In today's competitive job market, having a degree is often seen as a prerequisite for securing a high-paying job. However, there are still plenty of well-paying jobs out there that don't require a university education.
These jobs without degrees offer individuals the opportunity to earn a lucrative income while avoiding the hefty student loan debt that often comes with attending University.
So what are some of these jobs, and how can you get into the industry without a degree? Find out alternative paths to employment in a lucrative and exciting career in New Zealand!
Why Forgo a University Education?
There are many reasons why people might not pursue or obtain a university education. Even though it seems like everyone is supposed to have one these days, if you are a determined and capable person, you can find your way into a secure job and life without higher education.
It’s Expensive
The costs of university alone are exorbitant and can prevent many people from enrolling. Unfortunately, this is the way higher education functions right now, and it prevents many people who would otherwise love to attend Uni from doing so.
It’s a very legitimate reason to avoid attending. Whether you can’t afford to pay the tuition and other fees, or don’t want to/can’t get a loan to be able to afford it, avoiding a potential lifetime of debt is a reasonable decision.
It Takes Time
Some people don’t have the luxury of time to spend 3 or more years in Uni before entering the workforce. While it’s possible to get a part-time job while attending classes, you can’t earn nearly as much per week with this setup, making it not the best option for many.
For people who need to provide for themselves and/or their families right away, there simply is no option to spend time in school instead of work.
It’s Not For Everyone
Some people do well in school, and others struggle. Some people are book-smart, and others would rather do anything else besides sit in a classroom for hours every week.
Even if someone does well, gets good grades, and generally has the intelligence typically associated with people who pursue higher education, it doesn’t mean that they must go to university.
That’s ok! Society takes all sorts to function, so you don’t necessarily have to attend school to be just as important as anyone else. Your worth is not tied to your education.
You Already Know What You Want To Do
If you already know what you want to do after secondary school, why would you spend time getting all the background information from an associate or bachelor programme?
Unless your chosen field requires a degree, you can go right ahead and take specialised training or otherwise prep yourself for your specific vocation.
Alternative Qualifications & Education
While many jobs don’t require further education of any kind, there are some that do; it’s just not a university degree.
On-the-Job Learning
Many skilled labour jobs and other positions will teach new employees everything they need to know when they get on board.
This is ideal for both you, the employee, and the company! You get to learn while getting paid, and you don’t have to spend time in school beforehand. The company ensures that you learn according to their standards and workflow.
Jobs that usually offer training include skilled labour like plumbers and electricians, social jobs like teaching assistants or nursing assistants, hospitality like waitstaff and concierge, and office roles like administrative assistants.
Vocational or Trade School
If you know what industry you want to work in, and it doesn’t require a university degree, you can attend trade or vocational programmes instead.
You might apprentice with a certain company or skilled tradesperson, or you can attend a programme like welding school, piloting school, culinary school, hospitality school, engineering or technology school.
Some such institutions that offer this type of education include:
- Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Otago Polytechnic
- Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)
- NZMA Auckland Trades Campus
- National Trade Academy
With a trade programme, you will be learning all that you need to know for the specific vocation you intend to enter into. Unlike university, you won’t have a lot of general classes and theory-based education.
The instruction is hands-on and practical so that you will be fully prepped to work in your vocation right after completing the programme.
Self-Teaching
Another option for finding a job without attending uni is to teach yourself what you want to know.
You can complete online qualification programmes like Google Career Certificates, or you can simply learn what you need and build a portfolio of work.
This might not be practical for vocations like welding unless you know someone who is a welder and can let you practice. But for a profession like computer programming, app development, UX, UI, graphic design, sewing and fashion design, certain culinary arts, fine art, social media management, landscaping, or anything else you can learn and practice at home, all you need is knowledge and proof of your work.
Use resources like YouTube and Superprof to learn new skills you need to know.
Top 5 High Paying Jobs Without a Degree NZ
So what are the best jobs to look at for people without a university education?
Whether you don’t have a degree at all, or you have a degree in a completely unrelated subject, these jobs will allow you to begin to earn well without years of previous training and education.
All information is based on data from the New Zealand Government.
1. Air Traffic Controller: $110k - $245k per year
While this position does require training, it does not require a degree. It’s also extremely competitive since both the slots in the training programme and the positions available are slim.
But, if you can make it, you are looking at an average salary of over $100k per year, which is more than the national average.
If you did want to get a university degree for this job, you can obtain a Bachelor of Aviation Management at Massey University.
Requirements:
- Be over 20 years old
- Have good hearing and eyesight, and normal colour vision
- Have NCEA level 3 or equivalent (or have a pilot’s license)
- Complete courses (1.5-2 years)
- Pass English language test, medical test, and licensing test
- Obtain airport security clearance
2. Property Manager: $56k - $122k per year
While you can certainly go the route of obtaining a university degree in business, property management, finance, or marketing, you can also get into the property management field without a degree. Many people start out working in a property management office and learn the skills needed to advance in the company ladder from there.
You’ll need to learn how to maintain properties, keep tenants happy and healthy, and manage the financial aspects while adhering to applicable laws.
You might have to start at the lower end of the salary scale for the first 1-4 years, but then you should know enough to be able to advance. Eventually, you could even start your own property management business. The prospects for this role are good.
You also have the choice of managing residential or commercial properties.
If you did want to obtain a degree, you can attend a programme like a Bachelor of Property, Land and Property Management, or Business - Property. You can also go obtain the New Zealand Certificate in Residential Property Management at Ignite College.
Requirements:
- Training in finance, accounting, business studies, economics, and maths is ideal
- Experience in real estate, property investment, customer service, and finance is ideal
- Knowledge of the housing/real estate market, local building and property laws, and building inspection is ideal
- Register with the Property Institute or the Property Managers Institute of New Zealand (PROMINZ)
3. Fitness Manager: $52k - $75k per year
Managing a gym, physical health centre or fitness club can be a fulfilling and fun career. And, you don’t necessarily need formal education! If you're already enthusiastic about health, this can be one of the best careers for you!
This is a position you can get into from the ground up: start as an associate at the front desk, perhaps become an on-staff personal trainer, and eventually, you will have enough experience to manage a location. You could even start your own gym! Prospects for this career are good as the fitness industry in New Zealand is booming, especially as society recovers from the pandemic.
Of course, there are university degrees you could get if you wanted, like a sports science or business management degree.
Training and certifications that are helpful include professional communications, facilities management, health and sports science, nutrition, and personal trainer apprenticeship.
Requirements:
- New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 3 or Level 4) - helpful but not mandatory
- Register with the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs)
- Biology, health education and physical education to at least NCEA Level 2 is ideal
- Be in good general health
- Organisational skills, communication and customer service skills
- Be able to maintain the safety and cleanliness of a facility
4. Carpenter: $51k - $85k per year
While physically demanding, carpentry is a service that is always in demand, so you will always be able to find work. You have the choice to work for a company or start your own.
If you’re interested in construction, making tangible things with your own hands, and engineering, this is a great profession to choose.
If you want to attend formal education, you can seek a degree in carpentry at an establishment like Unitec Institute of Technology, Ara Institute of Canterbury, and the Universal College of Learning.
Requirements:
- Complete an apprenticeship, or assess your skills with the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) and gain a New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4)
- Complete a carpentry apprenticeship with the New Zealand Army
- Maths, construction and mechanical technologies, design and visual communication, English, and science to at least NCEA Level 2 is ideal
- National Certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trades (Levels 1 and 2) through the BConstructive programme is recommended
5. Elected Official: $2k (hear me out!) - $300k per year
While positions in the government a) aren’t for everyone, b) are extremely competitive, and c) vary wildly in pay, if you can make it to a good position, you will be able to make a lot of money. And, you need absolutely no prior or formal education!
If you’re well-informed and active in your community, you could start your career in local politics today!
While the smaller elected roles like school board, health board, city council, etc might not pay a lot, they can be stepping stones to a bigger end goal, like being a member of Parliament.
This is a great career path to pursue if you’re passionate about making a difference and being involved in your community.
Of course, you can pursue a degree that will help, like political science, law degree, or economics, but it’s not a prerequisite to running for office.
Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a New Zealand citizen
- te reo Māori, English, economics, and social studies in secondary education are useful
- Prior work in a political or government office is ideal
- Be elected into the position
Other Jobs That Don’t Require University
There are many other exciting jobs with competitive pay that don’t require a degree!
| Role | Salary (NZ$/year) |
|---|---|
| Sales Executive | 122,000 |
| Pilot | 157,000 |
| Business Development Manager | 158,000 |
| Digital Marketing Manager | 132,000 |
| Customer Service Manager | 130,000 |
| Fashion Designer | 127,000 |
| Meetings and Events Manager | 116,000 |
| Restaurant Manager | 118,000 |
| SEO Specialist | 112,000 |
| E-Commerce Specialist | 116,000 |
| Air Traffic Controller | 107,000 |
| Art Director | 91,200 |
| Computer Programmer | 92,200 |
| Translator | 83,800 |
| Real Estate Agent | 80,200 |
| Yoga Instructor | 84,200 |
| Content Writer | 85,200 |
| Web Developer | 84,500 |
| Car Sales | 74,500 |
| Photographer | 54,900 |
| Fitness Trainer | 74,900 |
Data Sourced From: SalaryExplorer.com
Learn everything you need to know about specific topics with a professionally qualified tutor on Superprof. You can also make a decent amount by becoming a tutor, instructor, or coach yourself, either as a side gig or as your full-time profession!
No matter how you go forward with your life, there are plenty of job opportunities and career choices for you to explore.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
With a great work ethic and positive attitude, a career working in an underground mine,weather here in Nz or offshore would see you starting on around 75k to 80k. From there,skilled operators in Nz are 160k to 180k plus on an even time type roster.
how to apply
Hi Kimiaeya,
If you’d like to offer lessons, you can sign up to become a tutor here: https://www.superprof.co.nz/tutor/
If you have any questions, you can reach our team at hellonz@superprof.com
Best,