Discover the highest paying jobs that don’t require a medical degree. Learn about entry-level positions, degree requirements, and average salaries for fields such as architecture, management, information technology, law, engineering, sales and marketing, and science and research.
You probably know that you have to have a medical degree to become a doctor, but did you know that tons of other high-paying jobs don’t require any type of medical degree? If you’re not planning on becoming a physician, then the good news is that there are plenty of different careers that can offer you the kind of income and job security you’re looking for. This list will help you narrow down your options and make an informed decision about what type of career path to pursue next. You never know when this kind of information could come in handy!
| Profession | Degree Required | Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Bachelor’s degree, Licensure | $50,000 – $65,000 |
| Management | Bachelor’s degree | $72,000 |
| Information Technology | Bachelor’s degree, Coding Knowledge | $78,620 |
| Law | Undergraduate degree, Law school | $113,070 – $190,000 |
| Engineering | Degrees in math and science | $97,000 |
| Sales and Marketing | Bachelor’s degree | $58,040 – $72,500 |
| Science and Research | Degrees in engineering, physical sciences, computer science, mathematics, and statistics | $100,000+ |
Page Contents
Consulting
The consulting industry is an increasingly lucrative option for those without MBAs. According to U.S. News & World Report, median salaries for management consultants are high—and salaries are generally higher in areas with concentrations of larger corporations and top consulting firms, such as New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Boston. To become a consultant, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree (preferably in business or economics) and several years of work experience. Consultants may specialize by industry or focus on specific issues within organizations. For example, they might help companies streamline their supply chain or improve their customer service policies. You’ll also need good communication skills and be able to effectively communicate complex ideas both verbally and in writing.
Architecture
Entry-level positions in architecture often require a bachelor’s degree, although some firms are more flexible and offer internships. After obtaining licensure and working as an architect for at least four years, it’s possible to advance to partner or higher-ranking positions. Starting salaries in these jobs can be anywhere from $50,000 to $65,000. There are many types of architecture jobs; here are five examples of residential architects who work on designing private homes and condominiums, while commercial architects focus on office buildings, shopping centers, and other commercial spaces. Industrial architects create factory spaces, warehouses, and other significant manufacturing facilities. Transportation architects design airports, train stations, and bus terminals. Urban planners study traffic patterns to find ways to improve transportation systems within cities.
Management
Often touted as one of America’s best jobs, being a manager pays very well—an average of $72,000 annually. The BLS notes that management jobs are also more widely available; more than 5.6 million people are employed in them, making up 13 percent of all nonfarm private sector positions. You’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree and then obtain relevant experience through an internship or similar job. If you want to be your boss, you can start your own business as a consultant or freelancer; there is no specific degree required for these positions.
Information Technology
Software developer, computer programmer, and software engineer are all good jobs that pay well. The median annual wage is $78,620 (median salary means half of the workers earn more than that amount and half earn less). You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to work in IT; some coding knowledge can also be very helpful. Be sure to ask if any special certifications or prior experience is needed for these jobs. For example, becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) will make you even more marketable as an information security analyst. It costs around $300 to take the exam—but it’s worth it!
Law
Laws are rules of society or government systems used to create societal stability. The law can also refer to people in the legal profession. To become a lawyer, you must obtain an undergraduate degree, pass your state’s bar exam, and complete three years of law school. Lawyers may specialize in different areas such as criminal defense, corporate law, or family law. According to CareerCast, lawyers earn an average salary of $113,070 per year and the top pay is $190,000 annually.
Engineering
If you have an affinity for math and science and aren’t quite sure what to do with it, becoming an engineer might be your best bet. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, engineering jobs are expected to grow 22 percent by 2022 faster than most other occupations with more than half of those positions in computer-related fields such as network management and software development.
Sales and Marketing
Most sales and marketing jobs can be done by anyone with a bachelor’s degree. The median pay for these positions is $58,040 per year. Accountants take in about $65,000 per year. Business operations specialists make up to $72,500 each year. These are just three of many lucrative non-medical jobs that can help you earn top dollar without having to dedicate your life to people who don’t want to be there anyway.
Science and Research
The highest paying non-medical jobs are in science and research. People with degrees in engineering, physical sciences, computer science, mathematics, and statistics make more than $100K per year. Also highly compensated: researchers, chemists, and biochemists. Biomedical engineers, who design medical devices and equipment, earn an average of $105K per year. Chemical engineers bring home around $120K per year. Physical scientists (astronomers, physicists, and geologists) earn an average of $116K annually.
Recommended: What to do after FSC Pre-Medical?
Business Intelligence
At first glance, jobs in data collection and analysis might not sound like high-paying careers. While these positions can pay less than some other occupations, many of them are among the highest-paying jobs for non-medical professions. It all depends on your career goals. If you want to rise through management or enter another related field, non-medical careers may be a good choice because these companies often provide leadership training and mentorship programs.
Mathematics
It’s one of America’s highest-paying jobs that doesn’t require an advanced degree. And it’s not just for Ph.D. candidates anymore—many companies are hiring mathematicians, even if they don’t have an advanced degree in math. These jobs pay more than $72,000 per year on average and can offer benefits like health insurance, stock options, and 401(k) matching. Here are some job titles to get you started: mathematician, statistician, data scientist, financial analyst, or operations research analyst.
Conclusion
This article concludes that you can earn very high wages without having to get a medical degree. Many people make over $100,000 per year in non-medical jobs. Many different careers don’t require a medical degree and pay well. If you are interested in making more money and have always wanted to work in healthcare but didn’t want to go through school for it, then consider some of these highest-paying jobs that don’t require a medical degree.
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