A pilot flying a large passenger airplane

Highest-paying jobs that don't require a degree

Written by:
March 28, 2023
MrKotov // Shutterstock

Highest-paying jobs that don't require a degree

College isn't for everyone, and as federal and private loan debt surpassed $1.7 trillion in June 2024, more people are questioning whether or not to pursue higher education. A May 2024 report from Pew Research found that only 22% of Americans believe college is worthwhile even if it means taking out student loans, and 49% say a bachelor's degree is less important when it comes to getting a high-paying job than it was 20 years ago.

While lifetime earnings for those with a bachelor's degree are typically higher than for those with just a high school diploma, people who don't graduate college can make a good living. A little over half of workers nationwide don't have a college degree, and there are many high-paying jobs for them to choose from.

Stacker used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find the 50 highest-paying jobs out of nearly 500 that don't require a college degree. Jobs are ranked by annual wages; those without annual wages available were not considered. Other experience and training requirements, as well as employment levels and projections, were also included in the analysis but don't affect the rankings.

College enrollment has dropped off in the last few years after a historic high, partially thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are among those who aren't sure if college is the best fit for you, whether due to the cost or other factors, you can rest easy knowing there are plenty of career paths available.

Whether you want a technical and mechanical career in repairs or to supervise a retail shop, there are many options for noncollege graduates. Just keep in mind that some of the careers listed here require other forms of education or licensure, including specialized training programs or apprenticeships.

1 / 50
Canva

#50. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment

- Median annual wage, 2021: $61,730
- Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
--- 69.2% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 52,800
--- Expected change by 2031: 1,200 jobs added

2 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock

#49. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $61,790
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 74.1% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: None
- Number of jobs in 2021: 646,800
--- Expected change by 2031: 12,200 jobs added

3 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#48. Real estate brokers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $62,010
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 39.2% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: None
- Number of jobs in 2021: 123,100
--- Expected change by 2031: 7,100 jobs added

4 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#47. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants

- Median annual wage, 2021: $62,060
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 44.6% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: None
- Number of jobs in 2021: 508,000
--- Expected change by 2031: 102,600 jobs lost

5 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock

#46. First-line supervisors of correctional officers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $62,220
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 57.7% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: None
- Number of jobs in 2021: 55,900
--- Expected change by 2031: 3,300 jobs lost

6 / 50
Canva

#45. Crane and tower operators

- Median annual wage, 2021: $62,240
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 89.1% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 45,100
--- Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs added

7 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#44. Insurance appraisers, auto damage

- Median annual wage, 2021: $62,680
- Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
--- 38.5% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 13,200
--- Expected change by 2031: 700 jobs lost

8 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock

#43. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door

- Median annual wage, 2021: $62,760
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 76.8% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 45,700
--- Expected change by 2031: 300 jobs added

9 / 50
socrates471 // Shutterstock

#42. Media and communication equipment workers, all other

- Median annual wage, 2021: $63,250
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 40.4% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Short-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 20,700
--- Expected change by 2031: 1,000 jobs added

10 / 50
kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock

#41. Stationary engineers and boiler operators

- Median annual wage, 2021: $63,500
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 67.4% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 32,500
--- Expected change by 2031: 1,300 jobs added

11 / 50
ded pixto // Shutterstock

#40. Wellhead pumpers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $63,740
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 80.1% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 18,000
--- Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs added

12 / 50
Canva

#39. Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $63,840
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 73.8% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 11,800
--- Expected change by 2031: 100 jobs added

13 / 50
Canva

#38. Railroad conductors and yardmasters

- Median annual wage, 2021: $63,960
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 76.2% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 34,300
--- Expected change by 2031: 1,600 jobs added

14 / 50
Canva

#37. Boilermakers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $64,290
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 92.3% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Apprenticeship
- Number of jobs in 2021: 13,900
--- Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs lost

15 / 50
Canva

#36. Fire inspectors and investigators

- Median annual wage, 2021: $64,600
- Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
--- 54.8% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: 5 years or more
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 15,500
--- Expected change by 2031: 500 jobs added

16 / 50
pio3 // Shutterstock

#35. Police and sheriff's patrol officers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $64,610
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 43.4% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 684,900
--- Expected change by 2031: 21,500 jobs added

17 / 50
JL IMAGES // Shutterstock

#34. Transit and railroad police

- Median annual wage, 2021: $64,930
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 43.4% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 3,500
--- Expected change by 2031: 100 jobs added

18 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#33. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

- Median annual wage, 2021: $65,080
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 38.5% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 314,300
--- Expected change by 2031: 18,300 jobs lost

19 / 50
santi lumubol // Shutterstock

#32. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians

- Median annual wage, 2021: $65,380
- Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
--- 66.1% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: None
- Number of jobs in 2021: 131,700
--- Expected change by 2031: 8,000 jobs added

20 / 50
Canva

#31. Chemical plant and system operators

- Median annual wage, 2021: $70,200
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 76.8% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 22,400
--- Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs lost

21 / 50
Canva

#30. Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators

- Median annual wage, 2021: $70,720
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 80.1% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 3,000
--- Expected change by 2031: No change

22 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock

#29. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $71,260
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 72.3% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: None
- Number of jobs in 2021: 544,700
--- Expected change by 2031: 19,800 jobs added

23 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock

#28. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $72,010
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 81.9% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: 5 years or more
--- Typical on-the-job training required: None
- Number of jobs in 2021: 735,500
--- Expected change by 2031: 29,900 jobs added

24 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#27. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $73,060
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 62.9% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: 5 years or more
--- Typical on-the-job training required: None
- Number of jobs in 2021: 847,600
--- Expected change by 2031: 23,600 jobs lost

25 / 50
Canva

#26. Pile driver operators

- Median annual wage, 2021: $76,260
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 91.4% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 3,900
--- Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs added

26 / 50
HannaTor // Shutterstock

#25. Gambling managers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $76,910
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 47.9% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: None
- Number of jobs in 2021: 4,100
--- Expected change by 2031: 500 jobs added

27 / 50
Canva

#24. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment

- Median annual wage, 2021: $77,250
- Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
--- 69.2% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 9,200
--- Expected change by 2031: 300 jobs added

28 / 50
Canva

#23. Athletes and sports competitors

- Median annual wage, 2021: $77,300
- Typical education needed: No formal educational credential
--- 36.6% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 15,800
--- Expected change by 2031: 5,700 jobs added

29 / 50
Christian Lagerek // Shutterstock

#22. Gas plant operators

- Median annual wage, 2021: $77,850
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 76.8% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 15,300
--- Expected change by 2031: 1,400 jobs lost

30 / 50
Canva

#21. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $78,230
- Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
--- 44.3% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 82,800
--- Expected change by 2031: 3,400 jobs added

31 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock

#20. Electrical power-line installers and repairers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $78,310
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 76.5% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 126,600
--- Expected change by 2031: 4,000 jobs added

32 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock

#19. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $79,540
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 76.8% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 35,300
--- Expected change by 2031: 1,000 jobs added

33 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock

#18. First-line supervisors of nonretail sales workers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $79,680
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 48.6% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: None
- Number of jobs in 2021: 406,900
--- Expected change by 2031: 1,400 jobs lost

34 / 50
APChanel // Shutterstock

#17. Locomotive engineers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $79,740
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 75.7% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 26,600
--- Expected change by 2031: 1,300 jobs added

35 / 50
Canva

#16. Transportation inspectors

- Median annual wage, 2021: $79,770
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 64.3% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 24,900
--- Expected change by 2031: 500 jobs added

36 / 50
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock

#15. Postmasters and mail superintendents

- Median annual wage, 2021: $80,250
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 36.8% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 12,300
--- Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs lost

37 / 50
APChanel // Shutterstock

#14. Signal and track switch repairers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $80,570
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 79.3% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 6,800
--- Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs added

38 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock

#13. Power plant operators

- Median annual wage, 2021: $80,850
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 62.5% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 29,200
--- Expected change by 2031: 4,500 jobs lost

39 / 50
wonderlustpicstravel // Shutterstock

#12. Subway and streetcar operators

- Median annual wage, 2021: $81,180
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 73.8% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 10,600
--- Expected change by 2031: 400 jobs added

40 / 50
Igor Kardasov // Shutterstock

#11. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels

- Median annual wage, 2021: $81,640
- Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
--- 71.9% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: None
- Number of jobs in 2021: 36,800
--- Expected change by 2031: 400 jobs added

41 / 50
curraheeshutter // Shutterstock

#10. Ship engineers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $82,410
- Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
--- 75.6% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: None
- Number of jobs in 2021: 7,900
--- Expected change by 2031: 100 jobs lost

42 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock

#9. Detectives and criminal investigators

- Median annual wage, 2021: $83,640
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 29.9% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 112,900
--- Expected change by 2031: 800 jobs lost

43 / 50
Suwin // Shutterstock

#8. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay

- Median annual wage, 2021: $93,420
- Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
--- 69.2% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 22,800
--- Expected change by 2031: 1,100 jobs lost

44 / 50
Canva

#7. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $97,860
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 77.5% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Apprenticeship
- Number of jobs in 2021: 23,200
--- Expected change by 2031: 700 jobs added

45 / 50
goodluz // Shutterstock

#6. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $98,230
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 60.9% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: 5 years or more
--- Typical on-the-job training required: None
- Number of jobs in 2021: 150,700
--- Expected change by 2031: 12,700 jobs added

46 / 50
Lovely Bird // Shutterstock

#5. Power distributors and dispatchers

- Median annual wage, 2021: $98,530
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 62.5% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 9,700
--- Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs lost

47 / 50
Canva

#4. First-line supervisors of police and detectives

- Median annual wage, 2021: $99,330
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 37.4% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 132,300
--- Expected change by 2031: 3,700 jobs added

48 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock

#3. Commercial pilots

- Median annual wage, 2021: $99,640
- Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
--- 18.2% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 47,700
--- Expected change by 2031: 2,400 jobs added

49 / 50
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#2. Nuclear power reactor operators

- Median annual wage, 2021: $104,260
- Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
--- 62.5% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
- Number of jobs in 2021: 4,800
--- Expected change by 2031: 1,300 jobs lost

50 / 50
Kokulina // Shutterstock

#1. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance

- Median annual wage, 2021: $134,750
- Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
--- 67.9% of workers in this job don't have a degree
--- Typical related experience required: None
--- Typical on-the-job training required: None
- Number of jobs in 2021: 4,400
--- Expected change by 2031: 300 jobs added

Trending Now