College isn’t for everyone. And despite what we’ve all been told growing up, a four-year degree isn’t the only path to a high-paying career, especially in 2025.
In fact, some of the most successful people in the workforce never stepped foot on a college campus. Whether you’re looking to make a career change, avoid student loan debt, or start earning money right away, there are plenty of high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree.
Here’s a list of 25 of the highest-paying jobs without a degree, along with how much they pay, what the work involves, and how to get started.
Table of Contents
1. Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline)
- Average Pay: $105,000+
- What They Do: Fly charter flights, rescue missions, firefighting aircraft, and agricultural flights.
- How to Start: You’ll need a commercial pilot’s license from the FAA, which requires flight training but no college degree. Strong math skills, hand-eye coordination, and a calm demeanor are key.
2. Real Estate Broker
- Average Pay: $80,000–$150,000+
- What They Do: Help clients buy, sell, or rent properties. Brokers oversee transactions and often run their own agencies.
- How to Start: Get your real estate license (requirements vary by state). Many brokers start as agents and climb up by building a reputation and a client list.
3. Elevator and Escalator Technicians
- Average Pay: $95,000
- What They Do: Install, repair, and maintain elevators and escalators in commercial and residential buildings.
- How to Start: Join a union apprenticeship program. You’ll train on the job under experienced mechanics. No college degree is necessary, but you need mechanical skills and attention to detail.
4. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
- Average Pay: $90,000+
- What They Do: Monitor nuclear reactors, adjust control rods, and ensure the plant runs safely.
- How to Start: You’ll need extensive on-the-job training and pass a license exam. Math and science knowledge help, but a degree isn’t required.
5. Web Developer
- Average Pay: $60,000–$120,000
- What They Do: Build websites, web applications, and user interfaces. Some specialize in front-end (visual) or back-end (server-side) development.
- How to Start: Many web developers are self-taught or attend coding bootcamps. A strong portfolio matters more than a degree.
6. Police Officer or Detective
- Average Pay: $65,000–$90,000+
- What They Do: Enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and conduct investigations.
- How to Start: Most police departments require completion of a police academy. While some prefer candidates with some college credits, many hire based on testing and background checks.
7. Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner
- Average Pay: Varies widely ($0 to $1M+)
- What They Do: Create and run a business. This could be anything from an online store to a local service.
- How to Start: Starting a business takes grit, planning, and often a bit of trial and error. No degree needed; just problem-solving skills, resilience, and a good business idea.
8. Executive Assistant
- Average Pay: $60,000–$100,000
- What They Do: Manage scheduling, communications, and operations for top executives.
- How to Start: Strong organizational and communication skills are essential. Most EAs build experience through administrative roles.
9. Firefighter
- Average Pay: $50,000–$90,000+
- What They Do: Respond to fire and medical emergencies, save lives, and conduct fire prevention.
- How to Start: Fire academies and physical fitness testing are required. Many departments offer paid training programs.
10. Electrician
- Average Pay: $60,000–95,000
- What They Do: Install and maintain wiring systems in homes, businesses, and factories.
- How to Start: Apprenticeship programs through unions or trade schools, followed by licensing exams.
11. Wind Turbine Technician
- Average Pay: $56,000–85,000
- What They Do: Install, maintain, and repair wind turbines.
- How to Start: Technical school or community college certification programs. It’s a physically demanding job that often requires travel.
12. HVAC Technician
- Average Pay: $50,000–80,000
- What They Do: Work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
- How to Start: Trade school or apprenticeship. Licensing is often required.
13. Plumber
- Average Pay: $60,000–90,000+
- What They Do: Install and repair piping systems in homes and businesses.
- How to Start: Apprenticeship and licensure through your state’s requirements.
14. Commercial Diver
- Average Pay: $55,000–100,000+
- What They Do: Perform underwater construction, repairs, and inspections.
- How to Start: Attend a commercial diving school and earn diving certifications.
15. Computer Support Specialist
- Average Pay: $55,000–75,000
- What They Do: Help users troubleshoot and fix technical issues.
- How to Start: Certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, or Microsoft Certified Professional.
16. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager
- Average Pay: $96,000
- What They Do: Oversee logistics, shipping, inventory, and supply chain operations.
- How to Start: Often promoted from warehouse or logistics roles. Experience matters more than education.
17. Radiation Therapist
- Average Pay: $130,000
- What They Do: Administer radiation treatments to cancer patients.
- How to Start: Requires a certification or associate degree, but not a four-year degree.
18. Makeup Artist
- Average Pay: $60,000–100,000+
- What They Do: Create makeup looks for TV, film, stage, and special events.
- How to Start: Cosmetology school, practice, and building a strong portfolio.
19. Hearing Aid Specialist
- Average Pay: $60,000
- What They Do: Test hearing and fit patients with hearing aids.
- How to Start: Certification programs and hands-on training. Licensure may be required.
20. Windshield Repair Tech / Auto Glass Installer
- Average Pay: $50,000–70,000
- What They Do: Repair or replace vehicle windshields and auto glass.
- How to Start: Training programs, certification, or on-the-job experience.
21. Solar Panel Installer
- Average Pay: $75,000
- What They Do: Install solar energy systems on homes and commercial properties.
- How to Start: Vocational training or on-the-job training with a solar company.
22. Claims Adjuster
- Average Pay: $60,000–80,000
- What They Do: Evaluate insurance claims and determine payouts.
- How to Start: On-the-job training or licensing (varies by state).
23. Commercial Truck Driver
- Average Pay: $95,000+
- What They Do: Transport goods across the country or region.
- How to Start: Earn a CDL (commercial driver’s license) through a training program.
24. Oil and Gas Field Worker
- Average Pay: $60,000
- What They Do: Operate machinery and perform manual labor on oil rigs and gas fields.
- How to Start: On-the-job training, safety certifications, and willingness to work tough shifts.
25. Sales Representative (B2B or Tech)
- Average Pay: $60,000–150,000+
- What They Do: Sell products or services to other businesses, often earning commission.
- How to Start: No degree required; just strong communication skills, persistence, and industry knowledge.
Final Thoughts: Success Isn’t Tied to a Diploma
If you’ve been told you can’t make good money without a college degree, it’s just not true. The job market has shifted so much post-COVID. Many industries value skills, experience, and certifications over formal education.
Whether you’re good with your hands, tech-savvy, or just great with people, there’s an opportunity out there for you. You don’t have to take on mountains of debt or spend four years in a classroom to build a career you’re proud of.
This list of the highest-paying jobs without a degree is proof that you can start where you are, use what you have, and build a future that fits your goals. And if someone questions your decision not to pursue a higher education, remind them of the teenagers who make way more than they do by just posting dance videos on TikTok.
FAQs About Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree
1. What is the highest-paying career without a degree?
One of the highest-paying careers without a college degree is a commercial pilot (non-airline), especially those flying charter, freight, or corporate flights. Many earn over $100,000 annually after gaining experience and certification. Other top earners include elevator installers, nuclear power reactor operators, and real estate brokers.
2. How to make $100,000 without a degree?
To make $100,000 without a degree, you’ll need to either specialize in a high-demand skilled trade (like becoming an elevator installer, plumber, or electrician), move into a high-commission role (such as sales or real estate), or start your own business. Some tech roles (like web development) can also lead to six figures with the right experience and portfolio; no degree required.
3. What is the easiest job that pays the most?
“Easy” is subjective, but sales roles, especially in tech or B2B (business-to-business) sales, can offer high pay with minimal formal education, as long as you’re good at communication and closing deals. Commercial driving (CDL) jobs also pay well and require only a few weeks of training. Keep in mind that “easy” usually means different things depending on your strengths and interests.
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