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

As people struggle to find and keep their jobs, there are careers and career paths that can supply you with job security.  The top five best jobs to ensure job security are:

1. Medical assistant–With the increasing demand for health services, the health care industry is sailing through the economic downturn. Many allied health training programs offer a path into this high-demand sector in a year or less.
2. A one-year medical assistant certificate qualifies graduates to do administrative work in hospitals and medical clinics.   Medical assistants also perform light patient care, such as managing patient records and taking blood pressure readings. The Department of Labor predicts a stunning 35 percent growth in employment through 2016, making this one of the top ten fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. Average 2008 salary: $29,000
3. Electrical engineering technician certificate or associate degree Technicians can give their career a shot of life with a targeted career training program.An engineering technician associate degree or certificate combines courses in math and science fundamentals with hands-on training. The two-year associate degree features a broader college education, which can lead to more advancement opportunities and higher pay. Electrical engineering technicians earned an average salary of $53,990 in 2008.
4. IT project manager professional (PMP) certificate– IT and computer support specialists can take their career to the next level with project management training. The project management certification program equips you with the skills to lead a team and manage complex projects. The program, which may be completed in a matter of months, offers real-world training in everything from budget forecasting to risk management. You’ll also build expertise using Microsoft Project and other advanced project management tools. PMP certification training prepares you to take the Project Management Institutes’s professional certification exam.Moving into a management role offers more than a solid foothold in the IT department. Project managers also command a significantly higher salary. Computer and information systems managers earned $118,710 in 2008.
5. Paralegal certificate or associate degree– Paralegals are steadily ascending in the legal profession, assuming many of the responsibilities traditionally reserved for attorneys. As a result, demand for qualified paralegals is rising. According to the Bureau of Labor, this occupation is poised to grow 22 percent through 2016.
   Formal training for paralegals means either an associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree in any field combined with a paralegal certificate. The certificate, which may be completed in under a year, is well-suited to career changers who already have a college degree in another field. If you are starting out fresh, choose a two-year associate degree which combines core academic courses with applied legal training. Paralegals earned $48,790 in 2008.
6. Associate degree in interactive media design– Artists don’t need to abandon their creative vocation during economic tough times — for career opportunity, look no further than the digital arts. An online program in interactive media design can help you bridge the gap between artistic talent and gainful employment. You’ll develop technical skills in today’s interactive multimedia applications, including 3-D modeling, animation and video production programs.Multimedia artists can expect better job prospects than nearly any other artistic specialist, with 26 percent employment growth projected through 2016. Industries fueling the demand for digital artists include entertainment, advertising, and even scientific research and design services. Three-dimensional design and animation skills have applications in video game and Web development, as well as architectural and design modeling. Multimedia artists earned $62,380 in 2008.

Learn more about the certificate and degree programs that are available through online and campus based schools.

People always search for comfort whether it be at home, the office.  What if you had the ability to create those comfort zones.  With a degree in Interior Design every day for the rest of your life you’ll be in demand from people that want the same comfort as you, only they don’t know how to achieve it.   As a student you’ll receive a well rounded foundation based on the technical, creative and human factors of Interior Design.  Interior design programs include the principles of drawing, drafting, color and basic design, learning about human factors, space planning, interior construction and detailing, safety and building codes and computer aided design.  While receiving a historical perspective of interior design, you’ll also receive  an understanding of interior design business practices and collaboration techniques for working with related professionals.  Finally, you will absorb an awareness of professional responsibilities and ethics for a personal practice.  After graduation you will have the skills necessary to obtain any entry level positions such as an interior designer, drafter, designer or showroom manager.  An interior design program will help you discover and refine the your hidden talents.

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