

When we think of jobs that bring in real bank, we often think of medical, legal and tech industry gigs. And true, those jobs do pay substantial salaries, but they often require a bachelor's or master's degree. However, believe it or not, there are jobs where you can earn a good amount of money without investing in a four-year degree. Here are the top 15 high-paying jobs for women without a college degree:
Sound Engineer Technician
These professionals are responsible for setting up audio equipment, ensuring sound quality in a studio, performance hall or other venue, working the lights and syncronizing sound. The median annual salary for a sound engineer technician is $52,390 and those interested in pursuing this can either take online courses, get into an associate's program, or learn by trial and error by getting your own equipment and experimenting.
Hearing Aid Specialist
As a hearing aid specialist, you'd be evaluating the quality of hearing for patients, talking them through the best options and managing dispensing and maintenance in this job. The median salary for hearing aid specialists puts you at 52,770 per year, and the only education requirement starting out is a high school diploma. It's a good idea to pursue a trainee position and learn a lot via courses or on-the-job mentorship.
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Electrician
The median salary for an electrian is more than $55,000 per year, and you'd have a wide range of options in terms of duties and environments. Some electricians work independently with real estate developers and construction managers. Others work for major corporations. You can pursue a trade school program or go in as an apprentice with an experienced professional.
Sales Rep
This is a job that can hit various industries and businesses, and the options are almost limitless. The median salary for a sales rep is more than $58,500 and the minimum education requirement is a high school diploma. You can also boost your skills by getting an associate's degree.
Executive Assistant
Extreme attention to detail, great communication skills, ability to multitask, and a knack with project management are the key skills required to be an executive assistant. The median annual salary for an executive assistant is more than $54,000.
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Commercial Pilot
You can start off in this industry with a high school diploma and learn from a certified instructor. (If you're looking to work for an airline, be prepared to invest in a bachelor's degree. The requirements are different for major airlines.) As a commercial pilot, you can fly private jets for independent clients or you can work for a company providing services for their executive or travel needs. The average base pay for a commercial pilot is well over $80,000 per year.
Patrol Officer
This job requires a focus on public service and attention to law, and the median salary for a patrol officer is $61,380. If you're into making a difference, working to protect and serve and want to attempt to change the system, this might be the job for you.
Microblading Artist
You can earn up to $76,000 a year sculpting eyebrows that slay as a microblading artist. Some professionals work on their own, catering to clients via a salon or mobile services, and some work within a professional salon network. If you're looking for an example, check out Love and Hip Hop star Sierra Gates, who swears by the profitability and potential for flexibility with this career path. You can take courses and get experience by apprenticing with a pro.
Food Stylist
The average salary for the job of a food stylist is more than $62,000, and though some firms require a college degree for positions, you can still get your foot in the door at others with just a high school diploma. If you have an eye for aesthetics, don't mind positioning food for photographs, films and other productions, and know a bit about styling techniques, this is for you.
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Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurse
Not to be confused with a registered nurse (RN), these profesionals support RNs in major functions such as checking vital signs, performing enemas, delivering medicines and massaging muscles--among other duties---and the role of a licensed practical or licensed vocational nurse requires no more than one to two years of education via a state-approved diploma or certificate nursing program. The median annual salary for an LPN or LVN is more than $42,000.
Funeral Service Manager
Compassion, creativity and great people skills are important for the role of funeral service manager, and it can bring in up to $66,666 per year. You'll need an associate's degree in funeral service or mortuary science which can take up to two years, and you'll also have to work as an apprentice or trainee.
Fashion Designer
If you have a natural knack for sewing, pattern making and textile sourcing, you're a perfect fit for fashion design. Though some designers study at top schools in Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and Italy, you don't necessarily have to have a four-year degree to pursue this job and actually make good money doing it. You can take certifications or other courses to specialize in a certain type of fashion or audience to cater to. The median income for a fashion designer is more than $57,000 per year.
YouTube Personality
When you see the title, you might think it's a long shot. Think again. Top earners on YouTube can get from $50,000 up into the millions yearly. If you're great at video editing, engaging with an audience, offering content people love, and connecting with sponsors, the YouTube personality route might be a great path to pursue.
Insurance Sales Agent
Insurance sales agents earn a median salary of $50,600 and are responsible for selling auto, health, home or life insurance to consumers. Once you've passed the required tests, you can either work for a particular company or start your own.
Surgical Technologist
Surgery support professionals are a vital part of the success of medical procedures, and they are often responsible for tasks like sterilizing the operating room, setting out tools for the doctor, or prepping a patient. The median salary for a surgical technologist is $47,300.
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Eva Marcille On Starring In 'Jason’s Lyric Live' & Being An Audacious Black Woman
Eva Marcille has taken her talents to the stage. The model-turned-actress is starring in her first play, Jason’s Lyric Live alongside Allen Payne, K. Michelle, Treach, and others.
The play, produced by Je’Caryous Johnson, is an adaptation of the film, which starred Allen Payne as Jason and Jada Pinkett Smith as Lyric. Allen reprised his role as Jason for the play and Eva plays Lyric.
While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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This Moisturizer Comes With A Built-In Sculpting Tool—And It Lowkey Changed My Skincare Routine
Gua sha, essence, serums, moisturizer, and SPF are a few of the many steps incorporated in an everyday skincare routine. However, it’s easy to skip a step or two to save time.
And in my case, I’ve wondered how crucial it would be if I slack on an essence or gua sha routine, so my routine doesn’t feel as extensive. With skincare routines getting longer, I always appreciate a two-in-one product.
Now and then, the beauty industry releases a two-in-one product that makes life worth living again. One of those brands is REFY.
The Hype Behind REFY's Face Sculpt Moisturizer With Built-In Roller
The company shook the industry when it first released its REFY Glow and Sculpt Face Serum Primer With Niacinamide. Now they’ve come out with a moisturizer version of the product. The Face Sculpt by REFY is the world's first moisturizer with a sculpting piece attached.
The product aims to lift the skin while hydrating it at the same time. This is music to my ears, since it’s one less step I have to take separately and still get my facelift.
Face Sculpt by REFY is the "world's first facial sculpting moisturizer that instantly lifts, defines and hydrates."
REFY
Key Ingredients in REFY's Sculpting Moisturizer: What Your Skin Will Love
Before I try any product, I always look at the ingredients. It’s important to know what's going on with your skin. Doing this extra step can help you learn the benefits or risks you’re up against. I love that this moisturizer is filled with glycerin and provitamin B5.
Glycerin is incredible for deeply hydrating the skin, which is essential since I have dry skin. Provitamin B5 is an ingredient I rarely see in most skincare products. It’s excellent for calming the skin and reducing redness. This can come in handy on mornings when your skin is puffy and needs to calm down.
How To Use REFY’s Face Sculpt Moisturizer for Best Results
When applying the product, I learned that patience is key. Rolling the moisturizer into your skin won’t melt in as quickly as using your hands. I found this beneficial since it meant the moisturizer was slowly working its way into my pores, instead of forcing it in. I worked the “roller” in upward motions to ensure I got the face lift effect I sought.
Although the facelift didn’t come instantly, I knew it would come in time if I were consistent enough—four weeks to be exact.
REFY
Four-Week Facelift or Nah? My First Impressions
The website shows various final results after using the moisturizer for four weeks. Several women are posing with pride, showing off their final results. There was a slight difference in lifting for each face. In addition, their smile wrinkles have subsided.
I look forward to these results as I continue to use this product consistently. I encourage everyone to check out the results on their website, as they're worth looking into before you start.
After using this product immediately, I noticed a noticeable difference in hydration. The moisturizer created a luminous effect on my skin that I deeply appreciated. I also loved how much it helped with lymphatic drainage. Since I had to work in the moisturizer, the rolling motions helped smooth out my skin. Allowing for a depuffing effect before starting my day.
Final Thoughts: Is REFY's Face Sculpt Worth It?
I give this product a 10 out of 10. It's perfect for all skin types, but especially those looking for a subtle face lift. With patience and commitment, your skin can be perky and ready for the day!
Remember to roll day and night so your skin can stay plump.
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