6 Fun Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree

A job that has a positive work environment and interesting responsibilities can make a 40-hour workweek go by much faster because it’s enjoyable—fun, even.

The good news is, there are plenty of enjoyable jobs for which you don’t need to attend college. And, they can pay well, too!

We’ve compiled a list of 6 fun jobs below that don’t require a degree and can pay well.

1. HVAC Technician

HVAC technicians work in many different environments, such as in homes, schools, office buildings or factories. An HVAC technician can be assigned to a specific jobsite for the day or travel to different locations making service calls.¹

HVAC Technician Job Duties

• Testing pipes, joints or connections for
• Checking electrical circuits for
• Repairing or replacing defective
• Studying
• Discussing malfunctions to identify ²

Many HVAC technicians complete HVAC training, like that at RSI, to enter the trade and start out taking on simpler tasks alongside experienced techs.³ If the thought of being tied to your chair from 9 to 5 sounds tiring, the variety of an HVAC career might be the right fit for you.

2. Welder

Welders join and cut metal parts, and also repair holes, indentations or seams in metal products.⁴

They work in a wide variety of industries, from car racing to manufacturing. Welders can find advancement opportunities in robotics, engineering, education and sales.⁵

Welder Job Duties

• Evaluating
• Inspecting structures to be
• Igniting torches or starting power
• Monitoring the welding process to avoid
• Maintaining ⁴

If you are somewhat of a thrill seeker who wants to see the world, you may want to pursue a traveling welding career. Exciting welder employers include NASCAR and NASA.⁶

Many companies prefer to hire candidates who have graduated from welding training⁷, also available at RSI, especially those who are trained in the latest technologies.⁸ Advanced welding training may be necessary for some traveling or specialized welding jobs.

3. Electrician

An electrician is a skilled tradesperson who designs, installs, maintains and repairs the electrical systems and equipment used in residential homes, businesses and factories. This job offers a lot of variety.

If you have a knack for technology and a strong attention to detail, becoming an electrician may be a great career choice for you.

Electrician Job Duties

• Reading
• Installing and maintaining wiring, control and lighting
• Inspecting electrical components.
• Repairing or replacing wiring, equipment or
• Following state and local codes and ⁹

Many aspiring electricians enroll in electrical technology training, another program available at RSI, to obtain the knowledge and skills needed for this job.

How to Improve Fun Job Prospects

There are many fun jobs available that don’t require a college degree. You may travel around, make good money and meet lots of different people—all without spending four or more years at school first.

For some of these careers, your job prospects tend to be better if you have completed postsecondary training at a trade school. Attending a trade school instead of a college has many upsides, especially if you are prioritizing lower cost and shorter training time. That means you can train for a fun and rewarding career in less than two years!

Additional Sources
¹ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-3
² https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9021.01
³ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-4
⁴ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm#tab-2
⁵ http://gowelding.org/articles/facts-about-career-welding/
⁶ https://awo.aws.org/2014/08/exciting-careers-in-welding/
⁷  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm#tab-4
⁸  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm#tab-6
⁹ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-2