Are you looking for a well-paying job but don’t have the time or money for an expensive degree?
Don’t worry—there are still plenty of exceptional career opportunities that will satisfy your salary expectations and won’t require an advanced degree.
The job market is changing, and more and more job seekers are switching to renewable energy jobs. With the rise of green initiatives, the need for qualified workers only increases.
Whether you’re more interested in practical, hands-on experience than academia or prefer to skip student loans, these no-degree jobs can be great options.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the highest-paying jobs without degrees so you can make an informed decision on your career path.
Read on to learn more about the amazing possibilities in the working world.
What Are the Best High-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree?
| Serial | Job | Median Yearly Income | Skills | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air Traffic Controller | $129,000 | Communication skills Problem-Solving skills | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2 | Real Estate Agent | $62,000 | Communication skills Negotiating skills | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3 | Commercial Pilot | $202,000 | Spatial awareness & co-ordination | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4 | Construction Site Manager | $98,000 | Communication skills Decision-making skills | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5 | Solar Energy System Installer | $52,530 | Analytical skills Problem-solving skills | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 6 | Masonry Worker | $48,000 | Physical Strength and stamina | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 7 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $78,310 | Communication skills Problem-Solving skills | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 8 | Transportation Inspectors | $66,440 | Have strong investigative skills | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 9 | Wind Turbine Technician | $56,260 | Have technical knowledge of electrical systems and turbines | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 10 | Firefighter | $50,930 | Strong physical & mental abilities | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 11 | Pipeline and Cable System Workers | $61,890 | Communication and Problem-solving skills | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 12 | Construction and Building Inspectors | $61,640 | Have knowledge of local building codes and regulations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 13 | Computer Programmer | $97,430 | Know coding languages and software development tools | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 14 | Database Administrator | $123,430 | Know Database Management Systems like Oracle, SQL Server etc | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 15 | Gambling Manager | $89,190 | Communication skills People management skills | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 16 | Lighting, Media, and Communication Equipment Workers | $73,700 | Problem-solving skills Interpersonal and communication skills. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 17 | Power Plant Operator | $94,790 | Have an awareness of local safety regulations. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Income sourced from U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
1) Air Traffic Controller
Median Yearly Salary
$129,000
Median Hourly Salary
$62
To Suceed
Pass the FAA Air Traffic Pre-employment Test
Air Traffic Controllers manage the safe and efficient aircraft movement in the skies.
They are also responsible for monitoring the flight paths of aircraft in their area and providing instructions to pilots so they can safely navigate bad weather and other obstacles.
Remember, this job could be stressful as it’s a fast-paced environment, and controllers may need to make quick decisions. But it’s also incredibly rewarding knowing you’re helping keep the skies safe for passengers and aircraft crew.
Skills:
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Quick reflexes
2) Real Estate Agent
Median Yearly Salary
$62,000
Median Hourly Salary
$30
To Succeed
Have Real Estate Local Knowledge
Real Estate Agents help clients purchase, sell, and rent a property.
So you will help find suitable properties for buyers and renters, negotiate contracts, help with paperwork, or provide market analysis and listings to potential buyers or renters.
You would represent your client’s interests in their entire journey of buying, selling, or renting properties.
You could get trained to become a Real Estate Agent through a vocational school and get certified.
Skills:
- Communication skills
- Negotiating skills
- Local Knowledge
3) Commercial Pilots
Median Yearly Salary
$202,000
Median Hourly Salary
$97
To Succeed
Have spatial awareness and co-ordination
Commercial pilots transport passengers and cargo safely from one destination to another.
What they do
- Plan and execute the flight
- Conduct pre-flight checks
- Follow regulations and safety procedures
- Monitor weather conditions and engine performance
- Communicate with air traffic controllers
- Handle in-flight emergencies
Skills
- Spatial awareness and coordination
- Understand technical information
- Communication skills
4) Construction Site Manager
Median Yearly Salary
$98,000
Median Hourly Salary
$47
To Succeed
Have good communication and decision-making skills.
Construction Site Managers co-ordinates and manage construction projects from start to finish.
What they do
- Oversee planning, budgeting, and staffing.
- Enforce safety regulations
- Ensure the project gets completed within the deadlines
- Maintain relationships with workers and sub-contractors.
Skills
- Organizational skills
- Multi-tasking
- Decision-making skills
- Leadership skills
5) Solar Energy Systems Installer
Median Yearly Salary
$52,530
Median Hourly Salary
$25.25
To Succeed
Knowledge of electrical wiring and equipment
Solar Energy Systems Installers ensure the solar energy systems are installed correctly and take care of the maintenance.
They also help in designing new products and services.
What they do
- Install and maintain solar energy systems.
- Repair and replace components
- Run tests to measure system performance.
- Provide customer service.
Skills
- Knowledge of electrical wiring and equipment
- Knowledge of Photovoltaic equipment and installation
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving skills
6) Masonry Worker
Median Yearly Salary
$48,000
Median Hourly Salary
$23
To Succeed
Have physical strength and stamina
Masonry workers install and repair permanent structures like walls, roads, sidewalks, etc.
And their job requires a lot of precision and accuracy in using tools and materials like brick, concrete blocks, stone, mortar, etc, and other masonry products.
Skills
- Physically demanding job that requires strength and stamina (to perform manual labor in different weather conditions)
- Good sense of balance (when working with heights)
- Be able to understand plans and blueprints.
7) Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Median Yearly Salary
$78,310
Median Hourly Salary
$37
To Succeed
Have knowledge of electrical lines, equipment and systems
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power systems and transmission lines.
What they do
- Ensure safe delivery of electricity.
- Work with high-voltage equipment.
- Diagnose and repair issues.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Quick reflexes
8) Transportation Inspectors
Median Yearly Salary
$66,440
Median Hourly Salary
$32
To Succeed
Have strong investigative skills
Transportation Inspectors ensure the safety and efficiency of transportation networks.
What they do
- Inspect vehicles & machines for safety and performance standards.
- Evaluate operational procedures
- Review compliance with regulations.
- Identify system problems and rectify them.
Skills
- Strong Investigative skills
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving abilities
9) Wind Turbine Technician
Median Yearly Salary
$56,260
Median Hourly Salary
$27
To Succeed
Have technical knowledge of electrical systems and turbines
Wind Turbine Technicians are responsible for the safe and efficient maintenance of wind turbines.
What they do
- Ensure all parts are in working condition & meet safety standards.
- Carry out maintenance inspections and repairs.
- Troubleshoot issues.
Skills
- Strong Electrical knowledge of renewable energy systems.
- Problem-solving skills
- Technical knowledge of electrical systems and turbines.
10) Firefighter
Median Yearly Salary
$50,930
Median Hourly Salary
$25
To Succeed
Strong physical and mental abilities
Firefighters are responsible for responding to emergencies and providing critical aid.
What they do
- Carry out rescue operations, medical aid, and other emergency services.
- Provide community education on fire safety.
Skills
- Certification in fire scene safety.
- Strong physical and mental abilities.
- Communication skills.
11) Pipeline and Cable System Workers
Median Yearly Salary
$61,890
Median Hourly Salary
$30
To Succeed
Communication and Problem-solving skills
Pipeline and Cable System Workers are responsible for installing, repairing, maintaining, and inspecting pipelines and cable systems.
What they do
- Works with oil, gas, water, steam, and chemical-carrying pipelines
- Works with communication cables
- Welding, bolting, connecting pipes
- Repair work and inspect for leaks.
Skills
- Aware of safety regulations and industry standards.
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
12) Construction and Building Inspectors
Median Yearly Salary
$61,640
Median Hourly Salary
$30
To Succeed
Have knowledge of local building codes and regulations
Construction and Building Inspectors help to ensure that all buildings and construction projects comply with relevant safety regulations & building codes.
What they do
- Inspect the progress of construction projects.
- Review building plans
- Approve permits for construction and demolition work.
Skills
- Knowledge of building materials & construction methods
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
13) Computer Programmer
Median Yearly Salary
$97,430
Median Hourly Salary
$47
To Succeed
Know coding languages and software development tools
Computer programmers use their technical knowledge to great use and write computer programs. They have an impressive salary range and the ability to work remotely.
What they do
- Work with programming languages like C++, Java, Python, etc.
- Work with technology-based products and services.
- Provide digital solutions
Skills
- Know coding languages and software development tools like Git or Github.
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Data analysis skills
14) Database Administrator
Median Yearly Salary
$123,430
Median Hourly Salary
$59
To Succeed
Know Database Management Systems like Oracle, SQL Server etc
A Database Administrator is responsible for designing, developing, and managing databases and keeping the data safe and secure.
What they do
- Set up, manage, and maintain databases, and keep data secure.
- Work with Database Management Systems like Oracle, SQL Server, etc.
- Monitor system performance
- Create backup plans for malfunction.
Skills
- Know Database Management Systems like Oracle, SQL Server, etc
- Know scripting languages like Python, Java, etc.
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Communication skills.
15) Gambling Manager
Median Yearly Salary
$89,190
Median Hourly Salary
$43
To Succeed
Have strong managerial skills
Gambling Manager jobs are often sought-after, typically overseeing and managing a casino’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that it runs as efficiently and profitably as possible.
What they do
- Maintain gaming tables and equipment
- Monitor customer activities
- Hire and train staff.
Skills
- Managerial expertise
- Critical thinking
- Communication skills
- People management skills
16) Lighting, Media, and Communication Equipment Workers
Median Yearly Salary
$73,700
Median Hourly Salary
$35
To Succeed
Have technical knowledge of equipment and interpersonal skills
Lighting, Media, and Communication Equipment Workers are responsible for setting up and maintaining audio and video equipment for events like conferences, live performances, and sporting events.
What they do
- Set up audio-visual for events.
- Install or repair broadcasting and recording studio equipment.
- Edit audio and video recordings.
- Interact with Lighting designers, sound engineers, and production assistants.
Skills
- Technical knowledge of equipment.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Interpersonal and communication skills.
17) Power Plant Operator
Median Yearly Salary
$94,790
Median Hourly Salary
$45
To Succeed
Have an awareness of local safety regulations
Power Plant Operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the power plant.
What they do
- Monitor equipment like boilers, turbines, pumps, and condensers.
- Preventive maintenance on equipment.
- Keep the power plant functioning.
Skills
- Know local safety regulations.
- Technical troubleshooting skills.
- Communication skills.
- Decsion-making skills.
FAQs
What Are the Benefits of No-Degree Jobs?
No-degree jobs offer a lot of benefits and are becoming increasingly popular. Let’s dive into the benefits:
- No college investment – Allows people to enter the workforce or change careers without investing lot of money and years in college
- Make money faster – Skipping college allows people to start making money faster without going through the traditional route of getting a degree.
- Flexible hours – Juggle multiple projects and responsibilities.
- Gain skills and experience
- Take control of one’s career path
How We Picked These No-Degree Well-Paying Jobs
To identify no-degree jobs that pay surprisingly well, we examined the salary levels, job responsibilities, and skills required to perform the job.
We sourced income data via credible sites like the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indeed & Salary
What Is the Highest Paid Unskilled Job in the U.S.?
Based on the jobs listed in this article that does not require a degree, let’s look at the 5 top highest paying jobs without a degree:
Commercial Airline Pilot is the top highest paying job in our list, that earns a six figure salary.
| # | Job | Median Annual Salary | Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commercial Airline Pilots | $202,000 | No Bachelor’s Degree required |
| 2 | Air Traffic Controllers | $129,000 | No Bachelor’s Degree required |
| 3 | Database Administrators | $123,430 | No Bachelor’s Degree required |
| 4 | Construction Site Manager | $98,000 | No Bachelor’s Degree required |
| 5 | Computer Programmer | $97,430 | No Bachelor’s Degree required |
What Is a Low-Stress Job That Pays Well?
The top 2 jobs that are low-stress and pays well are Librarian and Web Developer.
1. Librarian
A Librarian job is a low-stress job that pays decently well.
- Median Salary – $68,488 per year.
- Workplace Environment – Quite friendly.
- What they do – You will spend most of the day with library patrons and organizing events.
2. Web Developer
Web developers are in a high-demand industry with the ability to work from home and have job security. They are one of the top highest-paid and least stressed professionals.
- Median Salary – $90,000 per year.
- Workplace Environment – Can mostly work from home.
- What they do – Develop functional websites for clients and companies.
Final Thoughts
A college degree is not the only way to succeed in today’s job market. The payoff can be great when you take the less-traveled road and explore the world of high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree.
The job market is changing, and more and more job seekers are switching to renewable energy jobs. With the rise of green initiatives, the need for qualified workers only increases.
The education and certification requirements vary by occupation. You’ll need to stay up to date in terms of training or lose out on potential job opportunities.
These high-paying jobs offer amazing potential for those willing and prepared to put in the effort. So fear not if you don’t have plans to get a degree; there are plenty of amazing options out there right now that do not require one!
