42 High-Earning Careers, No College Degree Required

These 42 high-paying careers cover a range of fields and skills, but they have one thing in common – they don’t require a college degree.

Do you need a four-year bachelor’s degree to score a high-paying job? More and more the answer seems to be no. Employers are seeing “skills gaps” — or the need for talented employees — in well-paying professions across the board. Many expanding, challenging job fields don’t require a bachelor’s degree from entry-level candidates. Instead, employers consider skills, competencies, and commitment.

We’ve rounded up 42 well-compensated careers that don’t require a college degree (or, at least, a four-year-degree). Each job is in a stable or growing industry, which means plenty of opportunities in the near future.

Some jobs on this list require an associate’s or two-year degree. But these degrees are almost always less expensive than bachelor’s degrees. You can work part-time while going to school and possibly get an employer to underwrite some of your education if it’s career-centered.

Salary details represent a projected annual salary as of May 2021. Each figure is the median or average annual salary you can expect to make on the job — in many cases, you can earn a lot more after several years’ experience.

Job outlooks indicate whether opportunities are expected to grow or decline in the field over the next 10 years. These are broad estimates; if a field is declining, there could still be plenty of open jobs in your area.

The salary stats are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

What’s Ahead:

For Math, Statistics, and Technology Buffs

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician

The pay: $73,580.
The outlook: Growing at a 9% rate.
The training: For most employers, you’ll need an associate’s degree in an engineering-related field. A certificate program may also be an option.
The details: You’ll run equipment that tests and produces aircraft and spacecraft.

Engineering Technician (Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil)

Electrical

The pay: $63,640.
The outlook: 2% growth expected.
The training: Associate’s degree.
The details: You’ll help develop, test, and repair electrical equipment, like computers and navigational tools.

Mechanical

The pay: $60,460.
The outlook: 6% growth expected.
The training: Associate’s degree.
The details: You’ll help mechanical engineers develop engines, tools, and industrial machines.

Civil

The pay: $58,320.
The outlook: 2% growth expected.
The training: Associate’s degree.
The details: You’ll help civil engineers design bridges, highways, utilities, and other important infrastructure.

For Tinkerers and People Who Love To Fix Things

Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer

The pay: $97,860.
The outlook: Growing at a 6% rate.
The training: High school diploma and apprenticeship. Licenses are required in most states.
The details: You’ll install and maintain escalators, elevators, and moving walkways.

Wind Turbine Technician

The pay: $56,260.
The outlook: This field is hot — it’s growing at a 68% rate!
The training: Technical school and on-the-job training.
The details: You’ll install, maintain, and repair wind turbines.

Electrician

The pay: $60,040.
The outlook: Growing at a 9% rate.
The training: High school diploma or equivalent, apprenticeship.
The details: Electricity keeps the world going. You’ll wire buildings for electrical power and maintain lighting and communications systems.

Electrical Power Line Installers and Repairers

The pay: $78,310.
The outlook: No change expected.
The training: Apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
The details: You’ll install and fix electric power systems and telecommunications cables.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) Mechanic

The pay: $48,630.
The outlook: Growing at a 5% rate.
The training: Some postsecondary education or an apprenticeship is recommended. A license may be required.
The details: You’ll fix appliances like heating and air conditioning systems.

Plumber/Pipefitter

The pay: $59,880.
The outlook: 5% growth expected.
The training: Apprenticeship or trade school. Local license usually required.
The details: You’ll install and repair pipes.

For Builders

Carpenter

The pay: $48,260.
The outlook: 2% growth expected.
The training: High school diploma or equivalent, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.
The details: You’ll be building and repairing both outdoors and indoors, on small and large scales. If you enjoy working independently, this could be a great fit — many carpenters run their own businesses.

Structural Iron and Steel Worker

The pay: $58,550.
The outlook: 6% growth expected.
The training: Apprenticeship and on-the-job training.
The details: You’ll install iron and steel for roads and buildings.

Insulation Contractor

The pay: $53,440.
The outlook: 4% growth expected.
The training: High school diploma, apprenticeship and on-the-job training.
The details: You’ll install materials used to insulate buildings.

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

The pay: $47,670.
The outlook: 52% growth expected — this field is growing quickly!
The training: High school diploma and on-the-job training.
The details: You’ll set up rooftop systems that convert sunlight into energy.

For Medicine and Medical Science Enthusiasts

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist

The pay: $77,360.
The outlook: 9% growth expected.
The training: Associate’s degree and experience in healthcare or a related field. Certification is usually preferred.
The details: You’ll operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners in hospitals or other healthcare facilities.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

The pay: $78,760.
The outlook: 8% growth expected.
The training: This job requires more formal training than most on this list — an associate’s degree from a nuclear medicine technology program, certification, and, in some cases, licensing.
The details: You’ll prepare and administer radioactive drugs for healthcare patients.

Hearing Aid Specialist

The pay: $59,500.
The outlook: 11% growth expected — faster than average.
The training: High school diploma and on-the-job training.
The details: You’ll select and assess hearing aids for patients and give hearing tests.

Registered Nurse

The pay: $77,600.
The outlook: 9% growth expected.
The training: Associate’s degree or diploma from nursing program. Licensing is required.
The details: You provide care for patients in healthcare settings. Nurses work in all kinds of places besides hospitals — schools, doctors’ offices, outpatient clinics, even the military.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

The pay: $77,740.
The outlook: 14% growth — much faster than average.
The training: Associate’s degree or postsecondary certificate, along with certification.
The details: You’ll operate ultrasound imaging equipment in healthcare facilities.

Dental Hygienist

The pay: $77,810.
The outlook: 11% growth expected, faster than average.
The training: Associate’s degree. Licensing required.
The details: You clean teeth and check patients for signs of oral disease.

Radiation Therapist

The pay: $82,790.
The outlook: 9% growth expected.
The training: Associate’s degree, certification and licensing required.
The details: You’ll give radiation treatment to cancer patients.

For Problem Solvers

Detective/Criminal Investigator

The pay: $83,640.
The outlook: 7% growth expected.
The training: Associate’s degree and/or some college coursework preferred. Graduation from a training academy. Most detectives and criminal investigators begin as police or patrol officers.
The details: You’ll build cases against suspected criminals by gathering facts and collecting evidence. Despite TV portrayals, this isn’t a glamorous job — it’s physically demanding work with long hours.

Paralegal/Legal Assistant

The pay: $56,230.
The outlook: 12% growth expected — faster than average.
The training: Associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
The details: You’ll help lawyers with research, document drafting, and administrative duties.

For Fans of Transit and Travel

Railroad Worker

The pay: $64,150.
The outlook: 5% growth expected.
The training: High school diploma, on-the-job training.
The details: You’ll keep passenger and freight trains running smoothly by driving trains or coordinating train activity.

Signal and Track Switch Repairer

The pay: $80,570.
The outlook: 6% growth expected.
The training: High school diploma, on-the-job training.
The details: You’ll be in charge of the gate crossings, track signals, switches, and other systems that keep railroads running.

Subway and Streetcar Operator

The pay: $81,180.
The outlook: 10% growth expected.
The training: High school diploma, on-the-job training.
The details: You’ll operate subways, trains, and streetcars in urban settings.

Water Transportation Worker

The pay: $62,760.
The outlook: 12% growth expected, faster than average.
The training: For some jobs, a Coast Guard-approved training program may be required.
The details: You’ll operate boats that carry passengers or cargo.

Air Traffic Controller

The pay: $129,750.
The outlook: 4% growth expected.
The training: Associate’s degree from the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative. Long-term on-the-job training including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exams.
The details: You monitor and direct aircraft to ensure safe passage of each plane. This is one of the best-paid jobs on the list, but it requires the most specialized training, and it’s a hyper-competitive field.

Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline)

The pay: $99,640.
The outlook: 13% growth expected, faster than average.
The training: High school diploma or equivalent. Commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). On-the-job training.
The details: You fly non-scheduled routes and charter flights, give aerial tours, and may fly for medical services and evacuations.

Transportation/Storage/Distribution Manager

The pay: $98,230.
The outlook: 8% growth expected.
The training: High school diploma or equivalent. Five years of on-the-job experience usually required. Industry certification usually required.
The details: You’ll manage the transportation of all kinds of goods around the country. The best way to get a manager position is to start out in logistics, transportation, or supply chain operations and learn on the job.

For Computer Aficionados

Web Developer

The pay: $77,200.
The outlook: 13% growth expected, faster than average.
The training: High school diploma or associate’s degree. Prior knowledge of programming required.
The details: You’ll build and maintain websites and web applications — including their look, their technical aspects, and sometimes their content.

IT (Information Technology) or Computer Support Specialist

The pay: $57,910.
The outlook: 9% growth expected.
The training: Associate’s degree, some college coursework, or certifications. Continuous on-the-job training.
The details: You’ll help people and offices troubleshoot their computer equipment.

Network Systems Administrator

The pay: $80,600.
The outlook: 5% growth expected.
The training: Some postsecondary education or an associate’s degree usually required.
The details: You’ll handle the daily needs of organizations’ data communications systems by installing and supporting hardware and software networks.

For the People Person

Funeral Home Manager

The pay: $74,000.
The outlook: 4% job growth expected.
The training: Associate’s degree in funeral service or mortuary science is usually required. Licensing is required.
The details: You’ll organize funeral services and help people honor their deceased loved ones.

First-Line Supervisor of Non-Retail Sales Workers

The pay: $79,680.
The outlook: 5% decline projected.
The training: High school diploma, some work experience in sales.
The details: You’ll be in charge of sales representatives working in non-retail settings.

Theatrical and Performance Makeup Artist

The pay: $134,750.
The outlook: 37% growth expected — this is a hot field!
The training: Some postsecondary education recommended.
The details: You’ll apply makeup to theater and film performers to get them ready for their roles.

Advertising Sales Agent

The pay: $52,340.
The outlook: 3% growth expected.
The training: High school diploma.
The details: You’ll sell advertising space to individuals and businesses.

Insurance Sales Agent

The pay: $49,840.
The outlook: 7% growth expected.
The training: High school diploma and state licensing required.
The details: You’ll sell one or more types of insurance to customers.

Real Estate Sales Agent

The pay: $48,340.
The outlook: 4% growth expected.
The training: High school diploma or equivalent. Real estate license required, including courses and an exam. On-the-job training.
The details: Help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. You’ll be self-employed and work with a real estate broker.

Flight Attendant

The pay: $61,640.
The outlook: 30% growth expected; this field is growing quickly!
The training: High school diploma or equivalent. Moderate on-the-job training. Certification from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required.
The details: Fly around the world while ensuring passengers’ safety and comfort.

Other High-Paying Careers with No Degree Required

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

The pay: $79,540.
The outlook: 6% growth expected.
The training: High school diploma and on-the-job training.
The details: You’ll operate oil or petroleum units.

Firefighter

The pay: $50,700.
The outlook: 8% growth expected.
The training: High school diploma and emergency medical services training. Emergency medical technician (EMT) certification may also be required.
The details: You’ll control fires and respond to fire emergencies.

Summary

There are plenty of careers that don’t require a college degree.

Just because you aren’t paying for a college education doesn’t mean you won’t learn anything. You’ll need to acquire training, specialized skills, and plenty of practice. But the payoff is a uniquely valuable skill set — and most likely a much higher salary down the road.

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Amy Bergen