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13 High Paying Tech Careers You Can Get Without A College DegreeWho said you need a college degree to earn the big bucks? It’s a commonmisconception that if you don’t have a bachelor’s, you’ll be stuck in minimumwage all your life. In reality, there are plenty of jobs out there that won’tmake you take out a billion student loans. Here are 13 lucrative tech jobs youcan land without a four-year degree.All data has been taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unless otherwisenoted.1. Computer user support specialistMedian annual wage, 2015: $48,620 (BLS)Computer user support specialists provide technical assistance to users byanswering questions or resolving computer problems. This can be in person,through telephone or electronically (over chat messaging or email).2. Junior data analystMedian annual wage: $52,188 (Payscale)Data is so hot right now that even entry-level analysts can make good money.Usually, junior analysts are the ones who conduct searches for data, createExcel spreadsheets and generate material for analysis, and present theirfindings to more senior colleagues, who handle the bulk of the more complexwork. Some jobs do require a degree to enter the field; others do not.3. Computer network support specialistsMedian annual wage, 2015: $62,250 (BLS)Computer network support specialists are responsible for keeping networksrunning smoothly. They test, troubleshoot, analyze, perform maintenance, andsolve network problems. Usually you’ll need a certificate or associate’sdegree to enter this career.4. Digital marketerMedian annual wage: $63,239 (Payscale)Marketing via the Internet is one of the primary ways companies reachcustomers in the 21st century. Digital marketers enable this in a variety ofways: search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), socialmedia marketing, content marketing, e-mail marketing, and others. Often adigital marketer will specialize in only one or two of these areas.5. Cyber security analysts (entry level)Median annual wage: $63,911 (Payscale)Many cyber security professionals who obtain four-year degrees head straightfor the higher-up positions after graduating, leaving companies with a dearthof entry-level workers to handle a lot of the day-to-day. Junior cybersecurity analysts handle the “grunt work” like reviewing logs, controllingnetwork settings, doing basic testing, etc.6. Multimedia artistMedian annual wage, 2015: $63,970 (BLS)Multimedia artists often do have bachelor’s degrees, but they are notrequired. They work with various programs and technologies to developanimation, designs and special effects for movies, commercials, video gamesand other forms of electronic media.7. Web developerMedian annual wage, 2015: $64,970 (BLS)Web developers are the behind-the-scenes staff of the Internet: they design,create, and maintain websites. This involves writing code for the site, makinglayout decisions, considering the user interface, solving bugs/problems thatemerge, and more. Many web developers are completely self-taught, while othershave associate’s degrees or other formal certifications.8. Web designer / front end developerMedian annual wage: $66,000 (Indeed)Web developers typically work on the “back end” of websites — leaving the“front end” to web designers. Designers work on all the parts you see: awebsite’s appearance, interactive features, layout, images, and sometimes evencontent.9. Aerospace engineering and operations techniciansMedian annual wage, 2015: $66,180 (BLS)You might expect something this advanced-sounding to require a four-yeardegree, but in reality most aerospace engineering and operations techniciansonly need an associate’s. They are responsible for operating and caring forthe equipment used to build and test aircraft and spacecraft.10. Mobile app developerMedian annual wage: $76,061 (Glassdoor)In a time when competitive businesses need not only a website, but a well-designed mobile app as well, mobile app developers are in high demand. Mobileapp developers are responsible for coding, testing, and debuggingapplications. Experience and skill matter more than formal education.11. Software engineerMedian annual wage: $79,357 (Payscale)Like web and app development, software engineering is a skill that’s oftenself-taught, and a degree is less important than proof that you know whatyou’re doing. They develop, design, test, install and maintain software. Mostsoftware engineers specialize in either applications software or systemssoftware.12. Information technology managerMedian annual wage: $80,811 (Payscale)By working your way up from starter IT roles, you can eventually become an ITmanager in a department. Managers often supervise teams, as well as beingresponsible for monitoring the company’s IT infrastructure. They are also theones who develop the rules and protocol governing the use of companycomputers, data, and network access.13. DevOps engineerNational average salary: $100,000 (Glassdoor)DevOps is a relatively new field, so it’s a prime time to get into it. Aconglomerate of “development” and “operations,” DevOps is a softwaredevelopment methodology that emphasizes collaboration. DevOps engineers areable to work with, and help implement, the organizational culture shift thatthe program entails.—In lots of tech careers, like those above, formal education doesn’t matter.What does matter is skills, experience and the ability to learn new things.Does this mean you should forgo college altogether? Not necessarily. Instead,take comfort in knowing that you have options. You aren’t doomed for financialinsecurity if you don’t have a diploma in hand.