Annual Median Salary: $55,230

Education Required: FAA-accredited Aviation Maintenance Technician School

These schools teach those working to become aircraft mechanics the skills necessary for the job. Passing an FAA exam is a requirement.

Annual Median Salary: $55,870

Education Required: Associate’s degree and state licensing

Programs for training and certification in respiratory therapy exist throughout the country. Anyone trying to become a respiratory therapist must be certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care.

Annual Median Salary: $56,980

Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent and graduation of police academy

Aspiring police officers must pass rigorous physical fitness tests, take extensive training in law enforcement, and graduate from a police academy in order to serve.

Annual Median Salary: $57,850

Education Required: Associate’s degree

Postsecondary schools offer vocational programs specifically geared toward those learning to be electrical technicians. These programs teach skills like circuitry and computer repair.

Annual Median Salary: $60,550

Education Required: High school diploma

While requirements may vary depending on the hiring company, an entry-level applicant can work as a buyer with a high school diploma. After gaining experience, one can find advancement opportunities by earning certain certificates, including a Certified Purchasing Professional and Certified Professional Purchasing Manager credential.

Annual Median Salary: $62,500

Education Required: Associate’s degree

Training in various web-building disciplines is required for aspiring web developers. This includes HTML, CSS, Javascript, and other coding techniques, as well as some graphic design. Most can be obtained through associate’s programs.

Annual Median Salary: $65,470

Education Required: Associate’s degree and state nursing license

According to the BLS, nurses can launch their careers either with a bachelor’s degree in nursing science, an associate’s degree in nursing, or certification from an accredited nursing program. No matter the chosen route one takes, all nurses must receive state-issued licensing and pass the National Council Licensure Examination.

Annual Median Salary: $69,300

Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent

While training to be a farmer is largely gained on the job, the BLS reports that “farm and land management has grown more complex,” which has prompted more farmers to pursue bachelor’s degrees. The BLS also reports, however, that government programs exist to help aspiring farmers gain training and a foothold in the industry.

Annual Median Salary: $73,280

Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent; commercial pilot’s license from the FAA and Airline Transport Pilot certificate

Whereas airline pilots typically need a college degree in addition to their FAA pilot’s licensing and ATP certification, commercial pilots — who fly aircraft for reasons such as charter flights, rescue operations, firefighting, and aerial photography — can begin their careers with a high school diploma and the proper licensing/certification.

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