Highest-Paying Jobs in Lafayette, Louisiana That Don’t Require a College Degree

High school students are bombarded with people telling them how important a college degree is to be successful in the world from the first day of freshman year. While having a degree does open doors it is not always a viable option for everyone.

Going to college is a privilege that some people simply can not afford and people need to know the other options available if they choose to not attend a 4-year college. Life circumstances can also play a significant role in the decision to attend college. Family responsibilities, health issues, or other personal factors may make it challenging for some individuals to pursue higher education.

While obtaining a four-year college degree can undeniably open doors to promising career opportunities, it's not a requirement for every profession. Unfortunately, sometimes admissions officers and guidance counselors neglect to mention this fact.

College can be an excellent choice for many, but it's essential to recognize that it's not the only path to success. Different career goals, financial considerations, learning styles, and life circumstances mean that college isn't the right fit for everyone.

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High school diploma holders typically earn a median wage of approximately $809 per week, which is higher than those without a diploma (earning $626), but considerably lower than the median income of individuals with a bachelor's degree ($1,334). Nevertheless, many jobs that do not demand a college degree offer respectable salaries, and some even pay better than positions reserved for degree holders.

Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Stacker has compiled a list of the 50 highest-paying jobs in Lafayette that do not necessitate higher education. These professions consider candidates with a high school diploma, some college experience (without a degree), postsecondary nondegree awards, or no formal educational prerequisites for entry-level roles. The jobs are ranked based on their annual median salaries as of May 2022.