This article is going to share the best paying jobs without a degree. Getting a college degree isn’t the ticket into a high-paying career anymore. It’s not the job requirement it used to be.
Why are you scrolling for jobs, when you should be working on YOU? Reclaim time and build confidence to move your career forward, on your terms.
You will be happy to hear that many high-paying jobs exist without the barrier of a college degree. Whether you want to work in healthcare, in the public sector, or in a corporate setting, there are many career paths available that pay well without a degree.
Quickstart Guide To Landing A High-Paying Job Without A Degree
- Update your resume. Getting a high paying job without a degree is competitive. Think about it like this: you’re selling the company on a major investment in you, so you need to do everything you can to get an edge. Investing a little money to have a professional resume writing service polish up your resume can be the edge you need. Check out our guide to the best resume writing services to get started today.
- Apply for jobs online. Start your search on ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers and you can apply for jobs with a single click!
- Brush up on your interviewing skills. If you need help, check out our Interview and Personal Branding Guide. This shares everything we know about interviewing and preparing for job interviews.
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
21 Of The Best Paying Jobs Without a Degree
1. Executive Assistant
Median National Salary: $44,080/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 3,399,200
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: -10% (Decline)
Job Duties: The job duties of an executive assistant include:
- Performing organizational tasks
- Doing routine clerical duties
The role of an executive assistant is to help their client, boss, or workplace with the routine clerical duties that make up the foundation of the company’s work. This can include calendar management, email management, filing records, answering phones and emails, and related tasks.
As the job outlook for this career is slightly declining over the next 10 years, a new role is taking over, which you can easily transition to, called virtual assistance.
A virtual assistant is an executive assistant that works online only. As technology continues to evolve and much of the work can be done over the internet, the need for having an assistant work in the office is beginning to fade.
Virtual assistance is an in-demand career and a growing field, expected to grow by 4 billion by the year 2025.
Virtual assistants have an opportunity to earn higher wages and enjoy more career benefits overall, compared to executive assistants that work in offices:
- Flexible schedule
- Remote work
- Lucrative salary
- Independence
You can work for more than one client, multiplying your income and you can choose who you want to work with, too! This is a very prosperous career opportunity for executive assistants that are interested in transitioning to this job in the future.
2. Flight Attendant
Median National Salary: $63,760/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 111,100
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 11% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of flight attendants are to:
- Provide services to airline passengers
- Serve drinks and food to airline passengers
- Tend to passengers as needed, ensure safety and comfort of airline passengers
Flight attendants are coveted roles. This is fueled by many reasons, like:
- The ability to land this high-paying career (including benefits) as a flight attendant without a college degree
- Travel perks
- Flexible work schedule
If you love the idea of traveling for work and you don’t mind being a server to airline passengers, this might be the perfect role for you!
For more information, check out our guide on how to become a flight attendant.
3. Sales Representative
Median National Salary: $30,750/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 4,031,700
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: -2% (Decline)
Job Duties: The job duties of a sales representative are to:
- Sell products/services to prospective customers
- Answer questions/inquiries, as needed
Your work responsibilities and salary vary widely based on your industry. While the average salary is just under $30,000/year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are sales rep positions where you can earn well above $100,000/year, including bonuses and commissions.
For example, technical sales representatives earn an average salary of $80,391/year with top earners making over $101,000/year.
If you’re a strong salesperson and you like working with people, the sky’s the limit on the possibilities for you in this career.
4. Electrician
Median National Salary: $60,240/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 762,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 6% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of an electrician include:
- Performing electrical work to wiring, lighting, and control systems
- Maintaining and repairing electrical systems
While working as an electrician does not require a college degree, there may be a training program or apprenticeship you go through as a part of your job. Electricians are high in demand, one of the highest-paid trade jobs, and a career great for job stability, among other benefits.
If you want to learn more about becoming an electrician, check out our electrician job description and learn how to craft an electrician resume.
5. Plumber
Median National Salary: $60,090/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 482,700
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 2% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a plumber are to install, repair, and maintain plumbing equipment.
Working as a plumber can earn you a nice living. You’ll get a chance to work with many different people, work in an interesting, challenging career where you’ll never be bored, and career advancement opportunities exist.
Does working as a plumber sound interesting? Start by updating your resume. Learn everything you need to know in our plumber resume guide.
6. Insurance Sales Agent
Median National Salary: $57,860/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 536,800
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 8% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of an insurance sales agent are to:
- Work one-on-one with customers to sell insurance products
- Answer product questions/inquiries
Insurance sales agents have an opportunity to make a lot of money in this industry. You can earn a base salary in the mid five figures with opportunities to earn above six figures including bonuses and commission. Top earners make over $170,000/year, according to this source.
Aside from the high compensation, other perks include working a flexible schedule with remote work options available, career advancement, working in a fast-paced career that will keep you engaged and a low barrier to entry, which makes this career within reach for anybody.
7. Technical Support Specialist
Median National Salary: $59,660/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 914,100
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 5% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: Technical support specialists have the following job duties:
- Maintain computer networks
- Troubleshoot technical issues
- Provide technical assistance to customers
Technical support or computer support specialists work with customers one-on-one to provide technical help. This could include doing tasks like walking a new user through registering for a website or helping someone make a payment online, to name some examples.
You’ll be working in a customer-facing environment whether in-person or online. This can be a very fulfilling job, as you will be helping customers. There’s also growth potential and round-the-clock schedules, which is great for accommodating workers that are looking for a 2nd or 3rd shift schedule.
Generally, working conditions are comfortable. You’ll be working in an office setting, with the opportunity to work remotely, along with opportunities to earn more through potential bonuses and overtime opportunities.
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8. Wind Turbine Technician
Median National Salary: $57,320/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 11,200
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 44% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Wind turbine technicians have the following job duties: installing, repairing, and maintaining wind turbines.
The wind turbine technician career field is growing much faster than other careers, with double digit career growth. You will be working in an up-and-coming, evolving industry where you may get the opportunity to work with cutting edge technology.
If you enjoy doing hands-on work at a site (not remote work) and the thought of performing maintenance on wind turbine equipment sounds exciting, then this career may be what you’re searching for.
9. Carpenter
Median National Salary: $51,390/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 956,300
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 1% (Little or no change)
Job Duties: Carpenters have the following job duties:
- Install, repair, and maintain wooden structures
- Build wooden construction materials like walls, door frames, and other structures
Carpentry is a diverse career field. There are different types of carpenter jobs available like cabinet carpenters, joisters, trim carpenters, and more. This career is great for problem-solvers with strong attention to detail.
You will enjoy this career if you like doing hands-on work and you’re looking for a good-paying career without a college degree. There’s also growth potential with opportunities to advance your career in carpentry.
10. Surgical Technologist
Median National Salary: $56,350/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 128,900
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 5% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a surgical technologist are to:
- Assist the surgical team with surgeries
- Handle specimens for laboratory testing
You will be working in a medical setting, doing tasks like handing surgical instruments to surgeons, holding equipment and other things during surgery, including sterilizing equipment.
If you want to work in the medical field without attaining a college degree, this is a job prospect you may want to consider. Your job plays a critical role in the surgical field. You’ll earn an above-average salary, in a hands-on role, where your work makes a difference.
11. Bus Driver
Median National Salary: $37,540/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 832,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 12% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a bus driver are to:
- Operate buses
- Transport passengers from one location to another, via bus
Bus driving is an occupation growing faster than other careers. This position comes with a competitive salary including benefits like health insurance. Bus drivers are a vital part of the public transportation system.
For strong communicators that enjoy driving and are looking for a job to keep them busy and engaged, bus driving fits the bill.
12. Electrical Power Line Installer
Median National Salary: $82,340/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 122,400
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: The job duties of an electrical power line installer are to: install, maintain, and repair electrical power systems.
Electrical power line installers work with power line equipment that moves electricity through them. You’ll identify defects in equipment, maintain and repair those devices, as well as install power lines.
This is one of the highest paid trade jobs in our roundup. This is a very important job in the public sector but it's also a hazardous job, which should be considered. You’ll be working under laborious conditions, on your feet and doing hands-on work.
13. Police Officer
Median National Salary: $69,160/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 808,700
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a police officer include maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, and protecting the community. Police officers are responsible for preventing and responding to criminal activities, ensuring the well-being of individuals and property within their jurisdiction, and upholding the law to maintain order. They are also skilled in operating police vehicles, firearms, emergency equipment, and computers.
14. Sheet Metal Worker
Median National Salary: $55,350/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 126,200
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 0% (Little or no change)
Job Duties: The job duties of a sheet metal worker involve fabricating, installing, and maintaining thin metal sheets for various products and systems. They use technical drawings and blueprints to measure, cut, shape, and join metal sheets using methods like welding, soldering, or riveting. Sheet metal workers also install assemblies like pipes, tubes, heating and air conditioning ducts, furnace casings, rain gutters, and downspouts in supportive frameworks.
15. Real Estate Agent
Median National Salary: $52,030/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 589,800
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a real estate agent include helping clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Real estate agents are responsible for researching and analyzing market trends, assessing property values, and marketing properties to potential buyers. They also handle negotiations, prepare contracts, and guide clients through the buying or selling process.
For more information, check out our real estate agent job description and learn how to write a realtor resume.
16. Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Median National Salary: $45,230/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 29,400
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 22% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a solar photovoltaic installer involve installing and maintaining solar panels and systems for residential and commercial properties. They assemble solar modules, panels, and support structures according to specifications, apply weather sealing to arrays, and connect panels to electrical systems. They may also perform inspections, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with safety regulations and building codes.
17. Glazier
Median National Salary: $48,720/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 54,500
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 2% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a glazier include measuring, cutting, and installing glass in various structures such as windows, doors, skylights, and storefronts. Glaziers are responsible for selecting appropriate types of glass, removing old or broken panes, ensuring proper sealing and insulation, and fitting glass to frames using a variety of tools and techniques. They may also work with mirrors, glass partitions, and other decorative glass features.
18. Elevator And Escalator Installer and Repairer
Median National Salary: $99,000/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 25,100
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 1% (Little or no change)
Job Duties: The job duties of an elevator and escalator installer and repairer involve installing, maintaining, and repairing elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other vertical transportation systems. They use technical diagrams and blueprints to assemble and install elevator components, test newly installed equipment, and troubleshoot issues with electrical and mechanical systems. They also perform regular maintenance and repair work to ensure safety and reliability of the systems.
19. Postal Service Worker
Median National Salary: $53,680/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 504,300
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: -8% (Decline)
Job Duties: The job duties of a postal service worker involve receiving, processing, and delivering mail to homes, businesses, and post office boxes. Postal service workers are responsible for sorting mail, checking addresses, and ensuring timely delivery to the correct recipients. They may also sell postal products, handle customer inquiries, and maintain records of mail delivery.
20. Food Service Manager
Median National Salary: $61,310/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 357,500
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 0% (Little or no change)
Job Duties: The job duties of a food service manager involve overseeing the daily operations of a food service establishment such as a restaurant, cafeteria, or catering service. Food service managers are responsible for managing staff, ordering supplies, creating menus, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. They also handle customer service issues, manage budgets, and maintain financial records.
21. Property Manager
Median National Salary: $60,670/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 429,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 5% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a property manager involve overseeing the daily operations of residential or commercial properties. Property managers are responsible for marketing vacancies, screening tenants, collecting rent, maintaining properties, and addressing tenant concerns. They also handle financial and administrative tasks such as budgeting, bookkeeping, and preparing lease agreements.
Requirements And Skills To Find A Good-Paying Job Without A Degree
Working in a job without a degree will require soft skills like:
- The ability to work in a team-based environment and work independently: Being able to work with others is critical. It’s equally important to be able to work independently and in your career, you may be called to do both.
- Communication skills: Strong communication skills are needed in just about any career role. This is about the ability to communicate effectively, practicing active listening skills and emotional intelligence.
- Problem-solving skills: Many careers that don’t require a degree will require a level of problem-solving and critical thinking skills. You will be required to think on your feet and use your judgment to solve problems on site.
How To Get A Good-Paying Job Without A Degree
Getting a good-paying degree without a degree starts with your resume.
Here are some of the best resume services which can help you craft a professional resume to submit alongside your job application.
Once your resume is ready, you can move on to the job search process.
Best Places To Find The Best-Paying Jobs Without A Degree
Find the best-paying jobs without a degree on job search sites like:
Job Posting Sites
Job posting sites are one of the best places to find work. One of our favorite job posting sites is ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is a leading job search website. You can search and apply for jobs without a degree with ease, along with reviewing salaries, jobseeker reviews, and more.
For more information, check out our ZipRecruiter review.
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
LinkedIn is a combination of a career social network and a career resource. Use LinkedIn to network online with your peers, set up a professional profile, post to the community, and search for jobs.
For more information, check out our LinkedIn review.
Professional Associations
Professional associations are another great resource for finding high-paying jobs. These organizations are made up of professionals in a particular industry or field, and they often have job boards or other resources that are available to members.
By joining a professional association in your field, you can connect with other professionals, learn about job openings, and gain access to other valuable resources that can help you advance your career.
Networking
Networking is a great way to land a high-paying job without a degree because it allows you to tap into the hidden job market.
Many jobs are not advertised publicly, and are instead filled through personal connections and referrals. By networking with professionals in your industry, you can learn about job openings that may not be advertised publicly and get a foot in the door before the competition.
Additionally, networking allows you to build relationships with other professionals in your field, which can lead to mentorship opportunities, access to new job openings, and other valuable resources that can help you advance your career.
For more tips on networking, read our guide on how to network.
The Bottom Line
It is possible to get a good-paying job without a degree. These jobs lower the barrier to entry for many prospective workers in a variety of industries from public sector jobs to healthcare and more.
Once you’ve chosen the career path to take, visit ZipRecruiter to start your job search!
