10 Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree in 2025
You don't need a four-year degree to land a high-paying jobs like locomotive engineer, flight attendant or criminal investigator. But you may need on-the-job training or certification.


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 $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.
Related Content
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

For the past 18+ years, Kathryn has highlighted the humanity in personal finance by shaping stories that identify the opportunities and obstacles in managing a person's finances. All the same, she’ll jump on other equally important topics if needed. Kathryn graduated with a degree in Journalism and lives in Duluth, Minnesota. She joined Kiplinger in 2023 as a contributor.
-
Ten Cheapest Places To Live in Florida
Property Tax Make your Florida vacation spot daily living — these counties have the lowest property tax bills in the state.
By Kate Schubel
-
I'm 50 and my home is worth $5 million. Can I retire now?
It may be oh-so tempting to cash out your upscale home and leave work for good. But should you? We ask the experts.
By Maurie Backman
-
Bouncing Back: New Tunes for Millennials Trying to Make It
Adele's mournful melodies kick off this generation's financial playlist, but with the right plan, Millennials can finish strong.
By Alvina Lo
-
What Are AI Agents and What Can They Do for You?
AI agents promise to be the next big thing in artificial intelligence, but what exactly do they do?
By Tom Taulli
-
Should You Buy an iPhone Now Before Tariffs Hit?
Looming tariffs can make an iPhone purchase seem urgent. Here's what to do if you need another phone but want to save money.
By Laura Gariepy
-
Here's When a Lack of Credit Card Debt Can Cause You Problems
Usually, getting a new credit card can be difficult if you have too much card debt, but this bank customer ran into an issue because he had no debt at all.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq.
-
Reminder: The Basics of Using HSA Funds
Health savings accounts (HSAs)can help you cover out-of-pocket medical costs. Just make sure you understand the rules and keep records of qualifying expenses.
By Ella Vincent
-
A Checklist for High-Net-Worth Individuals: How to Protect and Grow Your Wealth
A strategic guide to managing, preserving, and expanding your wealth for long-term financial security.
By Dori Zinn
-
Earn a 50% Discount to The Cultivist With Capital One Venture X
Tour some of the world's top art museums for less when you use your Capital One Venture X card to score a 50% discount to The Cultivist.
By Sean Jackson
-
Going to College? How to Navigate the Financial Planning
College decisions this year seem even more complex than usual, including determining whether a school is a 'financial fit.' Here's how to find your way.
By Chris Ebeling