According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 60 percent of U.S. workers don’t have a bachelor’s degree, but if you have an associate’s degree, a postsecondary non-degree award, or a high school diploma, you can still get a high-paying job.

Our economy hasn’t exactly been stellar for the past few years and people are looking for different ways to capitalize on this downward spiral economy. Many would love to go back to school to get a higher education in hopes to better their economic well-being but when money becomes the deciding factor in doing so, even that becomes an issue. What I have learned about the United States of America is that opportunities are of abundance, only if you are looking in the right place. The top wealthiest individuals living in the United States either never went to college or were college dropouts at some point in their collegiate career. It’s all about being able to capitalize on an idea and having the mindset to go for exactly what you want. Below are some great careers that require some form of college or none at all but still compensates very well for its field.

1. Air traffic controllers
Median annual wage: $108,040.
Degree required: Associate’s degree.
Projected job openings through 2020: 10,200.
Work experience: None.

Description: Trained to maintain the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic in the global air traffic control system. The position of air traffic controller is one that requires highly specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. Median annual wages of air traffic controllers are the highest of any occupation in which workers typically do not need a bachelor’s degree.
On-the-job training: Long-term or on-the-job training.