Business
Highest-paying jobs that don’t require a degree
College isn’t for everyone, but many people—especially in recent generations—feel pressured to get a degree to achieve success. One recent survey found that at least 4 in 5 high school students (86%) felt this pressure from friends and family, with nearly 3 in 4 (73%) saying their post-high school decisions are determined by a career path.
It is true that lifetime earnings for those with a bachelor’s degree are typically higher than for those with just a high school diploma. But people who don’t graduate college can make a good living. A little over half of workers nationwide don’t have a college degree, and there are many high-paying jobs for them to choose from.
Stacker used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find the 50 highest-paying jobs out of nearly 500 that don’t require a college degree. Jobs are ranked by annual wages; those without annual wages available were not considered. Other experience and training requirements, as well as employment levels and projections, were also included in the analysis but don’t affect the rankings.
College enrollment has dropped off in the last few years after a historic high, partially thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are among those who aren’t sure if college is the best fit for you, whether due to the cost or other factors, you can rest easy knowing there are plenty of career paths available.
Whether you want a technical and mechanical career in repairs or to supervise a retail shop, there are many options for noncollege graduates. Just keep in mind that some of the careers listed here require other forms of education or licensure, including specialized training programs or apprenticeships.
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#50. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
– Median annual wage, 2021: $61,730
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 69.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 52,800
— Expected change by 2031: 1,200 jobs added
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#49. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $61,790
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 74.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 646,800
— Expected change by 2031: 12,200 jobs added
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#48. Real estate brokers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $62,010
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 39.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 123,100
— Expected change by 2031: 7,100 jobs added
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#47. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
– Median annual wage, 2021: $62,060
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 44.6% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 508,000
— Expected change by 2031: 102,600 jobs lost
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#46. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $62,220
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 57.7% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 55,900
— Expected change by 2031: 3,300 jobs lost
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#45. Crane and tower operators
– Median annual wage, 2021: $62,240
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 89.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 45,100
— Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs added
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#44. Insurance appraisers, auto damage
– Median annual wage, 2021: $62,680
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 38.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 13,200
— Expected change by 2031: 700 jobs lost
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#43. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
– Median annual wage, 2021: $62,760
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 76.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 45,700
— Expected change by 2031: 300 jobs added
socrates471 // Shutterstock
#42. Media and communication equipment workers, all other
– Median annual wage, 2021: $63,250
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 40.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Short-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 20,700
— Expected change by 2031: 1,000 jobs added
kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock
#41. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
– Median annual wage, 2021: $63,500
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 67.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 32,500
— Expected change by 2031: 1,300 jobs added
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#40. Wellhead pumpers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $63,740
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 80.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 18,000
— Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs added
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#39. Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $63,840
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 73.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 11,800
— Expected change by 2031: 100 jobs added
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#38. Railroad conductors and yardmasters
– Median annual wage, 2021: $63,960
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 76.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 34,300
— Expected change by 2031: 1,600 jobs added
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#37. Boilermakers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $64,290
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 92.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Apprenticeship
– Number of jobs in 2021: 13,900
— Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs lost
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#36. Fire inspectors and investigators
– Median annual wage, 2021: $64,600
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 54.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: 5 years or more
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 15,500
— Expected change by 2031: 500 jobs added
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#35. Police and sheriff’s patrol officers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $64,610
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 43.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 684,900
— Expected change by 2031: 21,500 jobs added
JL IMAGES // Shutterstock
#34. Transit and railroad police
– Median annual wage, 2021: $64,930
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 43.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 3,500
— Expected change by 2031: 100 jobs added
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#33. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
– Median annual wage, 2021: $65,080
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 38.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 314,300
— Expected change by 2031: 18,300 jobs lost
santi lumubol // Shutterstock
#32. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
– Median annual wage, 2021: $65,380
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 66.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 131,700
— Expected change by 2031: 8,000 jobs added
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#31. Chemical plant and system operators
– Median annual wage, 2021: $70,200
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 76.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 22,400
— Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs lost
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#30. Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators
– Median annual wage, 2021: $70,720
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 80.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 3,000
— Expected change by 2031: No change
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#29. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $71,260
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 72.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 544,700
— Expected change by 2031: 19,800 jobs added
sculpies // Shutterstock
#28. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $72,010
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 81.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: 5 years or more
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 735,500
— Expected change by 2031: 29,900 jobs added
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#27. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $73,060
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 62.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: 5 years or more
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 847,600
— Expected change by 2031: 23,600 jobs lost
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#26. Pile driver operators
– Median annual wage, 2021: $76,260
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 91.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 3,900
— Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs added
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#25. Gambling managers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $76,910
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 47.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 4,100
— Expected change by 2031: 500 jobs added
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#24. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment
– Median annual wage, 2021: $77,250
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 69.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 9,200
— Expected change by 2031: 300 jobs added
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#23. Athletes and sports competitors
– Median annual wage, 2021: $77,300
– Typical education needed: No formal educational credential
— 36.6% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 15,800
— Expected change by 2031: 5,700 jobs added
Christian Lagerek // Shutterstock
#22. Gas plant operators
– Median annual wage, 2021: $77,850
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 76.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 15,300
— Expected change by 2031: 1,400 jobs lost
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#21. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $78,230
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 44.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 82,800
— Expected change by 2031: 3,400 jobs added
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Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#20. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $78,310
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 76.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 126,600
— Expected change by 2031: 4,000 jobs added
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#19. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $79,540
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 76.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 35,300
— Expected change by 2031: 1,000 jobs added
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#18. First-line supervisors of nonretail sales workers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $79,680
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 48.6% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 406,900
— Expected change by 2031: 1,400 jobs lost
APChanel // Shutterstock
#17. Locomotive engineers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $79,740
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 75.7% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 26,600
— Expected change by 2031: 1,300 jobs added
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#16. Transportation inspectors
– Median annual wage, 2021: $79,770
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 64.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 24,900
— Expected change by 2031: 500 jobs added
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#15. Postmasters and mail superintendents
– Median annual wage, 2021: $80,250
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 36.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 12,300
— Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs lost
APChanel // Shutterstock
#14. Signal and track switch repairers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $80,570
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 79.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 6,800
— Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs added
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#13. Power plant operators
– Median annual wage, 2021: $80,850
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 62.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 29,200
— Expected change by 2031: 4,500 jobs lost
wonderlustpicstravel // Shutterstock
#12. Subway and streetcar operators
– Median annual wage, 2021: $81,180
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 73.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 10,600
— Expected change by 2031: 400 jobs added
Igor Kardasov // Shutterstock
#11. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels
– Median annual wage, 2021: $81,640
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 71.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 36,800
— Expected change by 2031: 400 jobs added
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curraheeshutter // Shutterstock
#10. Ship engineers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $82,410
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 75.6% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 7,900
— Expected change by 2031: 100 jobs lost
Prath // Shutterstock
#9. Detectives and criminal investigators
– Median annual wage, 2021: $83,640
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 29.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 112,900
— Expected change by 2031: 800 jobs lost
Suwin // Shutterstock
#8. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
– Median annual wage, 2021: $93,420
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 69.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 22,800
— Expected change by 2031: 1,100 jobs lost
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#7. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $97,860
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 77.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Apprenticeship
– Number of jobs in 2021: 23,200
— Expected change by 2031: 700 jobs added
goodluz // Shutterstock
#6. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $98,230
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 60.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: 5 years or more
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 150,700
— Expected change by 2031: 12,700 jobs added
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#5. Power distributors and dispatchers
– Median annual wage, 2021: $98,530
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 62.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 9,700
— Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs lost
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#4. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
– Median annual wage, 2021: $99,330
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 37.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 132,300
— Expected change by 2031: 3,700 jobs added
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#3. Commercial pilots
– Median annual wage, 2021: $99,640
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 18.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 47,700
— Expected change by 2031: 2,400 jobs added
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
#2. Nuclear power reactor operators
– Median annual wage, 2021: $104,260
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 62.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 4,800
— Expected change by 2031: 1,300 jobs lost
Kokulina // Shutterstock
#1. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
– Median annual wage, 2021: $134,750
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 67.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 4,400
— Expected change by 2031: 300 jobs added
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You walk into a fast-food restaurant on your lunch break. You don’t see a cashier but instead a self-service kiosk, a technology that is becoming the new norm in eateries across the country. The kiosks usually offer customers a menu to scroll through and pictures of meals and specials with prompts to select their food and submit their payment in one place.
Self-service kiosks are big business. In fact, the market for self-service products is expected to grow from a $40.3 billion market value in 2022 to $63 billion by 2027, according to a report from BCC Research. Consumers do have mixed opinions about the kiosks, but about 3 out of 5 surveyed consumers reported that they were likely to use self-service kiosks, according to the National Restaurant Association. The technology, while expensive, can boost businesses’ bottom lines in the long run.
Task Group summarized the rise in digital ordering over the past couple of years, its acceptance among customers, and a cost analysis of adopting the technology.
Self-service kiosks—digital machines or display booths—are generally placed in high-traffic areas. They can be used for different reasons, including navigating a store or promoting a product. Interactive self-service kiosks in particular are meant for consumers to place orders with little to no assistance from employees.
The idea of kiosks isn’t new. The concept of self-service was first introduced in the 1880s when the first types of kiosks appeared as vending machines selling items like gum and postcards. In the present age of technology, the trend of self-service has only grown. Restaurants such as McDonald’s and Starbucks have already tried out cashierless technology.
From a business perspective, the kiosks offer a huge upside. While many employers are looking for workers, they’re having a hard time finding staff. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers struggled with a severe employee shortage. Since then, the problem has continued. In 2022, the National Restaurant Association reported that 65% of restaurant operators didn’t have enough workers on staff to meet consumer demand. With labor shortages running rampant, cashierless technology could help restaurants fill in for the lack of human employees.
The initial investment for the kiosks can be high. The general cost per kiosk is difficult to quantify, with one manufacturer estimating a range of $1,500 to $20,000 per station. However, with the use of kiosks, restaurants may not need as many cashiers or front-end employees, instead reallocating workers’ time to other tasks.
In May 2022, the hourly mean wage for cashiers who worked in restaurants and other eating establishments was $12.99, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Kiosks could cost less money than a cashier in the long run.
But how do the customers themselves feel about the growing trend? According to a Deloitte survey, 62% of respondents report that they were “somewhat likely” to order from a cashierless restaurant if given the chance to do so. The same survey reported that only 19% of respondents had experience with a cashierless restaurant.
What would it mean for society if restaurants did decide to go completely cashierless? Well, millions of positions would likely no longer be necessary. One report suggests 82% of restaurant positions could be replaced by robots, a prospect making automation appealing to owners who can’t find staff to hire.
Due to the ongoing labor shortage, employers have tried raising employee wages. Papa John’s, Texas Roadhouse, and Chipotle were among the restaurant companies that increased employee pay or offered bonuses in an attempt to hire and retain more workers. Meanwhile, some companies have decided to use technology to perform those jobs instead, so that they wouldn’t have to put effort into hiring or focus their existing staff on other roles.
Story editing by Ashleigh Graf and Jeff Inglis. Copy editing by Tim Bruns.
It’s well-documented that the surest, and often best, return on investments comes from playing the long game. But between stocks and real estate, which is the stronger bet?
To find out, financial planning firm Wealth Enhancement Group analyzed data from academic research, Standard and Poor’s, and Nareit to see how real estate compares to stocks as an investment.
Data going back to 1870 shows the well-established power of real estate as a powerful “long-run investment.” From 1870-2015, and after adjusting for inflation, real estate produced an average annual return of 7.05%, compared to 6.89% for equities. These findings, published in the 2019 issue of The Quarterly Journal of Economics, illustrate that stocks can deviate as much as 22% from their average, while housing only spreads out 10%. That’s because despite having comparable returns, stocks are inherently more volatile due to following the whims of the business cycle.
Real estate has inherent benefits, from unlocking cash flow and offering tax breaks to building equity and protecting investors from inflation. Investments here also help to diversify a portfolio, whether via physical properties or a real estate investment trust. Investors can track markets with standard resources that include the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, which tracks residential real estate prices; the Nareit U.S. Real Estate Index, which gathers data on the real estate investment trust, or REIT, industry; and the S&P 500, which tracks the stocks of 500 of the largest companies in the U.S.
High interest rates and a competitive market dampened the flurry of real-estate investments made in the last four years. The rise in interest rates equates to a bigger borrowing cost for investors, which can spell big reductions in profit margins. That, combined with the risk of high vacancies, difficult tenants, or hidden structural problems, can make real estate investing a less attractive option—especially for first-time investors.
Keep reading to learn more about whether real estate is a good investment today and how it stacks up against the stock market.
Wealth Enhancement Group
Stocks and housing have both done well
REITs can offer investors the stability of real estate returns without bidding wars or hefty down payments. A hybrid model of stocks and real estate, REITs allow the average person to invest in businesses that finance or own income-generating properties.
REITs delivered slightly better returns than the S&P 500 over the past 20-, 25-, and 50-year blocks. However, in the short term—the last 10 years, for instance—stocks outperformed REITs with a 12% return versus 9.5%, according to data compiled by The Motley Fool investor publication.
Whether a new normal is emerging that stocks will continue to offer higher REITs remains to be seen.
This year, the S&P 500 reached an all-time high, courtesy of investor enthusiasm in speculative tech such as artificial intelligence. However, just seven tech companies, dubbed “The Magnificent 7,” are responsible for an outsized amount of the S&P’s returns last year, creating worry that there may be a tech bubble.
While indexes keep a pulse on investment performance, they don’t always tell the whole story. The Case-Shiller Index only measures housing prices, for example, which leaves out rental income (profit) or maintenance costs (loss) when calculating the return on residential real estate investment.
Wealth Enhancement Group
Housing returns have been strong globally too
Like its American peers, the global real estate market in industrialized nations offers comparable returns to the international stock market.
Over the long term, returns on stocks in industrialized nations is 7%, including dividends, and 7.2% in global real estate, including rental income some investors receive from properties. Investing internationally may have more risk for American buyers, who are less likely to know local rules and regulations in foreign countries; however, global markets may offer opportunities for a higher return. For instance, Portugal’s real estate market is booming due to international visitors deciding to move there for a better quality of life. Portugal’s housing offers a 6.3% return in the long term, versus only 4.3% for its stock market.
For those with deep enough pockets to stay in, investing in housing will almost always bear out as long as the buyer has enough equity to manage unforeseen expenses and wait out vacancies or slumps in the market. Real estate promises to appreciate over the long term, offers an opportunity to collect rent for income, and allows investors to leverage borrowed capital to increase additional returns on investment.
Above all, though, the diversification of assets is the surest way to guarantee a strong return on investments. Spreading investments across different assets increases potential returns and mitigates risk.
Story editing by Nicole Caldwell. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.
This story originally appeared on Wealth Enhancement Group and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
In today’s digital climate, consuming sports has never been easier. Thanks to a plethora of streaming sites, alternative broadcasts, and advancements to home entertainment systems, the average fan has myriad options to watch and learn about their favorite teams at the touch of a button—all without ever having to leave the couch.
As a result, more and more sports venues have committed to improving and modernizing their facilities and fan experiences to compete with at-home audiences. Consider using mobile ticketing and parking passes, self-service kiosks for entry and ordering food, enhanced video boards, and jumbotrons that supply data analytics and high-definition replays. These innovations and upgrades are meant to draw more revenue and attract various sponsored partners. They also deliver unique and convenient in-person experiences that rival and outmatch traditional ways of enjoying games.
In Los Angeles, the Rams and Chargers’ SoFi Stadium has become the gold standard for football venues. It’s an architectural wonder with closer views, enhanced hospitality, and a translucent roof that cools the stadium’s internal temperature.
The Texas Rangers’ ballpark, Globe Life Field, added field-level suites and lounges that resemble the look and feel of a sports bar. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers are building a new arena (in addition to retail space, team offices, and an outdoor public plaza) that will seat 18,000 people and feature a fan section called The Wall, which will regulate attire and rooting interest.
It’s no longer acceptable to operate with old-school facilities and technology. Just look at Commanders Field (formerly FedExField), home of the Washington Commanders, which has faced criticism for its faulty barriers, leaking ceilings, poor food options, and long lines. Understandably, the team has been attempting to find a new location to build a state-of-the-art stadium and keep up with the demand for high-end amenities.
As more organizations audit their stadiums and arenas and keep up with technological innovations, Uniqode compiled a list of the latest tech advancements to coax—and keep—fans inside venues.
Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register // Getty Images
Just Walk Out technology
After successfully installing its first cashierless grocery store in 2020, Amazon has continued to put its tracking technology into practice.
In 2023, the Seahawks incorporated Just Walk Out technology at various merchandise stores throughout Lumen Field, allowing fans to purchase items with a swipe and scan of their palms.
The radio-frequency identification system, which involves overhead cameras and computer vision, is a substitute for cashiers and eliminates long lines.
RFID is now found in a handful of stadiums and arenas nationwide. These stores have already curbed checkout wait times, eliminated theft, and freed up workers to assist shoppers, according to Jon Jenkins, vice president of Just Walk Out tech.
Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox // Getty Images
Self-serve kiosks
In the same vein as Amazon’s self-scanning technology, self-serve kiosks have become a more integrated part of professional stadiums and arenas over the last few years. Some of these function as top-tier vending machines with canned beers and nonalcoholic drinks, shuffling lines quicker with virtual bartenders capable of spinning cocktails and mixed drinks.
The kiosks extend past beverages, as many college and professional venues have started using them to scan printed and digital tickets for more efficient entrance. It’s an effort to cut down lines and limit the more tedious aspects of in-person attendance, and it’s led various competing kiosk brands to provide their specific conveniences.
Kyle Rivas // Getty Images
Mobile ordering
Is there anything worse than navigating the concourse for food and alcohol and subsequently missing a go-ahead home run, clutch double play, or diving catch?
Within the last few years, more stadiums have eliminated those worries thanks to contactless mobile ordering. Fans can select food and drink items online on their phones to be delivered right to their seats. Nearly half of consumers said mobile app ordering would influence them to make more restaurant purchases, according to a 2020 study at PYMNTS. Another study showed a 22% increase in order size.
Many venues, including Yankee Stadium, have taken notice and now offer personalized deliveries in certain sections and established mobile order pick-up zones throughout the ballpark.
Darrian Traynor // Getty Images
QR codes at seats
Need to remember a player’s name? Want to look up an opponent’s statistics at halftime? The team at Digital Seat Media has you covered.
Thus far, the company has added seat tags to more than 50 venues—including two NFL stadiums—with QR codes to promote more engagement with the product on the field. After scanning the code, fans can access augmented reality features, look up rosters and scores, participate in sponsorship integrations, and answer fan polls on the mobile platform.
Boris Streubel/Getty Images for DFL // Getty Images
Real-time data analytics and generative AI
As more venues look to reinvigorate the in-stadium experience, some have started using generative artificial intelligence and real-time data analytics. Though not used widely yet, generative AI tools can create new content—text, imagery, or music—in conjunction with the game, providing updates, instant replays, and location-based dining suggestions
Last year, the Masters golf tournament even began including AI score projections in its mobile app. Real-time data is streamlining various stadium pitfalls, allowing operation managers to monitor staffing issues at busy food spots, adjust parking flows, and alert custodians to dirty or damaged bathrooms. The data also helps with security measures. Open up an app at a venue like the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, and report safety issues or belligerent fans to help better target disruptions and preserve an enjoyable experience.
Story editing by Nicole Caldwell. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.
This story originally appeared on Uniqode and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
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