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Although college is a great way to invest in yourself, it’s not for everyone. A college degree may be a stepping stone to overall success, but 43.5 million Americans have also left college with an average of $37,574 in federal student loan debt.
Check out the 40 highest-paying jobs without a degree to find an alternative path to professional and financial success.
Jump down to the infographic for a visual of the top-paying jobs.
Note: We used the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics median salary data from 2021, The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, and Career OneStop occupation profiles (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor) to compile this list and infographic. Projected jobs are the number of annual jobs expected to be created through 2031 for positions.
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- Theatrical performance makeup artists
- Commercial pilots
- Police and detective supervisors
- Transportation, storage and distribution managers
- Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
- Subway and streetcar operators
- Power plant operators
- Postmaster
- Transportation inspectors
- Nonretail sales supervisors
- Electrical powerline installers and repairers
- Firefighting supervisors
- Agricultural managers
- Construction and extraction supervisors
- Mechanic supervisors
- Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
- Insurance appraisers
- Police officers
- Fire inspectors
- Stationary engineers and boiler operators
- Lighting, media and communication equipment professionals
- Correctional supervisors
- Executive assistants
- Production and operations supervisors
- Construction and building inspectors
- Flight attendant
- Court reporters
- Electricians
- Hearing aid specialists
- Food service managers
- Property managers
- Structural iron and steel workers
- Wind turbine technicians
- Sheet metal workers
- Chefs or head cooks
- Insurance sales agents
- Real estate agents
- Airfield operations specialists
- Farm labor contractors
- Solar photovoltaic installers
1. Theatrical performance makeup artists
Makeup artists who apply makeup for theatrical performances are compensated generously for their work and artistry. Theatrical makeup artists generally use makeup to convey a certain period or setting that enhances the performer and their role. Their craft requires them to have precision in their work when duplicating looks for characters on a regular basis, and they specialize in using a variety of materials to achieve their looks.
- Education: Postsecondary certificate
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $134,750
- Projected job openings: 700
2. Commercial pilots
While airline pilots typically need a bachelor’s degree, commercial pilots perform a similar job without one. Commercial pilots operate and fly aircraft, such as helicopters and airplanes, that aren’t affiliated with airlines. Unlike airline pilots, commercial pilots generally perform unscheduled flights such as charter flights and aerial tours.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, commercial pilot’s license
- Years of experience: One to 12 months of on-the-job training
- Median income: $99,640
- Projected job openings: 6,300
3. Police and detective supervisors
First-line supervisors of police and detectives directly oversee detectives and police officers and offer expertise in coordinating the investigation of criminal cases. They’re also known as police captains and shift supervisors.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Years of experience: Less than five years
- Median income: $99,330
- Projected job openings: 9,300
4. Transportation, storage and distribution managers
This highest-paying job without a degree involves all activities relating to the planning and coordination of distribution, transportation or storage.
Tasks include planning and implementing warehouse safety, supervising shipping, receiving, storing and testing of products, as well as integrating logistics with business operations.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Years of experience: Five or more years
- Median income: $98,230
- Projected job openings: 14,200
5. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
Installers and repairers of elevators and escalators are tasked with fixing, maintaining and installing lifts and movable walkways. This occupation requires workers to work at tall heights and in cramped spaces but compensates well. Start your path to becoming an elevator and escalator installer or repairer by obtaining a high school diploma and gaining experience with an apprenticeship.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent and apprenticeship
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $97,860
- Projected job openings: 2,100
6. Subway and streetcar operators
With just a high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training, you can operate subways, suburban trains or streetcars. As a streetcar or subway operator, you transport passengers by operating the train or streetcar controls, driving and regulating the vehicle on a railway and conducting emergency procedures when necessary.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $81,180
- Projected job openings: 1,200
7. Power plant operators
A power plant operator is one of the highest paying jobs without a degree. Main responsibilities include controlling, operating or maintaining machinery that generates electric power to the grid. A power plant operation is a highly technical job — it doesn’t require education beyond your high school diploma. Instead, the skills needed to be successful in this position are taught on the job.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $80,850
- Projected job openings: 2,100
8. Postmaster
A postmaster, also known as a mail superintendent, is a supervisory role that plans, directs and coordinates for operational, administrative and support services of a U.S. post office. While this job doesn’t require further education, it does require experience. Since this is a managerial role, you may have to work your way up the position from other administrative positions within the U.S. Postal Service.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
- Years of experience: Less than five years
- Median income: $80,250
- Projected job openings: 900
9. Transportation inspectors
Another transportation career with a high salary and no degree requirement is a transportation inspector. This job is responsible for inspecting products or equipment that is involved in the transportation of people or cargo. Inspectors can specialize in freight, rail transportation or other vehicles. Duties include inspecting shipments for security, recording freight conditions and handling, observing loading for compliance and offering expertise when stowing heavy or dangerous cargo. If you’re interested in transportation, and management isn’t for you, this role is a well-paying alternative to being a transportation manager.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $79,770
- Projected job openings: 2,800
10. Nonretail sales supervisors
In this role, individuals supervise nonretail sales workers and may also take on budgeting and accounting responsibilities. Nonretail sales supervisors manage their staff and offer guidance in hitting sales goals and resolving problems regarding services or products.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Years of experience: Less than five years
- Median income: $79,680
- Projected job openings: 37,100
11. Electrical powerline installers and repairers
This career consists of maintaining and installing the power grid, and entry-level positions require a high school diploma. Electrical power-line installers install power-line networks, and repairers service high-voltage lines and towers or even street and traffic lights. Typical duties include inspecting power lines, identifying defects in the power grid and climbing poles to string power lines. These electrical line installers and repairers work in dangerous conditions off of the ground and with high-voltage electricity. This risk may be balanced by the strong projected job growth and compensation.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $78,310
- Projected job openings: 11,100
12. Firefighting supervisors
Supervisors in this career are responsible for overseeing and coordinating the work of firefighters and any others involved in fire prevention and control. Firefighting supervisors function as leaders of their crew and are involved in communicating fire details to all personnel, administering medical services, assessing fires and strategically assigning firefighters to rescue and extinguish fires. You can work your way up to this supervisory position in less than five years and start earning well above the average American income.
- Education: Postsecondary nondegree award, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: Less than five years
- Median income: $78,230
- Projected job openings: 6,500
13. Agricultural managers
Agricultural managers, farmers and ranchers make a good salary producing livestock, dairy or crops. This occupation typically needs a high school diploma to get started, but as farm management grows more complex, a secondary degree may be necessary. Agricultural manager positions could begin to decline as farms become more efficient.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Years of experience: 5 or more years
- Median income: $73,060
- Projected job openings: 85,600
14. Construction and extraction supervisors
Construction and extraction worker supervisors coordinate and inspect work activities and ensure that safety standards are met on work sites. It typically takes five or more years of experience in extraction or other construction trade to reach this role. However, with this area growing at 4% through 2031, once you have the experience, there may be plenty of job openings.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Years of experience: Five or more years
- Median income: $72,010
- Projected job opening: 72,700
15. Mechanic supervisors
This role is in charge of supervising the work of mechanics, repairers or installers. Mechanic supervisors deal with scheduling and assigning work based on an employee’s skills, reviewing work performance, maintaining safety procedures and investigating accidents. It takes less than five years of experience to reach a supervisory level, and with a 4% projected job growth rate through 2031, it may be possible to grow into this role quickly.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Years of experience: Less than five years
- Median income: $71,260
- Projected job openings: 53,500
16. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians perform routine maintenance or make repairs to aircraft. After completing high school, mechanics and technicians can get technical training and complete a certification course at an aviation technician school that is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Another pathway is to start training on the job with supervision in order to gain enough experience to become certified. Responsibilities include fixing electrical or mechanical issues and repairing parts relating to the brakes, wings and other electrical components.
- Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $65,380
- Projected job openings: 11,500
17. Insurance appraisers
An insurance appraiser evaluates and investigates insurance claims. An insurance appraiser can work in a specific insurance field, such as auto insurance or home insurance, to settle insurance claims and determine whether the insurance policy covers the loss.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $65,080
- Projected job openings: 22,300
18. Police officers
If you’re at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma and valid driver’s license, and are a U.S. citizen, becoming a police officer is a career option. In addition to those eligibility requirements, written and physical exams must be passed before becoming a cadet. Police cadets typically attend a training academy to learn about federal, state and local laws, civil rights and ethics. They’ll also receive on-the-job training to be able to perform duties such as traffic control, self-defense, first aid, patrol and emergency response.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $64,610
- Projected job openings: 58,700
19. Fire inspectors
Generally, fire inspectors and investigators have a background in fighting fires and have postsecondary training from that field. With that being said, a high school diploma and on-the-job training provide the basic foundation you need to get started. Fire inspectors identify fire hazards, ensure fire codes are met, test fire extinguishing systems, review evacuation plans, and offer education on fire safety. Investigators are tasked with analyzing evidence from fires, documenting it, and determining the cause and origin. If you’re interested in this field, either route could earn a median salary above $60,000.
- Education: Postsecondary certificate, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: Five or more years
- Median income: $64,600
- Projected job openings: 1,500
20. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
Boiler operators and stationary engineers are responsible for operating mechanical equipment, such as boilers and stationary engines. To qualify for a job in this role, you will need a high school diploma and will learn your trade through long-term on-the-job training. An apprenticeship will also help you get the experience you need and yield natural job opportunities. Before becoming employed, you’ll have to demonstrate competency by passing an exam or obtaining a license.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $63,500
- Projected job openings: 4,200
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This career finds high levels of employment in the following industries: radio and television broadcasting, motion picture and video, colleges and universities, rental and leasing services and the federal government. Jump into this career after earning a high school diploma and going through short-term on-the-job training.
- Education: Postsecondary nondegree award, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $63,250
- Projected job openings: 700
22. Correctional supervisors
Correctional supervisors are in charge of the custody, discipline and welfare of inmates, and they’re also tasked with maintaining order and enforcing rules and regulations at the correctional facility. At times, they must direct operations in emergency situations.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Years of experience: Less than five years
- Median income: $62,220
- Projected job openings: 4,300
23. Executive assistants
This role typically consists of more complex clerical and administrative work. Tasks include reviewing communications, doing research, and compiling reports. About 60% of people in these roles don’t have bachelor’s degrees.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Years of experience: Less than five years
- Median income: $62,060
- Projected job openings: 42,300
24. Production and operations supervisors
In these positions, you’re responsible for supervising the work of production and operating workers. Operations and production supervisors handle work records, plan schedules, inspect products and equipment, evaluate product estimates and output, and maintain compliance with sanitation and safety regulations. It takes less than five years to reach a supervisory position in this field.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Years of experience: Less than five years
- Median income: $61,790
- Projected job openings: 68,700
25. Construction and building inspectors
Building and construction inspectors review construction to make sure all necessary building codes and zoning regulations are met and all contractual requirements and local ordinances are followed. Inspectors are required to have a high school diploma, and most states also require a license or certification. Training happens on the job, and it varies by location and type of inspector.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, additional license or certification
- Years of experience: Five or more years
- Median income: $61,640
- Projected job openings: 14,800
26. Flight attendants
Becoming a flight attendant is a great customer-oriented job option with additional perks for people who love to travel. For a job that does not require post-secondary education, flight attendants make a considerable salary. Flight attendants are an essential part of commercial flight crews as they monitor the safety of the aircraft cabin, provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, respond to emergency incidents and provide food and beverage services to guests.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: Less than five years
- Median income: $61,640
- Projected job openings: 18,100
27. Court reporters
To qualify for an entry-level court reporter position, you’ll need to complete a certificate from a community college or technical school. Certifications will prepare you to pass typing-speed exams and obtain a license, which is required in many states. After gaining your credentials, you will work in court, creating word-for-word transcripts of proceedings, hearings and depositions. Court reporting is essential to legal proceedings.
- Education: Postsecondary nondegree award, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $60,380
- Projected job openings: 2,000
28. Electricians
Through the completion of an apprenticeship, an electrician can work in residential and commercial buildings to install, maintain and repair electrical power and control systems.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, apprenticeship
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $60,040
- Projected job openings: 79,900
29. Hearing aid specialists
Hearing aid specialists give and interpret tests for people who have hearing issues. Using their expertise, they select and fit the ideal hearing aid to their clients. A hearing aid specialist is also responsible for designing and modifying customized hearing aids. This job is growing much faster than the average job, with a growth rate of 16% through 2031.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $59,500
- Projected job openings: 1,000
30. Food service managers
Food service managers may also go by job titles such as catering manager, restaurant general manager, food and beverage manager, kitchen manager and other similar titles. The scope of the job is to oversee, plan, direct and coordinate the activities of an organization that serves food and beverages.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: Less than five years
- Median income: $59,440
- Projected job openings: 45,000
31. Property managers
Property managers maintain the operations and appearance of real estate or communities in order to generate income from the property. Their tasks include showing the property to potential renters, discussing financial options and terms of leasing, conducting inspections, scheduling repairs, as well as running operations according to fair housing laws.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Years of experience: Less than five years
- Median income: $59,230
- Projected job openings: 33,330
32. Structural iron and steel workers
Structural iron and steel workers shape iron or steel to create structural elements to form the frameworks used for commercial and residential buildings as well as bridges and roads. They must be good with tools and large machinery and able to read blueprints. While this occupation does not require a postsecondary education or degree, it’s important to note that many structural iron and steel working jobs will require the completion of an apprenticeship.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, apprenticeship
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $58,550
- Projected job openings: 7,500
33. Wind turbine technicians
If you’re interested in a highly specialized trade job that provides stability and a reasonable salary, a wind turbine service technician may be a good option. As the renewable and wind-powered energy industries expands, the need for wind turbine service technicians is growing. These technicians inspect, diagnose and repair wind turbines that provide energy. As they perform maintenance on wind turbines, they use specialized equipment to resolve electrical, mechanical and hydraulic issues.
- Education: Postsecondary nondegree award, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $56,260
- Projected job openings: 1,900
A sheet metal worker deals with all things sheet metal — from fabrication to assembly to installation. Sheet metal projects may include ducts, control boxes, drainpipes and furnace casings. Sheet metal workers must be equipped to use heavy equipment and follow proper safety procedures.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, apprenticeship
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $53,440
- Projected job openings: 12,300
35. Chefs or head cooks
A chef or head cook oversees the food preparation and recipe creation at restaurants and the other places that provide food. As the head chef, they are in a managerial role and are also tasked with directing the kitchen staff. Becoming a chef may require additional postsecondary education, but many head chefs learn their skills through on-the-job training.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Years of experience: 5 years or more
- Median income: $50,160
- Projected job openings: 24,300
36. Insurance sales agents
From life insurance to car insurance, there is always a need for insurance sales agents. Sales agents perform tasks such as contacting potential customers and finding the best insurance policy that suits the needs of potential clients. Insurance agencies often offer on-the-job training, so there often isn’t a need to seek out specialized education or experience before applying.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $49,840
- Projected job openings: 52,700
37. Real estate agents
The world of real estate is a competitive business that’s suitable for people who take an interest in helping people find or sell homes for the right price. A real estate agent’s main responsibilities consist of helping their clients buy, sell and rent properties while educating them along the way. Most real estate agents and realtors get paid by working for a property broker. However, there is the possibility of self-employment with the right experience.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, licensure exam, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $48,340
- Projected job openings: 42,800
38. Airfield operations specialists
Airfield operations specialists ensure the safe takeoff and landing of airplanes and helicopters (both commercial and military). Their main job is to communicate with and coordinate between air-traffic control and maintenance crews. They are also responsible for implementing safety procedures and maintaining flight records, among other responsibilities.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $47,880
- Projected job openings: 1,500
39. Farm labor contractors
With some short-term on-the-job training, you can learn to recruit and hire temporary or seasonal farm workers. Some farm labor contractors may need a high school diploma, but less than five years of experience as an apprentice or employee also qualifies. This job involves supervising agricultural laborers, paying their wages, and providing resources for food, water, shelter, transportation and sanitation during their contracted work.
- Education: Minimal on-the-job training
- Years of experience: Less than five years
- Median income: $47,770
- Projected job openings: 200
40. Solar photovoltaic installers
Solar power is in demand, which makes a solar photovoltaic installer a growing occupation. This job consists of installing photovoltaic systems in accordance with local and state codes and standards by using drawings, schematics and instructions. This job requires a great deal of workmanship, as installing solar panels can be a physically demanding job.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
- Years of experience: None
- Median income: $47,670
- Projected job openings: 2,500
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What’s next: Start saving
Even though some of the highest-paying jobs without a degree don’t require investing in college, you may still need to pay for other costs. Whether you need to save up for technical school or exam and licensing fees, it’s a good idea to get a head start. Saving your money in a high-yield savings account can help you grow your money without having to think about it — just let interest do the work.
Tips for jobs without a degree
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