College is not the only path to a lucrative career. Many jobs offer impressive wages without requiring extensive higher education. By developing in-demand skills and gaining hands-on experience, you can position yourself for roles that pay over $60 per hour.
As a small business consultant helping entrepreneurs launch and grow companies, I encounter professionals across industries making six-figures without college degrees. Here are 30 well-compensated careers you can pursue without spending years in school.
Skilled Trades
Hands-on trades offer excellent wages thanks to job growth, strong union representation, and a lack of qualified workers. Learning on the job or through vocational programs can get you started.
Elevator Installer/Repairer
- Salary Range: $71,490 – $101,200
- Job Growth (2021-2031): 15% (Much faster than average)
- Typical Education: High school diploma plus apprenticeship
Responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing elevators. Gain skills through a 4-year paid apprenticeship.
Plumber
- Salary Range: $59,800 – $101,600
- Job Growth: 8% (Faster than average)
- Typical Education: High school diploma plus apprenticeship
Install and repair water systems, pipes, fixtures and other equipment. Complete a 4-5 year paid apprenticeship.
Electrician
- Salary Range: $59,190 – $98,890
- Job Growth: 9% (Faster than average)
- Typical Education: High school diploma plus apprenticeship
Install, maintain and repair electrical systems. Train through a 4-5 year paid apprenticeship.
Construction Manager
- Salary Range: $63,970 – $145,590
- Job Growth: 9% (Faster than average)
- Typical Education: Bachelor‘s degree (optional)
Coordinate and supervise construction projects from development to completion. Hands-on experience is valued over education.
Technical Services
Technical skills in IT, software development, data analytics and more are prized in our digital economy. Bootcamps and certifications can kickstart these careers.
Computer Network Architect
- Salary Range: $82,870 – $146,250
- Job Growth: 5% (As fast as average)
- Typical Education: Bachelor‘s degree
Design, build and maintain networking and computer systems. Cisco certification is valued.
Software Developer
- Salary Range: $73,430 – $122,410
- Job Growth: 22% (Much faster than average)
- Typical Education: Bachelor‘s degree (optional)
Write, update, and maintain software applications and programs. Programming bootcamps provide training.
Geographic Information Systems Technician
- Salary Range: $48,050 – $96,500
- Job Growth: 19% (Much faster than average)
- Typical Education: Bachelor‘s degree
Analyze and interpret GIS data. Gain skills through a certificate program.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
- Salary Range: $60,020 – $105,620
- Job Growth: 25% (Much faster than average)
- Typical Education: Bachelor‘s degree
Evaluate and minimize workplace hazards. Get certified through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
Client Services
Leveraging people skills and field expertise to serve clients can be lucrative, especially for high-end services. Licensing and experience expand prospects.
Real Estate Broker
- Salary Range: $41,135 – $208,625+
- Job Growth: 2% (Slower than average)
- Typical Education: High school diploma plus licensing
Facilitate real estate transactions, representing buyers and sellers. Get licensed in your state after completing required accredited courses.
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner
- Salary Range: $50,730 – $96,490
- Job Growth: 22% (Much faster than average)
- Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree
Organize events like conferences, weddings, and trade shows. Get certified through the CMP program.
Funeral Director
- Salary Range: $43,000 – $93,000
- Job Growth: 3% (As fast as average)
- Typical Education: Associate‘s degree
Arrange funeral proceedings and manage staff. Gain skills through an accredited mortuary science program.
Executive Assistant
- Salary Range: $66,800 – $108,000
- Job Growth: 10% (Faster than average)
- Typical Education: High school diploma
Provide high-level support to executives through scheduling, correspondence, research and more.
Creative Services
Capitalizing on artistic talents and technical abilities is lucrative in fields like design, photography, and media production. Build a portfolio to demonstrate skills.
Graphic Designer
- Salary Range: $47,640 – $95,440
- Job Growth: 3% (As fast as average)
- Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree
Create visual concepts using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire and captivate consumers. Develop technical skills through courses at design schools or online learning platforms.
Photographer
- Salary Range: $34,000 – $187,000+
- Job Growth: 9% (Faster than average)
- Typical Education: High school diploma
Photograph people, places, products, events and other subjects. Build a portfolio and technical skills through courses, apprenticeships and online learning.
Film and Video Editor
- Salary Range: $39,810 – $94,240
- Job Growth: 18% (Much faster than average)
- Typical Education: Bachelor‘s degree
Edit footage for film, television, commercials and online media. Gain proficiency with editing software through formal or self-directed training.
Niche Opportunities
Some unique professional niches offer especially high earning potential thanks to specialization. Being open to diverse experiences expands options.
Commercial Pilot
- Salary Range: $56,550 – $199,520
- Job Growth: 10% (Faster than average)
- Typical Education: High school diploma plus flight training
Fly and navigate aircraft to transport passengers and cargo. Build up required flight hours through instruction, charter services or military programs.
Transportation Inspector
- Salary Range: $47,340 – $93,510
- Job Growth: 9% (Faster than average)
- Typical Education: High school diploma plus experience
Enforce regulations to ensure the safe operation of public transportation systems, vehicles, and operators. Gain industry experience and get certified in safety inspections.
Power Plant Operator
- Salary Range: $63,350 – $100,920
- Job Growth: 3% (As fast as average)
- Typical Education: High school diploma plus experience
Control equipment in power generation facilities. Get certified through industry training programs.
Court Reporter
- Salary Range: $35,630 – $92,135
- Job Growth: 7% (As fast as average)
- Typical Education: Postsecondary certificate
Record verbatim court proceedings through stenography machines and software. Gain skills by completing a court reporter training program.
By developing specialized skills and gaining hands-on experience, you can find lucrative opportunities across industries that don‘t require extensive formal education. Consider in-demand technical abilities, client service aptitude, creative talents or niche openings. With the right position, you can earn over $60 per hour in today‘s job market.
