Highest-paying jobs in Washington, D.C. that don't require a college degree
Highest-paying jobs in Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. 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. Plant and system operators, all other
- Median annual wage: $72,510
- Median hourly wage: $34.86
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 400 people (0.13 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#49. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
- Median annual wage: $72,810
- Median hourly wage: $35.01
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 2,790 people (0.92 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#48. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
- Median annual wage: $72,910
- Median hourly wage: $35.06
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 660 people (0.22 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#47. Riggers
- Median annual wage: $73,280
- Median hourly wage: $35.23
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 180 people (0.06 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#46. Property, real estate, and community association managers
- Median annual wage: $73,930
- Median hourly wage: $35.54
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 6,840 people (2.26 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#45. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment
- Median annual wage: $73,990
- Median hourly wage: $35.57
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 350 people (0.12 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#44. Construction and building inspectors
- Median annual wage: $74,320
- Median hourly wage: $35.73
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 2,680 people (0.88 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#43. Subway and streetcar operators
- Median annual wage: $74,610
- Median hourly wage: $35.87
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 780 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
#42. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
- Median annual wage: $74,760
- Median hourly wage: $35.94
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 3,860 people (1.27 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#41. First-line supervisors of gambling services workers
- Median annual wage: $74,990
- Median hourly wage: $36.05
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 230 people (0.08 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#40. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
- Median annual wage: $75,390
- Median hourly wage: $36.25
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 29,860 people (9.86 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#39. Lodging managers
- Median annual wage: $75,660
- Median hourly wage: $36.38
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 600 people (0.2 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#38. Police and sheriff's patrol officers
- Median annual wage: $76,380
- Median hourly wage: $36.72
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 14,920 people (4.93 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#37. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
- Median annual wage: $76,870
- Median hourly wage: $36.96
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 15,230 people (5.03 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#36. Food service managers
- Median annual wage: $77,100
- Median hourly wage: $37.07
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 3,450 people (1.14 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training
#35. Crane and tower operators
- Median annual wage: $77,440
- Median hourly wage: $37.23
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 270 people (0.09 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#34. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
- Median annual wage: $77,980
- Median hourly wage: $37.49
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 1,760 people (0.58 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#33. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
- Median annual wage: $79,470
- Median hourly wage: $38.21
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 13,570 people (4.48 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#32. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
- Median annual wage: $79,790
- Median hourly wage: $38.36
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 990 people (0.33 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#31. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
- Median annual wage: $79,800
- Median hourly wage: $38.36
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 550 people (0.18 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#30. Legal secretaries and administrative assistants
- Median annual wage: $80,450
- Median hourly wage: $38.68
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 3,310 people (1.09 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#29. Rail car repairers
- Median annual wage: $80,660
- Median hourly wage: $38.78
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 800 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
#28. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
- Median annual wage: $80,920
- Median hourly wage: $38.90
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 8,830 people (2.92 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#27. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
- Median annual wage: $81,020
- Median hourly wage: $38.95
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 2,030 people (0.67 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#26. Rail transportation workers, all other
- Median annual wage: $81,450
- Median hourly wage: $39.16
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 40 people (0.01 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#25. Postmasters and mail superintendents
- Median annual wage: $81,810
- Median hourly wage: $39.33
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 140 people (0.05 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#24. Boilermakers
- Median annual wage: $81,940
- Median hourly wage: $39.39
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 60 people (0.02 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#23. Transportation inspectors
- Median annual wage: $82,590
- Median hourly wage: $39.71
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 390 people (0.13 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#22. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
- Median annual wage: $82,730
- Median hourly wage: $39.78
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 2,610 people (0.86 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#21. Insurance appraisers, auto damage
- Median annual wage: $84,410
- Median hourly wage: $40.58
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 240 people (0.08 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#20. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
- Median annual wage: $84,800
- Median hourly wage: $40.77
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 570 people (0.19 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#19. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
- Median annual wage: $85,100
- Median hourly wage: $40.91
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 560 people (0.18 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#18. Commercial divers
- Median annual wage: $86,550
- Median hourly wage: $41.61
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 50 people (0.02 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#17. Gas plant operators
- Median annual wage: $86,770
- Median hourly wage: $41.72
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 350 people (0.12 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#16. Power distributors and dispatchers
- Median annual wage: $89,080
- Median hourly wage: $42.83
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 90 people (0.03 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#15. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
- Median annual wage: $93,810
- Median hourly wage: $45.10
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 130 people (0.04 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#14. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
- Median annual wage: $99,770
- Median hourly wage: $47.97
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 1,640 people (0.54 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#13. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
- Median annual wage: $100,150
- Median hourly wage: $48.15
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 750 people (0.25 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#12. Gambling managers
- Median annual wage: $101,350
- Median hourly wage: $48.73
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 40 people (0.01 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#11. Transit and railroad police
- Median annual wage: $101,720
- Median hourly wage: $48.90
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 260 people (0.08 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#9. Surgical assistants (tie)
- Median annual wage: $102,870
- Median hourly wage: $49.46
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 260 people (0.09 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#9. Power plant operators (tie)
- Median annual wage: $102,870
- Median hourly wage: $49.46
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 180 people (0.06 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#8. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
- Median annual wage: $104,460
- Median hourly wage: $50.22
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 6,670 people (2.2 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#7. Healthcare practitioners and technical workers, all other
- Median annual wage: $110,010
- Median hourly wage: $52.89
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 1,760 people (0.58 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#5. Media and communication equipment workers, all other (tie)
- Median annual wage: $110,360
- Median hourly wage: $53.06
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 740 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
#5. Artists and related workers, all other (tie)
- Median annual wage: $110,360
- Median hourly wage: $53.06
- Education required: No formal educational credential
- Total employment: 1,570 people (0.52 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#4. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
- Median annual wage: $110,700
- Median hourly wage: $53.22
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 4,300 people (1.42 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#3. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
- Median annual wage: $117,500
- Median hourly wage: $56.49
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 2,380 people (0.79 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#2. Commercial pilots
- Median annual wage: $134,460
- Median hourly wage: Not available
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 390 people (0.13 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#1. Detectives and criminal investigators
- Median annual wage: $137,970
- Median hourly wage: $66.33
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 4,730 people (1.56 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
