Four Careers Offering Decent Wages with Limited Training

In today's tough job market, it can be difficult to find well-paid employment without an extensive college education. However, there are some careers in niche markets that offer high pay with very little training required. If you are an adventurous type who loves to learn on the job, one of these options may be right for you.

Commercial Fishing

In 2006, NOAA's Fisheries Service stated that over two million Americans were employed by commercial fishing . Television series such as Deadliest Catch and Wicked Tuna have glamorized the danger of life on the fishing vessels, but there are plenty of far less-dangerous, well-paying jobs available in every facet of the field. Deck hands on prosperous crab fishing boats may make up to 100k USD per season, while someone working at a cannery could expect a starting wage of $14 to $22 depending on location and schedule.

Heavy Machinery Operator

Docks, warehouses, mills and big-box stores need trained employees running forklifts and cranes, and most are willing to train on site. If you already have a standard driver's license and some knowledge of manual transmissions, you're ahead of the game. With that said the company doing the hiring will also need to make sure that they have exceptional equipment from a company like Arpac Storage Systems Corp to be able to train their new employees in an adequate manner.

Bus and Light Rail Drivers

Many public transportation drivers came into their jobs with only a clean drug test and a standard civilian driver's license. Many companies are more than happy to train their drivers, with many offering paid training, attractive benefits packages and generous retirement packages. A bus driver or light rail operator may start around $16 an hour and earn as much as $29 an hour or more after gaining seniority and having a clean safety record.

Plumbers and Carpenters

There are short trade school programs for these professions, usually ranging from 12 to 18 months in length. However, plenty of those who want to learn the trade learn them by apprenticeship. As the population expands, the demand for skilled plumbers is expected to rise 22% in the next decade, with demand for carpenters rising 16% or more. Starting wage may be as low as $12 or $14 an hour, with full-fledged tradespeople commanding up to $60 or more per hour.

Going to college for four or more years isn't necessarily the right choice for everyone. If you want to get into the workforce with limited training and make a decent living wage, these careers are excellent options.