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 $59,384 (the median U.S. annual salary), according to 10 Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree for 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 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, but they do require FAA certification.
- Work experience: On-the-job training
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
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Surge Ahead of FedTech stocks led the way higher Tuesday as Wall Street looked ahead to Wednesday's Fed announcement.
-
‘Back to the Old Days’? What’s Wrong With Trump’s Plan to Abolish Income TaxTax Policy The likelihood of Trump eliminating income tax and the IRS remains low, but the ongoing debate highlights the need for tax reform.
-
How Much Fun Is Too Much Fun When You're in the Office?Having a work-should-be-fun atmosphere sounds great — until someone gets hit in the head by a basketball. What should companies consider about workplace safety?
-
On Medicare and Need Telehealth? You Have Three More Months to Use These ServicesAll Medicare patients still have access to telehealth services until March 31. Starting April 1, you must be located in a rural area for most telehealth services
-
Shipping Costs at the Post Office Just Went UpThe USPS has raised shipping rates and lowered its 2025 on-time mail delivery targets. Find out how these changes impact your costs and services.
-
Five Reasons You Might Hate Your Insurance Company (and Why You Shouldn't)Stories about insurance companies letting down their customers are easy to come by, but there's another side to many of those stories.
-
Are You Really Prepared for a Financial Emergency?High inflation and interest rates have impeded the ability of many people to save more. How do you save more with less? We'll show you a few options.
-
All-You-Can-Eat Buffets: Can You Get Kicked Out for Eating Too Much?Don't plan on practicing your competitive-eating skills at an all-you-can-eat buffet. You can definitely get kicked out. Plus, don't be a jerk.
-
Do Wildfires Have You Worried About Your Insurance Coverage? Here's What to DoWith the California wildfires causing billions of dollars in damage, now is a good time to assess your homeowner's insurance and ensure it covers disasters.
-
Women, What Is Your Net Worth?Many women have no idea what their net worth is, or even how to calculate it. Many also turn to social media finfluencers for advice. Here's what to do instead.
