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.
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.
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.