Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs That Do Not Require a University Degree

Many believe a four-year university degree is essential for a good income, but that’s not the case. There are numerous high-paying jobs available without a degree.

These positions range from technical fields to hands-on work, offering various opportunities for different skills and interests. 

Whether you’re just starting your career or considering a change, exploring these options can open up new pathways to success. 

So, let’s dive into them. Don’t go after the salary but rather the one that interests you the most.

Our Research Methodology

To compile this list of highest paying jobs that do not require a university degree, we followed this approach:

• Data Collection: We sourced data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), ZipRecruiter, Talent.com, indeed, and many more. These websites provided detailed information on median salaries and educational requirements for various occupations. We also referred to industry-specific resources.

• Job Selection Criteria: We focused on jobs with a median annual salary above $60,000, require no more than a high school diploma or equivalent for entry, and offer opportunities for career advancement with additional training or certification. Then, we listed them from highest to lowest.

• Industry Consultation: We consulted various industry publications, professional associations, and job boards to verify the information collected. This included looking at job postings on websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and industry-specific job boards to understand current demand and hiring trends.

• Review and Verification: The collected data was reviewed for accuracy and consistency. We cross-referenced multiple sources to ensure that the salary figures and job descriptions were up-to-date and reliable.

Top 10 High-Paying Jobs that Don’t Require a Degree

Here’s a list of the 10 jobs that pay well, and you don’t even need a degree to get them.

1. Air Traffic Controller

Median Salary: $137,380/year

You might have seen in movies where a person gives instructions directly to the captain during takeoff. This job involves managing aircraft movements to ensure safe distances and providing landing and takeoff instructions. It is one of the top jobs that doesn’t require a degree.

To become an air traffic controller, you need a high school diploma, pass pre-employment tests, and complete training at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy. This job is highly stressful as you need to be alert to all aircraft, weather changes, and much more. Working remotely is not possible as you need to be present inside the control tower.

Where to Find Jobs

• FAA website

• Government job boards

Visit LinkedIn to find jobs for an Air Traffic Controller.

Hiring Companies

• FAA

• Military

2. Commercial Pilot

Median Salary: $113,080/year

The main job of a commercial pilot is to fly aircraft for airlines and transport passengers and cargo. To become a commercial pilot, you need to go through extensive training and log thousands of flight hours to be eligible. It’s a competitive field, so you should be sharp.

All you need for this job is training, which would be a diploma and a commercial pilot’s license. There are no remote opportunities in this profession, as you need to be physically present to fly the plane to its destination.

Where to Find Jobs

• Airline websites

• Aviation job boards

• FAA website

For jobs related to commercial pilots, visit here.

Hiring Companies

• Airlines

• Cargo companies

• Private charters

3. Radiation Therapist

Median Salary: $104,845/year

As a radiation therapist, your job is to administer radiation treatments to cancer patients. In this job, you’ll have to work closely with an oncology team. You’ll need certification and an associate degree and will have to follow strict regulations for this job.

You must be physically present for this job to administer the treatments. There are other professions in the medical field that you can explore without needing a degree. 

Where to Find Jobs

• Hospital websites

• Healthcare job boards

If you want to find jobs related to a Radiation therapist, click here.

Hiring Companies

• Hospitals

• Cancer treatment centers

4. Web Developer

Median Salary: $93,707/year

Web developers design, code, and modify websites, from layout to functionality. They ensure sites are user-friendly and visually appealing.

To become a web developer, you need relevant experience and a strong portfolio of work. Some developers have associate degrees or certifications. The job market is competitive but growing rapidly. One of the advantages of this job is that it can be done remotely, allowing for flexible work arrangements.

Where to Find Jobs

• Tech job boards

• Company websites

• Freelancing platforms (Fiverr, Upwork).

Visit LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter to find jobs if you want to become a professional web developer.

Hiring Companies

• Tech companies

• Startups

• Marketing agencies

5. Transportation Manager

Median Salary: $91,777/year

Transportation managers oversee the planning, coordination, and implementation of transportation operations within an organization. They manage logistics, ensure compliance with regulations, and optimize transportation processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

To become a transportation manager, you typically need a high school diploma and several years of experience in logistics or transportation. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential. This role can sometimes be done remotely, especially with advancements in logistics software and communication technologies, though occasional on-site visits may be necessary.

Where to Find Jobs

• Logistics company websites

• Transportation job boards

• Corporate career pages

To find a job related to transport management, visit ZipRecruiter.

Hiring Companies

• Logistics firms

• Freight companies

• Large corporations with significant transportation needs

6. Real Estate Broker

Median Salary: $90,000/year

The real estate broker is like a middleman who helps people buy, sell, or rent real estate properties. You might have also encountered one in your life if you’ve ever wanted to move out of your parent's house. This job also involves handling transactions between the parties through escrow.

The real estate market is quite competitive, so you’ll need ways to promote your business better than the others. You’ll also have to pass a licensing exam to become a licensed broker. Lastly, you can handle transactions and communication remotely, but if a party wants to see a property, you must be present to give them a tour.

Where to Find Jobs

• Real estate agencies

• Job boards

• Networking events

Here, you can find jobs related to real estate and brokerage.

Hiring Companies

• Real estate firms

• Independent brokers

7. Dental Hygienist

Median Salary: $87,963/year

As the name suggests, your job will be to clean people’s teeth, examine them for oral diseases, and provide preventive care. To become a Dental hygienist, you need an associate degree and a license from your state.

The job is all about hands-on patient care, which means you need to be present in the clinic or hospital where you’ll be working.

Where to Find Jobs

• Dental offices

• Hospital websites

• Healthcare job boards

Visit Indeed to find more than 3000 jobs as a Dental hygienist and apply for the ones you like.

Hiring Companies

• Dental practices

• Clinics

• Hospitals

8. Nuclear Technician

Median Salary: $82,006/year

Nuclear technicians assist in nuclear research and energy production. They monitor radiation levels, operate equipment, and ensure safety protocols are followed.

To become a nuclear technician, you need an associate degree in nuclear science or a related field, along with extensive on-the-job training. The field requires strict adherence to safety regulations. This role cannot be done remotely as technicians must be present to handle sensitive materials and equipment.

Where to Find Jobs

• Energy company websites

• Government job boards

If you’re interested in being a Nuclear technician, you can visit ZipRecruiter.

Hiring Companies

• Nuclear power plants

• Government research facilities

9. Power Plant Operator

Median Salary: $64,801/year

Power plant operators manage the operations of power plants, ensuring that electricity is generated efficiently and safely. They monitor and control equipment to maintain consistent power output.

To enter this field, you need a high school diploma and extensive on-the-job training. Some positions may require certification. The job can be physically demanding and involves working in shifts. Remote work is not feasible for power plant operators as they need to be on-site to monitor and control the equipment directly.

Where to Find Jobs

• Utility company websites

• Energy job boards

Here on Indeed, you can find jobs relevant to a Power plant operator.

Hiring Companies

• Utility companies

• Power generation plants

10. Police Officer or Detective

Median Salary: $62,148/year

Finally, the last name on our list of high-paying jobs without a degree are Police officers and detectives. These individuals enforce laws, investigate crimes, and maintain public safety. The job requires physical fitness and strong analytical skills.

If you want to become a police officer, you’ll need at least a high school diploma. You must also complete police academy training to become the best officer. The nature of this job is quite demanding and can be really stressful for the officers as they have to handle criminals. 

There’s no chance for remote work here, as officers need to be physically present to perform their duties.

Where to Find Jobs

• Government job boards

• Police department websites

• Department of Justice

To become a Police officer, apply for a job here. If you’re skilled and experienced, you can also apply for a Police career in the FBI.

Hiring Companies

• Local and state police departments

Summing Up

These jobs answer people who keep saying it’s important to have a university degree to get a high paying job. But as the world has revolutionized a lot, this isn’t true. You can now find jobs that pay high enough to live comfortably, even without a degree. 

If you have the right training and skills, you can find a fulfilling career in various fields. These fields include aviation, healthcare, technology, and logistics. While many of these jobs require hands-on work and physical presence, some offer the flexibility to work remotely.

You can find and secure one of the highest paying jobs without a degree and advance your career. All you need are certifications and diplomas to match your job expectations. Start today by researching the requirements and opportunities in your area of interest. And take the first step toward a rewarding career.

References

Indeed (2024). 85 High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree or Experience (Plus Salaries).

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/high-paying-jobs-without-degree-or-experience.

U.S. News & World Report (2024). Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree.

https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree.

BeingGuru (2024). 10 of The Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree. https://www.beingguru.com/here-are-the-top-10-highest-paying-jobs-without-a-college-degree.

Monster (2024). Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs That You Don't Need a Degree For.

https://www.monster.co.uk/career-advice/article/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree.

U.S. Career Institute (2024). 80 Highest Paying Jobs without a Degree (Over $50k). https://www.uscareerinstitute.edu/blog/80-Jobs-that-pay-over-50k-without-a-degree. 

Ramsey Solutions (2024). 25 High-Paying Jobs That Don't Require a 4-Year Degree.

https://www.ramseysolutions.com/career-advice/high-paying-jobs-without-a-degree.