You don't need a college degree for job security and decent pay.

With the cost of going to college continuing to climb, many are seeking jobs that don't require a college degree. Instead, they'd prefer to start making money sooner rather than later without going into a lot of debt to make it happen. The good news? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that nearly two-thirds of the new jobs between 2020 and 2030 will be careers that don't require a graduate, bachelor's, or associate's degree. 

In fact, many only require a high school diploma or equivalent to enter. What are they? In this article, we'll explore 10 high-paying jobs that don't require a degree .

Jobs that don't require a degree with high pay ($50K+)

Below is a list of 10 good paying jobs that don't require a degree. Each job in this list pays a minimum of $50,000 annually, with a job growth rate at least as fast as the national average of 4 percent through 2033. 

The stats provided for each job are based on the most current data from the BLS and include education requirements, median salary, projected job growth rate, expected additional jobs over the next decade, and projected openings each year. As reported by the BLS, projected openings are based on the estimated need for businesses to replace workers who exit the labor force or change careers. 

Airfield Operations Specialists 

The first on the list of jobs that don't require a degree is the Airfield Operations Specialist.  These specialists play a vital role in coordinating maintenance personnel and air traffic control to support the safe landing and takeoff of aircraft, such as planes and helicopters. Duties also include maintaining and monitoring flight records, using navigational tools, applying safety procedures, and dispatching. People in these roles can work for courier services, airlines, military branches, and more. 

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent

  • Median salary: $51,140

  • Projected job growth rate: 5%

  • Expected additional jobs through 2033: 1,000

  • Projected openings each year through 2030: 1,200

Massage Therapist

A Massage Therapist uses different techniques to work on a client's muscles and joints. Their work schedules vary as they treat patients seeking things like pain relief, stress relief, and healing from injuries. Massage Therapists work in various settings, including spas, healthcare facilities, a client's home, or their private practice. 

Many complete postsecondary education through a vocational or technical school to enter this career path. Most states require licensure to work as a Massage Therapist.  

  • Education: Postsecondary nondegree award 

  • Median salary: $55,310

  • Projected job growth rate: 18%

  • Expected additional jobs through 2033: 26,000

  • Projected openings each year through 2033: 22,800

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Industrial Machinery Mechanics install and service factory equipment and other types of industrial machinery in manufacturing plants and facilities. Individuals in these roles often wear safety-focused equipment, like safety glasses, hard hats, and hearing protection. They typically work full-time daytime hours, though some might also work night, weekend, and on call schedules with overtime. 

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent

  • Median salary: $61,170

  • Projected job growth rate: 15%

  • Expected additional jobs through 2033: 80,400

  • Projected openings each year through 2033: 53,000

Plumbers

Plumbers work on plumbing pipe systems and fixtures. They are frequently called out for emergencies, so their schedules often include working nights and weekends. 

To become a Plumber, some attend a vocational school for training, and many enter an apprenticeship to learn on the job. States typically require a Plumber to acquire a license to work independently.  

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent

  • Median salary: $61,550

  • Projected job growth rate: 6%

  • Expected additional jobs through 2033: 26,300

  • Projected openings each year through 2033: 43,300

Wind Turbine Service Technicians

With the increase in using wind as an alternative energy source, there is a substantial increase in demand for Wind Turbine Service Technicians – a whopping 60 percent job growth rate is expected through 2033, making it the fastest growing on the list of jobs that don't require a degree. Individuals in these roles are service technicians and typically work full-time while being on call on weekends and evenings. Wind Turbine Service Techs often work at elevated heights outdoors. 

To enter this career path, most people go through a technical program that generally takes two years to complete. 

  • Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Median income: $61,770
  • Projected job growth rate: 60%
  • Expected additional jobs through 2033: 6,800
  • Projected openings each year through 2033: 2,100

Flight Attendants 

If you enjoy flying and traveling the friendly skies, you might like working as a Flight Attendant. Flight Attendants can work for airlines or private commercial flights and help ensure airline passengers' safety during flight. They tend to have variable work schedules and work days, nights, and weekends. Some flight attendants also work overnight flights and can attend to flights domestically or internationally. 

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Median income: $68,370
  • Projected job growth rate: 10%
  • Expected additional jobs through 2033: 12,900
  • Projected openings each year through 2033: 19,500

Police Officers

Many don't realize that a Police Officer falls under the list of high paying jobs that don't require a degree. To become a Police Officer, you must be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license. In most districts, you're required to graduate from the Police Academy to become a Police Officer.  

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent, Police Academy training
  • Median income: $74,910
  • Projected job growth rate: 4%
  • Expected additional jobs through 2033: 28,700
  • Projected openings each year through 2033: 63,000

Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics

Aircraft and Avionics Mechanics often attend a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved technical program to get FAA-certified to work in the field. Some may even receive training in the military or choose to secure an Associate's degree. 

An Aircraft and Avionics Mechanic can be found testing, maintaining, and repairing aircraft and aircraft equipment in hangers, repair stations, and airfields. 

  • Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

  • Median income: $75,400

  • Projected job growth rate: 5%

  • Expected additional jobs through 2033: 8,900

  • Projected openings each year through 2033: 13,400 

Subway and Streetcar Operators

Subway and Streetcar Operators transport passengers in electric-powered streetcars and in underground subways or elevated suburban trains without a separate locomotive. Many Operators are also responsible for handling passenger fares. 

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Median income: $84,270
  • Projected job growth rate: 10%
  • Expected additional jobs through 2033: 11,000
  • Projected openings each year through 2030: 1,100

Commercial Pilots

Airline pilots typically need a bachelor's degree, but commercial pilots only require a high school diploma or equivalent and a few months of flight training to fly airplanes or helicopters. As one of the highest paying jobs that doesn't require a degree, commercial pilots often fly for charter flights and tours with varying work schedules. 

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent, 3 months of flight training

  • Median income: $113,080

  • Projected job growth rate: 5%

  • Expected additional jobs through 2033: 8,000

  • Projected openings each year through 2033: 18,500

What job pays the most without a degree?

As you can see, it is possible to land a job without dropping a lot of money or spending a lot of time on a college degree. It's even possible to land many of the jobs that don't require a degree listed above with only a high school diploma or equivalent – training occurs on the job, which means you get paid to learn, not the other way around! 

And if you're not sure which of the many high paying jobs that don't require college is right for you, refer to the above list as inspiration. From there, continue your research to land one of the many jobs that don't require a degree, and launch your dream career path today! 

Is your resume where it needs to be to help you land one of the many jobs that don't require a degree? Consider submitting it for a free resume review to find out! 

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