Highest-paying jobs that don’t require a degree

Olena Yakobchuk // Shutterstock College isn’t for everyone, but many people–especially in recent generations–feel pressured to get a degree to achieve success. One recent survey found that at least 4 in 5 high school students (86%) felt this pressure from friends and family, with nearly 3 in 4 (73%) saying their post-high school decisions are determined by a career path. It is true that lifetime earnings for those with a bachelor’s degree are typically higher than for those with just a high school diploma. But people who don’t graduate college can make a good living. A little over half of workers nationwide don’t have a college degree, and there are many high-paying jobs for them to choose from. Stacker used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find the 50 highest-paying jobs out of nearly 500 that don’t require a college degree. Jobs are ranked by annual wages; those without annual wages available were not considered. Other experience and training requirements, as well as employment levels and projections, were also included in the analysis but don’t affect the rankings. College enrollment has dropped off in the last few years after a historic high, partially thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are among those who aren’t sure if college is the best fit for you, whether due to the cost or other factors, you can rest easy knowing there are plenty of career paths available. Whether you want a technical and mechanical career in repairs or to supervise a retail shop, there are many options for noncollege graduates. Just keep in mind that some of the careers listed here require other forms of education or licensure, including specialized training programs or apprenticeships. You may also like: 5 ways to take the stress out of traveling for work #50. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $61,730 – Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award — 69.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 52,800 — Expected change by 2031: 1,200 jobs added #49. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $61,790 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 74.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: None – Number of jobs in 2021: 646,800 — Expected change by 2031: 12,200 jobs added #48. Real estate brokers rawpixel.com // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $62,010 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 39.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: None – Number of jobs in 2021: 123,100 — Expected change by 2031: 7,100 jobs added #47. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants Syda Productions // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $62,060 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 44.6% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: None – Number of jobs in 2021: 508,000 — Expected change by 2031: 102,600 jobs lost #46. First-line supervisors of correctional officers Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $62,220 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 57.7% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: None – Number of jobs in 2021: 55,900 — Expected change by 2031: 3,300 jobs lost You may also like: Youngest billionaires in America #45. Crane and tower operators Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $62,240 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 89.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 45,100 — Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs added #44. Insurance appraisers, auto damage Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $62,680 – Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award — 38.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 13,200 — Expected change by 2031: 700 jobs lost #43. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $62,760 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 76.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 45,700 — Expected change by 2031: 300 jobs added #42. Media and communication equipment workers, all other socrates471 // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $63,250 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 40.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Short-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 20,700 — Expected change by 2031: 1,000 jobs added #41. Stationary engineers and boiler operators kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $63,500 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 67.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 32,500 — Expected change by 2031: 1,300 jobs added You may also like: 50 first jobs of famous actors #40. Wellhead pumpers ded pixto // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $63,740 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 80.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 18,000 — Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs added #39. Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $63,840 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 73.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 11,800 — Expected change by 2031: 100 jobs added #38. Railroad conductors and yardmasters Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $63,960 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 76.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 34,300 — Expected change by 2031: 1,600 jobs added #37. Boilermakers Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $64,290 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 92.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Apprenticeship – Number of jobs in 2021: 13,900 — Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs lost #36. Fire inspectors and investigators Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $64,600 – Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award — 54.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: 5 years or more — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 15,500 — Expected change by 2031: 500 jobs added You may also like: Jobs with the lowest divorce rates #35. Police and sheriff’s patrol officers pio3 // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $64,610 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 43.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 684,900 — Expected change by 2031: 21,500 jobs added #34. Transit and railroad police JL IMAGES // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $64,930 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 43.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 3,500 — Expected change by 2031: 100 jobs added #33. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $65,080 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 38.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 314,300 — Expected change by 2031: 18,300 jobs lost #32. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians santi lumubol // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $65,380 – Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award — 66.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: None – Number of jobs in 2021: 131,700 — Expected change by 2031: 8,000 jobs added #31. Chemical plant and system operators Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $70,200 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 76.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 22,400 — Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs lost You may also like: Former jobs of every Supreme Court justice #30. Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $70,720 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 80.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 3,000 — Expected change by 2031: No change #29. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers 4 PM production // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $71,260 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 72.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: None – Number of jobs in 2021: 544,700 — Expected change by 2031: 19,800 jobs added #28. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers sculpies // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $72,010 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 81.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: 5 years or more — Typical on-the-job training required: None – Number of jobs in 2021: 735,500 — Expected change by 2031: 29,900 jobs added #27. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers Syda Productions // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $73,060 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 62.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: 5 years or more — Typical on-the-job training required: None – Number of jobs in 2021: 847,600 — Expected change by 2031: 23,600 jobs lost #26. Pile driver operators Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $76,260 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 91.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 3,900 — Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs added You may also like: The most common jobs in America today #25. Gambling managers HannaTor // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $76,910 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 47.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: None – Number of jobs in 2021: 4,100 — Expected change by 2031: 500 jobs added #24. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $77,250 – Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award — 69.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 9,200 — Expected change by 2031: 300 jobs added #23. Athletes and sports competitors Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $77,300 – Typical education needed: No formal educational credential — 36.6% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 15,800 — Expected change by 2031: 5,700 jobs added #22. Gas plant operators Christian Lagerek // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $77,850 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 76.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 15,300 — Expected change by 2031: 1,400 jobs lost #21. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $78,230 – Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award — 44.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 82,800 — Expected change by 2031: 3,400 jobs added You may also like: 50 most common jobs in America 100 years ago #20. Electrical power-line installers and repairers Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $78,310 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 76.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 126,600 — Expected change by 2031: 4,000 jobs added #19. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $79,540 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 76.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 35,300 — Expected change by 2031: 1,000 jobs added #18. First-line supervisors of nonretail sales workers g-stockstudio // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $79,680 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 48.6% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: None – Number of jobs in 2021: 406,900 — Expected change by 2031: 1,400 jobs lost #17. Locomotive engineers APChanel // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $79,740 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 75.7% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 26,600 — Expected change by 2031: 1,300 jobs added #16. Transportation inspectors Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $79,770 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 64.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 24,900 — Expected change by 2031: 500 jobs added You may also like: How the ‘Great Resignation’ has impacted 10 industries #15. Postmasters and mail superintendents Ken Wolter // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $80,250 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 36.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 12,300 — Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs lost #14. Signal and track switch repairers APChanel // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $80,570 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 79.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 6,800 — Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs added #13. Power plant operators michaeljung // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $80,850 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 62.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 29,200 — Expected change by 2031: 4,500 jobs lost #12. Subway and streetcar operators wonderlustpicstravel // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $81,180 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 73.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 10,600 — Expected change by 2031: 400 jobs added #11. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels Igor Kardasov // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $81,640 – Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award — 71.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: None – Number of jobs in 2021: 36,800 — Expected change by 2031: 400 jobs added You may also like: 50 most physical jobs in America #10. Ship engineers curraheeshutter // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $82,410 – Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award — 75.6% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: None – Number of jobs in 2021: 7,900 — Expected change by 2031: 100 jobs lost #9. Detectives and criminal investigators Prath // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $83,640 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 29.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 112,900 — Expected change by 2031: 800 jobs lost #8. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay Suwin // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $93,420 – Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award — 69.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 22,800 — Expected change by 2031: 1,100 jobs lost #7. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $97,860 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 77.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Apprenticeship – Number of jobs in 2021: 23,200 — Expected change by 2031: 700 jobs added #6. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers goodluz // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $98,230 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 60.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: 5 years or more — Typical on-the-job training required: None – Number of jobs in 2021: 150,700 — Expected change by 2031: 12,700 jobs added You may also like: Richest women in America #5. Power distributors and dispatchers Lovely Bird // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $98,530 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 62.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 9,700 — Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs lost #4. First-line supervisors of police and detectives Canva – Median annual wage, 2021: $99,330 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 37.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 132,300 — Expected change by 2031: 3,700 jobs added #3. Commercial pilots Skycolors // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $99,640 – Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award — 18.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 47,700 — Expected change by 2031: 2,400 jobs added #2. Nuclear power reactor operators Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $104,260 – Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent — 62.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term – Number of jobs in 2021: 4,800 — Expected change by 2031: 1,300 jobs lost #1. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance Kokulina // Shutterstock – Median annual wage, 2021: $134,750 – Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award — 67.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree — Typical related experience required: None — Typical on-the-job training required: None – Number of jobs in 2021: 4,400 — Expected change by 2031: 300 jobs added You may also like: Jobs with the highest fatality rates in the US