We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGeek
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Best Paying Careers for People Without a College Degree?

Diana Bocco
By
Updated: Jan 28, 2024
Views: 21,056
Share

If you think there is no much you can do without a college degree, you are in for a surprise. A recent report put out by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor shows that it is possible to earn over $50,000 US Dollars (USD) a year without ever going to college. Here’s a quick look at some of the best paying careers that do not require higher education.

  • Air Traffic Controller. Before you get excited about the fact that controllers make over $100,000 USD a year, you should know that this profession ranks in the top 15 most stressful jobs. Air traffic controllers can get started without a degree, although one is often required for career advancement.

  • Real Estate Broker. Much of the salary of a broker depends on location and average house price on the area, but even so, the average national salary of real estate broker in the US is $76,000 USD. A series of training workshops and exams are needed to become a certified broker.

  • Personal trainers can earn upwards of $50,000 USD without a college degree. Even those who work part-time can earn a median annual salary in the high $20,000s. Many personal trainers own their own businesses, and earn salaries much higher than the average trainer who works in a gym.

  • Many computer-related occupations can be started without a degree, as many companies consider on-the-job training more important than formal education. Computer programmers can learn the trade by taking private certifications and earn an average of $55,000 USD. Most database and network administrators get their start this way and earn a medium annual salary of $48,000 USD.

Many of the top-paying occupations in the US have to do with manual work, and most of them can be undertaken without a college degree. Some examples include electricians and electric equipment repair ($54,000 USD); rail workers ($46,000 USD); firefighters ($48,000 USD); car mechanics ($37,000 USD); and boilermakers ($43,000 USD). Many military posts also do not need a degree. A sergeant in active service and a decade of service behind him or her earns about 49,000 USD a year.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Diana Bocco
By Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco, a versatile writer with a distinct voice, creates compelling long-form and short-form content for various businesses. With a data-focused approach and a talent for sharing engaging stories, Diana’s written work gets noticed and drives results.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Amphibious54 — On Jun 10, 2010

For someone getting ready to decide on what to do after high school, this is an important question to ask. You would think that in this day and age to be successful you have to go to college. This is far from the truth.

I can think of a few professional jobs that don't require a college degree and can net you a good income. Many manufacturing and laboratory supervisory positions do not require a college degree. You may need to attend some seminars, or take some courses during your career, but you can definitely get your start fresh out of high school.

Plumbers and electricians also make very good money, and you can become one with only an apprenticeship. You will be required to take specific courses, but you are also getting paid while you train.

In some states you can also work towards your LNA/CNA certificate while working and getting paid. Nursing homes and care facilities will often pay for the training while you are employed with them as long as you sign a contract for a certain period of time.

By ValleyFiah — On Jun 10, 2010

There are also plenty of blue collar jobs that pay well, and are not just manual labor. For example, heavy equipment operators in the construction industry can earn well over $50,000 per year. Many of these machines require skilled operators that only learn how to run them through on the job training.

Starting your own business can also make you a comfortable living. You can start almost any small business without needing a college degree. If you have a good idea, determination, and access to some source of funding you can get started. Some examples that come to mind are daycares, restaurants, landscaping businesses, home building & roofing companies, and retail stores.

I have a buddy in Vermont that owns his own green construction company and he is quite successful. He mostly specializes in residential homes and barns, using alternative methods like straw bale, reclaimed materials, and alternative systems (Energy, water use, etc). His homes are beautiful, and he is always busy. Since he works in Vermont he gets most of the winters off so he can ski and ride whenever he pleases. What a great life for someone who skipped college!

Hot Topics
WiseGeek,
in your inbox
Our latest articles, guides,
and more, delivered daily.
Follow us:
Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco, a versatile writer with a distinct voice, creates compelling long-form and short-form content for various...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-are-the-best-paying-careers-for-people-without-a-college-degree.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.