High-paying jobs in South Africa that don’t require a degree

We’ve put together a list of the highest-paying jobs in South Africa that don’t require a degree, as poverty and unemployment remain widespread in the country. According to Statista, April 2024’s unemployment rate of 33.5% makes South Africa’s the highest amongst the G20 countries. Beyond that, there are more concerning unemployment statistics in 2024 to try and understand.

Like the fact that the unemployment rate for black South Africans sits at 37%, but only 8% for white South Africans. Moreover, 61% of residents aged 18-24 are unemployed, while 42% of South Africans between the ages of 25 and 34 are jobless. Plus, joblessness in 2024 is on the increase in the three provinces: Gauteng, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape.

JOBS THAT DON’T NEED A DEGREE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Therefore, we wanted to find out which are the top-paying jobs that don’t need a degree in South Africa. According to Business Tech, having a degree is no longer a prerequisite for many jobs in South Africa. Basically, you can still enjoy a fulfilling and lucrative career even if you didn’t attend university. Moreover, employers are moving towards more skills-based hiring, prioritising practical expertise over formal qualifications. Basically, if you prove you’re the best candidate for the job, it doesn’t matter what qualifications you have. As we shall now explain …

1. POLITICS

Unarguably, the top-paying jobs that don’t need a degree in South Africa are in politics. No academic qualifications are needed to serve in the provincial legislature or as a member of parliament. In time, this career path can lead to being a cabinet ministers and even the president. Currently, out of 32 cabinet ministers, only 26 have a formal degree. And President Cyril Ramaphosa took more than a decade to get his law degree at UNISA, before becoming a billionaire in private business.

2. ESTATE AGENT

As far as jobs that don’t need a degree in South Afica, estate agents earn on average R40 000 per month. The completely commission-based earning structure means there is lots of money to be made through the country’s housing boom. Even modest houses are selling for millions of rands, but you will need to complete a NQF4 RE and Professional Designation Examination (PDE4) qualification.

3. ELECTRICIAN, LOCKSMITH AND PLUMBER

Skilled trades like electricians, locksmiths and plumbers – or ‘tradies’ as the Australians famously call them – are integral jobs anywhere in the world. You don’t need a degree, but you do need to qualify through suitable vocational training and apprenticeships that provide hands-on skills. Average salaries sit in the R30 000 to R40 000 range, providing stable employment and the freedom to work for yourself and run your own business.

4. POLICE OFFICER

Pulling in R37 500 on average each month across the force, a police officer is one of the jobs that don’t need a degree in South Africa. However, bravery is top of the list, and you will need a Senior Certificate or a SAQA accredited level 4 qualification. From there you will be enlisted into the South African Police Service and undergo Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP). If you survive that, a long career awaits …

5. PILOT

Flying a plane is one of the most exciting jobs that doesn’t need a degree in South Africa. However, obtaining a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), along with medical certificates and theoretical knowledge required is expensive and does take a long time. More often than not people study part time to become a pilot through flight school. However, once you attain your qualifications, the sky is quite literally the limit as to how high you can take your career.

6. CAR SALESPERSON

The job classifieds are full of ads for new and used car sales positions. Sales and business acumen is beneficial, but all sales representatives receive on-the-job training by working in entry-level positions. All you need is detailed knowledge on the brands and vehicles you’re working with. As well as technical and methodological understanding of vehicle financing agreements, etc … And much like commission-based estate agents, if you work hard, there’s no ceiling to your earning potential.