Jobs That Don't Require Uni (Job List and Salaries)

Updated 18 March 2023

There are numerous interesting, high-paying careers you can pursue without a university degree. Many industry sectors employ high school graduates and provide opportunities for advancement. If you're not planning to go to university, and you're looking for a rewarding job that pays well, it's important to understand what your options are. In this article, we introduce and discuss jobs that don't require a university degree and provide you with a comprehensive description of the key duties and salary information for each one.

10 jobs that don't require uni

Here are 10 jobs that don't require uni qualifications such as a bachelor's or master's degree:

1. Massage therapist

National average salary: $55,204 per year

Primary duties: A massage therapist is a professional who uses soft tissue manipulation techniques to treat patients. The pressure and motions they apply to a client's body can soothe pain, improve blood circulation and promote relaxation. To provide the best possible treatment, massage therapists familiarise themselves with their clients by discussing their specific complaints, expectations and medical history. They may also provide after-care advice to optimise the results of massage therapy.

Common requirements: A common requirement for a massage therapist is a Certificate IV in Massage Therapy, but this is often a preference rather than a prerequisite. Some employers may specify other requirements, such as professional indemnity insurance coverage, membership to a professional association, first aid certification or your own massage equipment.

2. Flight attendant

National average salary: $59,184 per year

Primary duties: A flight attendant is responsible for the comfort and safety of passengers on a commercial flight. Their duties include greeting passengers, serving refreshments and meals, distributing and collecting items, such as blankets and pillows, demonstrating safety procedures, enforcing rules and regulations and responding to emergencies. Additionally, they help passengers to manage their carry-on luggage and perform inspections of the cabin before and after flights.

Common requirements: The common requirements of the job include possession of a valid passport, first-aid certification and a Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate. Some employers may prefer candidates with a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.

3. Plumber

National average salary: $77,882 per year

Primary duties: A plumber is a professional tradesperson who installs, maintains and fixes piping systems and fixtures in residential and commercial buildings. The job involves reviewing the blueprints and building specifications of these buildings to ensure the proper placement of pipes and drainage systems. Additional duties include inspecting existing systems to diagnose and troubleshoot problems.

Common requirements: Like many other trade professions, plumbers often begin their careers as apprentices. Pre-apprenticeship training is often helpful for finding work as an apprentice, as is a Certificate III in Plumbing. Obtaining a plumbing licence is the next step after completing an apprenticeship. A valid driving licence is another common requirement.

4. Roofer

National average salary: $80,191 per year

Primary duties: A roofer is a professional tradesperson who builds and maintains the roofs of residential and commercial buildings. They manage various materials on the job, including shingles, metal and asphalt. On new buildings, they're responsible for installing roofs, which involves measuring the area before cutting, aligning and placing materials. In addition to roofing, they also commonly install insulation, ventilation and waterproofing. On existing roofs, they inspect the area, diagnose problems and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance. They may also remove and replace damaged structures.

Common requirements: In addition to completing an apprenticeship, the requirements for becoming a roofer include a valid white card and tickets for working at heights and operating elevated work platforms.

5. Commercial pilot

National average salary: $80,951 per year

Primary duties: A commercial pilot is a professional who transports passengers and cargo via aircraft along planned routes. The job primarily involves navigating the aircraft during flights, operating and monitoring aircraft instruments, communicating with air traffic control, checking aircraft conditions and weights before flying and adhering to safety regulations. They also periodically communicate with passengers via the aircraft's public address system and may direct crew members during emergencies.

Common requirements: There are multiple pathways to becoming a commercial pilot. Airlines may offer cadetship programs that provide the training necessary to operate an aircraft. The Australian Air Force and various private businesses may offer similar training. Completing a specific number of flight hours is among the requirements for a commercial pilot licence.

6. Farm manager

National average salary: $82,419 per year

Primary duties: A farm manager—or agricultural manager—oversees the day-to-day operations of a farm. They commonly work for commercial agricultural entities and can also often find employment with independent farmers. They typically specialise in a particular agricultural segment, such as breeding, dairy or crops. The duties of the job may vary according to the employer but generally include hiring and supervising agricultural employees, developing schedules concerning activities such as feeding and planting, devising budgets and bookkeeping, maintaining records and managing supplies.

Common requirements: Employers of farm managers rarely specify formal education requirements. The ability to demonstrate various technical and soft skills, such as budgeting, management, leadership and communication is typically more important. Relevant work experience and vocational education and training are often advantageous.

7. Electrician

National average salary: $87,711 per year

Primary duties: An electrician is a professional tradesperson who works with electrical wiring. They often contribute to construction projects by installing electrical systems following the completion of a physical structure. They also respond to calls from homeowners and building managers experiencing electrical issues, which involves inspecting existing systems for issues, diagnosing problems and replacing components, such as wires, fixtures, transformers and circuit breakers. Electricians commonly work in both residential and commercial buildings, and there are also specialists who work with electrical components on energy rigs for power companies.

Common requirements: The principal requirements to become an electrician are obtaining a valid electrical licence and completing an apprenticeship under a trained and licensed electrician. Some employers may also require a class C vehicle licence.

8. Senior care worker

National average salary: $96,962 per year

Primary duties: A senior care worker—or aged care worker—is a healthcare professional who provides support and assistance to elderly patients. They commonly work in aged care facilities or the residential homes of their patients. The primary duty of the job is to help elderly patients with daily activities, such as dressing, washing and eating. In cases where the patient is unable to function on their own, the worker may perform such duties for them. Other duties include assessing and applying care plans, overseeing medications and providing companionship.

Common requirements: Some of the common requirements for becoming a senior care worker are a Certificate III in an area such as aged care or individual support, certificates in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and experience working with aging patients. Pursuing volunteering opportunities can help you gain the necessary experience.

9. Construction manager

National average salary: $167,923 per year

Primary duties: A construction manager oversees construction projects. They perform a leadership role at every stage of the project life cycle, from the planning through to the building of a structure. At the beginning of a project, the construction manager meets with the key stakeholders to determine the requirements and specifications. They then acquire and allocate resources, assemble construction teams and negotiate with contractors. During the construction phase, they ensure the teams adhere to the plan and safety regulations.

Common requirements: Some employers prefer construction managers who hold a university degree, while others employ candidates with high school certificates. Relevant work experience in the construction industry is often a more significant factor.

10. Maintenance manager

National average salary: $97,004 per year

Primary duties: A maintenance manager—or facility manager—oversees the care of a property. Their duties cover a broad range of functional areas, including project management, hiring and operations. Many maintenance managers perform maintenance and repair tasks, particularly concerning the structures or installations of a building. They also supervise the activities of employees who assist in the upkeep of a facility and the surrounding grounds. Additional duties may include managing supplies, devising schedules and monitoring the conditions of equipment or machinery.

Common requirements: While a university degree isn't usually necessary, vocational education and training may help improve your prospects. It's also important that you demonstrate high proficiency in communication, leadership and negotiation. Proven experience in property management systems and facility management is often advantageous.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location. Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.