In certain industries, relevant work experience, internships, training and certifications are just as important, if not more important, than graduating with a four-year degree.
Job applications usually have a minimum educational requirement — some college, an associate degree or a bachelor’s or master’s degree. But with student loan debt topping $1.77 trillion (an increase of 66% over the past ten years), according to the Federal Reserve, you may ask if a four-year college degree is worth it.
The answer will likely depend on your career choice. Some professions — medical and healthcare providers, lawyers, teachers, nuclear engineers — all require a degree (or degrees). However, some underrepresented career fields welcome applicants who never attended college or didn’t graduate with a four-year degree, and some of these careers pay very well.
There are plenty of in-demand careers with a salary higher than $56,420 (the median US annual salary), according to 20 Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree, a report from the leading career resource platform, Resume Genius. The list spotlights well-paying jobs and their accompanying educational requirements, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Here are the top 10 highest-paying jobs that don't require a degree.
1. Airline and commercial pilot
Median annual salary: $148,900
Number of jobs: 142,600
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 4%
Educational requirements: Vocational training or Associate’s degree
Work experience: None, but FAA certifications and flight hours are required
2. Information security analyst
Median annual salary: $112,000
Number of jobs: 168,900
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 32%
Educational requirements: High school diploma or vocational training
Work experience: None, but relevant certifications are beneficial
3. Elevator and escalator installer and repairer
Median annual salary: $99,999
Number of jobs: 25,100
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 1%
Educational requirements: High school diploma or GED
Work experience: Apprenticeship
4. Special effects artist and animator
Median annual salary: $98,950
Number of jobs: 89,300
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 8%
Educational requirements: High school diploma or vocational training
Work experience: Portfolio of work. Certifications can be beneficial
5. Transportation, storage, and distribution manager
Median annual salary: $98,560
Number of jobs: 14,600
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 8%
Educational requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; certification programs beneficial
Work experience: Five years in a related field
6. First-line supervisors of police and detective
Median annual salary: $96,290
Number of jobs: 4,300
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 3%
Educational requirements: High school diploma, police academy training
Work experience: Several years in the police force
7. Radiation therapist
Median annual salary: $89,530
Number of jobs: 15,900
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 2%
Educational requirements: Associate’s degree
Work experience: Clinical experience/certification
8. Subway and streetcar operator
Median annual salary: $88,260
Number of jobs: 300
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 4%
Educational requirements: High school diploma
Work experience: On-the-job training
9. Electrical power-line installer and repairer
Median annual salary: $82,340 per year
Number of jobs: 122,400
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 3%
Educational requirements: High school diploma. Technical training preferred
Work experience: Apprenticeship
10. Dental hygienist
Median annual salary: $81,400
Number of jobs: 219,400
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 7%
Educational requirements: Associate’s degree in dental hygiene
Work experience: Licensing (varies by state)
Along with these ten career fields that offer high wages but do not require a four-year degree, the Resume Genius report also highlighted these ten jobs.
Web developer
Medical sonographer
Police and/or detective
Flight attendant
Lodging manager
Property, real estate, and community association manager
Given the soaring cost of college and an explosion in online learning and certificate courses, it's no wonder that students and employers are both looking for non-traditional ways to join the labor force. “A college degree doesn’t mean quite what it used to, and we're witnessing a significant shift towards skills-based hiring," explains Eva Chan, Career Expert at Resume Genius. "This change is creating more accessible opportunities, including a range of lesser-known yet well-paying roles."
Roles in fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and renewable energy are in high demand. However, it is worth noting that motion picture projectionists, wind turbine service technicians, and nurse practitioners are 3 jobs projected to be the fastest growing over the next decade.
Due to rising college costs and a tech talent shortage, many companies offer six-figure jobs — no degree required. Using the latest salary data, we've compiled a list of jobs that pay more than $100K a year without a college degree.
Key takeaways. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the U.S. economy added 175,000 jobs in April 2024, the slowest jobs gain in six months and below market expectations. The unemployment rate ticked up from 3.8% to 3.9%.
Introduction: My name is Eusebia Nader, I am a encouraging, brainy, lively, nice, famous, healthy, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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