High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree in the USA
A good paying job does not necessarily require a college degree in the USA. Various industries provide employment opportunities based on skills, certifications, experience, and any specialized training. Such jobs provide tremendous living, offering substantial opportunities for career advancement. Here is a glimpse of some of the High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree in the USA. Discover top high-paying jobs without a degree in the USA. Explore career opportunities in various fields that offer lucrative salaries without the need for a college degree.
1. Commercial Pilot
Being a commercial pilot is one of the best, most lucrative jobs you can obtain without a four-year degree. However, a college degree isn’t necessary, although you will have to undergo flight training in order to earn a commercial pilot’s license, passing both written and flight tests. Commercial pilots generally work for airlines, charter companies, or private organizations.
Median Salary: $134,630 per year
Requirements: FAA-approved flight school, commercial pilot’s license, flight hours]
2. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers direct planes through treacherous skies safely and ensure that planes take off and land. It is a highly trained occupation with a tremendous amount of stress, and one does not necessarily need a degree to get into it. Most professions of air traffic controllers are entered through FAA-approved training programs.
Median Salary: $129,750 annually
Requirements: FAA training program, passing medical and background checks
3. Elevator Installer and Repairer
Assemblers and installers of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways assemble, install, and service elevators, escalators, and similar equipment. This is a very technologically complicated job that needs knowledge in mechanics and electrical systems; most begin as apprentices.
Median Salary: $97,860 per year
Requirements: Apprenticeship or on-the-job training, licensing in some states
4. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Nuclear power reactor operators run nuclear reactors and ensure that all systems work safely. It is a job that contains significant on-the-job training and licensing, and a college degree is not required to start. Operating personnel must undergo rigorous testing to become certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Median Salary: $94,790 per year
Qualifications: Extensive training, NRC licensing, passing background checks
5. Radiation Therapist
In the healthcare industry, radiation therapists work to deliver radiological treatments to patients, with most of their work directed toward cancer patients. No degree is required, but you would need to complete a certification program and pass licensing exams. It is very well-paid and in high demand within the healthcare arena.
Median Salary: $86,850 year
Requirements: Certification or associate’s degree, state licensing
6. Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee construction projects, from ensuring they occur within budget and on time. Many construction managers are promoted upward from laborer or trade positions and then arrive at the end of a management track through experience. While a degree in construction management can be helpful, it is not always required.
Median Salary: $98,890 per year
Requirements: Experience in construction, sometimes associate’s degree or certification
7. Real Estate Broker
Real estate brokers help people buy, sell, and lease real estate. While not everyone with a degree in college becomes a real estate broker, most states require real estate law courses, passing licensing exams, and experience under the guidance of a licensed broker.
Median Salary: $86,490 per year
Requirements: Real estate license, certification programs, experience
8. Web Developer
Web developers build and design websites. While a lot of developers have degrees, it’s also pretty common to find successful web developers that learned through coding bootcamps or are self-taught. This is a great field for problem-solvers who also appreciate aesthetics.
Median Salary: $82,370 per year
Requirements: Knowledge of programming languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), portfolio, certifications
9. Power Plant Operator
These operators run the machinery that generates electricity for homes and businesses. Jobs will work with complex systems, but on-the-job training is available to learn these complex systems. Some power plant operators come into their jobs as apprentices and work their way up.
Median Salary: $85,950 per year
Requirements: On-the-job training, certifications, background checks
10. Plumber
Plumbers install, maintain, and repair water and gas supply lines, waste disposal systems, and related appliances. Many plumbers have learned through apprenticeships, and it’s a very lucrative hands-on job when experienced; there is always a demand for good plumbers.
Median Salary: $60,000 to $80,000 per year
Requirements: Apprenticeship, state licensing, certifications
11. Police Officer
Police officers assure there is law and order, protect the public, and ensure the implementation of law. No college degree is required; applicants must, however, undergo a police academy course, pass a physical fitness test, and background check. Plus, they will also get a huge income from overtimes and promotions.
Median Salary: $67,290 annually
Training Requirements: Police academy training, background checks, physical fitness
12. Commercial Truck Driver
Truck drivers take goods across the country, which can involve thousands of miles. A CDL is necessary to hold this occupation, but a college degree is not. Experience tends to bring significant salary increases, especially for hazardous-material truckers or those in specialty fields.
Median Salary: $50,000-$80,000 per year
Requirements: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), good driving record
13. HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians install and service heating and cooling systems. Appointments to such careers are usually served by apprenticeships or technical training programs, although a college degree is not required. Depending on the experience of an HVAC technician, they can earn a high income, especially if the worker specializes in intricate systems.
Median Salary: $53,410 per year
Requirements: Apprenticeship or technical training, state licensing
14. Sales Representative
Sales representatives work in all kinds of industries, selling products or services to businesses or consumers. Companies disagree on whether to choose degree-holders, experience holders, and those with sales training, but commissions and bonuses can create the potential to make a much higher income, and so it is a well-paid job for people who can communicate well.
Median Salary: $65,420 per year (with much more potential through commission)
Requirements: Sales experience, strong interpersonal skills
15. Firefighter
Firefighters respond to fires, rescue people from dangerous situations, and extinguish blazes. While there is no required degree for this job, training through fire academy and passing extreme physical tests are required for a firefighter. Overtime, promotions, and special assignments into specialty units elevate their salary levels quite a bit.
Median Salary: $52,500 per year
Requirements: Fire academy training, physical fitness exams, EMT certification