16 High-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require Prior Experience (UPS Pays $170K for #10)

It can be hard sometimes to find a job you like that also lets you get ahead financially, especially if you don't have much prior experience.

However, some positions require no prior experience to get started. For others, you can get an apprenticeship and learn on the job to gain experience.

Check out the details at UPS and these other positions that pay well without any prior experience in the field to see if one might be right for you.

Editor's note: All median annual salaries are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), unless otherwise noted. 

Median annual salary: $67,130

Flight attendants provide service on airlines and are prepared to respond to emergencies. 

You can become a flight attendant after completing training from an airline training program, and you have to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Becoming a flight attendant can also be a great way to step up your travel game.

Median annual salary: $57,870

Postal workers sort and deliver mail and packages. You need to pass a written exam to qualify and generally need a high school diploma, but it's not required. Training on how to sort and deliver mail is on the job.

Median annual salary: $79,140

Aircraft equipment mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft. You may be responsible for emergency repairs or caring for scheduled maintenance to keep planes flying safely.

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Median annual salary: $64,310

Telecommunications technicians can install, maintain, and repair equipment used for radio, internet, and other forms of communication. You usually need at least a high school diploma or an associate's degree to get hired as a technician.

Median annual salary: $62,580

Green jobs are becoming more popular, and you may be able to find one without prior experience in the field. 

One option is a wind turbine technician who repairs and maintains wind turbines that generate electricity. These positions usually receive on-the-job training.

Median annual salary: $62,970

Plumbers are responsible for taking care of pipe fixtures and systems. You can install and maintain pipes or be called to repair plumbing issues that arise for customers. 

Plumbers can learn how to do the job with apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training. 

Median annual salary: $59,530

Firefighters are trained to respond to emergencies in a community, like fires, accidents, and other emergencies that threaten the public's safety. Most firefighters attend an academy before working in a firehouse.

Median annual salary: $61,300

A graphic designer creates visual art to communicate ideas for clients who are trying to reach customers with a particular message. 

You usually need a bachelor's degree, but you can become a freelance designer without previous graphic design experience.

Median annual salary: $74,100

Sales representatives are responsible for selling goods and services to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. 

You will generally need at least a high school diploma for the position, but you can learn about the different features of a product and how to properly sell it with on-the-job training.

The median annual salary can be affected by commissions, which may be part of your compensation package.

Median annual salary: $170,000

A UPS driver went viral on TikTok for showing how much he earns. His paycheck showed that he earned $1,300 on a 42-hour workweek for a job that didn't require previous experience. 

The recent union agreement with UPS provides opportunities for full-time UPS drivers to make an average of $170,000 per year at the end of a 5-year contract. 

Median annual salary: $61,550

Computer support specialists can help customers troubleshoot and fix computer and related equipment issues. Although at least an associate degree is helpful, it's not necessary to get a job as a specialist.

Median annual salary: $62,350

Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems needed to provide electricity to businesses, homes, and other locations. 

To become an electrician, you may have to attend a technical school or get on-the-job training.

Median annual salary: $61,940

Ironworkers work on the structural and reinforcing iron needed for buildings, bridges, and roads. You may be required to work at high elevations or on physically demanding projects.

Median annual salary: $72,270

Writers can create a variety of projects based on written words, such as articles, blog posts, social media posts, and other media, to convey a message to clients. 

Writers may be able to get a job, particularly on a freelance basis, without needing previous experience. 

Median annual salary: $58,960

Real estate brokers can help clients buy, sell, or rent property. You can work in residential real estate, working with homebuyers and home sellers, or in commercial real estate, dealing with businesses.

Commissions can affect the median annual salary. 

Median annual salary: $76,790

A claims adjuster is responsible for reviewing insurance claims and appraising the insured property based on damages or other issues the insurance company needs to address. 

You usually need a high school diploma, and some automotive experience is helpful if you're an auto insurance claims adjuster.

High-paying job options indeed exist, even if it's in a field you haven't tried before. If you're willing to do something new, you could earn more money than you expected, avoid costly education expenses, and build a career in a field that interests you.

It's important to do additional research before you make a job switch to see if there are things you need to do to make yourself stand out, such as earning a certification or finding a way to get into a trade or apprenticeship program.