Great Pay Without a 4-Year Degree

10 Careers With Easy Entry

Education costs for most of these careers are modest -- you might even pay nothing at all. If you're from a low-income family and between 18-24, you may qualify to receive up to three years of free job training, housing and support services through the federal program Job Corps. National program director Esther Jacobs says Job Corps serves roughly 100,000 students a year.

"We're the best-kept secret in this country," she says.

Otherwise, state-sponsored technical and vocational schools will usually be a cheaper option than private training companies, and many offer financial aid. Most training programs will help you with job placement when you're done, too.

Here's a look at some of the best-paying jobs you can get into fast, listed with their median annual pay rate for someone with three to five years' experience, according to PayScale.com.

Network installers, network administrators, computer systems administrators
If you enjoy tinkering with computers and wireless-network routers, consider this field. The business slowdown may have damped demand a bit, but it'll rebound fast as the economy picks up, says Laurence Shatkin, co-author of "300 Best Jobs Without a Four-Year Degree." Salary: $49,801.

Police officer
Law-and-order types who enjoy working with people might consider a quick career change into law enforcement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports some police departments take candidates right out of high school and let them start with just a few months of training provided by the department, while others require one to two years of police-academy training. $47,485.

Court reporter
This one's a great recession-proof career for those who enjoy courtroom drama. There's great job security as the courts must continue to function in good times or bad, notes author Shatkin. $47,275.

Clinical laboratory technologist
Science nuts who regularly watch "CSI" might want to consider this line of work. Clinical lab techs examine tissue and body fluids under a microscope and test them for diseases. This field is expected to grow as new diagnostic tests continue to be developed, says Shatkin. Entry into the field requires at least a two-year training course from either a technical college or hospital. $47,081.

Heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC) installer
If you enjoy working with your hands, this job's got that, along with the satisfaction of knowing you're helping people stay cool -- or warm. You can earn the required certificate at a community college, private school or online (click here for a list of schools), and get started in just a few months. $44,814.

Computer numerical control
In areas of the country that still have a strong manufacturing base, there's demand for people who can program the robots that do much of today's assembly-line work, says Bryan Albrecht, president of Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. "You need strong analytical decision making skills, where you can diagnose a problem in a machine," he says. $44,629.

Solar energy systems installer
This and many other "green" jobs are hot now, as the recently signed federal stimulus bill put billions into alternative energy and energy conservation. Albrecht reports classes in this field are filling up fast at his college, as a boom in installing solar panels is expected. $44,460.

Correctional officer
Working in prisons can be stressful and hazardous, so it pays pretty well. Corrections can also be a good option for those who want to work the night shift, as prisons must be staffed 24/7. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics report on this occupation notes that local and state prisons may accept high school graduates without further training. $42,795.

Security and fire-alarm systems installers
Demand for security systems, Webcams and fire alarms is increasing, author Shatkin says, because the price of these systems is falling. The National Alarm Association of America says training can be done in less than two weeks and costs under $1,000. $41,417.

Aircraft mechanic
People who enjoy tinkering with their cars -- and live near an airport -- might consider this field, which pays better than automotive repair. Unless Americans suddenly give up their love affair with cheap travel, this field is expected to see continued steady growth. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 170 schools nationwide are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to offer the needed training, which usually takes between 18 months and two years. $39,584.

Your Guide to Career-Fair Success

5 Tips to Get You Through a Day at the Fair

1. Research the fair.

Do you know where the fair is being held? Have you pre-registered? Do you know where to park? Do you know what companies are showing up, and what jobs will be available?

Some fairs are meet-and-greet events only, where you'll only have a brief chat with representatives from various employers. Others incorporate screening interviews of up to 30 minutes.

2. Research the employers and the types of positions they typically have available.

Know the companies well -- check their websites, and don't hesitate to call their HR departments, if possible, for more details.

Also, think positions, not just type of company. If you're looking for accounting positions, don't limit yourself to public accounting firms. All sorts of organizations, including government agencies and nonprofits, need accountants.

3. Arrive early and get the lay of the land.

Many career fairs provide maps of the fair layout. Use your research to plan. Use the map of employer booths to plot your course. You may try a "practice run" with an employer you're moderately interested in.? This will allow you to work out some jitters before you approach your dream employers.

4. Prepare your "elevator speech."

An elevator speech is so named because it's a brief speech about yourself that you could give in the same duration as a typical elevator ride.

In a career fair setting, your elevator speech is perfect: brief and to the point. For example: "Hi, I'm Sue Smith, and I'm a senior accounting major at Minnesota College. I've done a lot of volunteer work, and I'm interested in combining what I've learned in my major with the social service work I've done outside of class. I was excited to see that the United Way has openings for accountants, and I'd love to talk about those openings with you."

Note that Sue has done her homework, and knows where she'd like to fit within the organization. The employer doesn't have the time or the inclination to be your career counselor, and expects you will have done this work prior to arriving at the fair.

5. Think of the fair as a networking extravaganza and follow up with employers that especially interest you.

Plan ahead to follow up. Drop off your resume with employers that interest you, and get a business card from employers you've spoken with. Set aside a few hours after the fair to work on your follow-up correspondence.

Career fairs are an efficient way to meet many employers in a few hours. Plan ahead, do your research, and follow up, and you can make career fairs work for you.

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