15 Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree in 2026

While earning a bachelor’s degree is a great way to start your career, it’s not the right choice for everyone.

In certain industries, relevant work experience, training, internships, and certifications are just as important, if not more important, than a four-year degree.

We’ve updated our High-Pay, No-Degree Jobs Report, which shows a list of jobs paying above the U.S. median with good projected job growth that don’t require a 4-year college degree to apply:

1. Elevator and escalator installer and repairer

• Median annual salary: $106,580
• Median hourly wage: $51.24
• Top 10% of earners: $149,250
• Number of jobs (2024): 24,200
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 5%

What these professionals do

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, service, and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lift systems.

In this role, you’ll troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues, adjust equipment to meet safety regulations, and replace worn or damaged components. Besides new installations, you’ll handle emergency repairs, conduct regular maintenance, and test systems to ensure they’re running smoothly.

To work as an elevator and escalator installer or repairer, you’ll need a high school diploma, completion of a 4-year apprenticeship, and a state license or certification in most areas. As you’ll work in tight spaces and at heights, it’s necessary to have physical stamina and comfort with small spaces.

Once certified, you can expect steady work with full-time hours, though repair roles often require being on call for emergencies or working overtime for urgent repairs.

2. Transportation, storage, and distribution manager

• Median annual salary: $102,010
• Median hourly wage: $49.05
• Top 10% of earners: $180.590
• Number of jobs (2024): 216,700
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 6%

What these professionals do

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers coordinate and oversee the flow of goods and people to keep operations moving smoothly and on time.

Whether you’ve gained your experience through years on the job or by working in a related role, you can step into this management position with or without a bachelor’s degree, though some employers prefer candidates with one in logistics or supply chain management.

You can enter the field after high school through entry-level roles in logistics, and many organizations provide training programs for those looking to advance.

Gaining certifications such as the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD), or Lean Six Sigma can help boost your qualifications and demonstrate your industry knowledge to hiring managers.

3. Electrical power-line installer and repairer

• Median annual salary: $92,560
• Median hourly wage: $44.50
• Top 10% of earners: $126,610
• Number of jobs (2024): 127,400
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 7%

What these professionals do

Electrical power-line installers and repairers install and repair the cables and wires that keep the electrical grid up and running.

Beyond installation, power-line installers take on crucial tasks like restoring power after storms, replacing worn or damaged lines, and performing routine maintenance to ensure reliability. The job often requires working at great heights on poles or towers and handling high-voltage electricity, so safety gear and precautions are essential.

To enter this field, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent. Technical training is typically completed through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job apprenticeships, where you’ll gain hands-on experience. Many power-line installer positions offer full-time hours and may require overtime, especially during power outages or emergencies.

4. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanic and technician

• Median annual salary: $79,140
• Median hourly wage: $38.05
• Top 10% of earners: $120,080
• Number of jobs (2024): 160,800
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 5%

What these professionals do

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians are specialists who install, inspect, and repair fundamental systems that keep aircraft safe and flight-ready.

Most roles require credentials from an FAA-approved program, such as a certificate in aviation maintenance technology, though some technicians start with an associate’s degree or gain experience through military service. While you don’t need a bachelor’s degree to enter the field, you’ll need to pass rigorous FAA exams to earn your Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification and prove your skills to employers.

Earning potential in this field can vary with experience and certification level, and jobs are available with airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and maintenance companies. You’ll typically work in hangars or on airfields, so be prepared for a high-energy, hands-on work environment.

5. Detective and criminal investigator

• Median annual salary: $77,270
• Median hourly wage: $37.15
• Top 10% of earners: $120,460
• Number of jobs (2024): 826,800
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 3%

What these professionals do

Detectives and criminal investigators are experts in gathering facts, analyzing evidence, and piecing together clues to solve crimes.

To become a detective, you’ll need a high school diploma at minimum, though some roles require a college degree. Most detectives start as patrol officers and complete their agency’s training academy, followed by on-the-job training. You’ll also need to meet age, physical fitness, and background standards, which vary by agency.

While you don’t need a specific degree to enter the field, career advancement can be influenced by experience, specialized skills, and additional certifications in areas like forensic science or cyber investigations. Detectives work in a high-stakes, often intense environment, with hours that vary widely depending on caseload and department needs.

6. Locomotive engineer

• Median annual salary: $75,680
• Median hourly wage: $36.38
• Top 10% of earners: $100,130
• Number of jobs (2024): 77,900
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 1%

What these professionals do

Locomotive engineers are specialists who drive passenger and freight trains, making sure every trip stays on schedule and arrives safely.

Most positions require a high school diploma and on-the-job training, usually lasting a few months. You’ll also need to pass vision and hearing tests and earn certification from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), which involves hands-on experience and a knowledge test to confirm you can operate safely.

While you don’t need a college degree to enter this field, earning potential and career progression can improve with experience and additional certifications in areas like safety management or advanced train control. Locomotive engineers work full-time, often with irregular hours depending on the route and train schedule.

7. Wholesale and manufacturing sales representative

• Median annual salary: $74,100
• Median hourly wage: $35.63
• Top 10% of earners: $134,370
• Number of jobs (2024): 1,613,600
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 1%

What these professionals do

Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives are professionals who sell products from wholesalers or manufacturers directly to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations.

Most roles require a high school diploma to get started, though if you’re working with scientific or technical products, a bachelor’s degree may be needed to show you’ve got a solid grasp of the industry. While formal sales credentials aren’t usually required, experience in sales or customer service will help you stand out.

Earning potential in this field can vary with the type of products you sell and the company you work for, and commissions can significantly boost your income. Sales reps often travel to meet clients and attend trade shows, so if you enjoy being on the go and building relationships, this career can be a great fit.

8. Flight attendant

• Median annual salary: $67,130
• Median hourly wage: $32.27
• Top 10% of earners: $138,040
• Number of jobs (2024): 130,800
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 9%

What these professionals do

Flight attendants are the onboard experts who keep passengers comfortable and safe, providing routine services while being prepared for any emergency that could arise mid-flight.

Most airlines don’t require a college degree, but they do provide comprehensive on-the-job training, including safety protocols and customer service skills. To officially work in this role, you’ll need an FAA certification, which involves completing airline-provided training and passing exams.

Earning potential can vary based on your experience, the airline you work for, and seniority within the company. You’ll typically have an irregular work schedule, often including nights, weekends, and holidays, and spend significant time away from home.

If you love traveling, interacting with people, and can handle a fast-paced, flexible work environment, this career can be a rewarding way to see the world.

9. Property, real estate, and community association manager

• Median annual salary: $66,700
• Median hourly wage: $32.07
• Top 10% of earners: $141,040
• Number of jobs (2024): 466,100
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 4%

What these professionals do

Property, real estate, and community association managers keep residential and commercial properties running smoothly.

You’ll coordinate repairs, handle tenant questions, collect payments, and make sure properties follow local rules. Many managers also help with budgeting, scheduling vendors, and supporting homeowner association boards.

You can enter this field with a high school diploma and some customer service or administrative experience. Some roles require a real estate license, depending on your state.

10. Water transportation worker

• Median annual salary: $66,490
• Median hourly wage: $31.97
• Top 10% of earners: $139,270
• Number of jobs (2024): 84,300
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 1%

What these professionals do

Water transportation workers operate and maintain the vessels that move goods and passengers across oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Depending on your role, you might steer ships, secure cargo, assist with navigation, or keep engines running safely.

You don’t need a college degree to get started. Most people train on the job and then earn the Coast Guard credentials required for their specific position. The schedule often includes longer stretches at sea followed by extended time off, which many workers enjoy.

11. Food service manager

• Median annual salary: $65,310
• Median hourly wage: $31.40
• Top 10% of earners: $105,420
• Number of jobs (2024): 352,800
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 6%

What these professionals do

Food service managers run the day-to-day operations of restaurants, cafeterias, and dining facilities.

You’ll lead teams, manage inventory, handle scheduling, and make sure guests have a great experience. The fast pace and team-centered environment appeal to people who enjoy staying active and involved in daily operations.

Most start with a high school diploma and several years of restaurant experience.

12. Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technician

• Median annual salary: $62,740
• Median hourly wage: $30.16
• Top 10% of earners: $89,920
• Number of jobs (2024): 245,600
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 6%

What these professionals do

These technicians inspect and repair large machinery like bulldozers, cranes, and agricultural equipment.

You’ll use diagnostic tools, work with engines and hydraulics, and keep essential equipment in good working order. It’s a hands-on role that’s great for people who enjoy solving mechanical problems and staying active.

A high school diploma is enough to start, and most training happens on the job or through technical programs.

13. Athlete and sports competitor

• Median annual salary: $62,360
• Median hourly wage: N/A
• Top 10% of earners: 239,200
• Number of jobs (2024): 19,100
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 5%

What these professionals do

Athletes and sports competitors are talented individuals who participate in organized sports events to entertain fans and represent their teams.

Most of these roles don’t require a formal degree, but you’ll need to have outstanding athletic talent and deep knowledge of your sport. This experience typically comes from years of training, practice, and competing at amateur or semi-pro levels before stepping up to professional leagues.

While there’s no set path to becoming a pro athlete, your earning potential can vary widely depending on your sport, skill level, and team. You’ll likely work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, and often in outdoor conditions, so a love for the game and resilience are important.

14. Chef and head cook

• Median annual salary: $60,990
• Median hourly wage: $29.32
• Top 10% of earners: $96,030
• Number of jobs (2024): 197,300
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 7%

What these professionals do

Chefs and head cooks lead kitchen operations, develop menus, and oversee staff to deliver memorable meals.

The work is creative and fast-moving, and many people enjoy the energy and teamwork that come with a busy kitchen. It’s also a career where passion and skill matter more than a degree. Most chefs work their way up through years of kitchen experience.

15. Insurance sales agent

• Median annual salary: $60,370
• Median hourly wage: $29.02
• Top 10% of earners: $135,660
• Number of jobs (2024): 568,800
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 4%

What these professionals do

Insurance sales agents help clients choose policies that protect their homes, cars, health, or businesses. You’ll explain policy details, prepare quotes, reach out to potential customers, and maintain client relationships. Many agents earn commissions, so income can grow quickly with experience.

To get started, you’ll need a high school diploma and a state insurance license.

How to land a high-paying job without a degree

Keep in mind that “no degree” doesn’t mean no education is required.

Having relevant work experience, training, and necessary certifications shows employers you have what it takes to succeed in your career of choice.

Here are some of the options available for those interested in the highest-paying jobs without a degree:

1. Pursue alternative education

Certificate programs allow you to answer market demand more quickly than college degree-holding job seekers. Joining a certificate program means you can earn the necessary job qualifications in a shorter amount of time and earn a higher salary sooner.

These alternatives to college degrees will prepare you with the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to be successful:

• associate degrees
• certificate programs from trade schools or technical schools
• short-term courses
• coding and non-technical boot camps
• professional training (also called vocational training)
• apprenticeships

2. Get training to enter the workforce fully prepared

Vocational training schools offer the practical training and theoretical knowledge necessary to quickly enter the workforce. And, they’re significantly cheaper than a 4-year degree.

Training schools used to be limited to training for jobs in industries such as the automotive industry, but have since expanded to many other industries like tourism management or computer network management.

When looking through listings during a job hunt, job seekers often make the mistake of thinking that only paid positions count toward the necessary experience listed in job ads.

However, through vocational training combined with relevant experiences such as personal projects and internships, you can pick up valuable new skills. Not all training needs to be formal or paid.

According to Jonaed Iqbal, the founder of NoDegree.com and host of the NoDegree Podcast, one of the best ways to get the experience you need can be to create it yourself:

“If you want to get into accounting, go find a small business and say, ‘Hey, I can help you with your records and get some bookkeeping experience,’ or ‘You’re a video editor?’ – offer someone to edit their videos for free, get portfolio work, put that work out there. Now you have actual work experience, [and] you don’t have to say that you were not paid.”

3. Do your research

If you haven’t earned your GED or high school diploma yet, look into high-paying jobs for teens or even summer jobs for teens in the meantime to gain critical work experience that can set you apart from other applicants down the line.

You can also try meeting more professional connections this year by actively seeking informational interviews on online platforms like LinkedIn or attending networking events in your area. Often, these professionals can help you get a better idea of what the job hunt entails and give you a leg up on future referrals.

If you’re at the job hunting stage and are unsure of how to properly format your resume, take a look at resume samples to get inspired or fill out a resume template appropriate for your industry and your level of experience.

Methodology

The primary data for this study was sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), particularly from their Occupational Employment Statistics and Employment Projections. The focus was on occupations not requiring a college degree, including those with education requirements ranging from a high school diploma to some college education but no degree.

Our selection was based on two key criteria: a minimum U.S. median annual salary of $49,500 and high growth projections as well as those with more stable, little-change scenarios. The occupations were then sorted in descending order of their median annual wage, and the top 15 were selected for detailed analysis. Our researchers used the most recent data available at the time of writing to ensure that the analysis reflects the current labor market trends as closely as possible.

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