25 Best Jobs Without a Degree

Student loans are absolutely terrifying! Some of my friends are in their 40s and are still struggling to pay their student debt.

But you don’t need a degree to land a six-figure job. I have a friend who didn’t go to college. But after teaching himself computer programming, he now makes over $100,000!

I’ve compiled the best jobs without a degree to make things easier for you. I’ve ranked them from highest to lowest median salary, and I suggest you work through this list to find a profession that matches your interests.

Best 25 Jobs Without a Degree

If you want to earn a good salary without going to college, consider these high paying jobs that don’t require a degree.

1. Commercial Pilots

Job Description: Commercial pilots transport cargo and passengers via aircraft while determining the safest routes.

Median Salary: $121,430

Education or Training Needed: You need a high school diploma to get into flight school and once you’ve graduated, most of your training will take place on the job.

2. Transportation Managers

Job Description: Transportation managers are responsible for ensuring safe and reliable bus service.

Median Salary: $94,560

Education or Training Needed: Enroll in a transportation certification program, complete the program within a year, and apply for an internship at a transportation company.

3. Computer Programmer

Job Description: Computer programmers create, adapt, and test software code to develop and fix applications.

Median Salary: $93,000

Education or Training Needed: Showcase your skills to potential employers with a portfolio of your projects. You can learn these skills by using educational resources such as W3Schools or attending a 6-month coding bootcamp.

4. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Job Description: These professionals supervise and coordinate members within the police force.

Median Salary: $91,090

Education or Training Needed: This position requires a high school diploma and one to two years of on the job training.

5. Power Plant Operators

Job Description: Power plant operators manage tasks and equipment involved with generating electricity.

Median Salary: $85,950

Education or Training Needed: You’ll need to complete technical courses at a community college to earn a certificate.

6. Elevator Mechanics

Job Description: Elevator mechanics maintain and replace elevators and escalators.

Median Salary: $84,990

Education or Training Needed: Complete a four-year apprenticeship after high school.

7. First-Line Supervisors of Firefighters

Job Description: These professionals coordinate and supervise firefighters.

Median Salary: $77,800

Education or Training Needed: You’ll need a ​​postsecondary nondegree award certificate.

8. Postmasters and Mail Superintendents 

Job Description: Resolve customer complaints while monitoring employee work schedules and attendance for payroll purposes.

Median Salary: $76,900

Education or Training Needed: You’ll need a high school diploma and a few years of on the job training.

9. Transportation Inspectors

Job Description: Transportation inspectors check that vehicles meet safety requirements.

Median Salary: $75,820

Education or Training Needed: You’ll need a high school diploma and on the job training.

10. Makeup Artists

Job Description: Makeup artists offer services that enhance facial aesthetics.

Median Salary: $75,730

Education or Training Needed: Education is not necessary, but it helps to obtain a postsecondary nondegree award certificate.

11. Petroleum Pump Operators

Job Description: Petroleum pump operators manage processors involved with refining crude petroleum.

Median Salary: $74,180

Education or Training Needed: A high school diploma and one year of on the job training are required to become a petroleum pump operator.

12. Lighting Technicians

Job Description: Lighting technicians setup and control lighting required for television shows and movie sets.

Median Salary: $73,460

Education or Training Needed: A high school diploma and on the job training.

13. Farmers and Agricultural Managers

Job Description: Farm managers plan production and finances to keep a farm profitable.

Median Salary: $71,160

Education or Training Needed: A high school diploma and an internship on a local farm.

14. Gas Plant Operators

Job Description: These professionals run compressor equipment along pipelines used to process natural gas.

Median Salary: $70,710

Education or Training Needed: Most employers provide on the job training for entry-level positions.

15. Health and Safety Technicians 

Job Description: Health and safety technicians inspect and evaluate workplace environments to check if they’re safe per industry standards.

Median Salary: $70,480

Education or Training Needed: You’ll need a high school diploma and on-the-job training at a company specializing in health and safety.

16. Subway and Streetcar Operators

Job Description: These professionals control rail-guided vehicles like trains and electric powered street cars.

Median Salary: $67,880

Education or Training Needed: A high school diploma and completion of an apprenticeship at a transportation company.

17. Gas Compressor Operators

Job Description: Gas compressor operators use compressors to transfer, compress, and recover various types of gasses.

Median Salary: $66,160

Education or Training Needed: Gas compressor operators require a high school diploma and on the job training. 

18. Electrical Power Line Installers

Job Description: Electric power line installers install and maintain power lines.

Median Salary: $65,700

Education or Training Needed: You must earn a certificate from a vocational training program and have a high school diploma.

19. Police Officers and Detectives

Job Description: Police officers and detectives are responsible for maintaining law and order.

Median Salary: $65,170

Education or Training Needed: You need a high school diploma and must graduate from the police academy.

20. Locomotive Engineers

Job Description: Locomotive engineers drive, maintain, and operate trains.

Median Salary: $65,020

Education or Training Needed: You must complete an apprenticeship and formal training at a company before receiving your federal license.

21. Aircraft Mechanics

Job Description: Aircraft mechanics inspect and maintain structural aircraft systems.

Median Salary: $64,310

Education or Training Needed: Graduate from an aircraft mechanic course that’s recognized by the government.

22. Boilermakers

Job Description: Boilermakers are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing boilers.

Median Salary: $63,100

Education or Training Needed: A high school diploma and an apprenticeship with a company.

23. Farm Labor Contractors

Job Description: Farm labor contractors provide workers with drinking water, food, and sanitation facilities.

Median Salary: $61,910

Education or Training Needed: No prior education or training needed. You can expect to receive on the job training.

24. Copywriters

Job description: Copywriters create persuasive copy that encourages readers to buy a certain product or service.

Median Salary: $53,808

Education and Training Needed: You don’t need any formal education. There are countless books and online courses available to teach people how to write persuasive content.

25. Wind Turbine Technicians

Job description: These technicians install, maintain, and operate wind turbines.

Median Salary: $52,910

Education and Training Needed: You’ll need a postsecondary non-degree award certificate and can expect to receive on the job training.

Commonly Asked Questions About Best Jobs Without a Degree

What Job Pays the Most Without a Degree?

A commercial pilot is one of the best jobs without a degree. You’ll need to graduate from flight school and land an apprenticeship at a local airline. Once you’ve gained some experience, you can earn up to six figures!

What Jobs are in Demand Without a Degree?

The best high paying jobs that don’t require a degree include computer programmers and wind turbine technicians. 

What is the Easiest Job that Pays the Most?

The easiest and best job without a degree is a makeup artist. You can earn around $75,000 annually. They use products to enhance a client’s facial aesthetics.

What Jobs Make Millions Without a Degree?

Entrepreneurs have one of the most high paying jobs that don’t require a degree. It has the potential to make millions or even billions. If you can offer a product or service that people are willing to buy, your earning potential is endless.

What are Fun Jobs that Don’t Require a Degree?

Being a bartender is fun, and the earning potential is surprisingly high, especially if you’re working in world-renowned clubs and bars. You get to meet new people and prepare creative drinks while being paid an average of $24,960 per year before tips.

If you’re interested in working as a product tester in exchange for the use of great products, you may want to learn about Nike product testing and Adidas product testing.

And if you’d like to drive for DoorDash, learn how you may be able to get off the DoorDash waitlist.

What are the Easiest High-Paying Jobs?

Video game testers earn an average of $69,995 annually, as reported by Indeed. This makes video game testing a relatively easy and high-paying profession. Your job involves playing games before they are released and finding bugs.

Low-Stress Jobs that Pay Well Without a Degree

One of the best jobs without a degree that’s also low-stress is a lighting technician. They are responsible for setting up and controlling television show lights. Fortunately, most entry-level positions will teach you everything you need to know.

6 Figure Jobs Without College Degree

Becoming a real estate agent is a popular way of earning six figures without having a degree. All you have to do is take a real estate exam, and once you pass, you’ll be able to sell houses and earn a commission. Be aware that the median salary is $48,770 per year.  But the best-performing real estate agents make over $100,000.

Jobs that Don’t Require a Degree or Experience

If you’re looking for high paying jobs that don’t require a degree or work experience, consider joining the police force and working up to a first-line supervisor. The median salary is up to $91,090 per year. Also, be sure to check out how you can get paid to talk to lonely people for extra cash.

High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree or Experience

Some high-paying jobs to consider if you don’t have a degree include becoming a commercial pilot, transportation manager, computer programmer, elevator mechanic, or power plant operator. These median salaries range from $84,990 to $121,430 per year.

Unique Jobs that Pay Well Without a Degree

A DJ is a unique job that pays surprisingly well. Salaries range from $10,000 to over $400,000, so there’s a lot of earning potential. The good news is that social media has made it easier to build a following as a DJ.

Government Jobs that Pay Well Without a Degree

A patrol officer is the highest-paying government job that doesn’t require formal education. The median salary is $65,170; however, it’s hard work depending on where in the US you live. You’ll be responsible for patrolling areas, preventing illegal activities, and protecting the community.

References: 

Job salary statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Career Institute and Learn.org.