Just because you want to make a six-figure salary doesn’t mean you have to have a medical degree. There are many jobs where you can earn the big bucks and being a doctor is not necessary. We’ve compiled a list of ten jobs with six-figure salaries that don’t require a medical degree. Additionally, there are also high-paying healthcare jobs that do not require a medical degree.
1. Lawyer
Annual Salary $129,440
A lawyer advises and represents clients in criminal or civil proceedings. They communicate with clients, judges, colleagues and anyone involved in the case. A lawyer researches and analyzes legal issues and interprets laws and regulations.
2. Architect
Annual Salary $125,900
An architect designs the overall look of structures and buildings. They must ensure the final product is functional and attractive. Most architect's start with their bachelor's degree and then do continuing education throughout their career to stay certified.
3. Airline Pilot
Annual Salary $115,300
Airline pilots fly the plane and are responsible for the safety of passengers, cargo and the aircraft. They check the maintenance logbook, weather, fuel plan and flight plan to ensure the aircraft is safe and operable. You don’t need to have any degree to be an airline pilot; however, you will be required to complete specialized training and do quite a bit of on the job training.
4. Physicist
Annual Salary $112,020
A physicist studies the properties of matter and energy and the interactions between them. They then conduct experiments to test theories.
5. Nuclear Engineer
Annual Salary $101,500
Nuclear engineers work with nuclear radiation and energy. They design and improve nuclear reactors and ensure the safety of nuclear facilities and operations.
6. Financial Manager
Annual Salary $116,970
A financial manager is responsible for an organization’s financial health and plays a role in businesses and organizations. They often perform financial forecasting, data analysis, investment activities, risk management and more. Although many financial managers have business or finance degrees, it’s not a prerequisite.
7. Natural Science Manager
Annual Salary $129,320
A natural science manager coordinates, plans, and directs activities in fields such as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and statistics. They supervise scientists, technicians, and other lab personnel. Their duties include research and development, management, communication between scientists, budgeting and more.
8. Petroleum Engineer
Annual Salary $127,970
A petroleum engineer designs and develops methods to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs. They design drilling methods and surface facilities. Petroleum engineers also analyze the economic value of existing wells and research new sources of oil and gas.
9. Industrial Psychologist
Annual Salary $114,040
Industrial psychologists, also known as I/Os, don't have medical degrees; they have PhDs. They are characterized by the scientific study of human behavior in organizations and workplaces. They focus on deriving principles of individual, group, and organizational behavior and apply this knowledge to solving work problems.
10. Computer Systems Manager
Annual Salary $123,280
Computer system managers are often called information technology managers or IT managers. They manage coordinate and direct computer-related activities in an organization. Some IT managers don't have a degree.
Conclusion
You don’t have to have a medical degree to make six figures. However, many of these jobs do require a college education. The exceptions are airline pilots and IT managers. These two professions don’t require any degree.
Additionally, there are high-paying jobs for healthcare professionals, such as chiropractors and physical therapists, that do not require a medical degree.
