15 Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree in 2026

A four-year degree can open doors, but it’s not the only way to build a well-paying career.

Across industries like transportation, public safety, utilities, and aviation, there are jobs paying well above the U.S. median that don’t require a college degree. Instead, workers can qualify through a high school education, vocational training, professional certifications, or experience gained on the job.

Our 2026 High-Pay, No-Degree Jobs Report identifies 15 of the highest-paying occupations that don’t typically require a college degree and are projected to grow through 2034.

1. Elevator and escalator installer and repairer

• Median annual salary: $109,910
• Median hourly wage: $52.84
• Top 10% of earners: $158,890
• Total jobs: 24,200
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 5.0%
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

In addition to their main responsibilities, elevator and escalator installers and repairers troubleshoot mechanical and electrical problems, carry out routine maintenance, and make sure equipment meets safety standards. Most workers enter through a paid apprenticeship after high school, although licensing or certification requirements vary by state.

2. Ship engineer

• Median annual salary: $109,530
• Median hourly wage: $52.66
• Top 10% of earners: $165,490
• Total jobs: 8,800
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 1.6%
• Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Ship engineers operate and maintain the machinery that keeps commercial vessels running, including engines, generators, pumps, boilers, and other mechanical systems.

Ship engineering is generally a career you progress into rather than one you start in immediately. Maritime workers can build experience at sea and work toward the training and credentials needed for more senior engineering positions without earning a four-year college degree.

3. Transportation and logistics manager

• Median annual salary: $107,230
• Median hourly wage: $51.55
• Top 10% of earners: $194,900
• Total jobs: 216,700
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 6.1%
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Transportation and logistics managers oversee how goods or people move through an organization’s supply chain, making sure operations stay efficient, safe, and on schedule.

You can enter transportation or logistics in an entry-level role after high school and work your way into management as you build industry experience. While some employers prefer candidates with a degree, the BLS classifies a high school diploma as the typical education required to enter the occupation.

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.

4. Police supervisor

• Median annual salary: $106,040
• Median hourly wage: $50.98
• Top 10% of earners: $165,110
• Total jobs: 160,800
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 2.9%
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

First-line supervisors of police and detectives coordinate the work of police officers and investigators, assigning duties, overseeing cases, and helping ensure their teams follow department procedures.

This isn’t typically an entry-level position. Most supervisors first build experience as police officers or detectives before moving into leadership, meaning the pathway is based largely on training and professional experience rather than a four-year degree.

5. Power station electrical repairer

• Median annual salary: $103,020
• Median hourly wage: $49.53
• Top 10% of earners: $129,920
• Total jobs: 23,400
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 5.5%
• Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

These electrical and electronics workers maintain and repair the equipment used in power stations, electrical substations, and relay systems.

The job combines technical electrical knowledge with hands-on diagnostic work. Workers test equipment, identify faults, replace damaged components, and help keep critical power infrastructure operating safely. You’ll typically need technical education or training after high school, and experience in a related electrical occupation can help you progress into the role.

6. Power line installer and repairer

• Median annual salary: $95,320
• Median hourly wage: $45.83
• Top 10% of earners: $128,690
• Total jobs: 127,400
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 6.6%
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Electrical power-line installers and repairers build and maintain the network of cables and wires that keeps electricity flowing to homes and businesses.

The job involves installing new lines, replacing damaged equipment, carrying out maintenance, and restoring power following outages. Because you’ll often work at height and around high-voltage electricity, safety training is a major part of learning the trade.

7. Firefighting supervisor

• Median annual salary: $93,530
• Median hourly wage: $44.96
• Top 10% of earners: $140,010
• Total jobs: 97,200
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 3.4%
• Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers oversee firefighters and other emergency-response personnel, coordinating teams and helping direct operations during emergencies.

Like police supervision, this is a career-progression role. Most people first qualify and gain experience as firefighters before moving into supervisory positions. The occupation doesn’t typically require a four-year degree, but you’ll need professional firefighting training and experience before you’re ready to take responsibility for a team.

8. Casino manager

• Median annual salary: $93,220
• Median hourly wage: $44.82
• Top 10% of earners: $164,350
• Total jobs: 5,100
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 1.2%
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Gambling managers oversee gaming operations in casinos and other gambling establishments, managing staff and making sure daily operations run smoothly.

Most people reach management after building experience elsewhere in the gaming industry, rather than through a specific college pathway. Strong customer service, leadership, and knowledge of gaming rules are particularly important. It’s a relatively small occupation, with around 5,100 jobs nationwide, but experienced workers can earn significantly more than the $93,220 median salary.

9. Rail signal repairer

• Median annual salary: $92,460
• Median hourly wage: $44.45
• Top 10% of earners: $119,550
• Total jobs: 8,700
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 1.7%
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Signal and track switch repairers inspect, maintain, and repair the signaling and switching equipment that allows trains to move safely through rail networks.

It’s highly practical work that requires workers to understand electrical and mechanical systems, diagnose faults, and carry out repairs accurately. A high school diploma is typically enough to enter the occupation, with the technical skills needed for the role learned through moderate-term on-the-job training.

10. Ship captain or mate

• Median annual salary: $92,460
• Median hourly wage: $44.45
• Top 10% of earners: $170,640
• Total jobs: 40,700
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 0.5%
• Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Captains, mates, and pilots operate and navigate ships, ferries, tugboats, and other commercial vessels. Depending on seniority, they may also oversee crews, cargo, passengers, and safety procedures.

Workers generally build their careers through maritime training, licensing, and time spent working aboard vessels. That makes this another occupation where experience can provide a route to a high salary without requiring a bachelor’s degree. Schedules vary considerably, and some jobs require spending extended periods away from home.

11. Transportation inspector

• Median annual salary: $92,100
• Median hourly wage: $44.28
• Top 10% of earners: $138,670
• Total jobs: 25,700
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 1.7%
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Transportation inspectors examine vehicles, equipment, and transportation systems to make sure they meet safety rules and regulations.

Depending on the industry, that can involve inspecting equipment, reviewing maintenance records, identifying safety problems, and checking that operators follow required standards.

12. Transit and railroad police officer

• Median annual salary: $90,230
• Median hourly wage: $43.38
• Top 10% of earners: $125,910
• Total jobs: 3,100
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 3.0%
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Transit and railroad police officers protect passengers, workers, and property across railroads and public transit networks.

Their responsibilities can include patrolling stations and transportation facilities, responding to incidents, enforcing laws, and investigating crimes connected to transit systems. Like other police roles, you’ll typically need to meet agency requirements and complete formal law-enforcement training, but a bachelor’s degree isn’t the standard educational requirement.

13. Subway and streetcar operator

• Median annual salary: $86,380
• Median hourly wage: $41.53
• Top 10% of earners: $90,140
• Total jobs: 9,600
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 3.4%
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Subway and streetcar operators drive trains that carry passengers through urban transit networks, following signals, schedules, and operating procedures.

You’ll need to stay alert throughout your shift, monitor conditions on the route, and respond appropriately when delays, equipment problems, or emergencies occur.

14. Transportation electronics technician

• Median annual salary: $84,890
• Median hourly wage: $40.81
• Top 10% of earners: $116,810
• Total jobs: 7,000
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 6.1%
• Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

These technicians install, adjust, and maintain electronic systems used in transportation equipment such as trains and watercraft.

Depending on the equipment, you may work on communication, navigation, security, surveillance, or other electronic systems. The job combines troubleshooting with hands-on installation and repair. Workers typically complete technical education after high school and receive extensive on-the-job training as they learn the equipment used by their employer.

15. Avionics technician

• Median annual salary: $82,280
• Median hourly wage: $39.56
• Top 10% of earners: $113,680
• Total jobs: 21,400
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 8.2%
• Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Avionics technicians install, test, inspect, and repair the electronic systems used on aircraft, including communications, radar, navigation, and flight-instrument equipment.

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.

Employment is projected to grow 8.2% by 2034, the fastest rate of any occupation in our top 15.

Well-paying careers employing 100,000+ workers

There are also plenty of well-paying careers without a degree in larger, more familiar industries. Each of these occupations employs more than 100,000 workers nationwide, spanning property management, food service, aviation, and skilled mechanical work.

Property manager

• Median annual salary: $69,990
• Total jobs: 466,100
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 3.6%

Property managers oversee residential, commercial, and community properties, handling everything from maintenance and budgets to tenant relationships. It’s one of the largest no-degree management careers, with nearly half a million jobs nationwide.

Food service manager

• Median annual salary: $69,390
• Total jobs: 352,800
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 6.4%

Food service managers run the day-to-day operations of restaurants and other food establishments. Most build their careers through industry experience rather than college, and employment is projected to grow through 2034.

Heavy equipment mechanic

• Median annual salary: $65,520
• Total jobs: 188,700
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 5.8%

Heavy equipment mechanics maintain and repair the machinery used in construction, farming, and other industries. A high school diploma is typically enough to enter the field, with most specialized skills learned through on-the-job training.

Flight attendant

• Median annual salary: $63,580
• Total jobs: 130,800
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 9.2%

Flight attendants combine passenger service with responsibility for cabin safety and emergency procedures. Airlines typically provide the required training after hiring, making it one of the more accessible careers in this group.

Chef or head cook

• Median annual salary: $62,460
• Total jobs: 197,300
• Projected job growth (2024–2034): 7.1%

Chefs and head cooks oversee food preparation and kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, and other establishments. Experience matters more than formal education in this career, and nearly 200,000 people already work in the occupation nationwide.

How to land a high-paying job without a degree

Keep in mind that “no degree required” doesn’t mean “no training required.” Many of the highest-paying careers on this list involve apprenticeships, professional licenses, technical certificates, or several years of experience.

Here are three ways to build the qualifications employers are looking for without following a traditional four-year college route:

1. Pursue alternative education

Trade schools, technical programs, certificate courses, and apprenticeships offer more direct routes into specific careers, often with lower upfront costs than a four-year degree.

Depending on your career, your options may include:

• certificate programs
• trade or technical school
• vocational training
• apprenticeships
• short-term professional courses
• employer training programs

Look at job postings in your target field before choosing a program so you know which credentials employers actually ask for.

2. Build experience and train on the job

Several of the highest-paying jobs on this list are positions you work toward rather than enter immediately.

Transportation managers and supervisors in police and firefighting, for example, typically build experience in related occupations before advancing. Starting in an entry-level role can let you develop industry knowledge and qualifications while earning a salary.

3. Research the requirements for your target career

“No degree” careers vary widely in what they require. One employer may provide full training after hiring, while another occupation may require an apprenticeship, state license, professional certificate, or previous industry experience.

Before applying, research the typical education, training, and licensing requirements in your state and compare them with current job listings. That will give you a clearer idea of the fastest and most affordable path into the career.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook

About Resume Genius

Founded in 2009, Resume Genius and its powerful resume builder software have helped millions of job seekers across the globe apply for and land competitive jobs.

In addition to a resume and cover letter builder, Resume Genius also provides thorough resume writing guides, expert-vetted resume examples, and free-to-download resume templates for all users that visit its website.

Staffed by a team of seasoned career experts and HR professionals, Resume Genius is equipped to help users find and grow their careers, and has been cited by CNBC, Forbes, Business Insider, the Chicago Tribune, the New York Times, and many more for its insight into the state of job hunting and the career world.