The job opportunities and salary estimates in this article are intended as starting points for exploration and inspiration. Actual earnings can vary widely based on factors such as location, experience, industry demand, and individual skill level. Additionally, requirements and qualifications for these roles may change over time.
Before making any career decisions, we strongly recommend conducting your own research, consulting industry professionals, and seeking guidance from a career counselor to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your specific goals.
But making good money doesn’t have to mean taking out thousands in student loans and committing to years of schooling. Here’s a breakdown of some of the highest-paying jobs you can get without a degree.
18 of the best jobs without a degree requirement
Getting a high-paying job without a degree (or experience, in some cases!) is possible if you know where to look. Here are 18 positions that don’t require a four-year degree but still offer plenty of room for growth.
1. Commercial pilot
Becoming a pilot takes a lot of training, and you’ll likely start out making around $100,000 a year. But the forecast for this career is sunny — if the tailwinds are in your favor, you could earn an
annual salary of a quarter million dollars or more.Â
Potential earnings. $250,000+
Job scope. Flying planes for charter flights, couriers and express delivery services, or private companies
Requirements. Flight training, FAA certification, and a commercial pilot’s license
2. Flight attendant
Potential earnings. $80,000+ (with seniority and international routes)
Job scope. Conducting safety checks, assisting passengers, serving refreshments, and responding to in-flight emergencies
Requirements. High school diploma or equivalent, customer service experience, and training from an airline-specific program
3. Web developer
Potential earnings. $150,000+
Job scope. Designing and coding websites to create an engaging user experience
Requirements. Knowledge of coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, plus an eye for design
4. Dental hygienist
As a dental hygienist, your career will revolve around keeping those pearly whites sparkling — while
earning a sparkling paycheck of your own. With just an associate’s degree, you can expect to start out somewhere
at or above $60,000, depending on location.
Potential earnings. $110,000+
Job scope. Cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and educating patients on oral hygiene
Requirements. Associate’s degree in dental hygiene and state licensure
5. Elevator installer and repairer
If you want a job that’s in high demand without a degree requirement,
elevator installation is one career that keeps the world moving — literally and figuratively. Most techs start
at or above $50,000, and the number just goes up from there.
Potential earnings. $130,000+
Job scope. Installing and maintaining elevators, escalators, and moving walkways
Requirements. Apprenticeship training and state certification
6. Special effects artistÂ
As a
special effects artist, you can be one of the talented few who bring the magic of movies and games to life. You’re likely to face competition and could start
as low as $8,000 a year while getting some experience under your belt, but working hard enough could really animate your career.
Potential earnings. $160,000+
Job scope. Creating digital or practical effects for movies, TV shows, or video games
Requirements. Proficiency in software like Adobe After Effects or Maya
7. Police officer
With a combo of physical training, quick thinking, and dedication, you can commit your career to
making your community a safer place. Your starting salary will depend on location, but with the potential for overtime, you can make a great living helping people.
Potential earnings. $110,000+
Job scope. Enforcing laws, maintaining public safety, and conducting investigations
Requirements. Police academy training and physical fitness standards
8. Electrical technicianÂ
As an
electrician, you’ll work with cutting-edge technology to keep the lights on and systems running smoothly. Techs who are just starting out may be lucky to hit
$20 an hour, but with time, you’ll be putting some good energy into your bank account.
Potential earnings. $100,000+
Job scope. Installing and repairing electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories
Requirements. Apprenticeship or technical training, plus licensure
9. Copywriter
Writing is a competitive field, so you may have to grind it out at a low rate of pay as you build a portfolio. But with enough practice and dedication, you can get
paid well to make your writing shine.
Potential earnings. $140,000+
Job scope. Writing persuasive content for ads, websites, and social media
Requirements. Strong writing skills and a portfolio showcasing your work
10. Massage therapist
What’s better than helping others while helping yourself?
Massage therapists are in high demand, especially in health and wellness-focused communities. You may start as low as
$15 an hour, but the more experience you get under your thumb, the more likely you are to bring in a healthy salary.
Potential earnings. $95,000+
Job scope. Helping clients relieve stress and pain through therapeutic massage
Requirements. Certification from a massage therapy program
11. Sales representative
If you’re a people person who loves closing a deal, a
career in sales might be your ticket to financial success. How much you make will depend on what (and where) you sell, but you’ll likely start out
above $50,000 a year.
Potential earnings. $190,000+ (commission-based)
Job scope. Selling products or services to businesses or customers
Requirements. Strong communication skills and industry-specific knowledge
12. Plumber
Plumbing is a career that’s always in demand. People new to the industry may make as low as
$15 an hour, but with education and experience, there’s
steady work and great pay for anyone willing to get their hands wet.
Potential earnings. $100,000+
Job scope. Installing and repairing pipes, fixtures, and water systems
Requirements. Apprenticeship training and licensing exams
If you have a good stage presence, the willingness and ability to work for free for a while, and the drive to hustle until enough people know your name, a
career in the performance arts (aka music or dance) can lead to fame, fortune, and artistic fulfillment.
Potential earnings. Unlimited (varies based on gigs and reputation)
Job scope. Performing in live shows or recordings
Requirements. Talent, practice, and networking
14. Voiceover artist
Voiceover artists lend their talents to commercials, audiobooks, and animated characters. Like performing artists, people pursuing a vocal arts career may start at a very low rate of pay. But the earning potential is great for those with a strong demo reel that shows off their skills.
Potential earnings. $200,000+
Job scope. Recording voice tracks for commercials, audiobooks, or animation
Requirements. A unique voice, acting skills, and a solid demo reel
15. Makeup artist
From bridal events to blockbuster movies, there’s no shortage of people who need a
makeup artist’s help getting into character or looking their best. Expect to start out at
just over minimum wage, then keep practicing until your skills are in high demand.
Potential earnings. $120,000+
Job scope. Transforming appearances for film, theater, or special events
Requirements. Certification in cosmetology and a creative portfolio
16. Real estate manager
As a real estate manager, your career will allow you to work with people and properties while overseeing high-end developments and commercial spaces. The
bottom 10% make over six figures, but at the high end, you could almost double that number.
Potential earnings. $135,000+
Job scope. Managing properties and ensuring tenant satisfaction
Requirements. A real estate license and property management experience
17. Mechanic
It’s not hard to
tune up your career if you’re good at tuning up cars and other machinery. You may make
under $20 as an apprentice, but overtime and the experience you’ll gain as a newbie can quickly put you on the road to a great salary.Â
Potential earnings. $75,000+
Job scope. Repairing and maintaining vehicles and machinery
Requirements. Certification and hands-on training
18. Executive assistant
The best
executive assistants thrive on organization, multitasking, and keeping things running smoothly. You’ll probably need a high school diploma, but many employers won’t require a college degree, and your manager is likely to offer a lot of on-the-job training. While starting pay could be as low as
$30,000 a year, the more invaluable you prove yourself to be, the bigger your paychecks will get.
Potential earnings. $150,000+
Job scope. Overseeing calendars, preparing reports, booking travel, and serving as a key point of contact for executives
Requirements. On-the-job training plus strong organizational and communication skills, proficiency in office software, and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment
How to break into an entry-level role
Not every high-paying job requires specific training or certifications right out of the gate. Some don’t even require a high school diploma. If a role like voiceover artist, copywriter, or sales representative caught your eye, you’re in luck — they’re perfect for entry-level candidates willing to learn on the job. Here’s how to get started.
Look for an assistant position
Many industries offer apprenticeships or assistant roles that provide on-the-job training. For example, starting as a sales assistant, production assistant, or even a plumber or electrician’s apprentice can help you build the skills needed to move up the ladder without a degree.
Polish your resume
On your resume, highlight transferable skills like communication, time management, or creativity. Include any relevant experience — even internships, school projects, or volunteer work — to show you’re ready for the job.
Leverage free resources
Build your expertise by finding free online courses and tutorials, reading industry blogs, or joining networking groups in your desired field. This type of initiative looks great on your resume and helps you stand out to hiring managers.
Practice makes perfect
Working as a voiceover artist, copywriter, or in another creative career requires a portfolio, but you can record mock voiceover samples or draft creative ads to give clients an idea of what you can do. Showing examples of your work can make all the difference when you’re trying to land that first job.Â
What’s the right career path for you?
If you’re trying to figure out your next move, don’t ask what the highest-paying job is. Ask which jobs can earn you a decent living without making you miserable day in and day out.
For some people, enrolling in college is the obvious choice. But some of the highest-paying jobs don’t even require a high school diploma. The key is to identify your strengths, passions, and goals. A job you love will always feel more rewarding, whether or not it requires a college degree.
Make the most of your earnings with EarnIn
While finding your dream job can feel like a dream come true, true financial success requires more than a paycheck. EarnIn can help you save for monthly expenses, a vacation, or even an emergency fund. With our
Tip Yourself tool, it’s easy to transfer a portion of your pay into an FDIC-insured account
so you can make more of the money you’ve worked so hard for.
Download EarnIn to help grow your savings without breaking a sweat.Â
Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.
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