Table of Contents
- Reasons for Choosing Work Over a College Degree
- Who Should Consider a Job Without a College Degree or Work Experience?
- Pros and Cons of a Job Without a College Degree or Work Experience
- Average Salary of Workers Without a College Degree by State
- 21 High-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
- FAQ
A college degree doesn’t guarantee a good-paying job. And the reverse is even more true: Not having a degree doesn’t doom you to low-paying jobs forever. In fact, many occupations that offer competitive pay don’t require any college.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, about 60% of new jobs in the 2020s won’t require a college degree. And many command salaries higher than $62,608, the median wage for all occupations.
Below are 21 good-paying jobs you can get without a degree and the pros and cons of jumping into the job market right out of high school.
Key Points
• Some 60% of new jobs in the 2020s are projected not to require a college degree.
• Industries such as transportation, construction, and renewable energy offer competitive salaries without a degree.
• High-paying roles include wind turbine service technicians, solar photovoltaic installers, and commercial pilots.
• On-the-job training, apprenticeships, or technical school education are pathways to an array of careers.
• Renewable energy jobs, such as wind turbine technicians and solar installers, emphasize technical education and offer significant job growth.
Reasons for Choosing Work Over a College Degree
Choosing to work over getting a college degree (or vice versa) is a personal decision that can’t be labeled right or wrong.
For many people, the cost of college is the main reason to choose work instead. Not everyone is willing or able to take on student loan debt.
Working can also allow people to experiment with different career paths until they find something that’s right for them.
If your main motivation for attending college is to secure competitive pay after graduation, know that there are many good-paying jobs you can get without college.
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Who Should Consider a Job Without a College Degree or Work Experience?
Jobs that don’t require college are typically suitable for people who are interested in blue-collar professions, such as technicians and machine operators. These jobs can also be good for people who prefer training outside of a school environment, such as in an apprenticeship or through on-the-job experience.
Pros and Cons of a Job Without a College Degree or Work Experience
Consider both sides before making the decision to skip college for a job.
Pros
• High-paying trade jobs hire candidates based on skills rather than credentials.
• You’ll get more experience in the field and earlier opportunities to move up.
• Education can be inexpensive or free, especially in a paid apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Cons
• There are fewer networking opportunities than in college.
• Good candidates may not stand out alongside those with a degree.
• Your earning potential is not as high overall without a degree.
Average Salary of Workers Without a College Degree by State
The following table shows average salaries for workers without a four-year college degree. Wages vary depending on whether workers have attended some college.
| State | Average Salary With an Associate Degree |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $37,458 |
| Alaska | $44,507 |
| Arizona | $38,512 |
| Arkansas | $34,173 |
| California | $40,786 |
| Colorado | $43,456 |
| Connecticut | $39,314 |
| Delaware | $41,362 |
| Florida | $30,883 |
| Georgia | $34,896 |
| Hawaii | $42,937 |
| Idaho | $38,884 |
| Illinois | $40,047 |
| Indiana | $39,325 |
| Iowa | $38,817 |
| Kansas | $36,857 |
| Kentucky | $35,893 |
| Louisiana | $35,339 |
| Maine | $40,013 |
| Maryland | $40,109 |
| Massachusetts | $45,134 |
| Michigan | $36,020 |
| Minnesota | $40,476 |
| Mississippi | $39,139 |
| Missouri | $38,765 |
| Montana | $37,932 |
| Nebraska | $39,403 |
| Nevada | $42,083 |
| New Hampshire | $40,191 |
| New Jersey | $41,956 |
| New Mexico | $40,049 |
| New York | $45,213 |
| North Carolina | $37,558 |
| North Dakota | $43,727 |
| Ohio | $39,289 |
| Oklahoma | $38,158 |
| Oregon | $43,694 |
| Pennsylvania | $41,426 |
| Rhode Island | $40,472 |
| South Carolina | $38,349 |
| South Dakota | $41,327 |
| Tennessee | $37,509 |
| Texas | $38,502 |
| Utah | $37,623 |
| Vermont | $43,941 |
| Virginia | $40,972 |
| Washington | $46,807 |
| West Virginia | $31,994 |
| Wisconsin | $41,713 |
| Wyoming | $39,724 |
Data courtesy of ZipRecruiter
21 High-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
1. Wind Turbine Service Technician
National average salary: $68,980
Job growth outlook: 50%
Job description:
• Install, repair, and maintain wind turbines.
• Collect turbine data for analysis.
• Service underground systems related to wind turbine maintenance.
Requirements: Likely need certification
How to get started: You can attend a technical school for this occupation and learn additional skills on the job to advance your career. Minimum interaction with colleagues makes this a promising job for antisocial people.
2. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
National average salary: $57,900
Job growth outlook: 50%
Job description:
• Set up, assemble, and maintain systems that convert sunlight into energy.
• Connect panels to electrical systems.
• Perform routine maintenance of photovoltaic systems.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: You’ll typically need to take courses at a technical college and receive on-the-job training.
3. Security and Fire Alarm System Installer
National average salary: $60,960
Job growth outlook: 10%
Job description:
• Ensure work aligns with relevant local codes.
• Install and program security and fire alarm wiring and equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on wiring and equipment.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: You can attend technical school or get an entry-level job and receive training there.
4. Floor Layer
National average salary: $61,760
Job growth outlook: 9%
Job description:
• Remove existing floor materials to prep for installation.
• Lay and finish materials on floors.
• Lay and set materials on other surfaces, such as countertops, showers, and walls.
Requirements: None
How to get started: You can work as an assistant or apprentice and learn additional skills on the job to advance your career.
5. Tile and Stone Setter
National average salary: $59,250
Job growth outlook: 10%
Job description:
• Remove existing materials to prep surfaces.
• Apply tile or stone to floors, walls, and countertops.
• Lay tile and stone in accordance with design plans.
Requirements: None
How to get started: You can work as an assistant or apprentice and learn additional skills on the job to advance your career.
6. Industrial Machinery Mechanic
National average salary: $68,460
Job growth outlook: 16%
Job description:
• Disassemble and reassemble problematic machinery.
• Repair or replace malfunctioning machinery components.
• Perform tests and calibrate machinery to required specifications.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: Work as an apprentice or assistant and learn skills on the job.
7. Commercial Diver
National average salary: $88,320
Job growth outlook: 9%
Job description:
• Build, repair, and inspect structures submerged in liquid.
• Work in teams to coordinate underwater tasks.
• Work with other professionals to ensure tasks are conducted safely, such as with engineers to lay foundations for a bridge.
Requirements: Certification
How to get started: You’ll need certification and on-the-job training to advance.
8. Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technician
National average salary: $84,740
Job growth outlook: 4%
Job description:
• Diagnose electrical or mechanical problems on aircraft.
• Ensure work meets performance requirements.
• Test parts of aircraft with diagnostic equipment.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: You’ll need to complete an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician program.
9. Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic
National average salary: $69,240
Job growth outlook: 6%
Job description:
• Perform routine maintenance on machinery.
• Diagnose and repair or replace defective parts.
• Travel to worksites for heavy or large equipment.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: You may need technical school or an entry-level position and on-the-job training.
10. Farm Equipment Mechanic and Service Technician
National average salary: $57,290
Job growth outlook: 11%
Job description:
• Perform routine maintenance on farm machinery.
• Diagnose and repair parts on broken farm equipment.
• Maintain records of repairs and maintenance.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: You’ll need to attend technical school or secure an entry-level position and receive on-the-job training.
11. Millwright
National average salary: $69,780
Job growth outlook: 0%
Job description:
• Inspect and replace or repair broken or defective machinery in factories, in power plants, and on construction sites.
• Test major components when necessary.
• Travel to conduct repairs and maintenance tasks as needed.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: You’ll likely need to undergo an apprenticeship program, which can last several years.
12. Airfield Operations Specialist
National average salary: $63,610
Job growth outlook: 4%
Job description:
• Coordinate between air traffic control and maintenance personnel.
• Implement airfield safety procedures.
• Monitor and maintain flight records.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: You’ll need some training in technical school or on the job.
13. Pump Operators
National average salary: $63,960
Job growth outlook: 3%
Job description:
• Tend, control, and operate pumps (portable, power-driven, or stationary).
• Handle equipment to transfer materials such as oil, liquid, and gases to and from vessels.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: You may need to attend technical school or work as an apprentice and receive training on the job.
14. Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor
National average salary: $65,010
Job growth outlook: 5%
Job description:
• Coordinate and supervise loading, unloading, staging, and securing of aircraft baggage or cargo.
• Possibly assist members of flight crews in handling in-flight cargo.
• Possibly determine cargo quantity to ensure it’s loaded safely.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: You might need related experience, such as in cargo handling, to be promoted to this job.
15. Commercial Pilot
National average salary: $146,080
Job growth outlook: 5%
Job description:
• Fly and navigate aircraft, such as airplanes and helicopters.
• Ensure aircraft are balanced and in good condition before flights.
• Monitor aircraft during flight, takeoff, and landing.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: You’ll need to complete flight training.
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16. Subway and Streetcar Operator
National average salary: $77,170
Job growth outlook: 3%
Job description:
• Drive and maneuver public transportation.
• Watch for obstructions and other vehicles at crossings and remain alert to potential hazards.
• Report delays or mechanical problems using dispatch devices, such as radios.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: You may need formalized training.
17. Massage Therapist
National average salary: $63,830
Job growth outlook: 15%
Job description:
• Speak with clients about their symptoms, treatment goals, and medical history.
• Manipulate muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues on the body.
• Offer guidance on stretching and strengthening muscles.
Requirements: Certification and license
How to get started: Attend training school — some programs help with job placement. Wages may be paid by salary or hourly.
18. Community Health Worker
National average salary: $56,180
Job growth outlook: 11%
Job description:
• Develop materials and programs to teach the community about health topics.
• Help the community find health services.
• Analyze data from the community to learn how to help and improve services.•
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: You’ll usually need certification and on-the-job training. Good opportunity for working after retirement.
19. Private Detective and Investigator
National average salary: $60,150
Job growth outlook: 6%
Job description:
• Conduct surveillance and collect evidence for clients.
• Search records to gather clues.
• Interview people to collect information that will help with an investigation.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and possibly licensing, depending on the state
How to get started: You’ll most likely need work experience, so it’s best to get started by assisting another private detective or investigator. Because investigations are increasingly conducted online, this can be an interesting work-at-home job for retirees.
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20. Hearing Aid Specialist
National average salary: $66,370
Job growth outlook: 18%
Job description:
• Administer and interpret hearing tests.
• Take ear impressions in order to prepare, design, or modify ear molds.
• Help select and fit hearing aids.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: You can get hired as an assistant or apprentice and receive on-the-job training.
21. First-Line Supervisor of Security Workers
National average salary: $59,900
Job growth outlook: 3%
Job description:
• Supervise and manage security and protective service staff.
• Create and maintain records related to the job.
• Ensure security and protective service workers are monitoring potential hazards and dangerous situations.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
How to get started: You may be promoted after years of experience.
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The Takeaway
It’s possible to earn a good income without having to complete a college degree. Many skilled positions still require technical school, apprenticeship, or on-the-job training. Certifications may also be required. Job growth looks promising for specialized mechanics and machine operators, security supervisors, and health workers. Other industries needing skilled labor include transportation, construction, and renewable energy. As long as you’re willing to put in the work and continue learning, you can be on your way to a fruitful career.
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FAQ
What job gets paid the most without college?
Some of the best-paid jobs that don’t require a college degree include those in construction, maintenance and repair, and transportation. Commercial pilots, for example, have a median yearly salary of $123,220.
What is the easiest job to get without a degree?
The easiest jobs to get without a college degree include entry-level positions in the construction or transportation industries. Certain occupations, such as wind turbine service technicians and commercial pilots, may require additional training or certification.
What in-demand jobs can I get without a degree?
Careers in renewable energy are on the rise, with both solar photovoltaic installers and wind turbine service technicians seeing a job growth outlook of 50% through 2034. Both pay well, too, with median salaries of $53,140 and $64,120, respectively.
Can I get a job in health care without a degree?
There are certain jobs in the health care industry you can get without a college degree. Massage therapists, community health workers, and hearing aid specialists only require certification or even just a high school diploma.
Is it a good idea to start working right after high school?
That depends on your financial situation, life circumstances, and career aspirations. While education for jobs that don’t require a college degree can be inexpensive or even free, these jobs have lower overall earning potential. And, of course, many jobs require you to have a bachelor’s degree or better.
Photo credit: iStock/dusanpetkovic
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