High Paying Jobs Without a Degree

Skip the Degree, Not the Income

A four-year college degree isn't the only path to a good income. This guide highlights high paying jobs in the US that don't require a bachelor's degree—focusing on trades, technical roles, healthcare positions, and "new-collar" careers that reward skills over credentials.

Many of these roles do require training: certifications, licenses, apprenticeships, associate degrees, or vocational programs. But the training is typically shorter, more affordable, and often paid (in the case of apprenticeships). You can start earning sooner and avoid the six-figure student debt that burdens many college graduates.

The data is compelling: multiple 2024–2025 salary surveys show numerous careers with $60K–$100K+ earning potential that don't require a traditional university path. Some—like elevator installers, commercial pilots, and experienced electricians—regularly exceed six figures. For context on how these compare to degree-requiring jobs, see our guide to average salary in the US.

What "No Degree" Really Means

When we say "no degree required," we mean no four-year bachelor's degree. Most high-paying non-degree jobs still require some combination of: vocational training or trade school (typically 6 months to 2 years), apprenticeships (typically 3–5 years of paid on-the-job training), certifications or licenses (often requiring exams), associate degrees (2-year programs), or demonstrated skills and portfolio (especially in tech).

The key difference from the traditional college path: you can often start earning immediately (apprenticeships pay while you learn), training costs are dramatically lower, you avoid years of unpaid or low-paid schooling, and you enter your career field faster.

The salary ranges in this guide are based on median and average data from BLS, industry surveys, and salary aggregators. Individual outcomes vary based on location, specialization, experience, and negotiation skills. For strategies on maximizing your pay, see our salary negotiation guide.

High Paying Jobs Without a Degree: Overview

Here's a snapshot of representative roles across different categories. We'll dive deeper into each category in the sections that follow.

These figures represent typical ranges—actual pay varies by location, experience, and specialization. Top performers in many of these fields earn significantly more.

High Paying Trade and Skilled Blue-Collar Jobs

The skilled trades consistently appear on lists of high-paying non-degree careers. These hands-on roles are in demand, often unionized, and reward experience and specialization with strong wages.

Electricians

Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. After a 4–5 year apprenticeship, journeyman electricians typically earn $55,000–$75,000, with master electricians and specialists earning $70,000–$100,000+. Union electricians in major metros can exceed these figures. See our full electrician salary guide for details.

Plumbers

Plumbers install and repair water, drainage, and gas systems. Like electricians, they follow an apprenticeship path with similar pay progression: journeymen typically earn $55,000–$75,000, masters $75,000–$100,000+. Business owners can earn significantly more. See our plumber salary guide.

HVAC Technicians

HVAC technicians install and service heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Training typically takes 6 months to 2 years through trade school or apprenticeship. Experienced techs earn $55,000–$75,000, with commercial and industrial specialists reaching $80,000+. See our HVAC technician salary guide.

Elevator Installers and Repairers

One of the highest-paying trades, elevator installers earn median pay around $100,000. The work requires a 4-year apprenticeship and involves installing and maintaining elevators, escalators, and similar equipment. High demand in urban areas with tall buildings.

Power Line Installers (Lineworkers)

Lineworkers install and maintain electrical power lines. The work is physically demanding and sometimes dangerous, which is reflected in pay: median earnings around $80,000–$95,000, with storm restoration and overtime pushing some lineworkers above $100,000.

Welders (Specialized)

General welding pays moderately ($45,000–$55,000), but specialized welders—underwater welders, pipe welders, aerospace welders—can earn $70,000–$100,000+. Certification in specialized techniques dramatically increases earning potential. See our welder salary guide.

Heavy Equipment Operators

Operating bulldozers, cranes, and excavators typically requires on-the-job training or short certification programs. Experienced operators earn $50,000–$70,000, with crane operators and those in specialized industries reaching $80,000+.

High Paying Tech and "New-Collar" Jobs

The tech industry has increasingly embraced skills-based hiring over degree requirements. Many companies—including Google, Apple, and IBM—have dropped degree requirements for certain roles. What matters is demonstrated ability.

Web Developers

Web developers build and maintain websites. Many successful developers are self-taught or bootcamp graduates with strong portfolios. Median pay runs $70,000–$95,000, with senior developers and specialists exceeding $120,000. The key is demonstrating skills through projects, not credentials.

Cybersecurity Support Roles

Entry-level cybersecurity positions—security analysts, SOC analysts—often accept candidates with certifications (CompTIA Security+, etc.) instead of degrees. Starting salaries run $55,000–$75,000, with experienced analysts earning $80,000–$100,000+. The field is growing rapidly. See our cyber security salary guide for the full picture.

Cloud and IT Support

Cloud support specialists and IT administrators can enter the field through certifications (AWS, Azure, CompTIA) and hands-on experience. Pay ranges from $50,000–$75,000 at entry level to $80,000–$110,000+ for experienced cloud engineers.

Data Analytics Support

While senior data science roles typically require degrees, data analyst and business intelligence positions increasingly hire based on demonstrated SQL, Excel, and visualization skills. Bootcamp graduates with strong portfolios can earn $55,000–$80,000+.

The Portfolio Matters Most

In tech roles without degree requirements, your portfolio and demonstrable skills are everything. Employers want to see: projects you've built, certifications you've earned, problems you've solved, and contributions to open source or community projects. Build evidence of your abilities, and degrees become less relevant.

Healthcare Jobs With Good Pay and Shorter Schooling

Healthcare offers several high-paying paths that require associate degrees or certificates rather than four-year programs. These roles provide stability, growth, and meaningful work.

Radiation Therapists

Radiation therapists administer radiation treatments to cancer patients. The role requires an associate degree and state licensure. Median pay is around $95,000–$105,000—among the highest-paying two-year healthcare degrees.

Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive care. An associate degree and state license are required. Median pay runs $80,000–$90,000, with strong job security and flexible scheduling options.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Sonographers use imaging equipment to produce diagnostic images. Associate degree programs take about two years. Median pay is approximately $80,000–$85,000, with specialists in certain areas earning more.

Registered Nurses (ADN Path)

While many RNs have bachelor's degrees, you can become a registered nurse with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). ADN-prepared RNs earn similar starting salaries ($65,000–$80,000) to BSN nurses, though some employers prefer or require the bachelor's for advancement.

Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses

LPNs/LVNs provide basic nursing care under RN or physician supervision. Training takes about one year. Pay ranges from $50,000–$60,000 in most markets, with higher wages in high-cost areas and specialized settings.

Remote and Flexible Jobs Without a Degree

Many remote-friendly roles hire based on skills and performance rather than credentials. These positions often have lower barriers to entry but higher variance in pay based on individual results.

Sales Development Representatives (SDRs)

Tech companies hire SDRs to generate leads and set appointments for sales teams. The role values communication skills over degrees. Starting pay runs $50,000–$70,000 (base + commission), with top performers earning $80,000–$100,000+. Many SDRs advance to higher-paying account executive roles.

Digital Marketing Specialists

Digital marketers manage online advertising, SEO, social media, and content marketing. Certifications (Google Ads, HubSpot, etc.) and demonstrated results matter more than degrees. Pay ranges from $45,000–$75,000, with specialists in high-demand areas earning more.

Customer Success Managers

Customer success managers help clients get value from products and services. The role rewards relationship skills and product knowledge. Pay typically ranges from $55,000–$85,000, with enterprise CSMs earning $90,000+.

Technical Support Specialists

Remote tech support roles often hire based on technical aptitude and communication skills. Entry-level pay runs $40,000–$55,000, with experienced specialists and team leads earning $60,000–$80,000.

Performance Matters Most

In sales, marketing, and customer-facing roles, your results speak louder than credentials. Track your metrics, document your wins, and let performance drive your career progression.

How to Choose the Right No-Degree Path

With so many options, how do you pick? Consider these factors:

Income Potential vs. Training Investment

Some paths (apprenticeships) pay you while you learn. Others (flight school, radiation therapy programs) require upfront investment. Calculate the return: how long until you're earning well, and what's the earning ceiling?

Work Style and Environment

Trades involve physical, hands-on work—often outdoors or in varying conditions. Tech roles are typically desk-based. Healthcare means working with patients. Sales requires constant interaction. Choose work that fits how you want to spend your days.

Local Demand and Opportunity

Electrician demand varies by region. Tech jobs concentrate in certain metros (though remote work is changing this). Research your local market: what's hiring, what's the competition, where are the opportunities?

Long-Term Outlook

Consider automation risk and industry trends. Trades that require physical presence and problem-solving (electricians, plumbers) are harder to automate than routine desk work. Healthcare demand is growing with aging populations. Tech evolves rapidly—continuous learning is essential.

A Simple Decision Process

Shortlist 3–5 roles that interest you. Research pay and growth projections for each. Look at local training options and job postings. Talk to people working in those fields if possible. Then commit to one path and execute.

How to Get Started: Training, Certifications, and First Jobs

Research Entry Requirements

Each path has specific requirements: licenses, exams, physical fitness standards, background checks, or driving records. Understand exactly what you need before investing time and money in training.

Choose Your Training Route

Apprenticeships (trades): Apply through unions, contractor associations, or individual employers. You'll earn while learning over 3–5 years.

Trade schools (HVAC, welding, healthcare): Programs typically take 6 months to 2 years. Research accreditation, job placement rates, and total costs.

Bootcamps (tech): Intensive programs (8–24 weeks) teaching specific skills. Quality varies widely—research outcomes data carefully.

Self-directed learning (tech, digital): Build projects, earn certifications, create a portfolio. Cheaper but requires more discipline.

Build Evidence of Your Skills

Whatever your path, document your capabilities: certifications earned, projects completed, problems solved, references from supervisors or clients. In non-degree careers, demonstrated ability matters more than credentials.

Land Your First Role

Entry-level positions may pay less than the figures in this guide. That's normal—you're building experience. Focus on learning, performing well, and building your reputation. Pay increases come with demonstrated value.

Keep Growing

The highest earners in every field continuously develop their skills. Pursue advanced certifications, specialize in high-demand areas, and don't be afraid to negotiate as your value increases. See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a "high paying job without a degree"?

Generally, jobs paying above the national median wage (~$60,000) that don't require a four-year bachelor's degree. Many still require training, certifications, or associate degrees—just not the traditional university path.

Can you really make six figures without a degree?

Yes. Elevator installers, experienced electricians and plumbers, commercial pilots, radiation therapists, and many tech professionals earn $100,000+ without bachelor's degrees. It typically requires specialization, experience, or business ownership—but it's absolutely achievable.

How long does it take to reach high pay in trade jobs?

Most trade apprenticeships take 4–5 years. By completion, you're a journeyman earning solid wages ($55,000–$75,000 typically). Reaching top pay ($80,000–$100,000+) usually takes additional experience, specialization, or advancement to master/supervisor roles—often 8–12 years total.

Are these jobs future-proof or at risk of automation?

Roles requiring physical presence, problem-solving, and human judgment (most trades, healthcare) are harder to automate. Routine desk work faces more automation risk. Tech roles require continuous learning as the field evolves. Generally, the hands-on trades have strong long-term outlooks.

Do employers care about degrees for these roles, or just skills and licenses?

For most roles in this guide, employers care about: licenses and certifications (legally required in many trades and healthcare), demonstrated skills and work history, references and reputation, and physical ability to do the work. A four-year degree is rarely a factor in hiring decisions for these positions.