Six-Figure Jobs You Don't Need a College Degree For

14 Ways to Get to Six Figures Without Doing Four Years First

Maybe you don't want to spend all that time taking classes in obscure subjects while hoping to find your calling and piling up student loan debt. Maybe you don't really care so much about college. You just want to work and make money.

You can do it, but there aren't many fields where it happens very often. In our list (see below) of 14 potentially six-figure jobs that don't require a four-year diploma, only two have a median wage of above $100,000. For the rest, you'll have to be in the top 10% of earners, and even then you may find yourself working 50 to 60 hours a week.

Dr. Al Lee, director of quantitative analysis at Payscale.com, says that most of these jobs share a few qualities. (Payscale's research provided the numbers that made this list possible. The company measured the average earnings for people with eight or more years in their field.)

No test can tell an employer how good you might be at some of these lines of work -- real estate broker or fashion designer, for example. That's why a degree is less important to a potential employer than field experience and demonstrated past success. Either you're good at it or you're not.

Many of these jobs rely on variable pay (commission and overtime) to break six figures. Good plumbers, ultrasound techs and construction managers generally do a lot of overtime. It's far more valuable to a company to pay them extra than to hire an additional employee, Lee says. And that means workers can break past what they would earn if confined to 40 hours a week.

Stress is pretty much a given in all these occupations. A high price for failure is not uncommon. Cost estimators can't estimate too high on a project or they'll risk losing it to a competitive bidder. They can't go too low or their company won't make money on the deal. Radiation therapists and ultrasound technologists have to worry about the danger of malpractice suits. Court reporters mustn't miss a word in the courtroom. Air traffic controllers know that hundreds of lives ride on their actions.

Almost all these positions produce revenue that can give them a clearly defined monetary value. An executive chef at a hotel can pull in guests or send them fleeing. An ultrasound technologist or radiation therapist paid $100,000 a year can bring the hospital several times that. A sales manager's value can often be pinpointed in dollars and cents at the end of the year. Also, a few of these jobs -- air traffic controller, police supervisor, court reporter -- have unions to thank for their good pay.

Lee says now is as good a time as any to start on the path to one of these jobs. The market may be in bad shape, but companies will still need competent workers. When better to find out if you're truly good at something than when it's most difficult?

He says of people who make more than $100,000, "At the end of the day, the largest percentage of them are degree-holders." But you definitely can get there this way -- not that it's easy. "You learn on the job. You pay attention. You move your way up."

Could it be time to design your five- or 10-year path to six figures? Below is a list of 14 options for possible six-figure jobs without a degree.

1. Real Estate Broker
2. Air Traffic Controller
3. Small Business Owner/Operator
4. Fashion Designer
5. Plumber, Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter
6. Non-Retail Sales Manager
7. Network/Data Communications Manager
8. Construction Superintendent/Manager
9. Radiation Therapist
10. Police and Detective Supervisor
11. Ultrasound Technologist
12. Hotel Executive Chef
13. Court Reporter
14. Construction Cost Estimator

by Klaus Kneale, Forbes.com

Important Tax Tips For Job Seekers

This http://www.WorkTree.com career article by Nathan Newberger gives job seekers some tips and things to consider when it comes to tax time.

That dreaded date is approaching very quickly. April 15th is just around the corner, which means it is time to file those tax returns. When economic conditions are tough, the last thing anyone wants to do is pay taxes. Luckily, you could be better off than you realize.

There are some very favorable rules embedded in the tax code for job seekers. When dealing with taxes, sometimes it pays to be between jobs.

This article briefly discusses some of the possible tax benefits for the unemployed. These are just tips that you may want to look into, please talk to a tax expert before filing your return. Don't pay more than you have to!

The following topics will be covered:

1. Basic Tax Deductions
2. The Big Bucks
3. Playing It Safe

1. Basic Tax Deductions
Many of the costs associated with a job search can be deducted from your income. As long as you are not entering the job market for the first time, searching for work in a different field of employment, or returning to work from a long spell of unemployment, many typical job search costs are tax deductible. Individually these costs can be small, but they can add up very quickly.

Eligible expenses may include:

1. Phone calls and faxing fees
2. Costs for typing, printing, and mailing resumes
3. Employment agency fees
4. Ad space in newspapers, trade magazines, or on web sites
5. Traveling costs for job interviews (This does not just include airfare or public transportation. The costs of driving to an interview can be deducted on a mileage basis.)

The list continues on, but you get the picture.

The 2 most important things to remember are:

1. These expenses are only deductible if you itemize them.
2. Only job search expenses exceeding 2% of your adjusted gross income are tax deductible. (please check with a tax expert on the finer details)

2. The Big Bucks $$
The deductions don't begin and end with your minor expenses. As well as the small costs of printing, postage, etc, large expenses associated with the job hunt can also be deducted.

The two primary "major expenses" are as follows:

1. EDUCATION - If you went back to school before taking a new job, your educational expenses can be curbed with tax deductions. Based on your adjusted gross income, you could be eligible for deductions of up to $3,000.
2. MOVING - Once you have finally found that new job, some of your moving expenses may be deducted for tax purposes. The only eligible expenses are ones that your current employer did not already cover. Furthermore, moving costs for a new job are only deductible if your new place of work is at least 50 miles from your old home. If these requirements are met, things like packing costs, mileage expenses, parking fees, tolls, and lodging while traveling are all tax deductible.

3. Playing It Safe
Tax deductions can be very tricky and very tempting. The worst idea you could get into your head is to start being a risk taker when it comes to your tax return. You may not always get caught bending the truth, but if you do, the IRS will have very little sympathy. Deductions related to the job search may also raise a bright red flag to the IRS. These types of expenses tend to get examined more thoroughly than others.

So as you file your return, keep these things in mind:

1. Don't get creative and try to pile on expenses that are not truly exclusive to your job search. For example, a new suit may be needed for interviews, but its usefulness is not strictly confined to your job search.
2. Save your receipts. In the case that your deductions do draw suspicion, you can save yourself a lot of pain, time, and money if you have proof of all your expenses.
3. CHECK WITH AN EXPERT. We here at Worktree.com are job search experts, not tax accountants. Before you file a return with new types of deductions, it would be smart to get professional advice.

Conclusion
Don't be afraid to try and save money, however, please speak to an expert if you have any questions. As long as you play by the rules and only deduct legitimate expenses, you are in the clear. Being out of work is an economic burden on its own. Money can be even tighter when you have to spend large amounts on your job search but these tips may help you recover a portion of this. Use those deductions to your advantage, and do it quick - April 15th is just around the corner!

by Nathan Newberger

Resources for Successful Job Search

1.Newspaper classified. Pro: you know that an opening does exist or a company wouldn't spend money to advertise. Con: there may be thousands of applicants for one position. Value depends upon the kind of work you are looking for and the uniqueness of your skills and experience. Certainly worth a weekend check but cannot be exclusively relied upon unless you have your heart set on a telemarketing position.

2.Registering with agencies. Pro: they only make money when you obtain work so they are motivated to get you employment. Con: they need you to take a job, any job, so they can earn their fees and they work to keep their real clients, employers, happy so often screen you out of the really good jobs if they have any doubt about how well you will fit.

3.Internet resources. There are some good resources -- Monster.com and Careerbuilder and the job finder section of most major home pages. Beware of wasting time on groups. While some (a very few) are well-managed and inappropriate postings screened out, others (many) are choked with pornographic messages.

4.Job hotlines. These are useful for a weekly check-in but they are primarily available with large employers and jobs are more likely to be found with small and medium-sized employers. The same caveat holds true for job fairs.

5.Cold-calling. If your skills lie within a particular industry where employers typically cluster together -- industrial parks, medical centers, retail -- walking into offices cold, with a smile, a resume, and a confident air, can sometimes identify an open position long before any search for applicants begins.

6.Personal contacts. Listed last but of prime importance. By networking -- contacting everyone you know to obtain help, and following up on their contacts -- you may be able to marshal several hundred job hunting aides which increases your chances enormously.

Secrets of Highly Successful Managers

1.Ask lots of questions. Listen, and then listen some more. Great questions open up dialog that you otherwise might have missed. When you listen, really listen. You'll be amazed at what you'll hear and your staff will be thrilled you care.

2.Practice 360 degree learning. Learn something from everyone and everything, inside and especially outside your own industry and business. As Tom Peters says, when you wander around you're sure to find out what's really going on.

3.Be slow to hire, fast to fire. Having the right staff in place is your most important managerial responsibility.

4.Accept less of the credit and more of the blame than you deserve.

5.Focus.Pay attention only to high impact issues that matter most. Delegate or eliminate everything else.

6.Lead. Your staff wants to know where you're taking the business. Most of them will follow in you share your vision and values.

7.Recognize and reward. Be lavish, public and prompt with praise and awards for work well done.

How to Ace Your Job Interview: 88 Surefire Tips and Tricks

So, you're a recent graduate? Looking for work? You and thousands of others. What can you offer that they can't? Well, hopefully you know that or will learn as you search. Your job search is a project in itself, with various stages. Here are some tips to get you to your goal of a great first job.

Skill Building

Robert Fulghum might have learned everything he needed to know in kindergarten, but you probably didn't. In fact, even college probably didn't teach you everything. Keep building your skills.

1. Practice your writing skills. In today's Internet-oriented world, good communication skills are crucial. Technical writing and documentation seems to be a weak point for many new grads.
   
   
2. Stay updated. Read and subscribe to relevant weblogs, magazines, and newspapers. Use web feed subscription tools like Bloglines or Newsgator Online Edition.
   
   
3. Take refresher courses. You may not get a job in your first interview round. Consider some refresher courses before you rewrite your resume.
   
   
4. Start a blog. Demonstrate your knowledge of a topic related to a field you'd like to be employed in by writing a blog and mentioning it in your resume.
   
   
5. Do some volunteer work. Find something you like doing and volunteer. It shows depth of character on your resume.
   
   
6. Learn networking skills. Finding the ideal job usually means knowing the right person at the right time.

Tools and Miscellaneous

There are some tools that you might need for your job search, and other expenditures.

7. Computer. Whether you buy or borrow, you'll need a computer for typing your resume, cover letter, and references page.
   
   
8. Internet access. Your job search will likely take you online. As an alumnus, you probably have access at your college (or local library).
   
   
9. Briefcase or portfolio. Perfect for protecting your materials against the elements when attending job fairs or going to interviews.
   
   
10. Cell phone. If you're pounding the pavement looking for work, you'll want to make it easy to be reached for additional interviews or changed schedules.

Resume

The average headhunter will tell you that their clients usually spend thirty seconds on most resumes, while culling the stack. Make yours stand out, and defensible.

11. Don't lie on your resume. It's not a novel. Mention skills you're capable of. Say "learning such and such" for everything else.
    
    
12. Be relevant. Don't list your parents' names and birthdays or your dog's breed.
    
    
13. Customize your resume. You may qualify to work in various industries. Tailor your resume accordingly for each.
    
    
14. Follow standard format. There are a variety of resume formats and you can probably follow any of them. New grads should emphasize education and grades first.
    
    
15. Make it easy to read. Even while following standard format, there are a number of ways you can make your resume easy to read including using bullet points or tables.
16. Be brief. One page for a a recent college graduate is sufficient.
    
    
17. Use the right terminology. Do use industry terms but don't be too academic with lingo.
    
    
18. Promote yourself. Your resume has to sell you. Write it using action words but without bragging. Be factual, with concrete details.
    
    
19. Have references ready. Have two or three references printed on a separate sheet of paper and only provide them when asked for. Professors that know you well might be ideal candidates.
    
    
20. Indicate your interests. Depth of character is something interviewers look for.
    
    
21. Stick to the file format. If a company asks for your resume in a specific format and/or provided by a particular method of delivery, then comply.
    
    
22. Use a cover letter. These are specific to the job and company that you are applying to, so use a different one for each application. They should summarize in a few paragraphs your objective, strengths, and relevant interests.
    
    
23. Proofread. Don't waste your entire effort by sending out resumes and cover letters only to find that it appears a monkey wrote them. Use a spell checker and grammar checker.
    
    
24. Print quality. Use quality white or light tan paper for printed resumes and cover letters. Don't use gimmicks like colored or scented paper. Stapling is not recommended, but at least keep your cover letter separate.

Finding a Job and Interview Preparation

Before you can get an interview, you obviously have to find a job to apply for.

25. Ask friends and family. This is not nepotism. You are merely asking around about opportunities where they work.
    
    
26. Ask in social settings. Someone in your church or other social organization may have leads.
    
    
27. Ask on campus. Your professors or the university might have work available.
    
    
28. Check with former classmates. Some companies pay employees referral fees for finding new candidates, so a former classmate might have leads.
    
    
29. Try networking. Career networking websites such as LinkedIn or JibberJobber can go a long way toward helping you find a job.
    
    
30. Use a job search engine. Job search engines like Jobster, Dice, Indeed, and Simplyhired can narrow down your search. Some let you post your profile and resume.
    
    
31. Attend career fairs. Career fairs are sometimes ideal for finding a job. Dress as you would for a one-on-one interview, and you might find yourself in one. Take a clipboard, copies of your resume, and a general cover letter.
    
    
32. Check newspapers. Some jobs just might not be advertised online.
    
    
33. Be selective. Don't apply to jobs that you know you won't like or are not qualified for.
    
    
34. Practice being interviewed. Have a friend help you out, setup a video camera, then review your answers and body language. If possible, have two friends interview you "firing-line" style.
    
    
35. Beef up your skills. Missing a skill? Can you learn it fast? Say on your resume that you are learning it, then do so before an interview.
    
    
36. Know your strengths. You'll likely be asked, in an interview, what you think your strengths are, and possibly your weaknesses and what you're doing about them. Make a list of both.
    
    
37. Research potential employers. Visit their Web sites and search for recent articles about them. Try Topix, which lets you search for news from a certain date backwards.
    
    
38. Prepare a list of questions. Not all job descriptions are clear. Be ready to ask for clarification in an interview.
    
    
39. Don't overreach. It's good to be positive, but as a new grad, you have to be realistic about what work you are qualified for.
    
    
40. Be patient. Work might be hard to come by in some industries. Keep trying. If you are willing to wait, then stay on top of industry news.
    
    
41. Look elsewhere. New grads can simultaneously combine their adventuresome spirit and the need for a job by working abroad.

Offbeat and Appearance

General tips about preparing when you've already secured an interview.

42. Practice. Practice in front of the mirror the night before. Check your facial expressions.
    
    
43. Have your clothes ready. (Reduce your stress.) This includes ironing clothes and buffing shoes.
    
    
44. Dress professionally. Part of being professional is dressing professionally. For men, a tie isn't always necessary later in life. But wear at least a suit jacket and slacks. Women should dress appropriately. Phone in and ask if necessary. Err on the side of conservative.
    
    
45. Makeover. Don't spend a fortune, but have clothes you can wear to an interview and the job afterwards. Maybe you need new shoes and a haircut or styling.
    
    
46. Use your judgement. Facial jewelry, colored/ spiky hair, and tattoos are relatively new fashion "accessories" and companies differ in their acceptance. Most look past it nowadays. Being yourself is best. Call reception and ask for suggestions, if you're concerned.
    
    
47. Groom yourself. Brush your teeth and shower. Men, eliminate stubble.
    
    
48. Get enough sleep. Don't go in with bloodshot eyes.
    

Pre-Interview

On the day of your interview, prep yourself.

49. Be prepared. Know where you're supposed to go. Check their Web site, and call in if you have to.
    
    
50. Know why. You'll likely be asked why you want to work there: it's small, it's big, cool research, cool job, highly recommended, whatever.
    
    
51. Arrive early. But not too early. Five to 10 minutes early is okay. If you're earlier, wait somewhere else first.
    
    
52. Be friendly. Greet the receptionist and anyone that talks to you before the interview. Thank them for any assistance.
    
    
53. Don't smoke. At least not on the premises. You don't want to smell of smoke.
    
    
54. Use the restroom beforehand. Better safe than having to go during the interview. Comb your hair, ditch your chewing gum, etc.
    
    
55. Learn your interviewer's name. If he/she has an unusual name, ask the receptionist for the proper pronunciation. Dale Carnegie, in his book How to Win Friends and Influence People, wrote of a new American who cried when someone asked him how to pronounce his name, instead of simply pronouncing it incorrectly.
    
    
56. Turn off your cell phone. And take out any Bluetooth earpiece you might be wearing.

The Interview

A lot of what gains you points in an interview is your behavior. They already have your resume. They want to know about you.

Interview Opener

57. Wait for the handshake. The rules of a handshake have changed as more women have entered the workforce. Normally, two men should shake firmly. Beyond that, you'll have to use your judgement. Don't crush a person's hand. Practice with male and female friends.
    
    
58. Keep standing. Don't sit until you are directed to. There may be other people participating in the interview and it's best to show that you are "open to direction."
    
    
59. Make a good first impression and maintain it. Mirroring is a powerful technique if used subtly, no matter the interviewer's mood.

Interview Dos

60. Maintain eye contact. Look the interviewer in the eye without staring. Not doing so is often perceived as shiftiness not shyness.
    
    
61. Be succinct. Don't be a Chatty Cathy; don't tell your life story. Give a bit of detail instead of just "yes" and "no".
    
    
62. Nod your head. But don't over do it. It shows you are attentive and amenable to being managed. Women are more likely to nod than men, so men should practice more.
    
    
63. Ask for clarification. You may be attentive, but if you don't understand something, politely ask for clarification.
    
    
64. Ask questions. Ask about the culture at the company and any general questions that an interviewer has not mentioned yet.
    
    
65. Be flexible. Even dream jobs have uninteresting tasks that must get done. Don't wrinkle your nose at a list of tasks. And say you're willing to learn if you don't know how to do something.
    
    
66. Ask about your role. You could be interviewed for multiple positions, despite what the job description you applied to indicated. Ask what positions you're being considered for.
    
    
67. Ask about your team. Ask how many people you'd be working with and what they do. Ask if there's anyone internally that is applying for the job.
    
    
68. Ask about the last person. Ask why the last person left the position, or if it's a new one. If the interviewer hesitates, back off. If they answer anyway, they'll probably respect you for asking.
    
    
69. Ask about future opportunities. Is there room for growth? Asking shows that you're career-minded, and that you might stay long-term.

Interview Don'ts

70. Don't ask about salary benefits first. Let the interviewer bring it up. Typically, this is discussed towards the end, and usually if they're interested in you.
    
    
71. Don't fidget. It's often perceived as a sign of untrustworthiness.
    
    
72. Don't mumble. Speak clearly and enunciate your words. This should be part of your pre-interview practice with friends.
    
    
73. Don't be intimidated. Be confident without being arrogant.
    
    
74. Don't lie in the interview. A skilled interviewer can "read" an applicant.
    
    
75. Don't show off or overact. Just be yourself, but don't be overly effusive.
    
    
76. Don't hit on your interviewer. Seriously, you're in an interview, not a nightclub.
    
    
77. Don't complain about someone. Be positive.
    
    
78. Don't seem needy. Sure, you need a job, but if you act like it, you probably won't get it.

Interview Other

79. Remember what it's about. Think "what's in it for them", not just "what's in it for me". Both parties have to benefit.
    
    
80. Be prepared to be tested. You might be asked to prove, say, your computer programming skills with a small quiz on basic principles of coding. Interviews for other industries might include similar testing.

Closer and Post Interview

The end of the interview is just as crucial to getting a job, as is what you do afterwards.

81. Know your availability. An interviewer may ask when you can start. Don't be afraid to say that you have a vacation scheduled, etc., or that you can start immediately.
    
    
82. Be flexible on salary. When asked what you're expecting, a good answer for a new grad is that you're hoping for at least fair entry level wages, with performance bonuses. You might even say that you're willing to accept stock options, especially at a startup.
    
    
83. Ask for the job. If the interview goes well and you think you want to work there, ask for the job. Say something like, "Well this sounds like a very interesting job and I'd love to work here." Do this when they offer their handshake goodbye. If they like you, you'll be asked back for a second interview, or you might get offered the job right there.
    
    
84. Say thank you. Thank the interviewer and the receptionist, etc.
    
    
85. Be patient, part 2. As you're leaving, ask about the selection process and when you might hear back. If there's more than one position, you might hear back sooner. You might get more than one interview, but that may require sign-off from someone on vacation.
    
    
86. Follow up on each interview. Experts offer differing opinions on this. If in doubt, call reception and ask their suggestions, especially if you haven't heard back within two weeks.
    
    
87. Keep an interview log. It'll help you track the state of each application (sent application, pending interview, interview complete, followed up, rejected, etc.). Include dates.
    
    
88. Keep learning. An advanced degree may help your career, but you can also learn without returning to school. Many large universities are offering their courses free online. Also check the Open Courseware Consortium.