You can get some IT jobs without a degree. All you need to do is, prove that you have all it takes to do that job, and it is all yours, whether as a freelancer or full-time employee.
Having a degree sets you apart from many possibilities in your career. However, these days, there has been the emergence of some high-paying jobs you can comfortably do without having to step your feet into the four walls of a university. Shocking?
There are in-demand jobs that only require you to have the correct blend of experience, skills, and ability to learn on the job. Finding yourself in this field could make those with degrees go green with envy over your achievements within a short period. Interesting, right?
Fortunately, the tech sector has repeatedly proved that a professional can emerge without a degree. This article will look at the highest-paying tech jobs you can get without a degree.
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Ways To Get A High Paying Tech Job Without a Degree
It might sound unbelievable, but many tech professionals never started with a degree. People like Bill Gates of Microsoft and Steve Jobs of Apple never had a degree. And the reason is that many tech skills can be gained without going to university.
The tech sector places more value on the skills you possess than the certificate. Below are some of the ways you can get a high paying tech job without a degree:
#1. Identify An Ideal Niche
The tech sector is wide, covering a variety of topics at the same time. You need to identify the niche you want to specialize in and go for it. Picking a niche helps you to know what to focus on. Get specialized in it and become a sought-after.
#2. Get certification
Even though some of the tech experts do not have a degree, it does not mean they studied in a vacuum.
What made the difference was that they focused on getting the skills they needed and getting certifications in their specific fields did the magic.
Aside from whatever skills you have, a certification can be proof that you truly acquired the training.
Besides, you may not need just one certification. Whenever you think there is a need to master any skill relevant to your job, getting a certification will be helpful.
#3. Get Practical Training
Hands-on training is a way to become more ingrained in your skills. Without practising what you learned, you may never move beyond your current knowledge.
You can start developing your skills by building some personal projects, an app, for example. By developing your skills, you can have something to show to your potential employer or client as proof that you are equal to the task.
#4. Get to know some basics
Being a tech guru means you must get acclimatized to the basics of IT skills. Some basics like coding and programming will help you go for advanced skills in your chosen niche. With the basic skills, you can always find your way around the field.
#5. Network With Other Tech Experts
You need others to survive, just the same way other people need you. Tech or IT field is a collaborative field, meaning that you will always partner with others to work effectively.
You can locate some online communities and join. That will help you to meet others with the same level of passion to succeed.
Your social media profile is your online resume if it is properly revamped. LinkedIn is one platform you should not joke with.
Get yourself positioned for potential local and international clients and employers. You may never know who will come across your profile.
#7. Acquire some interpersonal skills
Getting some interpersonal skills will help to solidify your tech skills. Soft or interpersonal skills will help you communicate well with potential clients and employers.
For instance, if you need to bid for a contract, what you will first display is not your tech skills. Your soft skills will perform the task for you.
Where you lack them, you may never be able to showcase your tech skills to the world. Hence, you need skills like excellent communication, integrity, problem-solving, analytical, and so on to help you.
Read this: How To Get Entry Level IT Jobs With No Experience
What Factors Determine How Much You Earn As An IT Professional?
There are various factors that determine what you earn as an IT professional. It is not just about the skills, but other factors can always come into play.
Some of them include:
- Year of experience – You do not expect a new entrant to be paid the same amount as someone who has spent years in the job.
- Industry – The industry or firm you work with has some influence on your pay. You might work in a larger industry to increase your pay. However, with your experience and skills, you will always get better.
- Location – Location is another factor that must be considered when determining your pay. Of course, you know that living in a semi-urban area cannot be compared with living in a large city. Cost of living, lifestyle and cost of accommodation have their roles to play here too. If you need to relocate for a better pay, it may not be a bad idea, anyway.
- In-demand skills – Most tech jobs are in-demand. However, there are always some that are more sought after than the others. You may have to go the extra mile of getting yourself acquainted with them to enable you to enjoy a great offer while doing what you love.
Importance of Developing Your Tech Skills
Having a good level of tech skills can never be overemphasized. Developing your skills to a more advanced level offers you the opportunity of becoming one leader in your field.
Here are some reasons developing your skills should be the next thing on your agenda:
- It helps you stay relevant: If your skills are not advanced, you are likely to remain at the baby stage of your career for a long time. If care is not taken, you may never be useful to the organization which may lead to your retrenchment. Improving your skills and staying up-to-date with the trends in the industry will offer you more valuable benefits.
- You may get promoted: Employers hardly promote an employee who does not offer much value to the organization. The more value employees add to the organization, the higher the standard of the organization goes. For that reason, you are likely to get promoted if you keep developing your skills.
- You will become ready for the future: a wise person develops their skills ahead of any change in the industry. With the change in trends and tastes of customers, you need to develop your skills to remain relevant constantly.
- You will become more confident: when you are sure of the stuff you are made of; you will be confident enough to showcase your skills to the world. It is your pride.
- Upgrading your tech skills is one way of screaming to your potential employer and client that you are equal to the task.
- You will become more employable: if you are looking for a new job, regardless of the industry or role, adding technological skills to your resume will give you an edge over other applicants. Your potential employer will rate you high, knowing that you have the propensity to become an asset to the organization.
20 Highest-Paying IT Jobs You Can Get Without A Degree
You can get the following IT jobs without a degree.
#1. Computer Programmer
Average yearly salary – 49, 500
A computer programmer can work as a freelancer or join the firm’s team. The duty includes writing and updating codes for mobile apps, desktops, or proprietary equipment.
A computer programmer also troubleshoots existing programs. Other tasks include debugging code, developing computer infrastructure, and maintaining operating systems.
#2. Data Analyst
Average yearly salary – $45,000
A data analyst is responsible for retrieving, cleaning, and organizing data. The professional also gets to enter data in databases as well as assist in the processing of data.
The duty includes creating materials for analysis, presenting the results, conducting data searches, and creating worksheets.
You only need to understand programming language and how each industry handles its data.
However, you might need to take some basic and advanced courses in data science to become a professional data analyst.
3. Network Engineer
Average yearly salary – $83,944
A network engineer sets up and sustains the network, which keeps people’s devices active, leading to effective communication.
They are more focused on the hardware aspect of the system than the software.
They work with IT personnel on the software aspect to solve problems by testing, evaluating, troubleshooting, configuring, and maintaining LAN, WAN, and other networks.
4. Software Architect
Average yearly salary – $134,098
A software architect combines technical and logical skills to design a system depending on the client’s requests.
They make the software clear and easy to use and must be highly skillful in programming languages and operating systems.
You can understudy an expert or take some advanced courses to become a professional software architect.
#5. Computer Software Engineer
Average yearly salary – $106, 400
A software engineer takes up the role of designing and developing software for businesses.
They document software through the flowchart, layout instruction, and coding. Their jobs are closely related to that of software architects.
#6. Computer Network Support Specialist
Average yearly salary – $62,200
A computer support specialist keeps the network running smoothly and efficiently. They also test, troubleshoot, examine, sustain, and solve issues about the network. It does not require a degree to perform this role.
#7. Helpdesk Analyst
Average yearly salary – $46,000
A help desk analyst provides technical assistance to users through the phone or email. They also maintain records of shared concerns and develop solutions to them.
They can work with senior staff to install and implement technical solutions to common problems.
#8. Telecommunications Technician
Average yearly salary – $80,771
The responsibilities of a telecommunications technician include installing, maintaining, and repairing telecommunications setups. It involves both tech and mechanical roles.
#9. Cybersecurity Analyst
Average yearly salary – $114,000
A cybersecurity analyst monitors the network for any possible threat or vulnerability. They build firewalls to protect data, review logs, and control network settings.
As a result, they must develop and come up with approaches to enable them to protect data from cybercriminals. You can take some online and offline certifications and you are good to go.
#10. Copywriter
Average yearly salary – $90,000
A copywriter is just a writer that can write a compelling copy. They communicate what an organization does internally and externally, intending to present a flawless brand to the public.
They transform the complexities of the tech world into simple relatable terms that a layman can comprehend.
#11. Digital Marketer
Average yearly salary – $63,200
A digital marketer works with an organization to position its business online. The aim is to reach several customers that they may not ordinarily have been able to get across to as a result of distance.
They use social media, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, email marketing, and various online channels.
You do not need much education to become a digital marketer. You can acquire some online training on digital marketing to hone your skills.
#12. Web Developer
A web developer is responsible for designing a website and ensuring the site’s infrastructure is functioning properly.
They can design everything themselves if they have the knowledge of graphic design or they could employ a graphic designer to help them with some aspects of the job. In addition, they integrate and maintain databases and troubleshoot websites.
There are other functions of a website developer; what is more interesting is that they can self-teach themselves or acquire the skills by understudying a professional.
Check this: 10 Highest Paid Software Engineers in the World | 2024
#13. Graphic Designer
Average yearly salary – $48,700
Graphic designers have penetrated the market due to so many apps and software enabling them to do their jobs with ease. Wondering what they do? They design and produce artwork like flyers, magazines, book covers, and other advertising material.
They can work independently or in an organization. Your creative portfolio and sharpened skills can always wow your potential employer.
#14. Aerospace Technician
Average yearly salary – $67,240
Aerospace technicians are responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment used for producing aircraft and spacecraft.
These days, their jobs are becoming more computer-based. You can enroll in vocational training to sharpen your skills.
Average yearly salary – $48,200
With the emergence of social media, many organizations want to meet their clients, especially by relating with them as closely as possible.
However, due to their job roles, they may not be able to do so. Therefore, they hire a social media manager who works as a go-between, just like a digital marketer.
A social media manager gathers and reports data for the organization and organizes social calendars.
Aside from taking an online course to master this skill, you need writing and designing skills to be able to carry out this duty effectively.
#16. Multimedia Artist
Average yearly salary – $63,900
This position sometimes requires a degree, but not always. A multimedia artist works with programs and technologies to develop electronic media like animation, designs, and special effects for the silver screen, advertisements, video games, and many more.
#17. Mobile App Developers
Average yearly salary – 76,000
The responsibility of a mobile app developer is simple – to code, test, and develop mobile apps.
Many small, medium, and large scale businesses need apps to tailor their products and services to where their clients and customers can easily access them.
This makes app developers hot cakes in the job market. All you need is your skill to develop a well-designed app.
18. IT Manager
Average yearly salary – $88,900
An IT manager has the role of overseeing the operations of the staff and managing the IT infrastructure.
They analyze and install computer networks, supervise teams, and maintain the software and hardware of the organization.
Moreover, IT managers cultivate the policies and guidelines to ensure proper usage and management of the organization’s computers, data, and network.
#19. Computer User Support Specialist
Average yearly salary – $48,600
This position is for professionals who provide answers to technical questions as well as assist clients with issues involving technology.
This job is equivalent to a customer care service; they can render the services online, over a phone call, or offline.
#20. Web editor
A web editor writes, edits, uploads, formats, and optimizes web content. They ensure that the articles are properly written and suitable for the blog to attract readers.
Also, read this: Information Technology VS Computer Science | Careers
FAQs On IT Jobs You Can Get Without A Degree
According to career sidekick, IT stands for Information Technology. Its jobs are positions in the fields of computer software, hardware, data storage/retrieval, and computer support.
Yes, you can get an IT job without a degree. All you have to do is to prove that you have all it takes to do the job and the job is yours.
Here are ways you can get a tech job:
Identify an ideal niche
Get certification
Get practical training
You need to know some basics
Network with others
Refurbish your social media profile
Acquire some interpersonal skills
Conclusion
You can always perform excellently in the tech sector with just your skills. There are so many high-paying tech jobs you can get without a degree. Go ahead and apply for them if you have the skills.
References
- Ways To Get A High Paying Tech Job Without a Degree.
- What Factors Determine How Much You Earn As An IT Professional?
- Importance of Developing Your Tech Skills
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