12 Cool Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree

Longshoreman

Ron Hernandez works as a longshoreman at MaHer Terminals in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Loading and unloading cargo on ships may sound repetitive, but there are benefits to working in a port or dock. Your inner child may revel in operating huge machinery—which is exactly what a longshoreman does. Hernandez says, ‘I enjoy using big machines.

‘ MaHer is a 24-hr operation where teams work virtually nonstop, loading and unloading car parts, appliances, refrigerated goods, and almost anything else you can think of. Hernandez says, ‘It’s one of those jobs I didn’t think I’d love until I started doing it.’ Hernandez has an associates degree in graphic design but acknowledges the college life wasn’t for him. If this sounds like you too, check out 15 jobs you can land without a four-year degree.Formerly in the military, Hernandez found work as a longshoreman after hearing his company was looking to hire veterans. One of the best parts of the gig? It’s not an office job. Hernandez describes his terminal workplace as a small city or it’s own Legoland, where everyone works together.

The gig is also pretty lucrative. His starting salary was $60,000 per year and he’ll likely increase to $80,000 by his third year. There’s an element of service to the role as people rely on the goods that longshoreman process every day. Handling cargo provides a daily sense of accomplishment, says Hernandez. ‘I like the grit of it, doing what you have to do to get these jobs done.’ Salary: According to PayScale.com, the average salary for a longshoreman is around $98,000. Suggested skills: physical strength, hand/eye coordination, stamina, detail-oriented, cooperation, ability to multi-task