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 Boulder 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 Boulder 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.
You may also like: Highest-rated restaurants in Boulder by diners
G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock
1 / 50- Median annual wage: $57,890
- Median hourly wage: $27.83
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 430 people (2.23 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Lucky Business // Shutterstock
2 / 50- Median annual wage: $58,100
- Median hourly wage: $27.93
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 380 people (1.99 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
Canva
3 / 50- Median annual wage: $58,290
- Median hourly wage: $28.02
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 100 people (0.51 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
David Spates // Shutterstock
4 / 50- Median annual wage: $58,650
- Median hourly wage: $28.20
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 240 people (1.27 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
Canva
5 / 50- Median annual wage: $58,930
- Median hourly wage: $28.33
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 640 people (3.35 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
You may also like: The most expensive neighborhoods in Boulder
Loveischiangrai // Shutterstock
6 / 50- Median annual wage: $59,070
- Median hourly wage: $28.40
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 240 people (1.27 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
Canva
7 / 50- Median annual wage: $59,760
- Median hourly wage: $28.73
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: Not available
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Canva
8 / 50- Median annual wage: $59,800
- Median hourly wage: $28.75
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 80 people (0.41 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training
Canva
9 / 50- Median annual wage: $60,180
- Median hourly wage: $28.93
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 290 people (1.5 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Arsenii Palivoda // Shutterstock
10 / 50- Median annual wage: $61,040
- Median hourly wage: $29.35
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 120 people (0.61 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
You may also like: Highest-rated Chinese restaurants in Boulder
welcomia // Shutterstock
11 / 50- Median annual wage: $61,200
- Median hourly wage: $29.43
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 50 people (0.24 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
Canva
12 / 50- Median annual wage: $61,410
- Median hourly wage: $29.53
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 120 people (0.65 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
fizkes // Shutterstock
13 / 50- Median annual wage: $61,540
- Median hourly wage: $29.59
- 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: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
14 / 50- Median annual wage: $62,350
- Median hourly wage: $29.98
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 360 people (1.86 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
15 / 50- Median annual wage: $62,560
- Median hourly wage: $30.08
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 900 people (4.68 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
You may also like: Best restaurants for 8 cuisines in Boulder
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
16 / 50- Median annual wage: $62,730
- Median hourly wage: $30.16
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 100 people (0.52 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Socrates471 // Shutterstock
17 / 50- Median annual wage: $63,020
- Median hourly wage: $30.30
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 50 people (0.24 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
18 / 50- Median annual wage: $63,030
- Median hourly wage: $30.30
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 290 people (1.53 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
Gerain0812 // Shutterstock
19 / 50- Median annual wage: $63,350
- Median hourly wage: $30.46
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 130 people (0.68 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
20 / 50- Median annual wage: $63,540
- Median hourly wage: $30.55
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 120 people (0.64 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
You may also like: Boulder 7-day weather forecast
SritanaN // Shutterstock
21 / 50- Median annual wage: $64,030
- Median hourly wage: $30.78
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 250 people (1.31 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
Avatar_023 // Shutterstock
22 / 50- Median annual wage: $64,060
- Median hourly wage: $30.80
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 130 people (0.66 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
23 / 50- Median annual wage: $64,250
- Median hourly wage: $30.89
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 50 people (0.25 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
Canva
24 / 50- Median annual wage: $64,330
- Median hourly wage: $30.93
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 200 people (1.04 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Kot500 // Shutterstock
25 / 50- Median annual wage: $64,410
- Median hourly wage: $30.97
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 160 people (0.81 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
You may also like: Bib Gourmand restaurants in Boulder
Canva
26 / 50- Median annual wage: $64,570
- Median hourly wage: $31.04
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 130 people (0.7 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
GolF2532 // Shutterstock
27 / 50- Median annual wage: $65,130
- Median hourly wage: $31.31
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 80 people (0.39 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Canva
28 / 50- Median annual wage: $65,950
- Median hourly wage: $31.71
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 130 people (0.7 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
29 / 50- Median annual wage: $66,600
- Median hourly wage: $32.02
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 1,690 people (8.82 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
Canva
30 / 50- Median annual wage: $68,430
- Median hourly wage: $32.90
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 330 people (1.74 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
You may also like: Coat drives near Boulder
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
31 / 50- Median annual wage: $69,070
- Median hourly wage: $33.21
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 850 people (4.43 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
32 / 50- Median annual wage: $73,260
- Median hourly wage: $35.22
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 60 people (0.32 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Canva
33 / 50- Median annual wage: $75,970
- Median hourly wage: $36.53
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 3,340 people (17.42 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
34 / 50- Median annual wage: $76,200
- Median hourly wage: $36.64
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 2,250 people (11.7 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
35 / 50- Median annual wage: $76,240
- Median hourly wage: $36.65
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 110 people (0.56 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training
You may also like: Cities with the most expensive homes in the Boulder metro area
SatawatK // Shutterstock
36 / 50- Median annual wage: $76,800
- Median hourly wage: $36.92
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 120 people (0.64 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
37 / 50- Median annual wage: $77,020
- Median hourly wage: $37.03
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: Not available
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
Nicola Forenza // Shutterstock
38 / 50- Median annual wage: $77,060
- Median hourly wage: $37.05
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 90 people (0.45 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
4 PM production // Shutterstock
39 / 50- Median annual wage: $77,270
- Median hourly wage: $37.15
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 550 people (2.88 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
sculpies // Shutterstock
40 / 50- Median annual wage: $77,530
- Median hourly wage: $37.28
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 580 people (3.03 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
You may also like: Where people in Boulder are looking to buy homes
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
41 / 50- Median annual wage: $77,600
- Median hourly wage: $37.31
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: Not available
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
42 / 50- Median annual wage: $78,610
- Median hourly wage: $37.79
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 160 people (0.85 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
Canva
43 / 50- Median annual wage: $83,160
- Median hourly wage: $39.98
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 90 people (0.46 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
pio3 // Shutterstock
44 / 50- Median annual wage: $83,170
- Median hourly wage: $39.99
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 460 people (2.41 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Prath // Shutterstock
45 / 50- Median annual wage: $95,030
- Median hourly wage: $45.69
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- 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
You may also like: Highest-rated Chinese restaurants in Boulder
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
46 / 50- Median annual wage: $104,840
- Median hourly wage: $50.41
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 50 people (0.26 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
goodluz // Shutterstock
47 / 50- Median annual wage: $107,130
- Median hourly wage: $51.51
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: Not available
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
48 / 50- Median annual wage: $111,450
- Median hourly wage: $53.58
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 510 people (2.64 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
Canva
49 / 50- Median annual wage: $122,460
- Median hourly wage: $58.88
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 90 people (0.46 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
goodluz // Shutterstock
50 / 50- Median annual wage: $123,130
- Median hourly wage: $59.20
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 120 people (0.61 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
You may also like: Highest-rated campgrounds in the Boulder area by visitors
