Even if you don't have a college degree, you can still find high-paying jobs — those positions that pay more than $50,000 per year — in many different fields.
"You can usually get trained on the job, or get the training you need online or through a trade school that costs far less than a four-year or advanced degree," said Eric Rosenberg, a personal finance expert at Personal Profitability.
Joining the armed forces is one example. "Join the military, learn your job and get promoted. Within a few years your total compensation will be greater than $50,000," said Doug Nordman, founder of The-Military-Guide.com. "And a few years after that, your salary will be higher than $50,000."
But if serving in the military isn't a viable option for you — yet you want to find a job that will earn you enough money to live comfortably in your city, here are 15 you might qualify for with only a high school diploma or the equivalent.
1. Property, Real Estate and Community Association Managers
2015 median pay: $55,380 per year
If you like real estate, this might be the field for you. Employers generally prefer college graduates, but a high school diploma or the equivalent might be acceptable. You might also need vocational training or a real estate license.
These workers are often self-employed and manage residential, commercial or industrial properties. You could work in an office or onsite, showing properties to potential tenants or buyers, or inspecting properties. You'd need an eye for detail to see whether a property is being maintained properly and has "curb appeal."
2. Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives (Not Technical or Scientific)
2015 median pay: $59,080 per year
A high school diploma is adequate if you sell products that aren't technical or scientific. Otherwise, you might need at least a bachelor's degree.
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These sales personnel negotiate prices and sell goods on behalf of wholesalers or manufacturers. Their customers are businesses, government agencies and other organizations.
Income for wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives varies because it often depends on the quantity of goods they sell.
3. Railroad Workers
2015 median pay: $55,180
A high school diploma or equivalent is required to work for a rail company, especially if you want to be a locomotive engineer or conductor, although you can get hired without a college degree.
Railroad workers have a responsibility to make sure that trains run safely and according to schedule. Workers who don't drive trains might coordinate train activities, operate brakes, signals and switches.
To become a locomotive engineer, you'll need a few months of on-the-job training where you ride with an experienced engineer before you'll be allowed to operate a train on your own.
4. Postal Service Workers
2015 median pay: $56,790
To become a postal service worker, you must have a high school diploma and pass a written exam.
Postal service mail carriers deliver the mail and are required to work outside in nearly all weather conditions. Other postal employees are postal service clerks who sell products such as stamps, as well as mail sorters, processors and processing machine operators who work inside a post office collecting and sorting mail.
Postal service isn't likely to be a growth field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment is projected to decline 28 percent in the 10-year period from 2014 to 2024.
5. Real Estate Brokers
2015 median pay: $56,860
A real estate broker helps customers purchase, sell and rent houses and other residential and commercial properties. Most real estate brokers own their own businesses so it can be a high-paying job you can secure without a college degree.
Real estate brokers must be at least 18 years old, complete real estate courses, pass an exam and hold a license, according to state laws. They might have to pass a background check. Licenses need to be renewed periodically, and continuing education classes might be required.
6. Construction and Building Inspectors
2015 median pay: $57,340
This high-paying job requires employees to have at least a high school diploma plus extensive knowledge of construction. Inspectors also receive on-the-job training. Depending on state and local jurisdiction, you might need a particular license or certification.
Construction and building inspectors are responsible for making sure the work meets the local and national building codes, ordinances, regulations and contract specifications.
7. Police and Detectives
2015 median pay: $60,270
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 21 years old and be able to meet arduous physical demands. In addition, most have to graduate from a police training academy before starting on-the-job training.
Keep in mind that although it's a high-paying job, working in law enforcement can be stressful and dangerous.
8. Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
2015 median pay: $58,530
Stationary engineers and boiler operators receive on-the-job training by more experienced engineers and operators. They might also need to get licenses or pass exams.
These professionals are in charge of controlling stationary engines, boilers or other mechanical equipment. These machines provide utilities for properties such as governmental offices, educational institutions, hospitals or other industrial properties.
9. Boilermakers
2015 median pay: $60,120
Most boilermakers begin their careers as apprentices. If they have prior experience with welding and relevant certification, it's more likely they will be accepted into a training program.
Boilers need to be assembled, installed and repaired by boilermakers They perform these tasks and closed vats and other large containers holding liquids or gasses. It's a high-paying job, but it can be dangerous and demanding.
10. Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners and Investigators
2015 median pay: $63,060
If there's been an accident and someone files an insurance claim, it's the job of the claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners and investigators to evaluate that claim. and determine whether an insurance company must pay.
You'll need a high school diploma or equivalent to get a job as an entry-level claims adjuster, examiner or investigator. If you've worked in an auto repair shop identifying and estimating repair costs, you might be able to get an auto damage appraiser job without a college degree.
11. Farmers, Ranchers and Other Agricultural Managers
2015 median pay: $64,170
Farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers usually learn about the job while working with more experienced farmers, perhaps while on their own family's farm. They also typically have a high school diploma.
Farm employees work on farms and other establishments that produce crops, livestock and dairy products. They might operate dangerous machinery or work with hazardous chemicals.
12. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
2015 median pay: $66,450
You can't learn to become a line installer or repairer overnight. This job requires technical training and long-term on-the-job training, although you can get a job without a college degree. Apprenticeships are also common in this line of work.
Line installers and repairers — also known as line workers — are responsible for installing or repairing electrical power systems. This is a high-paying job, but can be hazardous because line workers work with high-voltage electricity. And it's not the job for you if you're afraid of heights.
13. Gaming Managers
2015 median pay: $68,380
Gaming services workers, including managers, work in casinos — often in hotels — or gambling industries. Shift work is frequent because these workplaces are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Gaming managers manage the gaming operations. They watch both customers and workers to make sure they're complying with the rules of the games and of the casino. They might have to deal with security or customer-related problems.
You might be able to score a gaming manager job with only a high school diploma, but some casinos might require a college degree. This can be a high-paying job, as long as you don’t spend all your earnings at work.
14. Power Plant Operators, Distributors and Dispatchers
2015 median pay: $75,660
Power plant operators, distributors and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electricity from sources such as coal, nuclear fuel, natural gas, hydroelectric and wind and solar power.
It's not surprising that power plant operators, distributors and dispatchers must undergo extensive on-the-job training, including courses and hands-on training. They might have to undergo a background check and drug and alcohol screenings. Operators of nuclear power reactor operators also need a license.
15. Commercial Pilots
2015 median pay: $76,150
Commercial pilots need a high school diploma or equivalent plus a license from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
Instead of working for airlines to transport people and cargo, commercial pilots fly for purposes such as charter flights, rescue operations, firefighting, aerial photography and crop dusting. By definition, their job requires frequent travel.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 15 High-Paying Jobs You Can Get Without a College Degree