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

The differences between online and in-person education vary and should be considered when choosing an education program.  By being aware of these differences and knowing what type of student you are, you may be able to find a program that allows you to get the most out of your education.

Communicating with Professors and Students

One of the main differences between online education and in-person education is the type of relationship you develop with other students and professors.  You may not get to know other students and professors as well as you would if you took in-person classes.  The main ways you would communicate are through e-mail, chat rooms and forums.  Your professors may respond more quickly to your e-mails than they would to your phone call, but these forms of communication may feel impersonal sometimes.

Responding to Class Topics

Since you’re not in the classroom listening to a professor’s lecture when you’re taking online courses, you won’t have to worry about a professor suddenly calling on you.  You may have more time to think about your answers and reflect on the responses from other students because you’ll probably be responding through e-mails and forums.  Being able to respond in this way may alleviate some of your anxiety about school and allow you to focus more on the material. You may also be able to develop your writing skills since you’ll be expressing your ideas in these written formats.

Developing Skills

Other than writing skills, you may also develop technological skills. Since online programs require you to work with a computer, you may also be working with different software programs. You may not have had the opportunity to work with these software programs if you took traditional in-person courses.  These skills may help you find a job easier after school, or you may even be able to ask for a higher starting salary since many employers want employees to be familiar with different software programs in their fields.  You may want to find out what time of software is used in your field, so you can take classes that offer you the opportunity to work with these software programs.

Taking More Initiative

Another significant difference is ‘that online communication encourages greater involvement’ since you may have to participate in online forums or write e-mails to your professors.  These types of responses may require more involvement than would be required in a large lecture class because it’s easy to remain anonymous or to sleep during class if you’re sitting in a large lecture hall.

If you are looking to change careers or begin your career after college it is important to know which degrees yield the best salaries, especially during these uncertain economic times.

Overall, the average starting salary for graduates with Bachelor’s Degrees for 2009 is around $49,353. This figure is only slightly higher than the average for 2008 ($49,300).  When it comes to the highest paid Bachelor’s Degrees for 2009, starting salaries range from $46,655 (nursing) up to $65,466 (chemical engineering).

The top bachelor’s degrees in 2009 are:

• Pharmacist: $111,782
• Software Design & Development: $66,290
• Chemical Engineering: $65,466
• Mechanical Engineering: $58,648
• Computer Science: $58,419
• Electrical/Electronics & Communications Engineering: $57,404
• Construction Science/Management: $52,837
• Civil Engineering: $50,785
• Accounting (Public): $50,403
• Finance: $49,794
• Logistics/Materials Management: $49,398
• Nursing: $46,655

Learn more about bachelor’s degrees and other educational programs 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.

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!