction format. With classifieds, you list your contact information and have to work out the details of the transaction with potential buyers (just as if you were listing on Craigslist). However, using eBay’s standard auction format, interested parties from all of the U.S. can view and place bids on your vehicle, just like they would any other item on eBay.
Currently, eBay is allowing you to post your first four automobile auctions of this type for free, too. As long as you pass on all the extra upgrades and add-ons, you can create a national listing at any starting price for free. With this format, you can eliminate a lot of the grunt work that accompanies a classified listing. (Grunt work includes answering phone calls, negotiating, showing the car, etc…)
So, I could simply list my car with a starting price equal to what I’d normally offer in my classified ads. It’s unlikely that I’d get any bids, but as a free 7-day listing, it’s hard to pass up taking a shot. I’ll already be compiling the info for my classified ads, so it’d only take an extra 15 minutes or so to upload the data into a standard auction of this type.
Is the extra 15 minutes worth taking an unlikely shot at selling my car outside of my local market? I’m not sure. eBay will automatically compile and offer shipping options to someone who may want to have the car transported. These ranged from $300-$700 on some of the sample cars I looked through. Would someone actually pay that? Again, I’m not sure.
Edmunds.com featured an article about a couple that sold cars online to people from all around the country, people who would fly in to inspect the cars. I like to keep a fairly open mind, but I just can’t imagine someone wanting to buy plane tickets to come check out a potential car from across the country. (In the story, the couple even picked them up from the airport and made breakfast!)
Deciding What To Do…
Many times when I write a post, I explore a topic I’m experienced with. I look for areas where I’ve had either success or failure that may be valuable if I were to share it. This isn’t one of those posts.
On this topic, I’m still clueless. I’d actually like to know what you think! Have any of you bought or sold vehicles using eBay (either classified or standard listing formats)? Do you know anyone who has? Am I missing any huge gaps in my thought process? If you were in my shoes, what would you do to maximize the exposure for your car online?
I love Craigslist, but I’m convinced I may be leaving money on the table if I don’t seriously consider eBay for selling my car. If there’s interest in this topic, I’ll be sure to post a follow-up describing any successes or failures!
How to Sell Your Car on eBay Motors
A representative of eBay Motors e-mailed me to ask if I’d like to interview their Manager of Dealer Training, Clayton Stanfield. Stanfield spends his days educating and training automobile dealerships across the country how to better market their cars and trucks using eBay Motors.
Many of you commented that you’d love to see a follow-up with more specific tips on how to better use eBay Motors to sell a car. Since I’m going through the process for the first time, I jumped at the chance to chat with Stanfield about his top tips and tricks.
Create a Great-Looking Listing
On the call, I asked Stanfield the primary question, “What are the top areas where the average consumer can have the biggest impact in improving their listings?” In other words, I was looking for Stanfield to show me the low-hanging fruit. I wanted to know the areas where you and I could get the biggest bang for our time and effort.
The first words out of Stanfield’s mouth were: “You’ve got to create a great-looking listing.” He was the first to admit this is common advice, but reiterated that not enough people take it heart.
“Seventy percent of cars that sell, sell to a buyer outside of state lines,” Stanfield said. “Out-of-town buyers need to be able to visualize the car. Focus more on pictures than anything else.”
Stanfield suggested creating a “virtual test drive” for potential buyers. I’ve since fallen in love with that phrase. One of the first principles Stanfield teaches is that dealerships can do a better job of this by always including 24 high-quality images (eBay’s maximum) with every listing. Thorough images help the buyer really get to know the vehicle, similar to being able to test drive it themselves in person.
Titles vs. Subtitles
Another way to improve the average listing is through the smart use of titles and subtitles. When listing an everyday item on eBay, creating a subtitle costs extra money and isn’t searchable by default. This means that when a potential buyer searches for an everyday item, the information you provide in the subtitle won’t help them find your listing.
eBay Motors works differently. When listing your car or truck, eBay Motors generates a basic title for your listing automatically. Usually this includes the year, make, and model. For example, my car’s automatic title is “2003 Honda Accord”. eBay Motors then provides a subtitle where you can fill in more specific information. In contrast, when selling an automobile the subtitle is free and is included in searches by potential buyers.
Stanfield says that one of the biggest mistakes people make is that they repeat information in the title (generated by eBay Motors) again in the subtitle. There is no need to repeat the information in the title! In other words, eBay has already provided me with 2003 Honda Accord. It makes no sense for me to repeat that information in the subtitle (which I actually did the first time!).
Instead, Stanfield urges customers to use every available character in the valuable subtitle to help your listing appear in more searches. He suggests thinking for terms that a buyer may search for, but that aren’t already included in title. Some possibilities:
“Chevy” – Most of the time the title will say Chevrolet XYZ, but buyers may search for “Chevy”.
“5-Speed”
“Leather”
“DVD”
“Heated”
According to Stanfield, appearing in more searches is the number one way to increase the final price you receive for the auction!
A Personalized, Friendly Description
When it comes to creating a description, the most important factor is being thorough and including as much detail as possible. But if you want to maximize the amount of bidders, simply listing the facts isn’t enough. Stanfield encourages dealers and individual sellers to personalize their descriptions by including background information on the car.
For example, you may include information such as when you bought the car, how long you’ve driven it, or why you are selling it. “You don’t just have to list details and facts; try sharing the background and history of the automobile, if you can” Stanfield says. He points out that sharing details not only allows people to identify with the car, but also makes you seem more personable and down to earth.
Most importantly, Stanfield suggests being brutally honest in your descriptions. It’s not only the ethical thing to do, but will result in better results and far less hassle. On one particular listing, Stanfield even went so far as to offer up this in bold: “This car is in worse shape than you think!” (I laughed out loud when he told that story on the phone!)
J.D.’s note: I think personalized, friendly descriptions are key to most eBay auctions. My auctions almost all go for more than similar items sell for. I’m certain it’s because I try to convey a chatty, friendly persona.
Reserve and Starting Price
At the end of the interview, I asked Stanfield for his suggestions on setting a reserve price and a starting price. Stanfield recommends setting the reserve at “the bare minimum you’d accept for the vehicle.” He notes that almost every listing sees an increase in activity and bidding once the reserve price is exceeded. Buyers are much more willing to bid on automobiles that are no longer protected by reserves. The quicker your reserve price is met, the more exposure your listing will get!
When it comes to starting price, Stanfield suggests starting low as well. “The most important bid is the very first one,” he says. “It gets the ball rolling and increases exposure in the search engine results.” He suggests starting the bidding at between 10-20% of your reserve price as a rule of thumb. For example, if you set a minimum reserve of $5,000, placing the starting bid at $500 would be a good idea. Most of the time, this will allow for bidding to initiate much earlier than a higher starting price!
Thanks to eBay Motors
I enjoyed interviewing Clayton Stanfield and appreciate him taking the time to share his expertise! Special thanks also goes to the eBay Motors team for reaching out to me on Twitter and making the introduction to Clayton.
As for me, I learned several specific tips during this interview that will help me spruce up my listing and try my hand at some national exposure. If there’s anything you’d add, let me know below!
Homebuyers with good credit scores will soon be facing higher mortgage fees as the Biden administration seeks to close the racial homeownership gap and get more first-time and low-income buyers through the door.
A new federal rule could raise the monthly mortgage payments of buyers with good credit scores by over $60 a month, while riskier borrowers will get more favorable terms because their fees will be reduced.
Starting in May, the current structure of the Loan-Level Price Adjustment (LLPA) matrix will be upended by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) in the hope of addressing housing affordability challenges in the U.S.
But there have been complaints that the rule change is unfair and potentially ineffective.
“In the short term, this may increase homeownership among the targeted group, but I’m afraid it could decrease homeownership among the middle class,” Jerry Howard, CEO of the National Association of Home Builders, told Newsweek. “I’m not sure that we’re not robbing Peter to pay Paul here.”
Only about 25 percent of homebuyers with Federal Housing Administration loans are people of color, according to the White House. Black and Hispanic people, on average, have fewer savings to use as a down payment on a home and tend to have lower credit scores, according to David Stevens, former CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and a former FHA commissioner during the Obama administration. The current policy is being rolled out by the FHFA.
He told Newsweek that this can be attributed to factors like distrust in the banking system or being a first-generation American. He added that low credit scores can be a significant barrier to homeownership.
But in order for the FHFA to close the gap by bringing down LLPAs for those borrowers, the agency will compensate for the reduction in borrowing fees by raising the LLPAs of borrowers with higher credit scores, who tend to be white.
The average credit score in white communities was 727 in 2021, compared with 667 in Hispanic communities and 627 in Black communities, according to data analyzed by FinMasters, a personal finance blog.
A home for sale awaits prospective buyers on October 27, 2022, in Hollywood, Florida. Starting in May, homebuyers with a good credit score could see their monthly mortgage payment rise while riskier borrowers will get more favorable mortgage terms because their fees were reduced, under a new federal rule. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
The effort to get more low-income Americans and Americans of color into homeownership is essentially being subsidized by borrowers who have better credit scores and can contribute more to their down payment, Michael Borodinsky, a vice president at Caliber Home Loans, told Newsweek.
Borodinsky said while the plan was designed to help people who have historically faced obstacles to homeownership, it comes at the cost of negatively affecting buyers who worked hard to save enough money for a larger down payment and maintain a strong credit rating, especially since those buyers can “be of all demographics.”
“This new rule unfairly penalizes Americans for having good credit and rewards those who accrue debt and don’t pay their bills with cheaper loans,” GOP Representative Michael Lawler of New York told Newsweek. “The way to expand access to housing isn’t to reward bad credit—it’s to bring down inflation, reduce property taxes, cut energy costs and invest in critical infrastructure.”
Although the new rule, which takes effect May 1, is designed to assist low-income and minority borrowers by encouraging homeownership, industry experts have expressed concern that the plan fails to meet that goal.
Stevens said that while the generational limitations on homeownership among racial groups in the U.S. need to be addressed, FHFA director Sandra Thompson’s actions weren’t enough to lower borrowing costs to the point it will “make a difference.”
“We just went through to this completely convoluted discipline around risk-based pricing in the hopes of accomplishing something that isn’t going to be accomplished,” he said.
However, in a statement shared with Newsweek, the FHFA defended the changes. It called the recalibration of its pricing framework “minimal” and stressed that the agency’s goal of making sure that the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac “fulfill their role in any market condition.”
But former National Economic Council director Larry Kudlow said those GSEs have never “penalized” people who don’t need government programs to help them own homes, calling the Biden administration’s new rule a “middle-class tax hike.”
“We learned the hard way [in 2008] that if you can’t afford a home, just getting a subsidy one time to get a mortgage, you won’t be able to carry it,” Kudlow told Fox News on Thursday.
A spokesperson for the National Association of Realtors (NAR) told Newsweek that a GSE could still incentivize homeowners without punishing others and stressed that such a move is “especially needed” at a time when there is limited affordable housing “in all areas of the market.”
“NAR urges the FHFA to eliminate the fee increase on strong credit borrowers,” the spokesperson said.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment via email.
The timing of the upcoming LLPA changes is also “not ideal,” given the spring buying season and low inventory, an MBA spokesperson told Newsweek. But the MBA is more concerned about another mortgage change: the addition of an LLPA for loans with a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio greater than 40 percent, which Borodinsky stressed is often a “moving target.”
The DTI is calculated by taking a person’s monthly debts, including minimum payments on credit cards and loans, and dividing it by that individual’s income. The result is used to assess a person’s ability to make the necessary monthly payments on a loan.
In a March 15 statement, MBA president and CEO Bob Broeksmit warned that because the DTI often fluctuates throughout the mortgage application and underwriting process, the new fees will further vary those estimates, thus “increas[ing] compliance costs and confus[ing] borrowers.”
“[It] makes for a ‘no win situation,'” Borodinsky said. “Especially because the borrower will feel that they were taken advantage of by the lender due to these changed circumstances.”
After the MBA asked the FHFA to remove the DTI adjustment, the agency delayed the DTI ratio-based fee to August 1. But the MBA expressed disappointment that the FHFA is not considering alternatives to the new fees, which “simply are not workable for lenders and borrowers alike.”
Stevens agrees and said: “This would just make things really difficult for the lending community and for potential homebuyers.” He added that he’s “hopeful” Thompson will gut the adjustment before it goes into effect during the summer.
Update, 04/24/2023, 5:10 p.m. ET: This story was updated to clarify which federal agency is behind the mortgage fee policy change.
We’ve all heard that “travel is back” and people are taking trips differently than before. But what does that mean? Our team of experts follows all the changes in the airline, hotel and cruise industries — plus the credit cards and loyalty programs tied to each — and compiled this first-of-its-kind report showing the evolution of travel today.
View the full 2023 TPG Travel Trends Report in PDF format here.
From pent-up demand to the new normal
MASKOT/GETTY IMAGES
Vacations are longer, and the line between business and leisure has blurred. However, 2023 started with the retraction of many “work from anywhere” policies.
Fears over a recession are looming but don’t seem to be hindering trips … yet. While Americans might have finally gotten the pent-up urge to travel out of their systems, they continue to invest heavily in travel experiences.
Growth in both luxury and budget-minded experiences
The commitment to luxury remains strong, with hotels building more high-end properties and cruise lines launching expensive expedition ships to sail to Antarctica and the Arctic.
But that doesn’t mean budget-minded travel is being thrown overboard.
Outside of luxury, cruise lines are building bigger ships that will shatter every record we know. There will be something for everyone on these massive vessels — but pay careful attention to the fine print, as the number of mandatory fees for these otherwise all-inclusive experiences is growing.
What hotel travelers want is evolving
THOMAS BARWICK/GETTY IMAGES
Back on land, the once-niche area of all-inclusive resorts has gone mainstream, with major hotel chains getting in on the action. Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott, which had just 30 such resorts four years ago, now have more than 150 and are planning more.
Speaking of hotel companies, all the major chains are investing in new brands that travelers might not be familiar with. A decade ago, the largest five hotel chains offered a combined 49 brands; today, there are more than 130. That growth is driven by developers’ thirst for lower construction and maintenance costs, travelers no longer seeking full-service restaurants and ballrooms, and the continued strength of loyalty programs.
Sign up for our daily newsletter
Pricing trends
Unfortunately, when it comes to prices, there is little relief ahead. Hotel rooms and airfare are expected to remain high.
Flyers will find slightly bigger planes on most routes along with the retirement of the smallest regional jets. However, that means that many small towns and cities are losing flights. A few startups are trying to fill the gap but won’t close it.
Advance planning remains crucial
RICHLEGG/GETTY IMAGES
Finally, I want to highlight the planning needed for travel today. There’s a joy to spontaneous, last-minute trips that will hopefully never go away. But while the strict capacity restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic may have waned, many key attractions that started requiring reservations during the pandemic liked how it spread out crowds and decided to keep those policies.
Advance preparations also apply for getting IDs and enrolling in reduce-the-line government membership programs. We are seeing monthslong waits to renew passports and secure Global Entry interviews. Additionally, as of May 2025, anybody who flies domestically will need to have a specially verified driver’s license called a Real ID that can only be obtained in person at the DMV.
Currently, only 53% of Americans have a Real ID. Two years might seem far away, but imagine going to the DMV when everybody tries to get new licenses ahead of their summer vacation. It won’t be pretty.
We hope you enjoy this comprehensive look at the state of travel today. As you head out in 2023 to visit spots new and old, we urge you to take a moment to discover something unexpected. Discover that unknown local shop or quiet little park that hasn’t made the guidebooks. It will make your trip that much more rewarding.
View the full 2023 TPG Travel Trends Report in PDF format here.
Home equity lines of credit, commonly referred to as HELOCs, represent an attractive type of financing that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity theyâve built in their house Homeowners commonly use HELOCs to finance home improvements, to pay off expensive credit card debt, and to pay off student loans, among other purposes. HELOC and […]
The post How Does a HELOC Affect Your Credit Score? appeared first on The Simple Dollar.
Isaac wrote recently with a question about how to make the transition from college to the Real World. He has a good degree, but it’ll take him time to find a job, especially since the economy is still sluggish. He’s worried about how he should handle is finances in the meantime. Here’s his question:
I recently graduated from college with a degree in electrical engineering. I’m currently living at home with my family while I search for a job. I’m concerned about my first month or two once I find one, though.
I have no savings, and I’m not sure how I will be able to buy a car (and insurance) to get to and from work, rent an apartment, or even buy necessities for my first few weeks while I wait for a paycheck. I know that some jobs will give a signing bonus or relocation package but I don’t want to count on that. My parents are in deep credit-card debt and live paycheck to paycheck, so I can’t borrow money from them.
While having poor credit can feel inhibitive, online bad credit loans can be instrumental in helping to repair and build credit scores. Bad credit online loans are best for borrowers who donât have a lot to their credit history or made a few financial mistakes in the past and are now paying for it. A […]
The post Best Online Bad Credit Loans appeared first on The Simple Dollar.