28 Best Jobs That Pay Well Without A Degree

Let’s be real for a second – there’s a stigma in place in terms of education. Individuals who don’t go to school are sometimes seen as having less earning potential. But that’s flat-out fallacious on so many levels because there are jobs that pay well with out a degree!

It’s possible to achieve success irrespective of your education level. And we’re here to prove it.

We’ve compiled a terrific list of excellent paying jobs without degrees. In the event you’re a job seeker on the lookout for a method to generate income, receives a commission what you deserve, and achieve job growth, one in all these jobs that pay well with out a degree is likely to be best for you.

Can I find jobs that pay well with out a degree?

Yes, obviously! There are many great jobs with high pay. Simply because you didn’t go to school doesn’t mean you might be limited in your earning options.

On average, staff 25 years or older without a college degree earn $827 every week. That’s lower than the common bachelor’s degree salary, but that’s not set in stone.

There are many occupations with out a degree that pay greater than that. Let’s take a have a look at the best paying jobs with out a degree so you may see what fields is likely to be best for you.

Hands-on jobs that pay well with out a degree

These jobs are hands-on and are in a wide range of exciting fields. In the event you wish to learn on the job, it’s possible you’ll select one in all these options.

1. Power plant operator

Median power plan operator salary: $94,790/year (operators, distributors, dispatchers from BLS)

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

Power plant operators are top-of-the-line jobs with out a degree to have. Principally, you’d be in command of controlling the systems that generate and distribute electric power.

In order you will have guessed, that is form of a high-pressure job which will involve machinery. You’ll typically work 8 or 12-hour shifts on a rotation.

You’ll need numerous on-the-job training to provide you the talents and knowledge it’s worthwhile to manage the plant, but the common annual salary is great.

2. Elevator installer and repairer

Median elevator installer and repairer salary: $97,860/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

Do you’ve gotten a knack for fixing things? If that’s the case, you would possibly put those skills to good use as an elevator installer or repairer, also on the list as one in all the best paying careers.

You’ll work directly in crawl spaces and machine rooms to be sure an elevator is working right. Just be sure you’re not afraid of heights! It’s also not unusual to work directly in an elevator shaft.

Don’t worry in the event you’re not an elevator whiz — you’ll learn all it’s worthwhile to know in an apprenticeship.

3. Police officer or detective

Median police officer or detective salary: $66,020/year

Education required: Highschool diploma plus police or detective training academy

Being a police officer or detective means you may help protect people. You’ll get to unravel crimes and produce criminals to justice. Which incorporates collecting evidence, apprehending suspects, and de-escalating dangerous situations.

Obviously, there are numerous risks to being a law enforcement officer. The job is stressful and demanding, so it’s not right for everybody especially in the event you are on the lookout for low stress jobs. While it’s one in all the roles that pay well with out a degree, you have to to attend police training before you may get your badge.

4. Railroad staff

Median railroad worker salary: $64,150/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

Consider it or not, your childhood dream of being a train conductor really can come true. Railroad staff do greater than just conduct, though. It’s their responsibility to be sure trains run on time and in keeping with safety regulations.

Where you’re employed is dependent upon your role. A conductor will obviously travel on the train, but a railroad employee might stay in the identical yard all day long to operate switches. When you don’t need a level, you’ll often require a couple of months of on-the-job training to completely get into the profession.

5. Electrician

Median electrician salary: $60,040/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

Light up your life as an electrician. It’ll definitely supercharge your checking account! You’ll be liable for installing, maintaining, and repairing power, communications, lighting, and more in buildings and houses.

Life as an electrician might be very busy. You’ll incessantly move around from job to job (not to say tons of additional time), however the pay makes it worthwhile.

And better of all, you don’t need a school education. You’ll cover all it’s worthwhile to know in an apprenticeship.

6. Plumber, Pipe-fitter, or Steamfitter

Median plumber, pipe-fitter or steamfitter salary: $59,880/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

There’s a reason Mario is all the time collecting golden coins. He’s making bank at his job, and you may too. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters all work on fixing and maintaining piping fixtures and systems, and these are good paying jobs without degrees.

Work might be in homes or industrial buildings. It’s possible you’ll even have numerous emergency calls to take care of, as plumbing disasters typically can’t wait until morning. It’s one other job that gives an apprenticeship to show you all the pieces about working in the sector.

7. Ironworkers

Median ironworkers salary: $57,160/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

Are you tough as steel? Possibly being an ironworker is your calling! The job involves installing structural steel and iron when constructing roads, bridges, and structures.

The profession isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll often be high up on platforms performing physically demanding work, however it’s one in all the roles that pay well with out a degree. Plus, you simply need an apprenticeship to start.

8. Business pilot

Median commercial pilot salary: $99,640

Education required: Business certificate

If you would like to fly and find the best paying jobs with out a degree, you may turn out to be a industrial pilot. It’s a little bit different than airline pilots. You’ll still need training, but you then can do a large number of various flights equivalent to transporting skydiver passengers or working as an air ambulance pilot.

It’s a terrific job for people who love adventure and it’s one in all the best paying jobs with out a degree.

9. Sheet metal employee

Median sheet metal worker salary: $53,440/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

One other form of construction employee is a sheet metal employee. Which involves fabricating and installing products made from thin metal sheets.

Like other labor gigs, it’s a strenuous position. You’ll be bending, climbing, and squatting as you maneuver the metal sheets into place. You’ll learn the trade through an apprenticeship.

Administrative jobs that pay well with out a degree

In the event you prefer a piece environment in an office setting, these are the proper occupations. Listed below are the most effective jobs with out a degree within the administration field.

10. Claims adjuster

Median claims adjuster salary: $64,710/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions

As a claims adjuster, you’ll be the one liable for evaluating insurance claims and either approving or denying them. Because insurance claims can occur in a wide range of places and scenarios, you’ll often get to be out of the office. You’ll need to examine damages in person to make your assessment.

While some positions do require a bachelor’s degree, you may still find some that don’t. You’ll get all of the knowledge you wish while working on the job.

11. Executive assistant

Median executive assistant salary: $65,980/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent, though some employers may require a level

As an executive assistant, you’ll principally be a manager’s right-hand person. This implies it’s possible you’ll need to organize necessary reports, conduct research, and handle any information requests.

You would like to be sure you’re a people person, as you’ll be answering phones and scheduling meetings. It’s possible you’ll even receive visitors.

All it’s best to need for this job is prior work experience, good people skills, and superior computing abilities. It’s one in all those great jobs that pay well with out a degree, and this position can open the doors to many opportunities. So it’s not unusual to see executive assistants step into managerial roles.

12. Postmaster

Median Postmaster salary: $82,760/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

In the event you’re occupied with helping a serious organization operate and you’ve gotten a passion for administration, you may work for the U.S. Postal Service. To turn out to be a postmaster, you’ll first must get job experience with the USPS.

A postmaster can be called a mail superintendent, and your tasks include anything related to helping the post office branch run easily. You’ll need a powerful head for organization and customer support to succeed.

You may likely work your way up from entry level positions on the USPS to eventually tackle a managerial position.

13. Property manager

Average property manager salary: $59,230/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

In the event you like the thought of working in an office setting but additionally getting out in the neighborhood incessantly, being a property manager is a job that pays well with out a degree. Strong administrative skills and good people skills are helpful.

Property managers handle tasks like listing and showing available apartments, inspecting grounds, meeting with property owners, and more. It’s possible you’ll need to start out with a more entry-level position to realize some relevant work experience before moving as much as property manager.

14. Court reporter

Median court reporter salary: $60,380/year

Education required: Postsecondary non-degree award or certification

Do you frequently impress others together with your typing speed and accuracy? Then becoming a court reporter is one in all the highest-paying jobs with out a degree.

That you must have the option to remain focused under pressure, typing word-for-word transcriptions in legal proceedings. The same job is a simultaneous captioner, creating transcriptions for meetings, television, press conferences, and more.

The beauty of being a court reporter is you can take a certificate program at a community college. There’s no lengthy degree program to turn out to be qualified, and the median salary is super near the annual mean wage within the U.S. of $61,900.

Jobs that pay well with out a degree that involve sales

Possibly you’re great at mentioning all of the positives of a product and you’re keen on to earn a commission. These sales jobs may very well be for you!

15. Wholesale and manufacturing sales representative

Average sales representative salary: $62,890/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

A wholesale and manufacturing sales representative is one other of the most effective jobs with out a degree. Why? There’s all the time money in sales!

Particularly in wholesale and manufacturing. So this might involve closing deals with businesses, organizations, and government agencies.

Have in mind, that a lot of sales positions do run on commission. So it’s worthwhile to be sure you’re a persuasive one that can sell anything to achieve this role.

So long as you’re not selling anything too scientific or technical, you shouldn’t need anything greater than a highschool diploma to start.

16. Insurance sales agent

Median insurance sales agent salary: $49,840/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

There are all kinds of insurance on the market, and selling these policies to clients can earn you a hefty commission. You’ll meet together with your clients, find them the coverage that meets their needs, and answer their questions.

One other people-oriented position, this job does depend on you being friendly and open. There’s also numerous paperwork involved. Most states don’t require you to have a level, though it’s possible you’ll need training.

You’ll also must be licensed in your state. In the event you can get past the hoops, that is one other one in all the roles that pay well with out a degree.

17. Real estate agent or broker

Median real estate agent or broker salary: $48,770/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

In the event you love watching “House Hunters,” perhaps it’s time you turned your passion right into a moneymaker. Being an actual estate agent or broker means you’ll help people buy and sell their homes, and it’s one in all the best paying jobs with out a degree.

It does take numerous work, though. Your weekends will probably be dedicated to deal with showings, meaning you won’t have a typical 9 to five schedule.

Most states don’t require you to have a school degree. Nonetheless, they are going to require you to take licensing courses to turn out to be certified, in addition to pass a licensing exam.

Being an actual estate agent is a profession path that doesn’t have a limit as you may grow as large as you’d like. In fact, that is all just so long as you’re willing to place within the work, then it may possibly be one in all the best paying jobs with out a degree.

People-oriented jobs that pay well with out a degree

Do you’re keen on to assist others and like to interact with numerous people throughout your day? Take a look at these people-oriented, good paying jobs without degrees.

18. Hearing aid specialist

Median hearing aid specialist salary: $59,020/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

One other job that helps people, a hearing aid specialist works to pick and fit hearing aids for consumers. You’ll get to make an actual difference here as you make it easier for people to listen to again.

Working as a hearing aid specialist would require one-on-one work together with your customers. It’s possible you’ll also need some technical knowledge, as you’ll need to assess hearing instrument efficacy.

Aside from that, though, a highschool diploma is just fantastic on this profession, and it’s one of the vital rewarding jobs with out a degree.

19. Dental hygienist

Average dental hygienist salary: $77,810/year

Education required: Associate’s degree

This is certainly a hands-on profession, and it also requires numerous time up close and private with patients. It’s a fast-growing occupation that doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree.

To turn out to be a dental hygienist, you’ll must get your associate’s degree in dental hygiene, which may take about three years.

The job of dental hygienists is usually a bit gross, but you may start earning a terrific salary in less time than with other careers. It’s also common to work part-time, and also you likely won’t have numerous weekend shifts. That makes it top-of-the-line jobs with out a degree.

20. FedEx driver

Average FedEx driver salary: $52,717/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

FedEx has pretty high-paying jobs for his or her drivers. So in the event you enjoy driving and wish to have a routine, this profession could also be a superb alternative. Drop off boxes and packages to varied locations throughout the route.

It’s a superb customer support option if it’s worthwhile to make a superb income and don’t wish to go to highschool, and in addition in the event you prefer to satisfy many individuals throughout your day.

21. Flight attendant

Median flight attendant salary: $63,760/year

Education required: Highschool diploma or equivalent

Are you people-oriented and do you enjoy traveling to varied locations? You may like being a flight attendant, top-of-the-line jobs with out a degree.

While you have to to undergo some training and take care of numerous customers through the day, there are some perks to this profession.

Airlines normally include traveling standby free of charge for flight attendants, and also you’ll have the prospect to satisfy people from world wide. So in the event you are determined to travel and don’t mind long hours, this may very well be a terrific job for you.

Highest paying jobs with out a degree for creatives

In the event you often work on different projects and have a terrific imagination, you will likely like a creative job. Listed below are a few of the most effective ones.

22. Author/writer

Median writer/author salary: $69,510/year

Education required: Highschool diploma is beneficial (but not likely required).

Becoming a author or writer typically means working on your individual schedule from whatever location you select, although you will have writing deadlines.

In the event you’ve got a way with words or did well in language and literature classes, it’s possible you’ll have the option to make a profession of this, or work doing this short-term while between jobs.

There are numerous different specialties for writers and a few fields like blogging, white papers, and sales have high pay. And for those who prefer to start out their very own blogs, earning potential is unlimited. You may even do that job part-time and still make a good sum of money.

23. Social media manager

Average social media manager salary: $72,860/year

Education required: Experience with social media

You don’t need school for this job, just experience. So in the event you enjoy social media and would really like to administer and plan other people’s accounts, that is a terrific gig. In the event you’re creative and great at marketing it’s best to excel on this role.

You don’t need a four-year degree to make this work, however it helps in the event you know how you can do several things, like if you’ve gotten photographer or video editing skills, or are good at writing.

24. Sound engineering technician

Average sound engineering technician salary: $60,670/year

Education required: Varies from highschool diploma to bachelor’s degree and beyond

You’ll have amazing skills with setting the proper mood for video, TV, podcasts, and more. If that’s the case, working as a sound engineering technician is amongst the nice paying jobs without degrees.

The entire media people eat every day requires appropriate sound: music, voices, and other sound effects. Sound engineering techs work in film, television, radio, performing arts, and other industries.

It’s possible you’ll consider sound engineering as merely working in a studio to give you the proper sounds for a recording. But there’s more; you may additionally be charged with establishing and operating microphones for an event like a political debate, for instance.

25. Makeup artist

Median makeup artist salary: $75,730/year (performance and theater)

Education required: Typically a cosmetology license

Are you creative and trendy? Have you ever been perfecting makeup looks for years? Knowledgeable makeup artist profession is likely to be a small step and a good paycheck.

It’s possible you’ll must get a cosmetology or esthetician license, and clearly, you’ll must practice quite a bit to be knowledgeable. But when you get some certifications and experience this might be very exciting work, and one in all the best paying jobs with out a degree.

Computer jobs that pay well with out a degree

Are you occupied with computers and great with all things tech-related? These good paying jobs without degrees could also be just what you wish!

26. Cyber security analyst

Average cyber security analyst salary: $128,870/year

Education required: Bachelor’s degree is usually required but not all the time

A cyber security analyst is one in all the highest-paying jobs with out a degree, ideal for individuals who love computers and are great with technology.

A cyber security analyst protects from digital attacks and malware. It’s possible you’ll not need a level to start, either, and there’s a wonderful average salary.

*Note: In response to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, many employers do require a bachelor’s degree for cybersecurity positions. Nonetheless, as Coursera explains, some people can secure a position by getting a cybersecurity certification or working an entry-level IT position first.

27. Web developer

Median web developer salary: $78,300/year

Education required: Ranges from highschool diploma to bachelor’s degree

Web developers construct and improve web sites, which is a fairly useful skill lately. As well as, if you’ve gotten website design or graphic design skills, that’s even higher. Other key skills to enable you to earn more are HTML, javascript, and CSS.

You might easily work as a freelancer full-time and make some great money creating web sites for businesses and firms. Use those tech skills to snag one in all the best paying jobs with out a degree.

28. Mystery shopper

Average mystery shopper salary: $14.57 per hour

Education required: None

As a mystery shopper, you may shop at a wide range of different stores and dine at various restaurants. Your job is to review your experience and supply feedback to the corporate so that they can create business improvements.

As you seek for mystery shopper jobs you should definitely select firms which can be members of the MSPA Americas; a trade organization made up of legitimate mystery shopping firms. Remember that the common pay for mystery shoppers isn’t that prime, especially since minimum wage has increased in quite a couple of states.

Some popular places to seek out mystery shopper jobs include BestMark and A Closer Look.

Expert tip

Although college degrees are still necessary in lots of fields, there are quite a couple of job opportunities that don’t require a level. You may start making more cash sooner by taking one in all these jobs that pay well with out a degree.

Some employers are looking more closely at your experience, which in some cases you may gain via free or inexpensive online classes or on-the-job training. Others may require an associate’s degree, which normally only takes two years.

Don’t give in to the parable you can’t earn a superb income with out a degree! Get creative and search for the opportunities best suited to you, and earn more

The best way to apply for and get jobs that pay well with out a degree

It’s good to know that there are high-paying jobs in numerous different fields that don’t require a school education. But how do you get one in all those jobs? See the guidelines below.

Have the precise mindset

First, have a healthy mindset. In the event you’re on the lookout for a job to exchange your current one, be patient in your search. However, in the event you need a brand new job immediately, know that it’s alright to take a job that pays the bills when you seek for the job of your dreams.

Also, be open to further your education through courses and certifications. Even in the event you don’t wish to get a level, the job you would like may require or recommend that some latest information. Get able to learn!

Where to seek out jobs that pay well with out a degree

Where must you look for brand spanking new jobs? Start off with job boards like Indeed and see what’s available. In the event you feel that you simply’ve exhausted those options, try great networking suggestions through LinkedIn, or talking to acquaintances and friends about opportunities.

Remember to update your resume and take a look at to make latest friends and connections that would open doors for you with a brand new job. But all the time be real and helpful!

Are you a working mom on the lookout for flexibility? We’ve got you covered too!

Interview tricks to get jobs that pay well with out a degree

Go to the interview prepared. Pick knowledgeable outfit you’re feeling confident in. Practice answering questions, and you should definitely have your resume as updated and impressive as possible.

Making a superb first impression isn’t all that matters. Remember to take time after the interview to make notes, and it doesn’t hurt to send a thanks email, either.

Have a plan in your income

Hopefully, finding a profession in a brand new field that you simply enjoy can even include a salary increase. (Especially in the event you select one in all the high-paying jobs we’ve mentioned in our list.) And you have to be prepared with a financial statement in your increased income.

Make sure you have a budget and don’t spend all the additional you earn. As an alternative, find ways to avoid wasting and invest the cash you don’t need for expenses, so you may benefit from this financial opportunity.

How can I make $100,000 a yr with out a college degree?

While quite a few the roles listed listed here are under $100,000, there are opportunities to earn $100,000 a yr with out a degree. Among the finest ways is to start out your individual business where there’s ample room to grow, though this takes time.

What’s the best paying profession with out a degree?

Considered one of the best paying jobs with out a degree is air traffic controller, which pays a median salary of $129,750. Electricians, mechanics and technicians (healthcare, automative) are also highly paid job roles you can explore.

What jobs make 6 figures with out a degree?

Examples of jobs that make 6 figures with out a degree include becoming a industrial pilot or entrepreneur. Electricians, mechanics and medical technicians also can earn 6 figures.

In tech-related fields, for instance, some firms may hire individuals with no degree who’ve hands-on experience with specific software. Have in mind that while there are careers where you may earn 6 figures with out a degree, that doesn’t mean zero training is required.

There are great jobs that pay well with out a degree!

A school education isn’t essential so long as you’re in the precise field. The very best paying jobs with out a degree could also be at your fingertips. Plus, without student loans dragging you down, you’ll have the option to start out earning big immediately.

That can make it a lot easier to create a solid financial statement for the life you would like. All you’ll must worry about while you get hired is writing the proper self-assessment in your annual review!

All the roles mentioned listed here are the best paying jobs with out a degree. Still, take into accout that constructing wealth has less to do with earning six figures and more to do with the way you manage and plan what you earn!

For more advice about handling your money, try our free courses.