Highest-paying jobs in Milwaukee that don't require a college degree
Highest-paying jobs in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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. Occupational health and safety technicians
- Median annual wage: $61,920
- Median hourly wage: $29.77
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 190 people (0.24 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#49. Tool and die makers
- Median annual wage: $61,960
- Median hourly wage: $29.79
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 1,530 people (1.91 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#48. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
- Median annual wage: $61,990
- Median hourly wage: $29.80
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 180 people (0.22 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#47. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
- Median annual wage: $62,310
- Median hourly wage: $29.96
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 700 people (0.88 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#46. Construction and building inspectors
- Median annual wage: $62,380
- Median hourly wage: $29.99
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 450 people (0.57 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#45. Surgical technologists
- Median annual wage: $62,440
- Median hourly wage: $30.02
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 850 people (1.06 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#44. Industrial machinery mechanics
- Median annual wage: $62,540
- Median hourly wage: $30.07
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 4,000 people (4.99 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#43. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
- Median annual wage: $63,450
- Median hourly wage: $30.50
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 1,650 people (2.06 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#42. Insulation workers, mechanical
- Median annual wage: $63,790
- Median hourly wage: $30.67
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 170 people (0.22 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#41. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
- Median annual wage: $63,880
- Median hourly wage: $30.71
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 1,050 people (1.31 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#40. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
- Median annual wage: $64,640
- Median hourly wage: $31.08
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 6,730 people (8.4 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#39. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
- Median annual wage: $65,530
- Median hourly wage: $31.51
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 6,480 people (8.09 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#38. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
- Median annual wage: $65,600
- Median hourly wage: $31.54
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 210 people (0.27 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#37. Sheet metal workers
- Median annual wage: $65,660
- Median hourly wage: $31.57
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 590 people (0.74 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#36. Hearing aid specialists
- Median annual wage: $65,820
- Median hourly wage: $31.65
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 70 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
#35. Boilermakers
- Median annual wage: $66,000
- Median hourly wage: $31.73
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 50 people (0.07 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#34. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
- Median annual wage: $66,120
- Median hourly wage: $31.79
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 140 people (0.18 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#33. Healthcare practitioners and technical workers, all other
- Median annual wage: $66,680
- Median hourly wage: $32.06
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 160 people (0.2 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#32. Insurance sales agents
- Median annual wage: $67,300
- Median hourly wage: $32.35
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 2,510 people (3.13 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#31. Millwrights
- Median annual wage: $67,390
- Median hourly wage: $32.40
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 130 people (0.16 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#30. Glaziers
- Median annual wage: $68,060
- Median hourly wage: $32.72
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 180 people (0.22 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#29. First-line supervisors of protective service workers, all other
- Median annual wage: $68,350
- Median hourly wage: $32.86
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 160 people (0.2 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#28. Sound engineering technicians
- Median annual wage: $69,250
- Median hourly wage: $33.29
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 40 people (0.04 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training
#27. Etchers and engravers
- Median annual wage: $69,380
- Median hourly wage: $33.36
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 170 people (0.21 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#26. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
- Median annual wage: $70,830
- Median hourly wage: $34.05
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 10,000 people (12.49 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#25. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
- Median annual wage: $71,300
- Median hourly wage: $34.28
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 1,930 people (2.4 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#24. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
- Median annual wage: $71,570
- Median hourly wage: $34.41
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 330 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
#23. Lodging managers
- Median annual wage: $73,030
- Median hourly wage: $35.11
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 140 people (0.17 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#22. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
- Median annual wage: $73,440
- Median hourly wage: $35.31
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 1,860 people (2.33 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#21. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
- Median annual wage: $73,650
- Median hourly wage: $35.41
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 1,810 people (2.26 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#20. Pipelayers
- Median annual wage: $75,830
- Median hourly wage: $36.46
- Education required: No formal educational credential
- Total employment: 160 people (0.2 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training
#19. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
- Median annual wage: $76,310
- Median hourly wage: $36.69
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 2,820 people (3.52 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#18. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
- Median annual wage: $77,720
- Median hourly wage: $37.36
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 240 people (0.29 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#17. Police and sheriff's patrol officers
- Median annual wage: $78,080
- Median hourly wage: $37.54
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 3,530 people (4.41 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#16. Electricians
- Median annual wage: $78,120
- Median hourly wage: $37.56
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 2,990 people (3.73 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#15. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
- Median annual wage: $78,490
- Median hourly wage: $37.73
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 3,800 people (4.74 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#14. Gas plant operators
- Median annual wage: $78,800
- Median hourly wage: $37.89
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 70 people (0.09 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#13. Reinforcing iron and rebar workers
- Median annual wage: $81,820
- Median hourly wage: $39.34
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 40 people (0.05 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#12. Structural iron and steel workers
- Median annual wage: $82,730
- Median hourly wage: $39.77
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 320 people (0.4 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship
#11. Surgical assistants
- Median annual wage: $83,580
- Median hourly wage: $40.18
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 100 people (0.12 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#10. Riggers
- Median annual wage: $85,690
- Median hourly wage: $41.20
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 40 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
#9. Detectives and criminal investigators
- Median annual wage: $89,340
- Median hourly wage: $42.95
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 490 people (0.62 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#8. Postmasters and mail superintendents
- Median annual wage: $89,380
- Median hourly wage: $42.97
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 40 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
#7. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
- Median annual wage: $100,450
- Median hourly wage: $48.29
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 890 people (1.12 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#6. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
- Median annual wage: $102,450
- Median hourly wage: $49.26
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 400 people (0.5 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#5. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
- Median annual wage: $103,050
- Median hourly wage: $49.54
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 2,870 people (3.58 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#4. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
- Median annual wage: $103,680
- Median hourly wage: $49.85
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 350 people (0.44 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
#3. Power plant operators
- Median annual wage: $104,620
- Median hourly wage: $50.30
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 180 people (0.23 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training
#2. Real estate brokers
- Median annual wage: $111,960
- Median hourly wage: $53.83
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
- Total employment: 140 people (0.18 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None
#1. Commercial pilots
- Median annual wage: $129,420
- Median hourly wage: Not available
- Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Total employment: 140 people (0.17 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
- Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training
