10 high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree

It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that salary is a big factor when it comes to choosing a job or career. For job seekers who didn’t attend college, not having an advanced degree might present a hurdle. 

And while it’s true some jobs do have educational requirements, there are plenty of opportunities out there. Here’s a list of 10 high-paying jobs that don’t typically require a college degree.

Key takeaways

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than two-thirds of jobs typically don’t require a college degree, including some of the highest-paying careers.
• The 10 positions listed here that don’t require a college degree have a median salary of $79,000 or higher.
• Many companies are reconsidering their job requirements and dropping degree requirements and focusing on skills instead.

The information below was compiled based on data from the labor statistics bureau. Each job includes metrics about the median salary in 2021, expected job growth and growth rate. It’s worth paying attention to those growth numbers to get an idea of where the industry is headed.

While applicants for these jobs may not need college degrees, there still may be some educational requirements. For example, pilots might be required to have an existing pilot’s license. Or repair and service jobs might require apprenticeships.

Makeup artists in the theatrical and performance industries apply makeup for theater, television or movie performers. Their looks help create special effects and reflect the setting and period of the production.

• Entry-level education: certifications
• 2021 median annual salary: $134,750
• 2021 employment: 4,400
• New jobs by 2031: 300
• Expected job growth rate: 7%

Commercial pilots operate and navigate aircraft vehicles such as airplanes and helicopters. These pilots are different from airline pilots as they don’t transport passengers. Most commercial pilots are chartered to transport cargo from one location to another, fight fires, dust crops, perform rescue operations, shoot photography and more. The metrics below include airline pilots, who are often required to hold a bachelor’s degree.

• Entry-level education: high school diploma or equivalent; commercial pilot’s license
• 2021 median annual salary: $134,630
• 2021 employment: 135,300
• New jobs by 2031: 7,700
• Expected job growth rate: 6%

These supervisors are in charge of overseeing the investigation of criminal cases. First-line supervisors also provide guidance and training for their staff. This position typically requires less than five years of on-the-job training.

• Entry-level education: high school diploma or equivalent
• 2021 median annual salary: $99,330
• 2021 employment: 132,300
• New jobs by 2031: 3,700
• Expected job growth rate: 3%

These managers are responsible for the planning and implementation of all transportation, storage and distribution activities. They must ensure that staff members are following organizational policies and procedures and government regulations. To achieve this level, employees are typically required to have a minimum of five years of on-the-job training and experience.

• Entry-level education: high school diploma or equivalent
• 2021 median annual salary: $98,230
• 2021 employment: 150,700
• New jobs by 2031: 12,700
• Expected job growth rate: 8%

This skilled labor requires installers and repairers to install and maintain elevators, escalators and other similar lifts. People in this profession may be responsible for being on call to fix issues as they arise.

• Entry-level education: high school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship
• 2021 median annual salary: $97,860
• 2021 employment: 23,200
• New jobs by 2031: 700
• Expected job growth rate: 3%

Power plant operators, distributors and dispatchers are responsible for the various operations of a power plant facility. They control the flow of electricity from the plant to the substation, which then supplies the electricity to homes and businesses. These positions typically involve a combination of classroom and hands-on training, while more advanced positions will need to be licensed.

One thing to note about this job is that the number of available positions is expected to decline.

• Entry-level education: high school diploma or equivalent
• 2021 median annual salary: $94,790
• 2021 employment: 43,700
• New jobs by 2031: -6,500
• Expected job growth rate: -15%

Subway and streetcar operators are in charge of operating, maintaining and fixing the subways and elevated suburban trains that transport passengers across cities.

• Entry-level education: high school diploma or equivalent
• 2021 median annual salary: $81,180
• 2021 employment: 10,600
• New jobs by 2031: 400
• Expected job growth rate: 4%

Signal and track switch repairers work on railroad systems. They’re responsible for installing, testing, inspecting, maintaining and repairing tracks, equipment and intercommunications systems that are required for railways to operate.

• Entry-level education: high school diploma or equivalent
• 2021 median annual salary: $80,570
• 2021 employment: 6,800
• New jobs by 2031: 200
• Expected job growth rate: 4%

Working under the direction of the U.S. Postal Service, postmasters and mail superintendents are responsible for overseeing the everyday operations of their assigned post office. This may include planning, supervising and coordinating the work of direct-reporting postal workers. This position typically requires less than five years of on-the-job training. These jobs can be hard to come by, and roles are expected to decline.

• Entry-level education: high school diploma or equivalent
• 2021 median annual salary: $80,250
• 2021 employment: 12,300
• New jobs by 2031: -600
• Expected job growth rate: -5%

Transportation inspectors are responsible for inspecting and ensuring the safety of the equipment that is transporting cargo or people from one place to another. These jobs may include rail inspectors, freight inspectors or aviation inspectors.

• Entry-level education: high school diploma or equivalent
• 2021 median annual salary: $79,770
• 2021 employment: 24,900
• New jobs by 2031: 500
• Expected job growth rate: 2%

Lacking a college degree doesn’t have to be a barrier to a good-paying job, especially with expanding opportunities available through college alternatives, on-the-job training and apprenticeships. Some employers are also starting to de-emphasize the importance of advanced degrees.

Researching a career path that’s right for you and your skills is one place to start. And when you’re ready to apply for your new job, be sure to prepare for the interview—it’s important to use this time to ask questions and negotiate the salary you deserve.