Career Options for High Paying Office Jobs without a Degree
Office staff with degrees are typically eligible for higher paying career options, while staff without degrees may not earn as much. However, there are several positions available that do not require postsecondary training beyond a certificate and offer a higher than average salary, which was $41,950 per year for office and administrative support workers as of 2020, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Some of these occupations are profiled below.
| Job Title | Average Salary | Job Outlook (2019-2029)* |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks | $45,070 (2020)* | -2% (decline) |
| Medical Records and Health Information Technicians | $48,270 (2020)* | 8% |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks | $44,100 (2020)* | -6% (decline) |
| Brokerage Clerks | $58,460 (2020)* | 4% |
| Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks | $48,290 (2020)* | -4% (decline) |
| Legal Secretaries | $52,750 (2020)* | -22% (decline) |
| Conflicts Analysts | $53,596 (2021)** | -1% (legal support workers, all other) |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; **PayScale.com
Career Information for High Paying Office Jobs without a Degree
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
Insurance claims and policy processing clerks can usually find jobs with a high school diploma. These professionals enjoyed an average annual salary of $45,070 in 2020, according to the BLS. Their job duties include gathering information for insurance claims and entering it into databases, completing claim forms and processing applications for claims payments.
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
According to the BLS, medical records and health information technicians earned an average income of $48,270 in 2020. They are responsible for updating and recording health information. They also compile data for medical research related to how effective treatment options are. Medical records and health information technicians are usually required to have a postsecondary certificate.
Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks
Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks work on financial documents and keep records of transactions made by companies. A postsecondary certificate that includes courses in math and teaches students how to use accounting software can prepare individuals to pursue this career. It's also possible to enter this field with a high school diploma in some cases. In 2020, these clerks' average annual income was $44,100.
Brokerage Clerks
The average annual salary of $58,460 that the BLS reported for brokerage clerks in 2020 makes this one of the most lucrative office jobs that can be pursued without a degree. A high school diploma and on-the-job training are required to become a brokerage clerk. Brokerage clerks work as assistants to financial investors and prepare documents needed to complete financial transactions, such as purchasing or selling stocks.
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Payroll and timekeeping clerks are responsible for ensuring records of hours worked are kept and that staff are paid. They do not need formal postsecondary training and can pursue this occupation with a high school diploma; math and computer skills will be an asset. The BLS indicated that in 2020 payroll and timekeeping clerks enjoyed an average annual salary of $48,290.
Legal Secretaries
Legal secretaries took home an average annual salary of $52,750 in 2020, according to the BLS, which is one of the highest salaries available to office workers who do not need a degree. Legal secretaries can prepare for their careers by earning a high school diploma or completing vocational training. Training in computers and legal terminology is an asset to those seeking work in this field. Legal secretaries perform routine office tasks, such as filing and answering phones, and also prepare legal documents.
Conflicts Analysts
Conflicts analysts create and maintain records of potential conflicts of interest for law firms. When customers enquire about representation or people apply for jobs with a firm, it is analysts' responsibility to determine if there would be a conflict of interest with an existing case or client. Although some employers prefer applicants with a degree, it is possible to pursue this career with work experience in a law firm and a high school diploma or GED. With PayScale.com reporting an average salary of $53,596 in 2021, conflicts analysts are highly paid office workers.
