Times are changing. A college degree is not what it once was. It used to be almost an absolute if you were going to have a good paying job, but not any longer. Now there are self-employed people all over the world who are making a lot more money than they could have in corporate america. And the exciting thing is that while a college degree may help, it definitely is not a requirement to start a business.

And even if the entrepreneurship thing isn't up your alley, there are plenty of jobs that offer top pay without having a 4-year college degree. Some of them may require some experience, techincal certificates, or other things to prove your worth. 

Becoming an Air traffic controller might not be a bad gig at all. You sit in the air conditioning and make sure that planes don't run into each other. It is actually a pretty high-stress job that many people don't want, but they get paid very well with an average salary of $102,030.

Funeral directors also get paid very well making an average of $79,517 a year. Probably one of the main reasons this job doesn't require a degree is because it requires a special kind of person. You need to be someone who is compassionate and genuinely cares about people.

It would be tough having every workday be filled with grief, which is probably why they get paid so well.

If you are good with computers you could use your skills and become a Computer technical support specialist. This is really a great job for those kids who can't get enough of computers, but never really enjoyed the college thing. It can be a job that pays very well with an average salary of $67,689.

Becoming an operations manager probably requires that you work your way through the ranks of the department. While it may be a job offering top pay, ($77,839) it may take a while to get to it. You should probably expect to work in the department at least 5-10 years before having a shot at a managerial position. And even that depends on the company. Some may take a lot longer.

Don't press the big red button! All kidding aside, this is a serious job. Remember Chernobyl? If you are working at a Nuclear power plant you may not need a degree for some positions, but you will likely have to be special kind of person. Not one who is going to be tossing a football in the control room!  They also make a nice living, making an average of $64,090 each year.

A little bit of detail of their daily duties...

"Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.

Record operating data such as the results of surveillance tests.

Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls, and report these conditions to supervisors.

Monitor and operate boilers, turbines, wells, and auxiliary power plant equipment.

Monitor all systems for normal running conditions, performing activities such as checking gauges to assess output or assess the effects of generator loading on other equipment."

If you like cleaning teeth, maybe becoming a Dental hygienist could be for you. They get paid nicely with an average of $59,790 each year.

The real estate industry has a lot of potential for those without college degrees. You still have to work hard, but Real Estate Brokers make an average of $58,000 each year. Some making quite a bit more.

Also working as a Real Estate Agent can be a very lucrative career. A few years ago we saw everyone and their brother becoming real estate agents and then with the housing crash a lot of them moved on to other fields. As the housing market turns around this may be a good time to consider real estate.

Installing elevators could be fun! It would be great for a very "hands on" type of person who wants to get their hands dirty. I assume it would require some kind of technical schooling, but who knows! They make great money as well with an average of $58,710 a year.

I know a few girls who design clothes and jewelry and it really can be a top-paying job if you are good at it. You probably know pretty quickly if this is the career for you - if you already enjoy doing this type of thing and/or if you love reading fashion magazines, etc.  While the average salary is $55,840 - there are surely many who make a lot more and a lot less.

This seems like one of those jobs that the TV makes look more exciting than it actually is. Honestly it would be very hard work dealing with criminals on a daily basis, but you get well compensated with an average of $53,990 if you can handle it.