For job seekers without a four-year degree, breaking the $25-an-hour barrier can be a challenge.  But with more technical certification and associate’s degree programs than ever, many well-paying career options are accessible in a broad range of industries.

The following is a list of lucrative careers for those without a four-year degree, presented with median annual salary data.  That figure is then broken down to an hourly rate by dividing by 2080, the typical number of working hours in a year.

1. Sales director
“If you are interested in a career change, but do not want to commit to further education, consider a sales career.  Sales directors oversee sales staff to help meet objectives, plan and implement sales programs, and work to maintain budgets, among many other duties.  While formal training is not a requirement for this position, sales experience and an outgoing personality are vital, according to Abboud.  Successful sales persons can often have the opportunity to climb the career ladder to increasingly lucrative management positions.

Sales director: $91,900/ $44 per hour

2. Security administrators, computer network
“As technology increases its reach, cyber crime is becoming a major concern for companies, Security administrators work to prevent, troubleshoot, and repair security breaches while educating network users on cyber safety. Certification or relevant experience is essential to entry to this field, especially in absence of a four-year degree.

Security administrators, computer network: $72,000/ $35 per hour

3. Elevator installer/repairer
Elevator assembly, installation and maintenance are the main responsibilities of this position. Participating in an apprenticeship program coupled with paid on-the-job training is the standard, and workers must pass a licensing exam. Union membership is typically required by employers, and unions can help to ensure an excellent salary, benefits, and pension.

4. Real estate broker
Usually commission-based, real estate brokers’ salaries are sensitive to shifts in the economy.  Despite the current real estate market, many in the industry are predicting a resurgence in salary in 2010 with the extension of the housing tax credit.  Brokers are tasked with understanding real estate markets, performing transactions, and advising buyers on their financing options.  Additionally, real estate brokers must pass a written exam and maintain a license.

Real estate broker: $65,400/ $31 per hour

5. Nuclear medicine technologist
“Nuclear medicine technologists administer a type of drug called radiopharmaceuticals to patients and create diagnostic images that ultimately determine the presence of a disease.  With an increasingly large middle-aged and elderly population and advances in technology, job growth for nuclear medicine technologists is likely to remain steady.  A certificate or an associate’s degree is needed, and a license is a requirement for many employers and states.

Nuclear medicine technologist: $64,100/ $31 per hour

6. Radiation therapist
Administering radiation treatment to cancer patients is the main role of a radiation therapist.  As radiation therapists continue to be a critical part of the medical radiation oncology team, it will translate into an uptick of jobs . There is also room for personal advancement in this field, with opportunities that include teaching and research. Training through an associate’s degree or certification program is necessary, and a license is required in many states.

Radiation therapist: $63,500 / $31 per hour

7. Construction manager
Construction managers oversee the construction of structures, facilities, and systems, and are often on call around the clock.  On-the-job construction experience and/or completing a construction management certification program provide entry to this position.

Construction manager: $63,400/ $30 per hour

8. Air traffic controller
As an air traffic controller, your job will be dedicated to keeping the skies safe.  It is a very demanding and rewarding occupation.  Providing an essential role in aviation, air traffic controllers ensure that planes maintain a safe distance between each other and help to coordinate efficient scheduling.

With most positions employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), air traffic controllers must complete a FAA-approved education program and pass a pre-employment test.

Air traffic controller: $63,000/ $30 per hour

9. Video game designer
Video game designers create the storyline and structure of a video game and determine the rules of play.  They typically need to possess an understanding of software design and computer programming, and a degree or certification from a technical school can provide an advantage.  Although currently at a point of high popularity, video games tend to go through phases of increased and decreased popularity.

Video game designer: $62,300/ $30 per hour

10. MRI technologist
MRI technologists train in programs available through hospitals, colleges and universities to earn a certificate or associate’s degree.  With more doctors’ offices and clinics providing diagnostic services, demand is higher than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Health care will generate 3 million new wage and salary jobs between 2006 and 2016, more than any other industry.”

MRI technologist: $61,000/ $29 per hour

Are you interested in changing careers but want to ensure you choose correctly?  Here are the eight top jobs for graduates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, based on recent job predictions for the next eight years.

Network Systems Analyst
All companies with email, Internet, or intranet use networking systems and need individuals who can design and run them. An online bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems can give you the career training you need for this fast growing, high-paying career, which, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, paid an annual wage of $70,760 on average in 2007.

Financial Analyst or Advisor
In large businesses, financial analysts research companies and make buy/sell decisions, while financial advisors help individuals make their financial investment decisions. Online coursework and a bachelor’s degree in finance or business administration can prepare you for this quickly growing, well-paid position. Financial specialists made an annual salary of $61,760 on average in 2007.

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
If animals are some of your best friends, consider becoming a veterinary technologist or technician. With an associate’s degree in veterinary science, you can work with animals, perform medical and laboratory tests, and give vaccines. Veterinary technologists and technician jobs paid an average yearly salary of $28,920 in 2007. The expected growth rate for this career is 41 percent over the next eight years.

Counselors
A growing need for counselors in the areas of substance abuse, mental health, and marriage and family make this well-paying career enticing. Good interpersonal and listening skills are a must. Depending on your state’s licensing requirements, a bachelor’s or master’s degree and career training in counseling is needed. In 2007, counselors, clinicians, and school psychologists made an average salary of $68,150 annually.

Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical therapist assistants work closely with physical therapists and their patients, helping patients improve mobility and strength. To become a physical therapist assistant, you need an associate’s degree in an accredited physical therapist assistant program. This rapidly growing profession paid an average annual wage of $24,080 in 2007.

Learn more about the progams and education available today.

Do you love video games?  Do you want to create the next popular video game? Are you interested in turning that passion into a career? A career in video game development could be for you.  Don’t think that this program is all about producing the best video games. It is so much more than that. Even though game design education in this program include environment and 3D modeling, scripting, multi-player interactivity, texturing, and other aspects of design, your talents will still be in huge demand beyond the gaming industry. With the technical skills you acquire from this program, you can create interactive media applications, virtual learning tools or virtual simulation models for a variety of businesses online and offline, including education entertainment and military game simulation.

• Game Production – Bachelor of Fine Arts

Potential positions after graduation:

• Video Game Design
• Interactive Media
• Education
• Military Game Simulation
• Entertainment
• Casino Gaming
• Sales

Learn more about gaming development today.

Do you live in the west?  Are you looking to take advantage of the hot jobs and career paths?  Well, California and the Pacific Northwest are home to career hot spots Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and Seattle.   California anchors the region’s economy, with a Gross State Product of $1.62 trillion. The high tech and media entertainment industries drive this productivity.  Some of the hot jobs and hot employers are:

• Computer Software Developer: Adobe, Sun Microsystems, Symantec, Microsoft… this is just a sampling of industry leaders soliciting talent in Silicon Valley and Seattle. A bachelor degree in computer science or programming is all you need to get started.
• Nurse: California is facing the nation’s most severe shortage of nurses–and offering the nation’s highest salaries to attract and retain qualified medical personnel. Nurses qualify for the NCLEX licensing exam with either an associate degree, a nursing diploma, or a bachelor degree in Nursing (BSN).

Learn more about nursing education and programs available and/or learn more about technical educations available.

Technology  and information technology degrees and programs are a popular way to start or continue a career path in computer network management, information technology, or information system security.  Whether you are interested in game software development courses or an information security certification,  campus and online technology degree programs can aid you in your professional growth.  Programs are available in:

• Computer Network Engineering
• Computer Network Management
• Game Software Development
• Information Systems Security
• Information Technology
• Information Technology: Major in Computer Forensics
• Information Technology: Major in Network Management
• Information Technology: Major in Systems Security

Information technology and technology courses are a great way to enhance your current career or develop a new career path.

Get More Information on Technology Courses and Degrees!