Discover the highest paying jobs without a degree in 2024

In 2024, the highest-paying jobs without a degree are makeup artists for actors and performers, nuclear power reactor operators, and commercial pilots.

The highest-paid trade jobs are nuclear power reactor operators, commercial pilots, and power distributor/dispatchers.

Highly self-motivated people can sometimes land lucrative tech jobs without going to college. For example, 21.4% of information security analysts, and 35.8% of computer support specialists, have no college degree.

The average person with a bachelor’s degree still earns 53.4% more than someone with just a high-school diploma.

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So, you hate studying, and your attempts to make your hamster famous on TikTok have backfired tragically. Like many Americans, you may be doubting whether college is really worth it, and you’re scanning the horizon for decent careers that don’t require a degree.

We have good news.

There are, in fact, many high(-ish) paying jobs available to people with just a high school diploma or a certificate.

Read on to discover the highest-paying jobs in the U.S. without a degree.

The highest-paying jobs without a degree

Shockingly for some, the highest paying job without a degree, on average, is makeup artist for actors and performers. People with this job earn an eyewatering $134,750 per year on average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

To create this list, we browsed through all the jobs listed by the BLS that don’t require a college degree (although some require certification).

See our list of high-paying jobs that don’t require college below.

Makeup artists, theatrical and performance

Jobs in creative fields like makeup can be hard to snag. But if you have the talent and connections, being an MUA for actors and performers can be a pretty lucrative gig.

Unfortunately, almost all job openings are in New York City or LA, and there is not a whole lot of demand.

To become one, work on your portfolio, promote yourself on social media, and do your best to network.

10% $21,540

25% $22,720

Median $47,390

75% $101,330

90% $141,060

Total employment

4,130

Projected growth (2018-2028)

35.5%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Nuclear power reactor operator

Nuclear power reactor operators monitor nuclear reactors that produce electricity, ensuring they are operating safely and efficiently. It helps if you have a nuclear power plant in your area.

To become one, you’ll need to get experience working at a nuclear power plant and obtain a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

10% $92,270

25% $103,880

Median $120,350

75% $134,100

90% $151,980

Total employment

5,760

Projected growth (2018-2028)

-32.1%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Commercial pilot

Commercial pilots operate planes on non-scheduled routes. They fly charter planes, helicopters, and air ambulances safely, smoothly, and sometimes even on time. Note that these are not airline pilots, who need a bachelor’s degree.

To become one, you’ll need to obtain a pilot license and log a certain number of hours in the air.

10% $56,260

25% $79,440

Median $113,080

75% $168,700

90% $208,000

Total employment

52,750

Projected growth (2018-2028)

11.2%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Power distributors and dispatchers

Power distributors and dispatchers manage the flow of electricity from power plants to power consumers. They ensure a reliable and stable energy supply and respond to any outages.

You’ll need extensive on-the-job training to become one, including some classroom hours and hands-on learning.

10% $68,360

25% $87,440

Median $104,750

75% $122,830

90% $138,950

Total employment

9,040

Projected growth (2018-2028)

-7%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers

Ever wondered what happens when you get stuck in an elevator? Training to become an elevator/escalator installer or repairer could help you confront your phobias and earn you a handsome paycheck.

If you want this job, you’ll most likely need to complete an apprenticeship and secure a license.

10% $51,960

25% $75,570

Median $102,420

75% $127,310

90% $138,910

Total employment

23,990

Projected growth (2018-2028)

6%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

First-line supervisors of police and detectives

These are basically high-ranking cops, often called police sergeants, lieutenants, or captains. They train staff, make sure their subordinates are following regulations and best practices, and investigate charges of misconduct.

If you want to become a police captain, you’ll need to go to a police academy and accumulate experience as a cop, working your way up through the ranks to a management position.

10% $49,910

25% $66,390

Median $86,220

75% $108,380

90% $135,050

Total employment

84,120

Projected growth (2018-2028)

8.3%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

Managers in charge of logistics coordinate the transportation, storage, and distribution of various goods, making sure everyone adheres to the many rules and regulations for moving stuff around.

To become one, you’ll need to first get an entry-level job in a relevant environment, like a goods storage facility or logistics department, and work your way up to management. Some certifications, like Supply Chain Management Professional, could help you achieve your goal.

10% $80,000

25% $130,840

Median $206,680

75% $208,000

90% $208,000

Total employment

211,230

Projected growth (2018-2028)

-5.7%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Power plant operators

Power plant operators keep power plants running. They control the systems that generate electrical power.

You will need extensive on-the-job training to become a power plant operator.

10% $54,080

25% $72,860

Median $97,010

75% $106,780

90% $123,120

Total employment

31,490

Projected growth (2018-2028)

-13.7%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay

Electrical and electronic repairers at powerhouses, substations, and in-service relays inspect, test, and maintain vital electrical equipment. They are basically boss-mode electricians.

To get this job, you’ll most likely need some combination of vocational school, an apprenticeship, or work experience.

10% $80,000

25% $130,840

Median $206,680

75% $208,000

90% $208,000

Total employment

211,230

Projected growth (2018-2028)

-5.7%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers

People with these jobs make sure all the mechanical equipment used in petroleum refining and processing is working correctly, fixing it if needed.

You may need significant on-the-job training, an apprenticeship, and certification to become one.

10% $57,970

25% $76,130

Median $94,580

75% $102,410

90% $110,220

Total employment

33,360

Projected growth (2018-2028)

5.4%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Ship engineers

Ship engineers aren’t exactly engineers, they’re more like on-board managers for mechanics. You’ll oversee a team of technicians who maintain engines, boilers, and other equipment on a ship.

You’ll most likely need vocational school and several years of training to become a ship engineer.

10% $57,140

25% $68,880

Median $94,270

75% $122,390

90% $141,910

Total employment

8,860

Projected growth (2018-2028)

7.7%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Detectives and criminal investigators

Detectives and criminal investigators try and establish the who, how, and why behind crimes.

The best route to becoming a criminal investigator is to start out as a police officer and get promoted. You’ll need a lot of on-the-ground training. Some states require you to get a license or certification.

10% $50,670

25% $64,830

Median $91,100

75% $116,170

90% $154,360

Total employment

106,730

Projected growth (2018-2028)

2.5%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels

There are many job opportunities aboard ships, and working your way up to captain could earn you a great salary.

Besides work experience and potentially vocational school, you’ll need to get a license from the U.S. Coast Guard.

10% $44,600

25% $60,550

Median $88,730

75% $123,640

90% $161,510

Total employment

34,520

Projected growth (2018-2028)

13.4%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Postmasters and mail superintendents

Becoming a mail delivery boss could earn you a handsome paycheck with nice government benefits.

To become, start out as a mail carrier and slowly work your way up the ranks.

10% $79,060

25% $82,990

Median $88,670

75% $95,660

90% $104,940

Total employment

13,810

Projected growth (2018-2028)

-7.6%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers

Firefighting supervisors assign firefighters to strategic locations, perform rescue functions, assess the nature of fires and the danger they pose, and perform other vital functions.

If you want to get this job, you’ll need to start out as a firefighter, which involves attending a fire academy and getting certified. You’ll then need to accumulate experience and get promoted.

10% $49,910

25% $66,390

Median $86,220

75% $108,380

90% $135,050

Total employment

84,120

Projected growth (2018-2028)

8.3%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Electrical power-line installers and repairers

People with this job set up cables and wires used in electrical power distribution systems.

Getting this job usually involves vocational school or an apprenticeship and on-the-job training.

10% $48,220

25% $63,120

Median $85,420

75% $104,230

90% $119,920

Total employment

120,170

Projected growth (2018-2028)

1.3%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers

These are managers who lead teams of people working in sales, but not in stores.

To become one, start out as a salesperson and get really good at your job.

10% $48,640

25% $63,510

Median $84,570

75% $119,530

90% $164,420

Total employment

227,150

Projected growth (2018-2028)

-5%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Subway and streetcar operators

Driving a subway train or a tram is a big responsibility, but the paycheck is pretty sweet. You can also make a huge impact (literally).

To become one, it helps to have experience as a bus or truck driver. You’ll undergo extensive training on-the-job before you start working.

10% $54,690

25% $73,570

Median $84,270

75% $84,310

90% $87,110

Total employment

14,860

Projected growth (2018-2028)

10%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Chemical plant and system operators

These folks control the chemical processes or systems of machines, often in a factory setting. This could involve monitoring recording instruments, shutting down equipment, using panelboards, inspecting units, and more.

While you can get this job with a high school diploma, vocational school or an associate degree could be beneficial.

10% $47,650

25% $59,830

Median $80,030

75% $99,960

90% $108,470

Total employment

17,980

Projected growth (2018-2028)

-0.3%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers

Agricultural managers direct the operations of farms, ranches, greenhouses, fisheries, nurseries, timber tracts, and similar enterprises. If it goes oink-oink or cluck-cluck, these people know how to raise it, sell it, and make a profit.

Note that becoming a farmer or rancher can be difficult if you’re not born into it. Starting your own agricultural enterprise from scratch will require a significant initial investment.

10% $80,000

25% $130,840

Median $206,680

75% $208,000

90% $208,000

Total employment

211,230

Projected growth (2018-2028)

-5.7%

Degree required

None

Source: BLS

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The full list of highest-paying jobs with no degree…in a table

See a comprehensive list of the top 50 highest-paying jobs with no degree in the U.S. in the table below.

Job title	Typical education	Average earnings
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance	Postsecondary nondegree award	$134,750
Nuclear power reactor operators	High school diploma or equivalent	$120,350
Commercial pilots	Postsecondary nondegree award	$113,080
Power distributors and dispatchers	High school diploma or equivalent	$104,750
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers	High school diploma or equivalent	$102,420
First-line supervisors of police and detectives	High school diploma or equivalent	$101,750
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers	High school diploma or equivalent	$99,200
Power plant operators	High school diploma or equivalent	$97,010
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay	Postsecondary nondegree award	$96,600
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers	High school diploma or equivalent	$94,580
Ship engineers	Postsecondary nondegree award	$94,270
Detectives and criminal investigators	High school diploma or equivalent	$91,100
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels	Postsecondary nondegree award	$88,730
Postmasters and mail superintendents	High school diploma or equivalent	$88,670
Transportation inspectors	High school diploma or equivalent	$87,290
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers	Postsecondary nondegree award	$86,220
Electrical power-line installers and repairers	High school diploma or equivalent	$85,420
First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers	High school diploma or equivalent	$84,570
Subway and streetcar operators	High school diploma or equivalent	$84,270
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers	High school diploma or equivalent	$83,770
Signal and track switch repairers	High school diploma or equivalent	$82,710
Gas plant operators	High school diploma or equivalent	$82,560
Gambling managers	High school diploma or equivalent	$82,380
Chemical plant and system operators	High school diploma or equivalent	$80,030
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment	Postsecondary nondegree award	$79,160
First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers	High school diploma or equivalent	$76,760
Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators	High school diploma or equivalent	$75,020
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians	Postsecondary nondegree award	$75,020
Locomotive engineers	High school diploma or equivalent	$74,770
Artists and related workers, all other	No formal educational credential	$74,750
Insurance appraisers, auto damage	Postsecondary nondegree award	$74,520
Fire inspectors and investigators	Postsecondary nondegree award	$74,160
Police and sheriff’s patrol officers	High school diploma or equivalent	$72,280
Transit and railroad police	High school diploma or equivalent	$72,250
Wellhead pumpers	High school diploma or equivalent	$71,830
Media and communication equipment workers, all other	High school diploma or equivalent	$71,340
Media and communication workers, all other	High school diploma or equivalent	$71,340
Boilermakers	High school diploma or equivalent	$71,140
Railroad conductors and yardmasters	High school diploma or equivalent	$71,130
First-line supervisors of correctional officers	High school diploma or equivalent	$70,530
Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants	High school diploma or equivalent	$70,310
Athletes and sports competitors	No formal educational credential	$70,280
Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door	High school diploma or equivalent	$70,100
Underground mining machine operators, all other	No formal educational credential	$68,910
Flight attendants	High school diploma or equivalent	$68,370
Construction and building inspectors	High school diploma or equivalent	$67,700
Stationary engineers and boiler operators	High school diploma or equivalent	$67,640
First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers	High school diploma or equivalent	$67,460
Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators	High school diploma or equivalent	$67,000
Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment	Postsecondary nondegree award	$66,680

Source – Bureau of Labor Statistics

Hate studying? Consider trade school

While not all lucrative careers require college, most do require some schooling. For many jobs, this means trade school.

Yes, you’ll still have to spend a significant part of your week learning new skills, but hey, at least it won’t involve writing essays about poems.

Trade school is a great alternative to college for down-to-earth people who like to work with their hands.

A trade school education usually results in a diploma or certificate and can lead to jobs like electrician, welder, dental hygienist, wind turbine technician, or even licensed practical nurse.

What is a trade job?

A trade job is any job that requires advanced training, but not a college degree. You can get this training by going to trade or vocational school or completing an apprenticeship.

Highest-paying trade jobs without a degree

We’ll be honest, this list closely resembles the one above, minus some of the less accessible suggestions like “makeup artist for actors” and management-level positions.

The highest paying trade job without a degree is nuclear power reactor operator – they make $115,870 per year on average according to the BLS.

Nuclear power reactor operators – $120,350
Commercial pilots – $113,080
Power distributors and dispatchers – $104,750
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers – $102,420
Power plant operators – $97,010
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay – $96,600
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers – $94,580
Ship engineers – $94,270
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels – $88,730
Transportation inspectors – $87,290

Can you work in tech without a degree?

Actually, yes! While most high-paying tech jobs require a degree, certain employers will hire promising individuals who can prove they have a certain skill set, regardless of whether they went to college.

There are several ways to prove you have the tech skills needed to get hired:

Pass an exam. Some subsets of IT, like cybersecurity, rely heavily on certification examinations to prove qualification. While these tests are very difficult, some people are able to pass them without schooling.
Sign up for a tech bootcamp. A tech bootcamp is a short, intensive course that gives you a rapid overview of one branch of tech – like UX design, coding, or data analytics. It is a form of microcredentialing.
Pick up tech skills at your current job. If you’re lucky, you may be able to pick up IT skills at your current job – and use your experience to get a better position in the tech field. If you work for a big corporation, look out for opportunities to cross-train.

Highest-paying tech jobs without a degree

We’ll be real. Most employers are looking for someone with a bachelor’s degree to fill these positions.

However, government data from O*NET, a data tool from the U.S. Department of Labor, shows that some people are still able to get high-paid tech jobs with no degree. O*NET gathers data about the average educational attainment for different positions.

Below, we show some common tech jobs, average salaries according to the BLS, and the percentage of people with these jobs who don’t have a college degree (whose highest level of education is “less than a high school diploma”, “high school diploma or equivalent”, or “some college, but no degree”).

Job title	Average salary	Percent with no college degree
Software developers	$132,270	9.4%
Information security analysts	$120,360	21.4%
Computer systems analysts	$103,800	18.3%
Software quality assurance analysts and testers	$101,800	17.7%
Computer programmers	$99,700	18.1%
Web and digital interface designers	$98,540	21.7%
Network and computer systems administrators	$95,360	28.9%
Web developers	$84,960	19.9%
Technical writers	$80,050	15.2%
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers	$63,440	77.1%
Computer support specialists	$60,810	35.8%
Graphic designers	$58,910	20.5%
Data entry keyers	$36,190	60.6%

Source: O*NET and the BLS

Would you be better off getting a degree after all?

While college is not for everyone, and student loans are daunting, getting a good ol’ bachelor’s degree is still worth it financially for most people – as long as you’re smart about where you go to college and what you choose to study (see our list of the worst college majors ever).

The average person with a bachelor’s degree earns $57,540 per year – which is 53.4% more than the average earnings of someone with just a high school diploma ($37,517 per year).

Meanwhile, the national average earnings for someone with an associate degree are $45,744.

While we agree that the price of college is getting out of hand, a degree is still your best bet to achieve financial security.

Final thoughts

There are many great job opportunities for people who don’t want to go to college – especially if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty.

For a start, check out our overview of the best trade schools for electricians or welders.

These programs provide the optimal combination of affordability and high earnings for graduates.

Alternatively, check out our definitive rankings of the best-value colleges in the country if you decide to pursue a bachelor’s after all.

www.degreechoices.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Discover a convenient, affordable online degree.

Take our quick quiz and we’ll match you with the perfect program.

The highest-paying jobs without a degree in 2024

Find a convenient, affordable online degree.

The highest-paying jobs without a degree

Makeup artists, theatrical and performance

Nuclear power reactor operator

Commercial pilot

Power distributors and dispatchers

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers

First-line supervisors of police and detectives

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

Power plant operators

Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay

Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers

Ship engineers

Detectives and criminal investigators

Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels

Postmasters and mail superintendents

First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers

Electrical power-line installers and repairers

First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers

Subway and streetcar operators

Chemical plant and system operators

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers

Find a convenient, affordable online degree.

The full list of highest-paying jobs with no degree…in a table

Hate studying? Consider trade school

What is a trade job?

Highest-paying trade jobs without a degree

Discover how you can become a welder in 4 steps!

Can you work in tech without a degree?

Highest-paying tech jobs without a degree

Would you be better off getting a degree after all?

Final thoughts

Did you enjoy this post?

Discover a convenient, affordable online degree.

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