Nine jobs in SA that don't require degrees

For various reasons, a well-paying job can be a hard thing to come by in South Africa.

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It has always been accepted that if someone does not obtain a tertiary education, they will struggle to find a job and not have much success in life.

All education is important, and one should strive to further one's education as much as possible, but it's not a real possibility for everyone.

This could be due to a lack of finances, interest in these careers that require degrees or other adverse circumstances.

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Additionally, there has been a recent shift towards more skills-based hiring, and employers are looking for practical abilities instead of a formal education.

According to BusinessTech, a good example of an industry using these methods is the tech industry, where positions are now filled by self-taught individuals or people with non-traditional education backgrounds.

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Salaryexplorer.com has compiled a list of the best-paid jobs in SA for which employees don't need a degree.

Here are some of the positions on the list:

1. Cabinet Minister

• Salary: R2,7-million (R225,000 per month)
• In SA, there is no academic qualification requirement for politicians to serve as councillors, members of provincial legislatures, or members of parliament. This includes cabinet ministers and even the president.
• Three current ministers only have Matric: John Steenhuisen (Agriculture), Dean Macpherson (Public Works and Infrastructure) and Gayton Mckenzie (Sports, Arts and Culture)

2. Real Estate Agent

• Average salary: R432,000 (R36,000 per month)
• Salaries range from R187,500 to R4,3-million.
• In this industry, income is commission-based, with opportunities for big paydays.
• Certain qualifications are needed for more senior positions, but entry-level positions are available.

3. Pilot

• Average: R309,500 (R25,800 per month)
• Salaries range from R250,000 to R1-million.
  
• You do not need a degree or prior qualification to start at a flight school.
• Some pilot-related courses and licenses need to be obtained.

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4. SEO Specialist

• Average: R210,000 (R17,500 per month)
• Salaries range from R175,000 to R510,000
• You don't need a degree to become a Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) specialist, but complementary degrees can be helpful.
• SEO professionals often enter the field after obtaining on-the-job experience and completing courses.

5. Air Traffic Controller

• Average: R254,000 (R21,166 per month)
• Salaries range from R240,000 to R560,000
  
• There is a set of specific criteria that need to be met.
• You need a high school diploma or equivalent qualification, proficiency in English, and good spatial awareness and mathematical skills.

6. Content Writer

• Average: R188,000 (R15,700 per month)
• Salaries range from R109,000 to R504,000
  
• No English, journalism or creative writing degree is necessary.
• There are more affordable courses available for training.

7. Photographer

• Average: R150,214 (R12,500 per month)
• Salaries range from R96,000 to R360,000
  
• Does not require formal qualifications.
• There are many different educational paths to follow.
• From short certificate programs to Master's degrees in photography.

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8. Web Developer

• Average: R138,000 (R11,500 per month)
• Salaries range from R179,000 to R570,000
  
• Most software developers have degrees, but not necessary.
• Taking a course and relevant experience is often enough.

9. Car Sales

• Average: R240,000 (R20,000 per month)
• Salaries range from R141,000 to R438,000
  
• Working an entry-level position will help sales representatives receive on-the-job training.
• Many brands and dealerships offer training programs to provide employees with comprehensive knowledge specific to the company.

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Main image courtesy of iStock/Valeria Venezia