Highest-paying jobs in Anchorage that don't require a college degree
Highest-paying jobs in Anchorage that don't require a college degree
College isn't for everyone—despite what today's youth may hear from the adults in their lives.
From the moment they arrive freshman year, today's high school students are inundated with messages about the importance of receiving a college education. They hear it from their guidance counselors, teachers, parents, family members, neighbors, and coaches.
While graduation from a four-year college can certainly work wonders for students' future careers, it's not necessary for all fields—something admissions officers and guidance counselors sometimes fail to mention.
The median wage for high school diploma recipients is about $809 a week—higher than those without a diploma ($626), but well below the median for bachelor's degree holders ($1,334). But many jobs without college degree requirements still pay decent wages. Some even pay better than jobs reserved for degree earners.
Stacker used Bureau of Labor Statistics data to find the 50 highest-paying jobs in Anchorage that don't require higher education. Professions that listed a high school diploma, some college education (without a degree conferred), postsecondary nondegree award, or no formal education requirements for entry-level positions were considered. Jobs are ranked by their annual median salaries as of May 2022.
Keep reading to discover the highest-paying jobs in Anchorage that don't require a college degree.
This story features data reporting and writing by Paxtyn Merten and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 366 metros.
#50. Cement masons and concrete finishers
- Median annual wage: $65,620
- Median hourly wage: $31.55
- Education required: No formal educational credential
- Total employment: 70 people (0.43 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#49. Installation, maintenance, and repair workers, all other
- Median annual wage: $65,810
- Median hourly wage: $31.64
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 70 people (0.43 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#48. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
- Median annual wage: $66,990
- Median hourly wage: $32.21
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 100 people (0.59 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#47. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
- Median annual wage: $67,550
- Median hourly wage: $32.48
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 940 people (5.62 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#46. Roustabouts, oil and gas
- Median annual wage: $68,160
- Median hourly wage: $32.77
- Education required: No formal educational credential
- Total employment: 70 people (0.43 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#45. Occupational health and safety technicians
- Median annual wage: $69,990
- Median hourly wage: $33.65
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 60 people (0.38 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#44. Tree trimmers and pruners
- Median annual wage: $71,190
- Median hourly wage: $34.23
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 150 people (0.9 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training
#43. Drywall and ceiling tile installers
- Median annual wage: $71,470
- Median hourly wage: $34.36
- Education required: No formal educational credential
- Total employment: 70 people (0.42 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#42. Real estate brokers
- Median annual wage: $71,490
- Median hourly wage: $34.37
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 160 people (0.96 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#41. Roofers
- Median annual wage: $72,780
- Median hourly wage: $34.99
- Education required: No formal educational credential
- Total employment: 160 people (0.96 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#40. Personal service managers, all other
- Median annual wage: $72,980
- Median hourly wage: $35.09
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: Not available
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#39. First-line supervisors of protective service workers, all other
- Median annual wage: $73,340
- Median hourly wage: $35.26
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 70 people (0.39 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#38. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
- Median annual wage: $73,370
- Median hourly wage: $35.27
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 300 people (1.82 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#37. Food service managers
- Median annual wage: $73,480
- Median hourly wage: $35.33
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 140 people (0.84 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training
#36. Surveying and mapping technicians
- Median annual wage: $73,570
- Median hourly wage: $35.37
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 200 people (1.2 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#35. Public safety telecommunicators
- Median annual wage: $74,280
- Median hourly wage: $35.71
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 120 people (0.74 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#34. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
- Median annual wage: $74,470
- Median hourly wage: $35.81
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 300 people (1.8 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#33. Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining
- Median annual wage: $75,730
- Median hourly wage: $36.41
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 40 people (0.26 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#32. Surgical technologists
- Median annual wage: $75,980
- Median hourly wage: $36.53
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 190 people (1.13 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#31. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
- Median annual wage: $77,480
- Median hourly wage: $37.25
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 840 people (5.05 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#30. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
- Median annual wage: $78,500
- Median hourly wage: $37.74
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 450 people (2.72 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#29. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
- Median annual wage: $78,660
- Median hourly wage: $37.82
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 30 people (0.2 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#28. Electricians
- Median annual wage: $80,290
- Median hourly wage: $38.60
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 800 people (4.78 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#27. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
- Median annual wage: $80,300
- Median hourly wage: $38.61
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 230 people (1.4 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#26. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
- Median annual wage: $80,350
- Median hourly wage: $38.63
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 140 people (0.82 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#25. Millwrights
- Median annual wage: $80,670
- Median hourly wage: $38.79
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: Not available
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#24. Construction and building inspectors
- Median annual wage: $81,860
- Median hourly wage: $39.35
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 140 people (0.82 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#23. Rotary drill operators, oil and gas
- Median annual wage: $82,060
- Median hourly wage: $39.45
- Education required: No formal educational credential
- Total employment: 70 people (0.41 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#22. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels
- Median annual wage: $82,700
- Median hourly wage: $39.76
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 150 people (0.88 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#21. Industrial machinery mechanics
- Median annual wage: $83,320
- Median hourly wage: $40.06
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 160 people (0.93 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#20. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
- Median annual wage: $83,460
- Median hourly wage: $40.13
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 920 people (5.53 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#19. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
- Median annual wage: $85,380
- Median hourly wage: $41.05
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 140 people (0.81 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#18. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
- Median annual wage: $88,050
- Median hourly wage: $42.33
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 120 people (0.7 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#17. Ship engineers
- Median annual wage: $89,440
- Median hourly wage: $43.00
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 90 people (0.55 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#16. Crane and tower operators
- Median annual wage: $91,580
- Median hourly wage: $44.03
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 30 people (0.2 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#15. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
- Median annual wage: $91,820
- Median hourly wage: $44.14
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 420 people (2.53 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#14. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
- Median annual wage: $92,380
- Median hourly wage: $44.41
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 1,270 people (7.64 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#13. Power plant operators
- Median annual wage: $96,140
- Median hourly wage: $46.22
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 140 people (0.83 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#12. Sheet metal workers
- Median annual wage: $96,380
- Median hourly wage: $46.34
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 230 people (1.36 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#11. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
- Median annual wage: $96,790
- Median hourly wage: $46.53
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 150 people (0.9 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#10. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
- Median annual wage: $97,280
- Median hourly wage: $46.77
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 540 people (3.23 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#9. Police and sheriff's patrol officers
- Median annual wage: $101,090
- Median hourly wage: $48.60
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 600 people (3.6 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#8. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
- Median annual wage: $101,600
- Median hourly wage: $48.85
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 50 people (0.28 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#7. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
- Median annual wage: $102,650
- Median hourly wage: $49.35
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 480 people (2.87 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#6. Boilermakers
- Median annual wage: $103,230
- Median hourly wage: $49.63
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 90 people (0.55 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#5. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
- Median annual wage: $103,740
- Median hourly wage: $49.87
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 120 people (0.74 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#4. Commercial pilots
- Median annual wage: $111,940
- Median hourly wage: Not available
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 1,120 people (6.7 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#3. Massage therapists
- Median annual wage: $127,470
- Median hourly wage: $61.28
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 320 people (1.94 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#2. Detectives and criminal investigators
- Median annual wage: $141,210
- Median hourly wage: $67.89
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 80 people (0.51 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#1. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
- Median annual wage: $156,460
- Median hourly wage: $75.22
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 90 people (0.51 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
