Top 25 Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree

Although college is a great way to invest in yourself, it’s not ever for everyone. A college degree may be a stepping stone to overall success, but 43.2 million Americans have also left college with an average of $39,351 in student indebtednes. Take inspiration from the likes of college dropouts, like Steve Jobs and Racheal Ray, and construct your wealth without a university degree. Check out the 25 highest paying occupations without a degree to find your alternative track to professional and fiscal success.

Jump down to the infographic for a visual of the top-paying chores as well as inspiration from other highly successful people without degrees.

Note: We employed the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ median wage data from 2019 to compile such lists and infographic.

1. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

This highest paying job without a certain degree involves all activities relating to the planning and coordination of distribution, transportation, or storage. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers have the responsibility of sending these activities in accordance with government regulations and organizational policies. Projects include projecting and implementing storehouse safety, supervising send, receiving, storing, and tests of products, and integrating logistics with business operations. With simply a high school diploma and five years of experience getting things where they need to go, you can level up to this higher position and higher salary.

Education: High-pitched academy diploma or equivalent Year of Experience: 5 or more years Median Income: $94,560 Projected Jobs: 4,900

2. Police and Detective Supervisors

First-line superintendents in this occupation directly supervise investigators and police officer, and they give expertise in coordinating the investigation of criminal cases. Responsibilities include the training and management of personnel to conduct police procedures according to the law. With just a high school diploma expected, you’ll be well-rewarded for is giving rise through the police force with a close to six-figure salary.

Education: High academy diploma or equivalent Time of Experience: Less than 5 years Median Income: $91,090 Projected Jobs: 6,600

3. Commercial Captains

While airline captains normally need a bachelor’s degree, commercial aviators perform a similar job without one. Commercial aviators control and fly aircraft, such as helicopters and airplanes that aren’t affiliated with airlines. Their responsibilities include preparing and inspecting aircraft preconditions, inducing flight programs, communicating with air traffic controllers, and steering aircraft. Unlike airline captains, commercial-grade aviators generally perform unscheduled flights such as charter flights and aerial tours. Reap the benefits of pilot’s salary while getting to stay a little bit closer to home.

Education: High academy certificate or equivalent, commercial-grade pilot’s license Time of Experience: Less than 5 years( 500 to 1,500 hours minimum flight suffer) Median Income: $86,080 Projected Jobs: 45,400

4. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

Installers and repairers of elevators and escalators are tasked with securing, maintaining, and installing raises and movable walkways. This profession necessitates employees to work at tall elevations and in cramped spaces. Full-time proletarians may have to work overtime or be on call for entire days. Despite the working conditions, they’re compensated well. Start your route to becoming an elevator and escalator installer or repairer by obtaining a high school diploma and gaining experience with an apprenticeship.

Education: High-pitched academy certificate or equivalent and apprenticeship Year of Experience: Less than 5 years Median Income: $84,990 Projected Jobs: 30,800

5. Firefighting Supervisors

Supervisors in this career are responsible for overseeing and coordinating the work of firefighters and any others involved in fire prevention and control. Firefighting supervisors role as the heads of state of their crew and are involved in communicating fire details to all staff members, administering medical services, assessing flamings, and strategically ascribing firefighters to rescue and extinguish flamings. You can work your style up to this supervisory position in less than five years and start giving well above the standard median income in the United States.

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award, on-the-job training Years of Experience: Less than 5 years Median Income: $77,800 Projected Jobs: 4,400

6. Transportation Inspectors

Another transportation career with a high salary and no degree requirement is a transportation inspector. This occupation is responsible for inspecting products or equipment that are involved in the transportation of people or shipment. Inspectors can specialize in merchandise, rail transportation, or other vehicles. Jobs include inspecting shipments for security, recording merchandise situations and treating, find loading for compliance, and give expertise when stowing heavy or dangerous cargo. If you’re interested in transportation and management isn’t for you, this persona is a well-paying alternative to being a transportation manager.

Education: High-pitched school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training Years of Experience: None Median Income: $75,820 Projected Jobs: 700

7. Theatrical Performance Makeup Artists

Makeup artists who apply makeup for theatrical performances are offset liberally for their work and artistry. Theatrical makeup artists generally use makeup to convey a certain period or giving that enhances the musician and their persona. Their craft requires them to have precision in the performance of their duties when reproducing looks for attributes on a regular basis, and they specialize in using a variety of materials to achieve their looks.

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award Years of Experience: None Median Income: $75,730 Projected Jobs: 500

8. Non-Retail Sales Supervisors

In this role, men supervise non-retail sales workers and may also take on budgeting and accounting responsibilities. Non-retail sales superintendents manage their staff and offer guidance in making sales objectives and resolving problems seeing services or products. Although this occupation’s jobs are projected to decline, the current job landscape indicates a robust land with 409, 800 was used in 2019.

Education: High-pitched academy diploma or equivalent Years of Experience: Less than 5 years Median Income: $74,760 Projected Jobs: -3 4,100

9. Lighting, Media, and Communication Equipment Workers

Individuals who work as lighting technicians or media and communication equipment laborers are well-compensated for their services. This career sees high levels of employment in the following industries: radio and television broadcasting, motion picture and video, colleges and universities, rental and leasing services, and federal government departments. Jump into this career after paying a high school diploma and going through short-term on-the-job training.

Education: High academy diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training Years of Experience: None Median Income: $73,460 Projected Jobs: 1,300

10. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

This career consists of maintaining and installing the power grid, and entry-level status require a high school diploma. Electrical power line installers install power line systems and repairers service high-voltage pipelines and towers or even street and traffic light. Typical roles include inspecting power lines, determining shortcomings in the electricity grid, and clambering spars to string power lines. These electrical line installers and repairers work in dangerous conditions off of the floor and with high-voltage electricity. This peril may be balanced by the strong projected occupation rise and compensation.

Education: High-pitched school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training Years of Experience: None Median Income: $72,520 Projected Jobs: 116,900

11. Agricultural Managers

Agricultural managers, farmers, and ranchers make a decent salary create cattle, dairy, or harvests. This occupation typically needs a high school diploma about to begin, but as farm management grows most complex, a secondary degree may be necessary. Agricultural manager stances are expected to decline as farms become more efficient, but about 81, 000 job openings are projected every year for the next decade. Explore this job if you enjoy working outdoors with harvests or animals.

Education: High academy diploma or equivalent Years of Experience: 5 or more years Median Income: $71,160 Projected Jobs: -6 1,600

12. Subway and Streetcar Operators

With merely a high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training, you can operate subways, suburban trains, or streetcars for a wage over $60,000. As a streetcar or subway operator, you hauled passengers by operating the train or streetcar commands, driving and regulating the vehicle on a railway, and conducting emergency procedures when necessary. This persona is another high-paying transportation job that doesn’t necessitate reaching the management level to be paid well.

Education: High school certificate or equivalent, on-the-job training Years of Experience: None Median Income: $67,880 Projected Jobs: 600

13. Mechanic Supervisors

This role is in charge of supervising the work of car-mechanics, repairers, or installers. Mechanic supervisors deal with scheduling and assigning employment based on an employee’s abilities, reviewing run performance, maintaining security procedures, and analyse collisions. It takes less than five years of experience to reach a supervisory tier, and with a 3 percent projected job growth rate, it will be possible to grow into this role quickly.

Education: High academy diploma or equivalent Year of Experience: Less than 5 years Median Income: $67,460 Projected Jobs: 13,300

14. Construction and Extraction Supervisors

Supervisors of construction and extraction workers coordinate and scrutinize work activities and ensure that safety standards are met on job sites. It typically takes five or more years of experience in extraction or other construction commerce to reach this role. However, with this area growing faster than average at 5 percent, once you have the experience, there will be plenty of job openings on the market.

Education: High-pitched school certificate or equivalent Time of Experience: 5 or more times Median Income: $66,210 Projected Jobs: 33,000

15. Police Officers

If you’re at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma and valid driver’s license, and are a U.S. citizen, becoming a police officer is a vocation option for those who don’t possess a degree. In addition to those eligibility requirements, written and physical exams must be extended before becoming a cadet. Police cadets normally attend a training academy to learn about federal, state, and neighbourhood laws, civil rights, and ethics. They’ll also receive on-the-job training to be able to perform obligations such as traffic control, self-defense, first facilitate, patrol, and emergency response. After completing training and passing a series of interviews, cadets are allowed to become police officers.

Education: High academy diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training Years of Experience: None Median Income: $65,170 Projected Jobs: 40,600

16. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Avionic car-mechanics and service technicians perform routine maintenance or build restores to aircraft. After accomplishing high school, car-mechanics and technicians can get technical training courses and complete a certification at an aviation technician school that is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration( FAA ). Another pathway is to start qualify on the number of jobs with constant supervising in order to gain enough suffer to become attested. Responsibilities include specifying electrical or mechanical issues and repairing parts relating to new brakes, wings, and other electrical components.

Education: High-pitched school diploma or equivalent, additional technical civilize Years of Experience: None Median Income: $64,310 Projected Jobs: 7,300

17. Correctional Supervisors

Supervising and coordinating the activities of jailers and correctional officers is another job that doesn’t require a degree. Correctional boss are in charge of the custody, subject, and welfare of inmates, and they’re also tasked with maintaining order and enforcing rules and regulations at the correctional facility. At hours, there is a requirement to direct operations in emergency situations like during escapes. This profession is expected to decline over the next decade.

Education: High-pitched school certificate or equivalent Time of Experience: Less than 5 years Median Income: $63,730 Projected Jobs: -3, 800

18. Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Boiler operators and stationary technologists are responsible for operating mechanical equipment, specifically boilers and stationary engines. In ordering to be eligible for a undertaking in this role, you will need a high school diploma and will learn your commerce through long-term on-the-job training. An apprenticeship will likewise help you get the experience you need and crop natural job opportunities. Before becoming utilized, you’ll have to demonstrate competency by extending an quiz or obtaining a license.

Education: High-pitched academy certificate or equivalent, on-the-job training Years of Experience: None Median Income: $62,150 Projected Jobs: 800

19. Farm Labor Contractors

Interested in earning $60,000 a year without a high school diploma? With some short-term on-the-job training, you can learn to recruit and hire temporary or seasonal farm worker. Some farm labor contractors may need a high school diploma, but less than five years of experience as an apprentice or employee likewise qualifies. This task involves supervising agricultural laborer, paying their wages, and providing resources for food, liquid, shelter, transportation, and sanitation during their contracted work.

Education: No formal education expected Years of Experience: Less than 5 years Median Income: $61,910 Projected Jobs: 100

20. Fire Inspectors

Generally, fire inspectors and investigators have a background in fighting flames and have postsecondary training from that field. With that said today, a high school diploma and on-the-job training provide the basic foundation you need to get started. Fire inspectors recognize flame hazards, ensure fire codes are met, test flaming extinguishing structures, review removal plans, and present education on fire safety. Examiners are have the responsibility analyzing testify from flames, documenting it, and defining the cause and origin. If you’re interested in this field, either road will deserve a median wage above $60,000.

Education: High-pitched school certificate or equivalent, on-the-job training Years of Experience: Less than 5 years Median Income: $61,660 Projected Jobs: 800

21. Production and Procedure Supervisors

In these positions, you’re responsible for supervising the work of production and operating proletarians. Operations and production foremen handle work records, scheme planneds, scrutinize products equipment systems, evaluate product approximates and output, and maintain compliance with sanitation and safety regulations. It takes less than five years to reach a supervisory position in this field, but it’s important be pointed out that the growth rate is declining.

Education: High academy certificate or equivalent Year of Experience: Less than 5 years Median Income: $61,310 Projected Jobs: -2, 000

22. Executive Helpers

Looking for a job that has no technical education or degree involved? Become an executive secretary or deputy and set yourself up for success with some basic office experience and skills. Generally, this persona consists of more complex clerical and administrative work for high-level executives. Tasks include reviewing communications, doing research, and compiling reports. Although a decent job drop-off is expected in this occupation, task openings will still occur when an existing job holder foliages the field. With virtually 600,000 executive deputies employed in 2019, there will be plenty of opportunities on the job market.

Education: High-pitched academy certificate or equivalent Year of Experience: Less than 5 years Median Income: $60,890 Projected Jobs: -1 21,100

23. Construction and Building Inspectors

Building and building inspectors review construction to make sure all necessary house codes and zoning regulations are met and all contractual requirements and local ordinances are followed. Inspectors are required to have a high school diploma, and most governments also require a license or certification. Training happens on the job, and it varies by location and type of inspector.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent, additional license or certification Time of Experience: 5 or more times Median Income: $60,710 Projected Jobs: 3,900

24. Court Reporters

To qualify for an entry-level court reporter position, you’ll need to complete a certificate from a community college or technical school. Certifications will prepare you to pass typing-speed exams and procure a licence, which is required in many governments. After gaining your credentials, you will work in court creating word-for-word transcripts of proceedings, hearings, and depositions. Court reporting is essential to legal proceedings, and you can feel confident about doing employment that benefits society while also getting paid well for it.

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award, on-the-job training Years of Experience: None Median Income: $60,130 Projected Jobs: 1,400

25. Property Managers

You don’t need a college degree to control real estate properties, property, or community associations. Property administrators maintain the operations and appearance of real estate properties or communities in order to generate income from the belonging. Their tasks include depicting belonging to potential renters, discussing fiscal options and words of leasing, conducting inspections, planning restores, and moving functionings according to fair housing statutes. Although this occupation isn’t in a decline, automation of belonging administration has slackened this field’s growth.

Education: High-pitched academy diploma or equivalent Year of Experience: Less than 5 years Median Income: $58,760 Projected Jobs: 800

Successful People Without A College Degree

Need some inspiration for what it takes to be successful without a college degree? Learn from the examples of these uber-successful business moguls and entrepreneurs who never started or finished college.

Just remember, if you’re already in college and have student lends, you’ll still need to repay your loans even if you don’t complete your degree. Think about the investment you’ve made so far and evaluate whether your degree is worth it before deciding it’s not for you.

Rebecca Minkoff

At the age of 18, Rebecca Minkoff made the decision to waive college and seek her dream of becoming a fashion designer by moving to New York City. She soon became an overnight sensation when one of her designings was featured on The Tonight Show, and her iconic designer handbags solidified her status in fashion and lifestyle. Today, she is an award-winning designer recognized for her apparel and accessories, and she has a net worth of $10 million.

Steve Jobs

Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs, never accomplished his degree at Reed College. He has said that his time at Reed did help inspire the design of Apple’s Macintosh computer. However, even with a lack of a college degree, Jobs managed to amass a $10.2 billion net worth at the time of his death.

Rachael Ray

Talk show host and luminary meat personality, Rachael Ray, invested two years at university before fell out to concentrate on work. She put on “3 0 Minute Meals” while working at a gourmet food store and eventually landed on local television. From there she went on to do cooking proves on the Food Network and turned her following into a meat empire and net worth of $100 million.

Invoice Gates

Bill Gates is a Harvard dropout, but who needs a Harvard degree when your computer programming programmes are deserving you $20,000 at the age of 17. Gates would go on to enroll at Harvard, but his coding and programming abilities would garner him a position present before he ever accomplished his degree. That undertaking offering turned into a business partnership and Microsoft was born, propelling Gates to fame and rich for the purpose of creating one of the world’s top software corporations. With a $127 billion net worth, read one of his book recommendations to help level up your money mindset.

Mary Kay Ash

Mary Kay Ash launched her iconic beauty business in 1963 in an effort to empower women and interrupt a male-dominated workforce. Ash’s company, Mary Kay Inc ., went on to achieve global success and acceptance and deserved her a net worth of $500 million at the time of her extinction in 1984. Although Ash didn’t originally attend college, she eventually pursued a certain degree at the University of Houston but fell out after a year.

Celebrate Zuckerberg

Multi-billionaire Mark Zuckerberg seems to have managed quite well without a college degree. Like Gates, the CEO and founder of Facebook is also a Harvard dropout. He started his successful social network while at university and fell out to pursue it full occasion. With a net worth of over $113 billion, we can say he emphatically discovered his best path to success.

A college degree isn’t the exact formula for success. With the right spending and saving habits, you can grow your opulence by working one of these high-pitched paying positions without a degree. Try perfecting your budget based on your salary with the Mint app and charged with the responsibility of your financial future today.