Are you looking for a high-paying job, but don’t want to spend years toiling over textbooks to get your bachelor’s degree? If so, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is now hiring for a huge variety of positions that don’t require years of higher education! Click here to look for top-paying jobs at Newark International Airport, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, PATH train services, and many other transportation services. If you’re interested in applying for a job at the Port Authority, click on this link to get started.

Who says you need a bachelor’s degree to earn a decent living? Thousands of working American s have realized that a bachelor’s degree is not for them, and have still managed to find a well-paying and satisfying profession. Take a lesson from millions of happy employees: never under-estimate the value of an associate’s degree or vocational training program.

So, if you want to advance your career and increase your salary, the smartest move that you could make would to invest in some type of training program. Why? The payoffs are huge, and a higher degree could be within your reach in just a few weeks. So, here is our list of the top five top-paying jobs* with the Port Authority that don’t require years of education and thousands of dollars in tuition bills. If you want to be part of one of the nation’s largest airport system, a number of major tunnels and bridges, an interstate rapid-transit system, and the East Coast’s biggest port, check out the list of job opportunities below.

1. Air Traffic Controllers: $117,200

These workers are responsible for making sure that airplanes have a safe landing and takeoff. The median 50% of Air Traffic Controllers earn between $86,000-$142,210, with excellent benefits to boot. If this doesn’t inspire you, keep in mind that these employees are eligible to retire at age 50 with 20 years of service, or after 25 years at any age.

It can be often be stressful to watch blinking dots on a radar screen which controls the lives of thousands of people each day. That’s why Air Traffic Controllers have on-the-job training and specialized FAA schooling. Two to four years of training are typically needed for certification, although any previous experience in the military can cut the time down.

2. First-line Police and Detective Supervisors: $69,300/year

The Port Authority is always looking for a few good men in blue. Police officers can pass through the ranks by passing their exams and gaining good performance reviews. Some advanced training can also help you snag a promotion. Click here to search for law enforcement opportunities at the Port Authority.

3. Accountant, Bookkeeping, and Payroll: $57,020/year

Someone has to keep track of all the money that goes in and out of Port Authority! Accountants and payroll officers help to make sure that the transportation hubs are run efficiently, its public records kept accurately, and its taxes paid on time. They also are responsible for keeping track of other employee’s paychecks.

4. Building Equipment Contractors: $75,200/year

There’s always something to be fixed or constructed at the Port Authority. Building Equipment Contractors are responsible for coordinating a variety of construction projects and overseeing how the assembly is progressing. These contractors often work with engineers, architects, and designers to make sure that construction projects are going according to plan.

5. HVAC (Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installer): $20.53/hour

If you use public transportation, you can definitely tell when the heating and cooling systems aren’t working properly. HVAC technicians work to make sure that all motors, compressors, pumps, fans, ducts, pipes, switches, and thermostats are in proper working order in the ventilation systems. These technicians must know all the ins and outs of the heating and cooling systems in order to diagnose and fix problems.

Despite the recession, the bottom line is that there are lots of job opportunities that can lead to well-paying careers. Whether its law enforcement, accounting, or construction there are jobs out there for you, no matter what your talents or skills may be!

*salary information was compiled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

If you’re currently on the hunt for a new career, be wary of classified ads that promise a high-paying job that doesn’t require any type of higher education or training. Just because a certain job doesn’t officially require a degree, it doesn’t mean that an education wouldn’t be an advantage, especially in today’s competitive economy. So, check out one of the many Top-Colleges vocational programs today!