Top 15 Best-Paying Careers Without a Degree

Best-Paying Careers Without a Degree

Many high-income roles don’t need a four-year degree. Most do need structured training, licensing, or an apprenticeship. Pay figures below use the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data available at the time of writing, which provides transparent methods and regular updates. Pay varies by region, union coverage, and industry mix; use local data to calibrate expectations.

• How roles were selected: strong median pay, clear “no bachelor’s required” entry path, and a skills-first hiring tradition.

• What “no degree” means here: entry does not require a bachelor’s; you might still need a high-school diploma, short courses, certifications, or a paid apprenticeship.

• Apprenticeship outcomes to know: government sources report about 90% employment retention for completers and an average starting salary near $80,000 after completion. Programs expand across trades and technical fields.

Table of Content

1. Best-Paying Careers Without a Degree
2. Quick research snapshot
3. How to pick a path that actually fits
4. Top 15 best-paying careers without a degree
5. What these paths have in common
6. Licenses and regulators: quick links you’ll use
7. Real-life planning: a simple three-month starter plan
8. Pay, risk, and lifestyle—what to weigh before you commit
9. Skills and certificates that lift earnings
10. Apprenticeships: why they’re a strong bet for candidates without a degree
11. Action checklist you can use today
12. Career snapshots
13. Conclusion
14. FAQs

Quick research snapshot

• Air traffic control, power grid operations, and non-airline commercial aviation sit near the top of non-degree pay.

• Union apprenticeships in electrical, elevator, and heavy industry roles lead to high journeyman rates and steady overtime.

• Transportation leadership (warehouse and distribution managers) commonly promotes from within, rewarding results over degrees.

How to pick a path that actually fits

Aptitude and lifestyle. Shift work, night duty, heights, loud plants, or travel show up in many of these jobs. List your non-negotiables.

Credential map. Write down licenses, exams, vision/hearing standards, background checks, sea time or flight hours, and the typical training timeline.

Earnings reality. Compare median wages to local union steps and overtime rules. Add realistic commute, relocation, and gear costs.

Top 15 best-paying careers without a degree

Notes on pay: BLS median annual wage figures are from May 2024 where available; OEWS 2023 tables appear where 2024 medians have not yet posted by occupation page. Always verify current numbers in your country or state.

Air Traffic Controller (ATC)

Why pay runs high. You sequence aircraft, manage separation, and make fast calls in a safety-critical environment. The role carries structured shifts and strict medical standards. 2024 median pay: $144,580.

Entry path (no bachelor’s needed). FAA accepts an experience-based route: one year of progressively responsible work experience (or a combination with education), pass the ATSA exam, clear medical/security checks, be under age 31 at application, and complete the FAA Academy.

First steps. Monitor FAA off-the-street hiring windows and prep for ATSA. Relocation flexibility helps placement.

Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline)

What you do. Fly charter, aerial survey, firefighting support, medevac, or cargo outside major airline flight decks. 2024 median pay (commercial pilots): $122,670.

Entry path. Earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument rating. A four-year degree is not required for non-airline roles. FAA publishes certificate steps and minimum hours.

First steps. Pick a reputable flight school, build time efficiently (instructing, Part 135 operators), and pursue multi-engine experience.

Power Plant Operator / Distributor / Dispatcher

What you do. Run turbines, monitor load, or dispatch power to keep the grid stable. 2024 median pay (combined): $103,600; nuclear operators and dispatchers trend higher.

Entry path. High-school diploma plus employer training and testing; nuclear facilities add NRC licensing steps.

First steps. Apply to utilities and independent power producers; expect aptitude tests and months of classroom and control-room training.

Elevator & Escalator Installer-Repairer

What you do. Install and service traction, hydraulic, and escalator systems in high-rise and commercial sites. 2024 median pay: $106,580.

Entry path. Paid apprenticeship through a joint committee or manufacturer; licensing in many jurisdictions.

First steps. Apply to IUEC-affiliated apprenticeships or major OEMs; expect aptitude screening and rigorous safety training.

Transportation, Storage & Distribution Manager

What you do. Direct warehouse operations, routing, and compliance for large inventories. 2024 median pay: $102,010.

Entry path. Many promote experienced supervisors without a bachelor’s; OSHA/HAZMAT credentials and software fluency help.

First steps. Build a track record on throughput, shrink reduction, and safety metrics; learn WMS/TMS platforms.

First-Line Supervisor of Police & Detectives

What you do. Lead squads, schedule shifts, mentor new officers, and manage incidents. Median pay (OEWS 2023): $101,750.

Entry path. Complete a police academy, earn field experience, then promote through exams and boards; education requirements vary by agency.

First steps. Document performance, pursue specialty units, and prep for sergeant testing.

Electrical Power-Line Installer & Repairer

What you do. Build and maintain overhead and underground power lines, often in tough weather and at height. 2024 median pay: $92,560.

Entry path. High-school diploma, apprenticeship, commercial driver license, and strict safety training.

First steps. Apply to utility and contractor apprenticeships; expect pole-top rescue drills and climbing assessments.

Captains, Mates & Pilots of Water Vessels

What you do. Command or assist in navigation of tugboats, ferries, offshore supply, and harbor movements. Recent wage reference: group median $66,490 across water transportation workers, with licensed ranks higher by route and tonnage; OEWS 2023 shows captain/mate/pilot median near the mid-$80Ks.

Entry path. Accumulate sea time and earn a Merchant Mariner Credential (for example, OUPV “six-pack,” then upgrades). Training providers with approved courses can satisfy exam components.

First steps. Start as deckhand to log sea service, complete approved safety/route courses, and sit for national exams.

Aircraft Mechanics & Avionics Technicians

What you do. Keep aircraft airworthy through inspections, repairs, and avionics troubleshooting. 2024 medians: $78,680 (mechanics) and $81,390 (avionics).

Entry path. Earn FAA A&P or avionics certification through an approved school or documented experience; many roles hire on skills and certificates rather than a bachelor’s degree.

First steps. Train at Part 147 programs or document military/field experience, then test for certificates and type-specific courses.

Locomotive Engineer (Rail)

What you do. Operate freight or passenger locomotives under strict rules and signals. OEWS 2023 median pay: $73,240; overtime and differentials add up in many yards and divisions.

Entry path. Start as a conductor or trainee with a high-school diploma, complete employer courses, pass certification, and move up by seniority.

First steps. Apply to Class I/II railroads, expect irregular schedules, and prepare for rules exams.

First-Line Supervisor of Firefighting & Prevention

What you do. Lead crews, manage incident tactics, and coordinate training and inspections. OEWS 2023 median pay: $86,220.

Entry path. Most promote from firefighter to engineer/lieutenant after years of service and exams; a postsecondary nondegree award is common in some districts, yet many supervisors advance through internal ladders without a bachelor’s.

First steps. Earn EMT, build evaluations, and prepare for promotional boards.

Real Estate Broker

What you do. Run a brokerage or manage agents, handle listings, and oversee transactions. 2024 median pay (brokers): $72,280.

Entry path. Complete required coursework, pass state exams, log experience as an agent, then upgrade to a broker license. Earnings fluctuate with market cycles.

First steps. Pick a niche (leasing, industrial, luxury, mixed-use), build a repeat/referral pipeline, and master local regulations.

Web Developer / Digital Designer

What you do. Build websites and digital interfaces; portfolios often matter more than diplomas. 2024 medians: $95,380 for the combined group; $90,930 for web developers.

Entry path. Many employers hire developers without a bachelor’s when the work demonstrates skill, accessibility compliance, and performance awareness.

First steps. Ship projects in public repos, learn core web standards, and document outcomes (load time, conversions, accessibility scores).

Gas Plant Operator

What you do. Control systems that process and distribute gas; roles sit in energy production and pipelines with rotating shifts. Recent national references show annual means in the mid-$80Ks to low-$90Ks; local medians vary by facility and union agreements.

Entry path. High-school diploma plus employer training; some facilities prefer process-technology certificates.

First steps. Target utilities and midstream operators; study basic process control, P&IDs, and safety systems.

Boilermaker

What you do. Fabricate, install, and repair boilers, vats, and large steel vessels across power and heavy industry. 2024 median pay: $73,340.

Entry path. Apprenticeship with strong on-the-job training; travel and overtime are common on shutdowns and turnarounds.

First steps. Apply via union halls or contractors; expect heavy fieldwork, rigging, and welding tests.

What these paths have in common

Licenses and proof of skill. Most of these roles rely on licenses, hours, and exams instead of diplomas: ATC’s ATSA, pilot certificates, maritime credentials, state trade licenses, or utility operator qualifications.

Paid training exists. Registered apprenticeships let you earn and learn, often with wage steps and benefits, then solid placement. Public data points to high retention and strong starting pay after completion.

Advancement from within. Transportation and logistics management, plant supervision, and fire/police leadership often promote experienced workers who show results.

Licenses and regulators: quick links you’ll use

• Aircraft: national aviation authority paths for commercial certificates and knowledge/practical standards.

• Air traffic control: eligibility, hiring windows, and workforce plan updates from your aviation authority.

• Maritime: national maritime credential options, entry-level OUPV equivalents, and upgrade pathways.

Real-life planning: a simple three-month starter plan

Month 1 — Clarity.

Pick two roles that suit your lifestyle. For example, a learner who wants hands-on work and high outdoor activity may shortlist power-line work and elevator repair. Pull the exact exam, fitness, and age requirements; scan union or employer apprenticeship pages.

Month 2 — Paperwork and prep.

Schedule medicals if required (vision/hearing for ATC and pilot, port credentials for maritime). Gather school transcripts, sea-time logs, or proof of work experience. Line up practice tests and book study time.

Month 3 — Applications.

Submit to two apprenticeships or training pipelines. Keep a log of closing dates, background checks, and interview steps. For web development, ship a public project each week with notes on performance and accessibility, then apply to entry projects that match your stack.

Pay, risk, and lifestyle—what to weigh before you commit

Shift work and callouts. Utilities, line crews, and plant operators cover nights and storms; pay reflects the schedule.

Safety culture. Many roles sit in safety-sensitive categories: aviation, grid work, firefighting, and maritime. Licenses can be suspended for violations, so habits matter as much as skill.

Cyclical markets. Real estate cycles and freight volumes rise and fall. Build reserves and a referral system during strong years.

Skills and certificates that lift earnings

• Safety cards and add-ons: OSHA 10/30, HAZMAT, confined-space, fall-protection.

• Industry-specific add-ons: FCC GROL for avionics, STCW for maritime, CDL for line crews.

• Digital fluency: WMS/TMS for distribution managers; diagnostics software for aviation and plants.

Apprenticeships: why they’re a strong bet for candidates without a degree

Public data shows strong placement and earnings after completion. National dashboards highlight high retention and competitive starting salaries for completers. Use these programs when you want paid training, step raises, and a recognized credential.

Practical tip. Many joint labor-management programs open applications on set cycles. Add reminders, prepare for aptitude tests, and bring a clean log of any hours or shop classes you’ve completed.

Action checklist you can use today

1. Pick one path that fits your lifestyle (travel vs. home every night, indoor vs. outdoor, shift vs. fixed schedules).

2. Download the regulator’s eligibility sheet and highlight non-negotiables (age, medicals, citizenship, background checks).

3. Book one exam or training milestone (aptitude test, knowledge test, credential course, utility screening).

4. Apply to at least two paid apprenticeships or trainee programs to avoid a single-point wait.

5. Track local median wages and union steps for five-year outlook, not only starting pay.

Career snapshots

• Top earners without a degree: ATC ($144,580), commercial pilots ($122,670), and power plant operators/distributors/dispatchers ($103,600).

• High-skill trades with strong medians: elevator installers ($106,580), power-line installers ($92,560), web developers/digital designers ($95,380/$90,930).

• Leadership via experience: transportation, storage, and distribution managers ($102,010 median).

Conclusion

If a four-year degree doesn’t fit your plans or budget, strong options still exist. Air traffic control, non-airline aviation, power generation and dispatch, and licensed trades pay well and value people who show up, learn hard skills, pass exams, and follow safety rules.

The common thread is simple: proof of skill. Build that proof through a paid apprenticeship, a regulator’s license, a clean safety record, and a portfolio of work. Pay follows competence and reliability in these fields.

FAQs

Which job on this list reaches six-figure pay the fastest?

ATC and power distribution reach six-figure levels soon after full qualification at busy facilities. Non-airline commercial pilots can reach higher tiers with ratings and hours. Local markets, overtime, and union steps influence timing.

Can a learner enter aviation or maritime careers outside the U.S. without a degree?

Yes. Licenses and sea/flight hour requirements come from national regulators. The role map is similar: training provider, hours, exams, and medicals. Check your national aviation authority or flag-state rules, then match courses to those standards.

Are apprenticeships still worth it in 2025?

Outcomes remain strong across trades and technical roles. Programs continue to grow with steady completion-to-employment transitions.

Do these jobs require perfect health?

Some have strict medical standards (ATC and pilot). Others focus on job-specific fitness and safety training (linework, firefighting). Read the regulator’s checklist before investing in training.

What’s the best first step if I’m undecided?

Shadow workers where possible, talk with union halls or training coordinators, skim recent occupation profiles for duties and schedules, and submit at least two applications—one apprenticeship and one trainee role—so momentum starts now.