More and more people today are questioning the age-old premise that a college degree is necessary to guarantee a well-paying job. There are many attractive professions that do not require further formal education after high-school. The following blog goes over 40 of the highest degree-free paying jobs, what each job entails and skimming through topics like educational level, years of experience, average salary, initial salary, maximum earning potential and expected job openings.
40 Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree in United States
Highest-Paying Jobs
Commercial Pilot
What These People Do: Commercial pilots fly aircraft for activities such as transporting passengers or cargo. They manage safety and flight navigation.
- Qualification: High School Diploma; Commercial Pilot License Required
- Minimum Qualification: Flight time (differ from each job)
- Average Salary: $121,430
- Starting Salary: $45,000
- Highest Salary: $165,000
- New Jobs: → 14,500
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Where They Fit In: These managers are responsible for all logistics related to transporting goods and storage facilities.
- EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience: 5 or more years in logistics
- Average Salary: $94,560
- Starting Salary: $55,000
- Highest Salary: $130,000
- Estimated Job Openings: 13000
Police and Detectives, First-Line Supervisors
What They Do: In law enforcement, they oversee officers and detectives.
- Education: Typically, a high school diploma; training in the police academy.
- Years of Experience: Less than five years
- Average Salary: $91,090
- Starting Salary: $50,000
- Highest Salary: $130,000
- Projected Job Openings: 9,300
See More: 25 High Paying Jobs People Don’t Know About
Power Plant Operators
What They Do: Operators, control, and maintain the machinery that generates electricity.
- Training: No formal training required other than a high school diploma; will train on the job.
- Years of Experience: Varies.
- Average Salary: $85,950
- Starting Salary: $50,000
- Highest Salary: $110,000
- Projected Job Openings: 3,500
Elevator Installers and Repairers
What You Do: Install and service elevators and escalators.
- Education: High school; on-the-job training
- Years of experience: 4 years (traineeship)
- Average Salary: $84,990
- Starting Salary: $50,000
- Highest Salary: $120,000
- Projected Job Openings: 2,200
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
What They Do: Fire crews during emergency response
- Education: High school diploma; fire academy training.
- Experience: Usually need many years as a firefighter
- Average Salary: $77,800
- Starting Salary: $45,000
- Highest Salary: $105,000
- Projected Job Openings: 7,500
Transportation Inspectors
What You Do: Inspectors check transportation systems for compliance with regulations.
- Educational Background: Completion of high school; training while working.
- Years of Experience needed: 0 — None.
- Average Salary: $75,820
- Starting Salary: $45,000
- Highest Salary: $100,000
- Projected Job Openings: 2,800
Theatrical and Performance Makeup Artists
What you do: You put cosmetics to performers in order to present them around a stage or the camera better.
- Education: No formal education necessary; on-the-job training offered
- Experience Required: Varies widely.
- Average Salary: $75,730
- Starting Salary: $30,000
- Highest Salary: $130,000+
- Expected Number of New Jobs: 11% increase anticipated.
First-Line Supervisors of Sales Workers, Non-Retail
The what: They oversee sales teams away from traditional storefronts
- Education: Secondary diploma or equivalent.
- Experience: 5+ years.
- Average Salary: $74,760
- Starting Salary: $40,000
- Highest Salary: $110,000+
- Job Openings Projected Growth: 4% (U.S. talent workforce, jobs projected until 2030)
Petroleum Pump System Operators
The Role: These operators control the flow of oil through pipelines and pumping stations.
- EDUCATION: high school diploma; on the job training necessary.
- Experience: None needed in the beginning.
- Average Salary: $74,180
- Starting Salary: $50,000
- Highest Salary: Over $100,000
- Expected Number of Openings: Around 1% growth
Repairers of Signals and Track Switches
What Do They Do : They check the railway signal system to facilitate safe movement of trains.
- Education : High school diploma; OJT.
- Years of Experience Required : Generally, requires few years in the field.
- Average Salary : $73,890
- Beginning Salary : Approximately $45,000
- Min Salary : $90000 Max Salary : $100000
- Expected Job Openings : Approximately 1%
Lighting and Media Equipment Technicians
What They Do : Install lighting equipment for concerts, films and other events.
- Education: High school diploma; preferably technical training
- Years of Experience : Depends on the size of project
- Average Salary : $73,460
- Annual salary : About $35,000
- Salary : Up to $100,000+
- Expected Job Openings : More than an 8% increase likely.
Farmers and Ranchers
What It Entails : Overseeing farming activities such as production crops or livestock.
- Education : Experience is preferred; no formal education required.
- Experience : Varies considerably depending on size of operation.
- Average Salary : Nearly $70,300
- Salary : Roughly $40,000 per year
- Top Pay : $100,000+ if successful
- Projected Job Openings : Growth subject to market challenges.
Wind Turbine Technicians
Involved: These men and women set up turbines to generate energy and service them.
- Education : Secondary diploma; technician preparation or associate degree preferably.
- Years of Experience : No experience required; training provided.
- Average Salary : About $53,880
- Base salary : roughly $38,000
- MAX SALARY : Approximately $74K
- Future Jobs → Increase of ~61% in the next 10 years.
Sheet Metal Workers
What They Do : Makes and fits a range of products using thin sheets of metal – e.g. ducts for heating & cooling systems
- Education : High school diploma; those who complete an apprenticeship.
- Work Experience : Usually requires several years via apprenticeship programs.
- Average Salary : $53,580 almost
- Junior level salary – About 35000 dollars
- Top Pay : Approximately $80,000+ depending on field of specialisation.
- Estimated New Jobs : Growth rate expected to be about 8%.
Chefs or Head Cooks
What You Do: Cook food in hotels or other food service providers while also overseeing kitchen staff
- Education: Not formal education required; culinary training is a plus but not a must.
- Work Experience : Pretty Inconsistent depending on the type of establishment.
- Average Salary: As of Jan. 2017, $51,530
- Starting Pay: Approximately $30,000
- Salary : Top approx $90,000+ location and restaurant dependent.
- Annual Openings : Growth(6% about)
Insurance Sales Agents
What Is Involved: Agents sell different kinds of insurance policies to their clients, also helping them understand coverage plans to assist customers in making an informed purchase.
- Education: High school diploma; requires licensing in the majority of states.
- Experience – No previous experience is required but, as in any other sales position, it helps.
- Mean Annual Salary: $52,240
- Salary Range : ~$30,000
- Top Pay : $100,000+ based on commissions from sales
- Anticipated Job Openings : Growth rate of nearly 8% is predicted.
Real Estate Agents
How it Works — A real estate agent assists buyers, sellers and/or renters in transactions by navigating them through the complicated process involved.
- Education High school diploma; real estate license needed after passing state exams
- Experience — Usually none, but the more success in sales you have under your belt, the higher commissions you tend to accumulate.
- Average Salary $51,220
- Entry Level Salary No Less Than $30,000
- Top Salary Greater than $100,000+ / depending on market conditions and commission structure of the sales transactions.
- 30,400 annual projected openings expected growth of ~3%
Court Reporters
What Is It? During legal proceedings, court reporters use steno machines or digital recording devices to produce verbatim transcripts.
- Additionally, education occurs primarily through certificates rather than degrees.
- It does not require experience in the beginning however, the more you practice and get familiar with the instruments, and equipment then much quality job can be obtained later on down the road.
- Typical Salary Around $61,660
- Entry Level Salary $35,000
- Top End Salary From $90,000+ dependant on workload quantity completed over time & skill level attained through practicum/work experience accumulated during this career path choice overall during life cycle!
- Job Openings Projected growth aprox %9
Electricians
Job Description: Electricians include all levels of electrical work in homes and businesses, emphasis is on code compliance and doing so in a safe manner.
- Education: A high school diploma plus an apprenticeship program.
- Required Experience: Requires several years through apprenticeship programs.
- Median Salary: ~$56,900
- Initial Earnings Potential: Approximately $35,000
- Top Salary: $90,000+ in certain areas of specialty
- Job Openings Projected: MORE THAN %8 GROWTH
Employment of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
What the Job Entails: These workers install and repair piping systems that carry water, gas, and other liquids in homes and businesses.
- Education: High school diploma; apprenticeship programs are mandatory.
- Average Experience: 4-5 years via apprenticeship “{}”
- Average Salary: $56,330
- Starting Salary: $35,000
- Top Salary — $90,000+.
- New Jobs Openings 5% projected growth
HVAC Technicians
What the Work Entails: HVAC engineers will put in and fix home heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
- This job normally requires a high school diploma but many times vocational training or certification preferred.
- Years of experience: 1-2 Years Следующая форма управления Средний уровень
- Average Salary: $50,590
- Starting Salary: $30,000
- Maximum Earnings: Minimum $75,000+
- Modern Job Openings: 4% development expected.
Web Developers
What It’s Like: As a web developer, the work includes designing and developing websites while ensuring both aesthetics and functionality work together, such that they increase user experience.
- Education: Generally high school diploma, many are self-taught or finish coding boot camps.
- Years Of Experience: Varies significantly; entry-level positions available
- Average Salary: $77,200
- Starting Salary: $45,000
- Maximum Salary: 120,000+
- Job Opportunities: Anticipated to increase by 8%.
Computer Support Specialists
What You Do: These professionals help users who are facing technical issues related to their computer hardware or software.
- Inspiration: High school diploma, an associate degree or certifications may be needed for some positions.
- Entry-level (all positions) / availability improves with experience.
- Average Salary: $53,470
- Starting Salary: $35,000
- Salary: $80,000+ / Highest Salary
- Projected Employment: 8% increase projected.
Real Estate Brokers
What They Do: Brokers can be more involved in real estate transactions than agents, or just manage real estate agents.
- Education: High school diploma; license as a broker to be completed after taking state tests
- What Is the Years of Experience Requirement: Usually needs several years as a real estate agent.
- Average Salary: $60,370
- Starting Salary: $30,000
- Salary: Base $150, + depending on sales volume
- Job Openings Projection: an estimated growth of 3%.
Firefighters
Days Like These: Firefighters respond to emergency calls to put out fires and rescue people trapped in life-threatening situations.
- Education: Minimum high school diploma; fire academy training needed.
- Experience: There are no compulsory years but it is advisable to have few, enhances your chances of being promoted.
- Average Salary: $52,500
- Starting Salary: $30,000
- Maximum Wage: $90,000+ Per Annum
- Expected Job Growth: 6% increase projected.
Wind Turbine Service Technicians.
This job includes: These techs ensure optimal performance for wind energy by maintaining and repairing turbines.
- Education: High school diploma; technical training is preferred.
- Experience Required: No experience is necessary, training will be conducted on the job.
- Average Salary: $56,230
- Starting Salary: $38,000
- Pays: $80,000+ per year
- New Jobs Forecasted: 61% increase
Commercial Divers
What It Entails Commercial divers work underwater — think welding or inspecting structures like bridges and pipelines. Education No formal education but must have a diving school Certificate
- Years of Experience Level of experience: Very Dependent on Specialization
- Average Salary around $54,750
- Beginning Pay Equivalent To $30,000
- Top method salary Related to $100,000+ gebaseerd op venture intricacy.
- Number of projected job openings Likely increase near 13%.
Sales Representatives (Wholesale and Manufacturing)
Sales representatives sell products for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals.
- Educational background High school diploma is generally needed; sales experience can be helpful.
- Experience Required No experience necessary at first, but ultimately the ability to make sales means commissions earned years down the road.
- Average Salary About $60,350
- Entry-Level Salary Approximately $35,000
- Base Salary Up to $100,000+ (depending on commission structure on sales made throughout career)!
- Outlook for Employment Growth will be approximately 3 %
Casino Gaming Managers
What It Entails: These individuals are responsible for the operation of gaming facilities inside casinos such as staff management and regulatory compliance.
- Education: Required – High school diploma or equivalent Preferred – Exposure to General Education experience for Gaming Operations
- Length of Experience: Often needs multiple years in the gaming sector.
- The resulting average wage: Nearly $59,240
- Starting Annual Salary: About $40,000 per anum
- Top Pay: Upwards of $100,000+ depending on the size of the casino.
- Job Openings Projected Growth: ~%
Advertising Sales Agents
How it works: They trade advertising space in print publications and digital platforms.
- Qualifications: Most telephone sales jobs require a high school diploma or its equivalent, although experience in sales may also be helpful.
- Years of Experience: Minimal; if successful, you could make more commission with each sale over the years.
- Average Wage: About $50,600
- Graduation Salary: Near $30k
- Maximum Salary: $100k+ per year — based on commission earned… throughout your sales-life!
- Job Openings Projection: Anticipated growth of %4
Home Inspectors
What It Entails: Home inspectors check out the condition of properties that people plan to buy.
- Education: No formal education needed, but has certification programs
- Experience: It varies all over the place based on the market
- Average paycheck: about $55,200
- Starting Salary: Approximately $35,000
- Top Pay: $90,000+ plus range depending on volume of inspections done per year
- Job Openings Projected to Grow: About %7
Construction Managers
What is right for you: Construction managers oversee a building project from start to finish, while also monitoring safety standards.
- Education: A high school diploma is typically needed for this career, but experience in construction trades may be helpful.
- Work experience: You need several years of work in construction-related occupations before employment is available for you to move up
- Annual Average :485,937.77 ($89, Jackson, MS
- Base Salary: Approximately $50,000
- MAX Salary: $130K+ depending on successful project management over time!
- Rate of projected job openings: around %8 growth
Heavy Equipment Operators
The job: Operators drive heavy equipment like bulldozers or cranes for building projects.
- Education: High school diploma usually required; vocational training preferred
- Work experience: Not mandatory but work experience makes it easier to get a job.
- Median Salary: About $49,990
- Base Salary: In the range of $35,000
- Top-Earning Potential: Over $80k+ depending upon management specialization area engaged throughout entire career path journey!
- Openings Projected: Continued growth approximately %10.
Medical Assistants
What It Entails: Medical assistants work in places like hospitals or clinics and help with both administrative and clinical tasks.
- Education: Certification programs exist, but a high school diploma is typically required.
- Work Experience: Entry-level jobs can be found without prior experience but having some in advance does help in getting more jobs later on!
- Average Salary: About $37190
- Approximate Starting Salary: About $28,000
- In-Career Specialization Salary Potential: Over $50,000+ depending on overall field specialization within career path!,
- Job Openings: Growing %23 nationwide from 2019 to 2029 due to the overall rise in demand for healthcare services!
Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics
What Is Involved: Aircraft mechanics also ensure that planes are safe to fly by inspecting, repairing and maintaining aircraft systems and components.
- Education — High school; technical school or apprenticeship completion preferred.
- Training Required: Often takes 2-3 years of experience on the job
- Average Salary: $66,440
- Starting Salary: $40,000
- Maximum Salary: $100,000+
- Change in Employment: 7% projected growth
Personal Financial Advisors
What Is Involved: As a personal financial advisor, you will work with clients to manage their investments, savings, and retirement planning.
- Education: High school diploma; many have professional designations including Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Experience Required: Entry-level but experience is highly valued
- Average Salary: $89,330
- Starting Salary: $45,000
- Top Salary: $150,000 Wealth +
- Job Openings Projected: 5% growth rate predicted.
Electric Power Line Installers and Repairers
Why It Matters: Workers in this field install and repair electrical power systems that provide electricity to residences and businesses.
- Education: High school diploma; must complete apprenticeship programs
- Range of Years in Experience: Minimum 3–4 years via apprenticeship.
- Average Salary: $69,380
- Starting Salary: $40,000
- Max Salary : $100,000 +
- Estimated Number of Job Opportunities: 8% Increase
Massage Therapists
What They Do: Massage therapists work on clients to treat pain, relieve stress, or promote relaxation through therapeutic massage.
- Education: High school diploma; completion of a massage therapy program.
- Therapists years of experience: Entry-level positions are common
- Average Salary: $47,620
- Starting Salary: $30,000
- Top Salary: $80,000+.
- Job growth projection: 21% increase anticipated.
Court Clerks
Covering the Basics: Court clerks oversee the administrative functions of a court, which includes everything from record maintenance to hearing scheduling.
- Education:Required; a high school diploma or equivalentSome jobsmight require that the employee has an associate degree
- Work Experience: Entry level, but experience may improve employment prospects.
- Average Salary: $43,560
- Starting Salary: $30,000
- Maximum Annual Salary: $70,000+
- Job Openings Projection: 6% growth anticipated
Conclusion
There are plenty of high-paying careers available today that do not require a college degree. From traditional trades such as electricians and plumbers to emerging careers in technology and renewable energy, the options at your disposal can provide not only high earning potential but also rewarding job fulfillment.
We hope that you will reflect upon your career choices whether or not there was a path available that would have been meaningful to you utilizing your skill set and passion for the creation of lucrative work. Entering the workforce for the very first time, or trying to find a career change down the street in life, these high-paying jobs that DO NOT require a four-year level can lead great opportunities without having student debt! So open your arms to what is in store ahead of you; your future may be right around the corner with one these hitec high paying jobs!
