Landing a high-paying job without a college degree may seem unlikely, but there are plenty of lucrative careers out there for non-degree holders. While some require extensive training and certification, others value hands-on experience over academics. With the right skills and determination, there are many ways to earn over $100 per hour without ever setting foot in a university classroom.
High-Paying Jobs You Can Get Without a Degree
1. Air Traffic Controller
- Median Salary: $130,420 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Air traffic controllers complete programs at Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Collegiate Training Initiatives (CTI) schools, which provide training without needing a bachelor’s degree.
Air traffic controllers coordinate the safe, orderly flow of aircraft in the skies and airports. Their critical decisions ensure safe distances between planes. Aspiring controllers complete months of rigorous training and exams before beginning their careers. Previous experience and military training may help candidates stand out.
2. Commercial Pilot
- Median Salary: $121,408 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Commercial pilot certification
Commercial airline pilots transport passengers and cargo on various aircraft. Most major airlines require a bachelor’s degree, but it is possible to become a commercial pilot without one. Pilots must complete hundreds of hours of specialized flight training to earn FAA licenses and ratings. Previous flight experience can reduce training time.
3. Construction Manager
- Median Salary: $101,964 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma plus experience
Construction managers plan and coordinate building projects, overseeing budgeting, scheduling, and implementation. While related degrees are common, companies value construction experience. Many managers work their way up from skilled trades like carpentry. Strong business, organizational, and communication abilities are essential.
4. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
- Median Salary: $105,094 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma plus extensive specialized training
Nuclear power reactor operators work in nuclear power plants, controlling reactor operations. Rigorous training programs combine classroom learning with simulator experience, preparing operators to monitor conditions and adjust controls. A nuclear operator license from the NRC requires passing written and practical exams.
5. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- Median Salary: $105,330 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma plus police academy training
These supervisors direct and coordinate police operations, making leadership decisions in the field. Most have associate‘s or bachelor’s degrees, but it’s also common to get promoted from officer positions. Supervisors combine police experience with management and leadership abilities.
6. Commercial Diver
- Median Salary: $117,060 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma plus technical training
Commercial divers work below water, inspecting and repairing ships, infrastructure, and pipelines. Specialized dive schools and military programs offer comprehensive training. Certifications demonstrate competency. Fitness, stamina, and mechanical aptitude are necessities in this hands-on career.
7. Detective and Criminal Investigator
- Median Salary: $104,523 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree plus police academy training
Detectives investigate crimes through evidence analysis, interviews, and surveillance. Becoming a detective usually requires working as a police officer first. However, high school graduates can start in entry-level investigative jobs like loss prevention officers. Analytical skills and persistence are essential.
8. Petroleum Pump System Operator
- Median Salary: $100,909 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma plus on-the-job training
These operators control petroleum pumping systems, regulating flows and monitoring gauges. Hands-on experience and mechanical aptitude are valued over formal education. Employers provide extensive training for equipment and procedures. Certifications from groups like API can boost career advancement.
9. Power Distributor and Dispatcher
- Median Salary: $115,459 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma plus experience
Power distributors and dispatchers monitor electricity distribution, balancing loads and coordinating with power plants. Relevant experience or vocational training is preferred. Employers provide additional job training. Distributors must pass exams to become licensed by state boards.
10. Elevator Installer and Repairer
- Median Salary: $107,458 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma plus apprenticeship
Elevator installers assemble, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and lifts. A 4-year paid apprenticeship program allows entry without formal schooling. Mechanical aptitude and physical fitness are necessities. Licensure is required in most states.
11. Web Developer
- Median Salary: $106,800 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: No formal education requirements
Web developers build and maintain websites, using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. While many have bachelor‘s degrees, proven coding skills can land jobs without one. Development bootcamp certificates may help new coders. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential.
12. Media and Communication Equipment Worker
- Median Salary: $112,649 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma plus long-term on-the-job training
These technicians set up and operate video, audio, lighting, and broadcast equipment. Hands-on experience and manufacturer certifications may help candidates without degrees. Detail-oriented troubleshooting skills are vital. Relevant military experience is also valued.
13. Gaming Manager
- Median Salary: $110,739 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Gaming managers supervise casino operations and staff. While gaming degrees exist, managerial experience in customer service roles can lead to promotion. Communication and leadership abilities are necessities. Licensure is required by state regulatory agencies.
14. Radiation Therapist
- Median Salary: $112,603 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate’s degree
Radiation therapists administer radiation treatments to cancer patients. Relevant 2-year degrees include radiation therapy programs. Hospitals also offer 1-year certificate programs for those with bachelor’s degrees. Licensing requirements vary by state. Compassion and physical stamina are vital.
15. Dental Hygienist
- Median Salary: $101,269 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate‘s degree
Dental hygienists clean patients’ teeth, examine for oral diseases, and provide preventive dental care. Completing an associate‘s degree program with board exams is the typical path to entry. Strong attention to detail and dexterity are necessities. Licensure is mandatory.
16. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager
- Median Salary: $118,350 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma plus related experience
These managers coordinate transportation, warehouse, and distribution operations. Hands-on transportation or logistics experience is highly preferred. Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills are essential. Relevant certification may boost hiring potential.
17. Power Plant Operator
- Median Salary: $100,369 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma plus technical training
Power plant operators control equipment that generates electricity. Combining classroom learning with simulations and hands-on training, operators gain specialized skills without degrees. Licensing after passing exams is mandatory. Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving abilities are vital.
18. Elevator Mechanic
- Median Salary: $112,860 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma plus apprenticeship
Elevator mechanics install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and related equipment. A 4-5 year paid apprenticeship allows entry without a degree. Licensing requirements vary by state and municipality. Physical fitness and technical skills are required.
19. Flight Engineer
- Median Salary: $118,002 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary non-degree award
Flight engineers assist pilots by monitoring aircraft systems during flights. Extensive technical training is required, combining classwork with hands-on instruction. Previous aviation or military experience is beneficial. Adaptability and critical thinking are vital skills.
20. Transportation Inspector
- Median Salary: $102,480 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma plus experience
Transportation inspectors examine vehicles and equipment for regulatory compliance and safety issues. Military or vocational backgrounds combined with on-the-job training allow entry without degrees. Certifications may be required in certain specializations.
21. Marine Engineer
- Median Salary: $115,003 per year
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor‘s degree
Marine engineers design, build, and maintain ships and marine equipment. Entry is possible without a degree by starting as a marine engineering technician and gaining experience. Leadership, technical, and problem-solving abilities are essential skills.
Conclusion
While some of these positions require extensive training and experience, they demonstrate that high-paying careers without four-year degrees are achievable. By developing specialized skills and certifications, pursuing hands-on training opportunities, and gaining valuable work experience, it‘s possible to earn over $100 per hour without ever attending college. With determination and dedication to lifelong learning, non-degree holders can build successful and lucrative careers.
