In today’s dynamic job market, many high-paying careers , does not require a college degree. Whether you’re looking to switch careers or start fresh, there are numerous opportunities that offer substantial salaries without the need for a four-year degree. Here, we explore some of the highest paying jobs without a degree, highlighting key roles, their benefits, and how you can get started.
Just because you didn’t earn a bachelor’s degree doesn’t mean you can’t earn big. Not all high-paying jobs require a college degree; many look for skills, experience and background knowledge in place of a university education. Our list of the Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree features the best jobs that don’t have a degree requirement and yield the highest earning potential. Check out which high paying job without a degree may be the right fit for you. For more information on how we rank, read the Best Jobs Methodology.
List of Highest Paying Jobs without a degree
Commercial Pilot
Average Salary: $134,630 per year
Commercial pilots fly aircraft for airlines, charter companies, and other organizations. While becoming a commercial pilot requires rigorous training and certification, it does not necessitate a college degree. Pilots enjoy high salaries, travel opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Education requirements: Vocational training or Associate’s degree
- Work experience: None, but FAA certifications and flight hours are required
Read More: Airline and commercial pilot
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager
Average Salary: $105,580 per year
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution manager oversee the transportation, storage, and distribution of goods. They ensure that products are delivered efficiently and on time. Strong organizational and leadership skills are essential for this role, which offers excellent earning potential and job stability.
- Educational requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; certification programs beneficial
- Work experience: Five years in a related field
Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer
Average Salary: $97,860 per year
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers are responsible for assembling, installing, and maintaining elevators, escalators, and other lifts. This job requires technical skills and often involves an apprenticeship, but it does not require a college degree. The role offers high pay and job security.
- Educational requirements: High school diploma or GED
- Work experience: Apprenticeship
Real estate agent
Primary duties: A real estate agent helps their clients buy, sell or rent properties, and depending on the market they work in, a career in real estate can be among the highest-paying careers in any context. Real estate agents prepare buildings for sale, conduct open houses, negotiate sales prices, attend home inspections and advise clients on market trends.
- Education requirements: Pass real estate license exam
- National average salary: $100,503 per year
Read more: Learn About Being a Real Estate Agent
Physical therapist assistant
Primary duties: A physical therapist assistant helps patients recover from an injury or illness. Job duties include instructing patients and their families regarding at-home rehabilitation, therapeutic massage, ultrasound therapy and prosthetic rehabilitation. An associate’s program along with proper certification is typically required to enter this profession.
- Education requirements: Two-year physical therapist assistant program
- National average salary: $83,152 per year
Read more: Learn About Being a Physical Therapist Assistant
Aircraft mechanic
Primary duties: With a median pay above $65,000, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, aircraft mechanics are among the highest earners without a degree. Aircraft mechanics are responsible for keeping aircraft safe and in top operating condition. They inspect planes for damage, perform required maintenance and make repairs. Aircraft mechanics also keep detailed logs on plane maintenance and repairs.
- Education requirements: Federal Aviation Association certification
- National average salary: $82,610 per year
Read more: How To Start a Career as an Aircraft Mechanic
Web Developer
Average Salary: $77,200 per year
Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look, functionality, and performance of websites. Many web developers are self-taught or have completed coding bootcamps, making this a viable option for those without a degree. The demand for web developers continues to grow, offering lucrative salaries and flexible work options.
- Educational requirements: Ranging from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree (education requirements vary by employer)
- Work experience: None.
Police Officer
Police officers protect and serve communities, enforce laws, and ensure public safety. While the job can be demanding and requires passing a police academy training program, it does not require a college degree. Police officers often receive competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
- Educational requirements: High school diploma, police training academy for an entry-level position. Detective work might require some college coursework or a degree.
- Work experience: Police academy and on-the-job training.
Electrician
Average Salary: $56,900 per year
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories. This trade requires technical training and an apprenticeship but not a college degree. Electricians are in high demand, and the job offers good pay, job security, and opportunities for self-employment.
- Educational requirements: High school diploma
- Work experience: Apprenticeship program and licensing (varies by state)
Read More: What is an Electrician?
Sales Representative
Average Salary: $65,420 per year
Sales representatives sell products and services to businesses and consumers. They often work on commission, which can lead to high earnings for successful salespeople. This role requires strong communication and negotiation skills but does not require a degree.
- Education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Read More: Learn about Sales representatives
Licensed practical nurse(LPN)
Primary duties: Among the highest-paying jobs you can pursue without a four-year degree is that of an LPN. As a licensed practical nurse, you’ll work with registered nurses (RNs) and doctors to provide patient care. LPNs take vital signs, maintain medical records, change bandages, insert catheters and bathe patients among their duties. While this job requires a specific license and training, including challenging coursework in the sciences, it can be worthwhile for those who want to work in the medical field.
- Education requirements: LPN program lasting 12 to 24 months
- National average salary: $59,652 per year
Read more: Learn About Being a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Plumber
- Median pay: $61,550
- Education needed: high school diploma, apprenticeship
- Job growth rate: 2%
Plumbers install and repair piping systems in homes, factories and businesses. Because plumbers often respond to urgent calls (nothing is worse than a busted toilet!), they’re expected to occasionally work nights and weekends.
Firefighter
- Median pay: $57,120
- Education needed: postsecondary nondegree award
- Job growth rate: 4%
Lots of kids dream of becoming a firefighter when they’re wondering what to do with their lives when they grow up. Because honestly, firefighters are heroes! They rescue people, animals, buildings and the environment by extinguishing dangerous fires. Becoming a firefighter is a competitive process and will also likely require becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT).
Carpenter
- Median pay: $56,350
- Education needed: high school diploma, apprenticeship
- Job growth rate: 1%
This age-old profession isn’t growing much, but it’s not going away either. It’s a solid choice for people who like to create beautiful and functional things with their hands. Carpenters learn by working with a master of the trade in a formal or informal apprenticeship.
How to Get Started
- Identify Your Interests and Skills: Consider what you enjoy doing and where your strengths lie. This will help you choose a career that suits you.
- Research Training Programs: Many high-paying jobs without a degree require specific training or certification. Look for vocational schools, apprenticeships, or online courses that can provide the necessary skills.
- Gain Experience: Entry-level positions, internships, or volunteer work can provide valuable experience and help you build a network in your chosen field.
- Leverage Online Resources: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn list numerous job opportunities and provide insights into salary expectations and job requirements.
What Career Is Right for You?
Don’t get me wrong—going to college may very well be the best path for you to pursue a career that lets you use your talents, perform your passions, and create results you care deeply about.
But it also may not be, and I want you to be open to that possibility.
College degrees have become a status symbol, and we’ve been told that we’re set up to fail in our careers if we don’t have one, or that we’re “less than” if we take a different route after high school. Don’t listen to that garbage, folks! The jobs we just looked at—and plenty of others—are proof that you can excel and be fulfilled without a degree.
Tips for your job search
Here are some tips if you’re looking for a high-paying job and don’t have a four-year degree:
- Start with certain fields: High paying Jobs in the technology, customer service, administration and medical assistance fields often only require a high school diploma, industry certification or on-the-job experience.
- Focus your studies: Note that for jobs in the medical field, many require some additional schooling, often requiring you to perform well in science courses. On the other hand, some other careers instead may require manual labor or some finesse in mechanical thinking.
- Get some training. Give yourself a competitive edge by exploring online learning, on-the-job training, apprenticeships and/or certificate programs. Many of these programs are flexible, allowing students to continue working full-time simultaneously.
- Modify your resume. When you don’t have a bachelor’s degree or higher, make sure your resume showcases your skills. Personalize your resume so that it includes skills listed on the job posting for the position you’re applying to.
- Research potential employers. Learn as much as you can about prospective employers before going in for an interview. Use websites, professional publications and articles to learn about a company’s mission, policies and structure.
Conclusion
High paying jobs without a degree are more accessible than ever. By identifying your interests, gaining the necessary skills, and leveraging available resources, you can embark on a rewarding career path without the need for a traditional college degree.