Highest-paying jobs in Pueblo 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 Pueblo 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 Pueblo 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.

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#50. Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers

- Median annual wage: $46,590
- Median hourly wage: $22.40
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 290 people (4.7 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

2 / 50

#49. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

- Median annual wage: $47,370
- Median hourly wage: $22.77
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 500 people (8.1 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training

3 / 50

#48. Health technologists and technicians, all other

- Median annual wage: $47,690
- Median hourly wage: $22.93
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 120 people (1.96 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

4 / 50

#47. Medical records specialists

- Median annual wage: $47,950
- Median hourly wage: $23.05
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 80 people (1.29 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

5 / 50

#46. Pipelayers

- Median annual wage: $47,970
- Median hourly wage: $23.06
- Education required: No formal educational credential
- Total employment: 30 people (0.53 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training

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#45. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants

- Median annual wage: $49,040
- Median hourly wage: $23.58
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 280 people (4.55 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

7 / 50

#43. Payroll and timekeeping clerks (tie)

- Median annual wage: $49,080
- Median hourly wage: $23.60
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 30 people (0.55 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

8 / 50

#43. Production, planning, and expediting clerks (tie)

- Median annual wage: $49,080
- Median hourly wage: $23.60
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 80 people (1.27 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

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#42. First-line supervisors of protective service workers, all other

- Median annual wage: $49,210
- Median hourly wage: $23.66
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 40 people (0.69 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

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#41. Carpenters

- Median annual wage: $50,040
- Median hourly wage: $24.06
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 280 people (4.57 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship

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#40. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers

- Median annual wage: $50,630
- Median hourly wage: $24.34
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 160 people (2.55 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

12 / 50

#39. Machinists

- Median annual wage: $50,970
- Median hourly wage: $24.50
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 110 people (1.84 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

13 / 50

#38. Chefs and head cooks

- Median annual wage: $50,980
- Median hourly wage: $24.51
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 80 people (1.33 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

14 / 50

#37. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines

- Median annual wage: $51,370
- Median hourly wage: $24.70
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 80 people (1.22 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

15 / 50

#36. First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers

- Median annual wage: $51,530
- Median hourly wage: $24.78
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 40 people (0.7 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

16 / 50

#35. Postal service mail carriers

- Median annual wage: $51,710
- Median hourly wage: $24.86
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 160 people (2.64 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training

17 / 50

#34. Public safety telecommunicators

- Median annual wage: $52,330
- Median hourly wage: $25.16
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 70 people (1.06 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

18 / 50

#33. First-line supervisors of security workers

- Median annual wage: $52,430
- Median hourly wage: $25.21
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 40 people (0.6 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

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#32. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

- Median annual wage: $52,800
- Median hourly wage: $25.39
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 240 people (3.85 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship

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#31. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators

- Median annual wage: $52,990
- Median hourly wage: $25.48
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 240 people (3.85 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

21 / 50

#30. Correctional officers and jailers

- Median annual wage: $53,210
- Median hourly wage: $25.58
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 570 people (9.12 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

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#29. Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

- Median annual wage: $53,390
- Median hourly wage: $25.67
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 40 people (0.59 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

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#28. Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers

- Median annual wage: $53,530
- Median hourly wage: $25.74
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 150 people (2.48 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

24 / 50

#27. First-line supervisors of transportation and material moving workers, except aircraft cargo handling supervisors

- Median annual wage: $54,990
- Median hourly wage: $26.44
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 210 people (3.44 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

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#26. Construction and building inspectors

- Median annual wage: $55,880
- Median hourly wage: $26.86
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 70 people (1.19 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

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#25. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers

- Median annual wage: $56,400
- Median hourly wage: $27.11
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 470 people (7.54 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

27 / 50

#24. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products

- Median annual wage: $56,450
- Median hourly wage: $27.14
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 370 people (5.96 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

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#23. Electricians

- Median annual wage: $56,530
- Median hourly wage: $27.18
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 490 people (7.93 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship

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#22. Glaziers

- Median annual wage: $57,010
- Median hourly wage: $27.41
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 50 people (0.8 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship

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#21. Telecommunications line installers and repairers

- Median annual wage: $57,260
- Median hourly wage: $27.53
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 40 people (0.57 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

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#20. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel

- Median annual wage: $58,090
- Median hourly wage: $27.93
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 330 people (5.38 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

32 / 50

#19. Automotive body and related repairers

- Median annual wage: $58,690
- Median hourly wage: $28.22
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 60 people (0.91 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

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#18. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists

- Median annual wage: $58,760
- Median hourly wage: $28.25
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 80 people (1.23 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

34 / 50

#17. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses

- Median annual wage: $59,160
- Median hourly wage: $28.44
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 210 people (3.32 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

35 / 50

#16. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers

- Median annual wage: $59,950
- Median hourly wage: $28.82
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 100 people (1.62 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

36 / 50

#15. Insurance sales agents

- Median annual wage: $61,150
- Median hourly wage: $29.40
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 230 people (3.66 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

37 / 50

#14. Firefighters

- Median annual wage: $62,000
- Median hourly wage: $29.81
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 210 people (3.34 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

38 / 50

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

- Median annual wage: $64,230
- Median hourly wage: $30.88
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: Not available
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

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

- Median annual wage: $64,340
- Median hourly wage: $30.94
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 470 people (7.55 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

40 / 50

#11. Paramedics

- Median annual wage: $66,290
- Median hourly wage: $31.87
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 70 people (1.11 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

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#10. Industrial machinery mechanics

- Median annual wage: $66,350
- Median hourly wage: $31.90
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 370 people (5.93 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

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#9. Police and sheriff's patrol officers

- Median annual wage: $66,930
- Median hourly wage: $32.18
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 310 people (5.0 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

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#8. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers

- Median annual wage: $69,620
- Median hourly wage: $33.47
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 90 people (1.41 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

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

- Median annual wage: $69,740
- Median hourly wage: $33.53
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 290 people (4.69 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

45 / 50

#6. Real estate sales agents

- Median annual wage: $75,050
- Median hourly wage: $36.08
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 40 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

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

- Median annual wage: $77,440
- Median hourly wage: $37.23
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 310 people (4.99 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

47 / 50

#4. Detectives and criminal investigators

- Median annual wage: $79,040
- Median hourly wage: $38.00
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 40 people (0.6 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

48 / 50

#3. First-line supervisors of police and detectives

- Median annual wage: $84,600
- Median hourly wage: $40.67
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 60 people (0.94 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

49 / 50

#2. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

- Median annual wage: $86,800
- Median hourly wage: $41.73
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 80 people (1.22 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

50 / 50

#1. Electrical power-line installers and repairers

- Median annual wage: $102,100
- Median hourly wage: $49.09
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 110 people (1.72 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training