Are you looking for the highest paying job without a degree?

With student loans drastically climbing up, it's no wonder that some people are looking for alternative ways to make good money.

We all know it. Hence, having a bachelor’s degree or a college education doesn’t guarantee success.

Moreover, it doesn’t assure that you can get a high-paying job.

Just look at these inspiring people changing and helping our world today. For example, Bill Gates, Marck Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Rachel Ray, etc. So these people belong to the top 1%.

Aside from that, these are the group of living millionaires (even billionaires) living on the planet today.

So they were able to build wealth and fortune without needing a college degree. Hence, in reality, most millionaires are even college dropouts.

Therefore, it only proves that a university education is far from the only path to success.

So should I quit college then?

However, that doesn’t mean you should quit uni today and go after your dreams. At some point, having a degree can be helpful too.

In other words, just like having a 9-5 job. Well, it’s not bad at all. So like your 9-5 or college education, keep it.

After that, use it to propel your growth, define your dreams, and aligned them with your life.

For instance, use your 9-5 to save money and invest to reach your financial goals.

Additionally, use your college degree to find jobs related to your program or land your ultimate dream job.

Besides, there are many ways to make money even while at college.

On the contrary, not all people are inclined to finish their studies. Some pursue their passion while others seek the highest paying job without a degree.

Furthermore, these highest paying jobs only require a high school education or equivalent.

Therefore, certification or formal training and apprenticeship may also be needed.

So are you ready to dig in to start making money?

Let’s get started!

Related: Highest Paying Job with Business Degree: Top Salaries for Business-Minds

22 Highest Paying Job Without A Degree

Do you want to know what jobs make millions without a degree? In addition, how about making $100,000 a year or earning $60,000 a year without a college degree?

Moreover, how about getting a six-figure job without college?

Therefore, check out below the highest paying job without a degree!

1. Court reporters and simultaneous captioners

Entry-Level Education Requirement:  Postsecondary non-degree award

Average Salary: $61,660 per year ($29.64 per hour)

Court reporters and simultaneous captioners are similar to transcriptionists. For instance, court reporters type or record word-per-word translations and transcriptions of every trial and legal proceedings.

On the other hand, simultaneous captioners (broadcast captioners) provide real-time captioning for television and presentations.

For example, press conferences, business meetings, or people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Furthermore, they can earn a postsecondary certificate from various community colleges and technical institutes. 

Aside from that, on-the-job training for these professionals differs depending on their reporting or captioning type. Hence, some programs offer stenography.

Additionally, those who operate in legal contexts are required by several states to obtain a state license or a professional association certification.

Where to obtain licenses, certifications, and registrations:

• National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)
• American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT)
• National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA)

Skills Needed:

• Concentration
• Detail-oriented
• Listening skills
• Good command of grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation

Related:

• Transcribe Anywhere Review – How to make money as a transcriptionist
• Best Online Transcription Jobs In 2021 That Hire Internationally

2. Commercial Pilots

Entry-Level Education Requirement:  High school diploma and commercial pilot’s license

Average Salary: $93,300 per year

Commercial Pilot is one of the highest paying job without a degree. In contrast to airline pilots (who need a college degree), commercial pilots only require a high school degree and a commercial pilot’s license. 

So what do commercial pilots do?

First, they carry out unscheduled flight activities, such as aerial application, charter flights, and aerial tours.

Moreover, commercial pilots may be assigned additional non-flight responsibilities. 

Hence, some commercial pilots organize flights, handle aircraft maintenance, and carry bags independently.

Where to obtain licenses, certifications, and registrations:

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Flight training for commercial pilots

Skills Needed:

• Good communication skills
• Critical and problem-solving skills
• Quick and good judgment

3. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist and Technicians

Entry-Level Education Requirement: Postsecondary education, associate’s degree or certificate

Average Salary: $72,530 per year ($34.87 per hour)

Specialists and technicians in occupational health and safety mostly work in offices and factories. 

To sum up, they inspect, test, and evaluate workplace environments, equipment, and practices. Hence, they ensure that companies follow safety standards and adhere to government regulations.

They also design and implement workplace processes and procedures to help protect workers from hazardous work conditions.

Moreover, they demonstrate the correct use of safety equipment and educate employers and workers about workplace safety, such as how to respond in an emergency.

Above all, they examine the workplace for environmental or physical factors that would affect employee health, safety, comfort, and performance.

For example, they'll investigate factors like lighting, equipment, materials, and ventilation.

On the other hand, technicians may do workplace inspections and check to ensure workers use required protective gear, like masks and hardhats.

Where to obtain licenses, certifications, and registrations:

• The Board of Certified Safety Professionals
• American Board of Industrial Hygiene

How to become one:

• Must earn a high school diploma that completes courses in English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics
• Associate’s degree, a certificate from community college, or vocational school. These programs typically take two years or less.

Skills Needed:

• Adept at using advanced technology
• Physical stamina
• Communication skills and detail-oriented

4. Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Entry-Level Education Requirement: Postsecondary nondegree award 

Average Salary: $75,730

Another highest paying job without a degree is a career as a makeup artist. Further, it is one of the fastest-growing occupations today.

Besides, this job entails applying makeup to performers to reflect their role's period, setting, and situation. So you’ll be mainly working with various actors (and can earn even a better average salary!)

Therefore, there’s no need for a bachelor’s degree. But some employers may require you to take training and certifications. It would be better if you have previous experience because most skills needed here are creativity, originality, and aesthetic design.

Read more:

• 9 Beauty Side Hustle To Make Extra Cash During Your Free Time
• The Best Weekend Jobs- 27 + Perfect Side-Hustle to Boost Your Income

5. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Entry-Level Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent

Average Salary: $56,330 per year ($27.08 per hour)

Generally, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems.

So some of their additional tasks include inspecting and testing installed pipe systems and pipelines, maintaining and repairing plumbing systems, and troubleshooting malfunctioning systems.

On the other hand, pipefitters and steamfitters are also called fitters. In addition, they install and maintain pipes that may carry chemicals, acids, and gases. 

Therefore, these jobs are in the manufacturing, commercial, and industrial settings. 

However, if you are serious about pursuing this career, you may advance to become a master plumber, supervisor, or project manager. 

Moreover, some plumbers even choose to start their own businesses as independent contractors. But it may require additional training or licensing. 

How to become one:

• Apprenticeship or attend vocational-technical school
• Get license

Skills Needed:

• Mechanical skills
• Dexterity
• Communication skills
• Physical strength

6. Powerplant Operators

Entry-Level Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent

Average Salary: $89,090 per year ($42.83 per hour)

If you’re looking for the highest paying job without a degree, perhaps you might want to become a powerplant operator. Moreover, you can also become a distributor, or dispatcher (also known as a systems operator)

They control power-generating equipment. Plus, they read charts, meters, and gauges to monitor voltage and electricity flows.

Aside from that, they check equipment and indicators to detect operating problems, adjust the control to regulate power flow, and start or stop generators, turbines, and other power equipment.

We all know that electricity is one of humanity’s vital resources. Therefore, there is a demand for people who can operate, maintain, and control power plants.

How to become one:

• Take an exam from the Edison Electrical Institute
• Have formal technical training
• Get a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
• Have certification from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (System Operator Certification Program)

Skills Needed:

• Mechanical skills
• Dexterity
• Concentration skills
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills

7. Firefighters

Entry-Level Education Requirement: Postsecondary nondegree award

Average Salary: $52,500 per year ($25.24 per hour)

Firefighters deserve to be well-paid due to the nature of their job. Hence, they are included in the highest paying job without a degree.

Aside from that, firefighters are not only limited to providing rescue on houses or buildings. As a result, there are also wildland firefighters who help control forest fires.

Furthermore, a four-year degree is not required for this job. However, you may need to complete formal training to be well-equip.

How to become one:

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification
• Training sessions on National Fire Academy

Skills Needed:

• Communication Skills
• Decision-making skills
• Physical strength and stamina

8. Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Entry-Level Education Requirement: Postsecondary certificate

Average Salary: $84,810 per year ($40.77 per hour)

Another highest paying job without a degree in the IT niche is the network and computer systems administrator.

Hence. they are responsible for the needed upgrades and repairs to networks. Plus, they ensure that an organization’s systems are operating correctly. 

So essentially, they manage an organization’s servers, desktop, and mobile equipment. It is to ensure that email and data storage networks work properly.

Although some may require a bachelor’s degree, recent job postings merely require a postsecondary certificate and excellent computer abilities.

How to become one:

• Certifications from Microsoft or Cisco
• Attain postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree
• Computer and Information Technology degree

Skills Needed:

• Analytical Skills
• Multitasking skills
• Problem-solving and communication skills

9. Dental Hygienist

Entry-Level Education Requirement: Associate’s degree

Average Salary: $77,090 per year ($37.06 per hour)

Dental Hygienist is different from an actual Dentist. 

Hence, they do examinations for patients for signs of oral diseases. But they also provide preventive care (oral hygiene) and educate patients about oral health.

The duties that dental hygienists are allowed to undertake and the extent to which they must be supervised by a dentist differ by state and work location.

Moreover, several states enable hygienists with additional training, also known as dental therapists. Hence, it is to undertake vital services such as tooth extraction and interim crown placement.

Where to obtain licenses, certifications, and registrations:

• The Commission on Dental Accreditation

How to become one:

• Take at least an associate’s degree in Dental Hygiene
• You can also take a bachelor’s degree
• Programs will typically take three years to complete

Skills Needed:

• Critical thinking
• Dexterity- must be good at working with their hands; has fine motor skills using precise tools and instruments
• Interpersonal skills
• Good communication skills

10. Medical Records and Health Information Technician

Entry-Level Education Requirement: Postsecondary nondegree award

Average Salary: $45,240 per year ($21.75 per hour)

Under the medical jobs niche, a medical record and health information technician can be one of the highest paying jobs without a degree.

So, they organize, manage, and maintain patients’ confidential records and information data. They also review patients’ records, update and collect information, and help verify and validate these patients’ data.

From medical history, symptoms, examination and test results, treatments, and other information related to healthcare services- these are the type of information data they gather and keep.

So even though they do not give direct patient care, they still work collaboratively with nurses, attending physicians, and other healthcare workers.

Where to obtain licenses, certifications, and registrations:

• Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR)
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
• The Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

How to become one:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is accepted
• Relative previous experience can also be a plus

Skills Needed:

• Detail-oriented
• Analytical skills
• Integrity
• Interpersonal skills

11. Electricians

Entry-Level Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent

Average Salary: $56,900 per year ($27.36 per hour)

Perhaps you already have an idea about what this job entails.

They are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power, communication, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories.

Furthermore, most electricians learn through hands-on internships or apprenticeships. But attending a technical school is best. In contrast, many states also require electricians to be licensed.

Where to obtain licenses, certifications, and registrations:

• Home Builders Institute 
• National Electrical Contractors Association
• Pre-apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) program

How to become one:

• Must attend technical school and take related courses and programs
• Complete four to a five-year apprenticeship program
• Must also have a driver’s license

Skills Needed:

• Color vision
• Physical strength and stamina
• Customer-service skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Troubleshooting skills

12. Chefs and Head Cooks

Entry-Level Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent

Average Salary: $53,380 per year ($25.66 per hour)

Do you love to cook and have a sense of artistic and creative style in the world of the food and beverage industry? 

Hence, if you have a knack for running the kitchen, then great news!

It is one of the highest paying job without a degree!

What better way to a man’s heart than through his stomach?

Moreover, this is a job that is not limited to becoming an employee forever. Hence, you can run your own restaurant or catering business if you want to practice your cooking skills.

Typically you only need a high school diploma plus experience. As a result, you can attend a culinary program at a community college, technical school, culinary arts school, or apprenticeship program.

Where to obtain licenses, certifications, and registrations:

• American Culinary Federation

Skills Needed:

• Creativity
• Dexterity
• Leadership skills
• Sense of taste and smell
• Time management skill

Read more: 35+ Best Business Ideas For Women (earn over $3-$5k/month!)

13. Police and Detectives

Entry-Level Education Requirement: High school diploma 

Average Salary: $67,290 per year ($32.35 per hour)

To safeguard citizens' lives and property, police personnel exist. 

On the other hand, detectives and criminal investigators, often known as agents or special agents, gather information and evidence to solve crimes.

In addition, a high school diploma or a college degree is usually required to enter this profession. 

However, most police and detectives must complete a period of on-the-job training after graduating from their agency's training academy. 

Where to obtain training, licenses, certifications, and registrations:

• Extensive training at the U.S. Marine Corps Quantico, Virginia
• Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

Skills Needed:

• Empathy
• Communication skills
• Good judgment
• Physical stamina and strength
• Leadership skills

14. Elevators and Escalators Installers and Repairers

Entry-Level Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent

Average Salary: $88,540 per year ($42.57 per hour)

From the word itself, it’s not that hard to know what they do. 

Therefore, elevators and escalators installers and repairers typically install, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.

Mostly needed, a high school diploma or equivalent and related experience can be gained through apprenticeship. Additionally, most states require them to be licensed.

Where to obtain training, licenses, certifications, and registrations:

• The Certified Elevator Technicians (CET)  
• Certified Accessibility and Private Residence Lift Technicians (CAT) through the National Association of Elevator Contractors. 
• They can also be certified as Qualified Elevator Inspectors (QEI) through the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International.

Skills Needed:

• Mechanical skills
• Troubleshooting skills
• Physical strength and stamina
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to work at heights

15. Tool and Die Maker

Entry-Level Education Requirement: High school diploma

Average Salary: $47,040 per year ($22.62 per hour)

They set up and operate machine tools that produce metal parts.

If you are interested in this career, you only need a high school diploma.

Hence, you will learn and get trained on the job. But you can consider learning in a community college or vocational school.

Where to obtain training, licenses, certifications, and registrations:

• National Institute for Metalworking Skills

Skills Needed:

• Analytical skills
• Manual dexterity
• Mechanical skills
• Technical skills

16. Wind Turbine Technicians

Entry-Level Education Requirement: Postsecondary nondegree award

Average Salary: $56,230 per year ($27.03 per hour)

Also known as wind techs, they are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing wind turbines.

The skill can be learned through attending technical schools or community colleges. In addition, they give complete certificates in wind energy technology.

However, some workers choose to advance by earning an associate’s degree.

Even though it is not required, still some employers would require their workers to get certification and proper technical training.

For example, workplace electrical safety, tower climbing, and self-rescue are among the few skills emphasized here.

Skills Needed:

• Communication skills
• Mechanical skills
• Troubleshooting skills
• Physical stamina and strength
• Detail-oriented

17. Lighting Technicians, Media, and Communications Equipment Workers

Entry-Level Education Requirement: High school diploma or associate degree

Average Salary: $50,000 per year ($24.04 per hour)

They are also called, Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians.

Hence, their jobs include setting up, operating, and maintaining electrical equipment for radio programs, television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies.

Educational requirements for this highest paying job without a degree vary from a high school diploma to a college degree or associate degree (depending on the position).

Moreover, because technology is ever-changing, technicians in this field must continuously expand their education in handling new equipment and hardware.

They often enroll in advanced on-the-job training and get trained in various ways. For example, setting up cables or automation systems, testing electrical equipment, following safety procedures, etc.

Where to obtain training, licenses, certifications, and registrations:

• The Society of Broadcast Engineers
• Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association

Skills Needed:

• Communication skills
• Computer literate
• Manual dexterity

18. Farmers and Ranchers

Entry-Level Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent

Average Salary: $68,090 per year ($32.73 per hour)

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products.

Primarily, farmers and ranchers run family-owned farms. Then those who do not own the land lease it from a landowner or are farmworkers.

Since land is the best asset that you can own, if you owned farmland, this could also be a potentially lucrative business.

However, the challenge is to maximize crop and livestock production. 

Hence. you must also be technologically adept in using machines and modern technology for effective and efficient farmland management.

At least a high school diploma is needed. But if you want to be a competitive agricultural manager, you may choose to complete a certification program.

Where to obtain training, licenses, certifications, and registrations:

• The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA)
• Accredited Farm Manager (AFM)

Skills Needed:

• Initiative
• Analytical and critical-thinking skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Mechanical skills and physical stamina

19. Telecommunications Installers and Repairers

Entry-Level Education Requirement: Postsecondary nondegree award

Average Salary: $61,470 per year ($29.55 per hour)

Also known as telecom technicians, they set up and maintain devices such as telephone lines and internet routers.

A telecom technician needs a postsecondary education in electronics, telecommunications, or computer networking.

Skills Needed:

• Color vision
• Customer service oriented
• Dexterity
• Mechanical and troubleshooting skills

20. Hearing Aid Specialist

Entry-Level Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Average Salary: $53,420 per year ($27.39 per hour)

Another highest paying job without a degree in the healthcare niche is to become a hearing aid specialist (hearing instrument specialist).

They do hearing aid fitting and selection. Additionally, they design and modify ear molds. They also administer and interpret hearing tests.

So they are not ear doctor perse, but they assist patients with hearing loss and problems. Hence, they work in a clinic or hospital.

How to become one:

• Obtaining an academic degree in hearing instrument fitting and dispensing.
• Alternatively, you can get on-the-job training and a self-led distance learning course offered through the International Hearing Society.
• Get a license (some continue to take exams to make their license valid, but other states may not require a license so be sure to check it out)

Skills needed:

• Mechanical skills
• Technical proficiency
• Communication
• Knowledge of medical terminology

21. Blender/Mixer Operator

Entry-Level Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Average Salary: $56,411 per year ($28.21 per hour)

The Blender/Mixer Operator sets up and operates machines used for mixing or blending materials. For example, chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, and more.

It is also under the manufacturing niche of the highest paying job without a degree. Typically a high school diploma or GED is required.

Some employers also require specific certification and training in safely using these machines.

Skills needed:

• Color vision
• Mechanical skills
• Physical strength

22. Private Detectives and Investigators

Entry-Level Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent 

Average Salary: $53,320 per year ($25.64 per hour)

Private detectives and investigators or PI search for information about a person or a business entity's legal, financial, and personal matters.

They offer services such as verification of a person’s background, finding missing persons, and investigating computer crimes.

Private investigators and detectives must collect and document evidence properly to be used in a court of law.

Therefore, you can be a self-employed PI. Another related career is becoming skip tracers. 

Furthermore, they specialized in locating lost people or those whose whereabouts are unknown. For instance, debt collectors may hire you to find people who have unpaid bills.

Where to obtain training, licenses, certifications, and registrations:

• Professional Investigator Magazine
• National Association of Legal Investigators
• ASIS International
• Certified Legal Investigator Certification
• Professional Certified Investigator Certification

Skills Needed:

• Communication skills
• Decision-making skills
• Patience, curiosity, and resourcefulness

Alternative Educational Paths That Can Save You Money in College Education

If you’re looking for ways to alternative learning, there are plenty of routes to consider.

Certificates 

Gaining a certification can be a valuable career asset. More often than not, it’s more diverse than an academic degree.

Also, certificates are designed with specific career goals, while others are organization endorsed.

Therefore, earning a certificate may carry academic credits, and some could lead to licensure. However, it takes less than two years to complete a specific certification. 

Postsecondary Non-Degree Awards

It is another alternative route to education widely used in the healthcare niche.

Moreover, like certification, it can be attained without a degree. 

Hence, these awards are given once postsecondary education or training is completed. Which then will take anywhere from two weeks to two years to complete.

Technical Education

Attaining technical education in a community college or vocational school can be a viable and lucrative career path. Therefore, a diploma or certification in a specific area of interest is what you will gain, not to mention the relative skills you will acquire.

Furthermore, programs in technical and vocational schools should take less than two years. In a comparison of two-to four-year in colleges and universities.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship programs combine elements of paid work and education to provide industry-recognized credentials. 

So individuals seeking nationally recognized qualifications in various industries can now enroll in an industry-recognized apprenticeship program (IRAP) or a registered apprenticeship program (RAP).

Licensure

As a state-granted, obligatory certification, licensure differs from state to state. 

For instance, in the clinical practice or fields of counseling, professional electrical work, and other professions, licensing is required. 

Moreover, licensed practitioners have passed the necessary exams and are obligated by professional ethics in their specialties. 

Although receiving a certificate is not necessary for the licensing process, it might lead to licensure by providing academic hours or credits.

Related: How To Budget As A College Student And Save More Money

Final thoughts on Highest Paying Job Without A Degree

Some people say and feel that uni is not for them. It’s okay.

If you’re one of them, you can still land a rewarding, fulfilling, even the highest paying job without a degree.

It’s just that we’re all unique. Hence, some things do not apply to everyone, and that’s okay.

Above all, your feelings are valid.

The highest paying job without a degree enables people to earn a good living without incurring the high costs of a college education.

As you will notice, it only requires specific skills( hard and soft) plus hands-on training and experience.

Furthermore, certifications, licenses, and associate degrees typically take less than two years to complete. So you have enough time and can save money.

Hence, an associate degree is an excellent choice if you want to get a head start on your education or study for two years to enter a lucrative profession.

Therefore, the future looks bright for you with the highest paying job without a degree plus little to no school debt!

In conclusion, even without a college degree, you can still:

• Boost your profit
• Provide you with a foundation for future educational pursuits
• Advance your current career
• Create new opportunities for yourself

Hence, what are you waiting for? Learn more to earn more!

What are your thoughts about the highest paying job without a degree?