In certain industries, relevant work experience, internships, training and certifications are just as important, if not more important, than graduating with a four-year degree.
Job applications usually have a minimum educational requirement — some college, an associate degree or a bachelor’s or master’s degree. But with average student loan debt topping $1.77 trillion (an increase of 66% over the past 10 years), according to the Federal Reserve, you may ask if a four-year college degree is worth it.
The answer will likely depend on your career choice. Some professions — medical and healthcare providers, lawyers, teachers, nuclear engineers — all require a degree or degrees. (Here's our look at the best college majors for a lucrative career).
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However, some underrepresented career fields welcome applicants who never attended college or didn’t graduate with a four-year degree, and some of these careers pay very well.
There are plenty of in-demand careers with a salary higher than $59,228 (the median U.S. annual salary in 2024), according to "10 Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree in 2025," a report from career resource platform Resume Genius.
The list spotlights 10 well-paying jobs and their accompanying educational requirements, based on the latest data (2023) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data takes into account a minimum U.S. median annual salary and high growth projections as well as jobs with more stable, little-change scenarios.
Here are the 10 highest-paying jobs with high growth projections that don't require a degree this year.
1. Elevator and escalator installer and repairer (up from #3 last year)
- Median annual salary: (2023) $102,420
- Number of jobs (2023): 24,400
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 6%
- Educational requirements: High school diploma, completion of a 4-year apprenticeship, and a state license or certification.
- Work experience: None. But you’ll work in tight spaces and at heights, so it’s necessary to have physical stamina and be comfortable in small spaces. Repairers may also be on call 24 hours a day or need to work overtime.
2. Transportation, storage, and distribution manager
- Median annual salary: (2023) $99,200
- Number of jobs (2023): 211,800
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 9%
- Educational requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and vocational training
- Work experience: None for entry-level jobs, but relevant work experience in a related role and certifications are beneficial. Some employers might prefer or require a bachelor’s degree.
3. Electrical power-line installer and repairer
- Median annual salary: (2023) $85,420
- Number of jobs (2023): 123,400
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 8%
- Educational requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience: Technical training is typically completed through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job apprenticeships.
4. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanic and technician
- Median annual salary: (2023) $75,400
- Number of jobs (2023): 163,300
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 5%
- Educational requirements: Credentials from an FAA-approved program to earn your Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification, although some technicians start with an associate’s degree or gain experience through military service.
- Work experience: On-the-job training for most positions after certification.
5. Detective and criminal investigator
- Median annual salary: (2023) $74,910
- Number of jobs (2023): 796,800
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 4%
- Educational requirements: High school diploma at minimum, though some roles require a college degree. Most police and detectives must graduate from their agency’s training program before completing on-the-job training. Other requirements vary.
- Work experience: Career advancement can be influenced by experience, specialized skills, and additional on-the-job training and certifications.
6. Locomotive engineer
- Median annual salary: (2023) $73,580
- Number of jobs (2023): 83,000
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 2%
- Educational requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training, plus earning certification from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
- Work experience: Earning potential and career progression can improve with on-the-job experience and additional certifications.
7. Wholesale and manufacturing sales representative
- Median annual salary: (2023) $73,080
- Number of jobs (2023): 1,681,400
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 1%
- Educational requirements: If the products are not technical or scientific, a high school diploma is generally sufficient for entry into the occupation. If the products are scientific or technical, sales representatives typically need at least a bachelor's degree.
- Work experience: Experience in sales or customer service.
8. Athlete and sports competitor
- Median annual salary: (2023) $70,280 to start
- Number of jobs (2023): 25,100
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 11%
- Educational requirements: High school diploma and outstanding athletic talent and deep knowledge of the sport, although many pro athletes are drafted while in college.
- Work experience: On-the-job training
9. Flight attendant
- Median annual salary: (2023) $68,370
- Number of jobs (2023): 130,300
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 10%
- Educational requirements: Most airlines don’t require a college degree, although some may prefer it. A high school diploma is usually required and on-the-job training from their employer. Also, most attendants must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- Work experience: On-the-job training; knowing a foreign language can be helpful for international work.
10. Construction and building inspector
- Median annual salary: (2023) $67,700
- Number of jobs (2023): 142,600
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 0%
- Educational requirements: High school diploma and experience in a construction trade. Some states also require a license or certification.
- Work experience: Licensing (varies by state) with additional certifications.
Other jobs that pay well without a 4-year degree
Here's a list of ten other career fields that don't require a 4-year degree, according to U.S. News and World Report, "Best Jobs Without a Degree in 2025." Some don't quite meet the median U.S. annual salary in 2024 of $59,228, but most are a good jumping off point for early in your career and many offer room for advancement.
- Solar Photovoltaic Installer. Salary: $48,800
- Wind Turbine Tech. Salary: $61,770
- Home Health Aide. Salary: $33,530
- Electrician. Salary: $61,590
- Massage Therapist. Salary: $55,310
- Community Health Worker. Salary: $48,200
- Hearing Aid Specialist. Salary: $58,670
- Pharmacy Tech. Salary: $40,300
- Baker. Salary: $34,950
- Ophthalmic Medical Technician. Salary: $41,780
How to land a high-paying job without a 4-year degree
Given the soaring cost of college and an explosion in online learning and certificate courses, it's no wonder that students are looking for non-traditional ways to join the labor force. However, even if you choose to forego a four-year degree, having relevant work experience, certifications and on-the-job training shows employers you have what it takes to succeed in your career.
“A college degree doesn’t mean quite what it used to, and we're witnessing a significant shift towards skills-based hiring," explains Eva Chan, a career expert at Resume Genius. "This change is creating more accessible opportunities, including a range of lesser-known yet well-paying roles."
But keep in mind, even if you don't hold a degree, you may be competing with someone who does. That's why a having a professional resume that highlights alternate education in the form of certifications, associate degrees, short-term courses, professional training, vocational programs or apprenticeships is imperative to get your foot in the door, even without a college diploma.
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