While getting 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.
Highest-paying jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree
Below is a list of high-paying jobs with good projected job growth that don’t require a 4-year college degree to apply.
1. Commercial pilot
Commercial pilots fly a variety of aircraft like planes and helicopters. They’re also involved in unscheduled flight activities like aerial application, charter flights, and aerial tours.
Most pilot jobs ask for training in vocational schools and sometimes an associate’s degree. You’ll also need on-the-job training and must meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements, but in 2 years or less, you can pass the necessary certifications and 1,500 flight hours needed for this job.
Median salary: $134,630 (source: BLS.gov)
Projected growth: 13%
2. Information security analyst
Information security analysts work to protect companies’ sensitive data from being stolen or damaged by cyber-attacks.
Whether you’re self-taught or have acquired the necessary knowledge through related paid work, you can apply to security analyst positions without a bachelor’s in computer science.
You can enter a vocational school with a cybersecurity program right after high school. Many IT departments also offer on-the-job training where you can observe current cybersecurity analysts at work.
Median salary: $102,600 (source: BLS.gov)
Projected growth: 33%
3. Transportation manager
Transportation managers make sure cargo and sometimes people are transported safely and efficiently.
Most of these jobs demand a bachelor’s degree, but some don’t. To be considered for entry-level transport manager jobs without a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to complete a certification program (like a transportation certification program) on top of training.
To be qualified for this key role in transportation management, you’ll need solid knowledge of the transportation industry and logistics as well as an average of 5 years of work experience in a related field like logistics and supply chain management.
Median salary: $101,593 (source: salary.com)
Projected growth: 4 – 8%
4. Elevator and escalator technician (installer and repairer)
If you don’t mind working in cramped spaces, consider a career as an elevator and escalator technician. Installers and repairers often work in narrow passageways, machine rooms, and elevator shafts.
The typical entry-level education requirement for elevator technicians is a high school diploma or a GED combined with on-the-job training through an apprenticeship. Most states also call for workers to be licensed, so check the rules in your state before submitting your application.
Median salary: $97,860 (source: BLS.gov)
Projected growth: 6%
5. Special effects (SFX) make-up artist
An SFX make-up artist is a professional specializing in the proper application and removal of make-up, prosthetics, appliances, and spirit gum on actors to turn them into film characters.
Most positions will require certifications or other credentials, like a makeup program, or at the very least a cosmetology license to confirm your foundational knowledge of the industry in addition to a well-rounded portfolio. However, you don’t need a degree to get started in this field.
Your earning potential will vary depending on your niche and the experience you acquire over the years, as well as the company you work for (or if you work freelance).
Median salary: $89,462 (source: salaryexpert)
Projected growth: 5%
6. Radiation therapist
Radiation therapists administer radiation treatments for cancer and other serious diseases.
Most radiation therapist positions ask for an associate’s degree in radiation therapy, but you can enter a radiation therapy program with a high school diploma or GED. You’ll also need additional licensing or certifications depending on your state, as well as a national certification before you can start working.
Median salary: $82,790 (source: BLS.gov)
Projected growth: 9%
7. Dental hygienist
Dental hygienists are health professionals who help treat oral diseases. But hygienists shouldn’t be confused with dentists, who need at least a bachelor’s degree and completed additional training in dental school.
To secure a job as a dental hygienist without a bachelor’s degree, you can enter an accredited dental hygienist school with only a high school diploma or GED and acquire additional licensing (with requirements varying by state) from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
More commonly, you can also get an associate’s degree or attend a vocational school. These programs offer training that meets industry standards and helps you prepare for a career as a dental hygienist.
Here’s an example of a dental hygienist job listing featuring commonly required education:
Median salary: $77,810 (source: BLS.gov)
Projected growth: 11%
8. Medical sonographer
Medical sonographers operate special imaging equipment to create images of body organs and conduct tests in hospitals, physicians’ offices, or medical and diagnostic laboratories.
You can apply to an accredited sonography program at a vocational school or community college right after high school and earn an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate.
Once you’ve earned formal education, you’ll need some hands-on clinical experience before getting the necessary licensing to work.
Median salary: $77,740 (source: BLS.gov)
Projected growth: 14%
9. Web developer
Web developers create websites and make sure they not only look attractive but work well too. They can either be self-employed or work in-house at an agency in, for example, computer systems design or advertising.
Web development is one of the best work from home jobs you can do without a degree. Education requirements for web developers can vary, but many employers accept applicants with a high school diploma and there is little to no on-the-job training.
Successful web developers possess a strong desire to learn, troubleshooting skills, and great attention to detail.
The example below is for a remote entry-level job where the requirements are based on knowledge and experience:
Median salary: $77,030 (source: BLS.gov)
Projected growth: 13%
10. Commercial and industrial designer
Industrial and commercial designers create new products from scratch by conducting market research and turning a product design into reality. Responsible for the style, function, quality, and safety of manufactured goods, they work in a variety of industries like manufacturing and design industries.
They often split their time between the office and testing facilities, design centers, product manufacturing centers, clients’ exhibition sites, and users’ homes or workplaces.
Choosing the right elective courses in high school is essential for this career field. Take courses such as art, business, and computer science and build your first portfolio before entering a technical school or community college.
Median salary: $77,030 (source: BLS.gov)
Projected growth: 6%
11. Industrial machinery mechanic
Industrial machinery mechanics make sure machines work the way they should by detecting and correcting errors before machine or product damage occurs.
You can enter this field with just a high school diploma or equivalent, and after a few years of on-the-job training, you’ll be a full-fledged industrial machinery mechanic.
Although some jobs call for an associate’s degree in industrial maintenance, many do not.
Below is an example of a job listing with typical education and training:
Median salary: $59,840 to $79,270 (source: BLS.gov)
Projected growth: 14%
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 show 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:
Pursue alternative education
Certificate programs allow you to answer market demand more quickly than college degree-holding job seekers. This 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
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 such as technical skills and transferable skills. Paired with the right resume format, you’ll strengthen your resume’s resume work experience section.
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.
Additionally, the sooner you start working, the earlier you can build up to a good credit score, which can help you pass an employer’s credit check and land a job.
