Top 20 High Paying Jobs in the US Without a Degree
Many people believe a college degree is required to earn a high income in the United States, but numerous lucrative career opportunities exist that don’t require formal education. With the right skills, certifications, and dedication, you can start earning well immediately. This comprehensive guide explores the top 20 high-paying jobs in the US without a degree, including salary ranges, job descriptions, and growth opportunities for 2025 and beyond. Top 20 High Paying Jobs in the US Without a Degree.
Top 20 High Paying Jobs in the US Without a Degree
1. Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline)
- Salary: $80,000 – $150,000/year
- Requirements: FAA certification, flight training
- Growth Opportunities: Charter pilot, corporate flight services
2. Air Traffic Controller
- Salary: $120,000 – $180,000/year
- Requirements: FAA Academy training, specialized exams
- Growth Opportunities: Supervisory or regional control positions
3. Elevator Installer & Repairer
- Salary: $70,000 – $120,000/year
- Requirements: Apprenticeship, hands-on training
- Growth Opportunities: Supervisory roles, business ownership
4. Real Estate Broker
- Salary: $60,000 – $200,000/year (commission-based)
- Requirements: State license
- Growth Opportunities: Own brokerage, high-end property specialization
Top 20 High Paying Jobs in the US Without a Degree
5. Construction Manager
- Salary: $65,000 – $120,000/year
- Requirements: Experience in construction, certifications preferred
- Growth Opportunities: Senior project manager, operations director
6. Computer Support Specialist
- Salary: $45,000 – $90,000/year
- Requirements: IT certifications (CompTIA, Microsoft), hands-on skills
- Growth Opportunities: Network admin, IT manager
7. Web Developer
- Salary: Top 20 High Paying Jobs in the US Without a Degree $50,000 – $100,000/year
- Requirements: Coding skills (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), portfolio
- Growth Opportunities: Frontend/backend specialist, freelancing
8. Commercial Diver
- Salary: $50,000 – $110,000/year
- Requirements: Dive certification, safety training
- Growth Opportunities: Underwater welding, salvage operations
9. Firefighter
- Salary: $40,000 – $90,000/year
- Requirements: Fire academy training, EMT certification
- Growth Opportunities: Fire captain, fire chief
10. Police Officer / Detective
- Salary: $45,000 – $100,000/year
- Requirements: Police academy, physical fitness tests
- Growth Opportunities: Detective, sergeant, precinct leadership
11. Executive Assistant
- Salary: $40,000 – $80,000/year
- Requirements: Organizational skills, MS Office proficiency
- Growth Opportunities: Office manager, administrative director
12. HVAC Technician
- Salary: $45,000 – $85,000/year
- Requirements: Apprenticeship, technical training
- Growth Opportunities: Service manager, business owner
13. Truck Driver (CDL)
- Salary: $45,000 – $90,000/year
- Requirements: Commercial driver license (CDL)
- Growth Opportunities: Owner-operator, fleet manager
14. Plumber
- Salary: $50,000 – $95,000/year
- Requirements: Apprenticeship, licensing in some states
- Growth Opportunities: Master plumber, business ownership
15. Electrician
- Salary: $50,000 – $100,000/year
- Requirements: Apprenticeship, licensing
- Growth Opportunities: Master electrician, contractor
16. Insurance Sales Agent
- Salary: $40,000 – $100,000+/year
- Requirements: State license
- Growth Opportunities: Team leader, independent brokerage
17. Personal Trainer
- Salary: $40,000 – $80,000/year
- Requirements: Certification (NASM, ACE)
- Growth Opportunities: Gym owner, fitness influencer
18. Freelance Writer / Content Creator
- Salary: $30,000 – $90,000/year
- Requirements: Portfolio, strong writing skills
- Growth Opportunities: Editor, agency owner
19. Sales Representative
- Salary: $40,000 – $120,000/year
- Requirements: Communication skills, sales experience
- Growth Opportunities: Sales manager, regional director
20. Real Estate Agent
- Salary: $50,000 – $150,000+/year
- Requirements: State real estate license
- Growth Opportunities: Broker, property investor
Internal & External Resources
- Internal: High Paying Jobs Guide (replace with your site link)
- External: Indeed Job Portal
- External: Glassdoor Careers
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FAQs
Q1: Can I earn a high salary without a degree in the US?
Q2: Which jobs pay the most without a degree?
Air traffic controllers, commercial pilots, elevator installers, and real estate brokers are among the top earners.
Q3: Do these jobs require certifications?
Many high-paying roles require certifications, licenses, or apprenticeships instead of traditional degrees.
Q4: Where can I find job listings for these careers?
You can find opportunities on Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and specialized trade websites.
Q5: Can I start without experience?
Some jobs like trucking, sales, or personal training may allow you to start with minimal experience and gain skills on the job.
