The next big industry to make your career. No college degree needed for 100k yearly after 3/4 years in the industry.

The Next Big Opportunity: A Lucrative Career Without a College Degree

If you’re looking for a career path that offers the potential for a six-figure salary without the need for a college degree, listen up! Graduating high school is a standard expectation in the U.S., not something that only a select few can achieve.

From 2008 to 2012, I focused solely on classroom work, consistently passing my tests with A’s and B’s. I graduated with a GPA below 1.0 and just 12 college credits, having taken several AP tests where I scored a 3 on most and a 2 on US and world history. Upon graduating, I battled with addiction, withdrawing the very day I received my diploma.

Since then, I’ve invested about $5,000 into technical training and certifications, which haven’t directly contributed to my current career as a freelance AV technician and A1. I’m currently in my fourth year in this industry, and I can confidently say that experience outweighs formal education here.

A degree from a school like Full Sail University won’t necessarily guarantee a higher starting salary; often, you’ll find yourself in entry-level positions earning $15-$25 an hour. However, if you demonstrate your reliability and adaptability in this field, particularly in the DC metro area, you can earn a minimum of $35-$40 an hour as an AV tech by your third year. My rate as an A1 starts at $50 an hour for walk-ins and goes up to $65 for setup and mixing.

In this industry, it’s standard to work 10-hour days or 5-hour half days, and you’ll be compensated for at least five hours even if you only work for two on a job. For out-of-town gigs, companies cover transportation, lodging, and give daily per diem allowances.

During 2023 and 2024, I worked for 6-10 different companies both as a W-2 employee and a 1099 contractor. I earned an average of $2,000-$2,500 per week from February to Halloween, and $1,500-$1,800 during the rest of the year, primarily in corporate AV, while still dipping into the music side.

No degree or certifications required—just my on-the-job experience and resume get me hired. Usually, companies don’t negotiate my rates, and I find myself working out of town about two weeks each month for week-long conventions, taking home consistent paychecks of $200-$2,500 alongside additional per diem for meals.

This career isn’t just a job for me; it’s a passion. Loving what you do is crucial for happiness—if you disagree, perhaps you’ve yet to find a job you genuinely enjoy.

My experience over the last four years illustrates that a college degree is not necessary. It merely indicates a level of commitment—not much else! Those student loans can become burdensome when you realize they don’t equate to immediate employment or higher pay. Whether it’s a union job or an expensive certification, everyone starts at the same level and must prove themselves along the way.

In 2024, I earned around $110,000, and as I approached my 30th birthday, I welcomed my first daughter into the world. The beginning of 2025 has been promising, bringing in over $10,000 per month. I’m planning to propose to my girlfriend soon, and I aim to spend $25,000 on a ring when the right moment arrives.

If you have any questions or want to know how to get started in this industry, don’t hesitate to reach out! If you’re in the DMV area, I might even hire you at $150-$200 to help me set up gear for a gig. If you show interest and dedication, I’d be glad to help you secure a position in this amazing field.

Best,
Jesse Milstead
A1 & AV Technician