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).
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
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 $48,060 (the median U.S. annual salary), 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 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data is based on a minimum U.S. median annual salary and high growth projections as well as those 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: $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 comfort with small spaces.
2. Transportation, storage, and distribution manager
- Median annual salary: $99,200
- Number of jobs (2023): 211,800
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 9%
- Educational requirements: High school diploma or vocational training
- Work experience: None for entry-level jobs, but relevant work experience in a related role and certifications are beneficial
3. Electrical power-line installer and repairer
- Median annual salary: $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: $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: $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.
- Work experience: Career advancement can be influenced by experience, specialized skills, and additional certifications
6. Locomotive engineer
- Median annual salary: $73,580
- Number of jobs (2023): 83,000
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 2%
- Educational requirements: High school diploma 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: $73,080
- Number of jobs (2023): 1,681,400
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 1%
- Educational requirements: High school diploma to get started, though a bachelor’s degree may be needed to show you’ve got a solid grasp of the industry.
- Work experience: Experience in sales or customer service
8. Athlete and sports competitor
- Median annual salary: $70,280
- 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 your sport
- Work experience: On-the-job training
9. Flight attendant
- Median annual salary: $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.
- Work experience: On-the-job training; knowing a foreign language can be helpful for international work.
10. Construction and building inspector
- Median annual salary: $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
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 and employers are both looking for non-traditional ways to join the labor force. However, having relevant work experience, certifications and on-the-job training shows employers you have what it takes to succeed in your career of choice.
“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."
To land your dream job (without a 4-year degree under your belt), you might also consider pursuing alternate education in the form of certifications, associate degrees, short-term courses, professional training, vocational programs or apprenticeships.
Related Content
-
How Much Does Being Rich Matter in Retirement? Less Than You Might ThinkAfter a certain point, having more money in retirement won't make you any happier, new research shows. Instead, physical health, a sense of purpose, and a minimal amount of non-mortgage debt are more relevant.
-
The Three Biggest Fears Keeping Retirees Up at NightHere are the steps you can take to put those fears to rest and retire with confidence so you can relax and enjoy the life you've planned.
-
What Can a Donor-Advised Fund Do for You? (A Lot)DAFs and private foundations go about helping charities (and those who donate) in different ways. Each comes with its own benefits and restrictions to navigate.
-
6 Great Vacation Ideas for Wheelchair UsersThese six places provide plenty of travel inspiration for people who use wheelchairs.
-
Is Chasing the American Dream Ruining Your Financial Life?Too many people focus on visible affluence as a marker of success. Here's how to avoid succumbing to the pressure and driving yourself into debt.
-
What the Senate's Vote to Repeal CFPB Bank Overdraft Fees Cap Means For YouThe Senate voted to overturn the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's cap on overdraft fees. Here's what you need to know.
-
These Eight States Have the Most Expensive Home Insurance in 2025If you live in one of these eight states, you’re probably paying $1,000 or more above the national average for home insurance.
-
Charitable Contributions: Five Frequently Asked QuestionsMake the most of your good intentions by understanding the ins and outs of charitable giving. A good starting point is knowing what's deductible and what isn't.
-
How to Delete Your 23andMe Data23andMe is pursuing a sale after filing for bankruptcy, leading many customers to look into deleting their data from the company.
-
Can You Be Fired for Going to Work When You're Contagious?What's an employer to do when an employee shows up at the office with a cold or the flu and spreads germs to co-workers?
