You don’t need a college degree to land a great job. In fact, a growing number of employers are dropping degree requirements altogether. A 2023 report by the Burning Glass Institute found that 46% of middle-skill and 31% of high-skill occupations reduced degree requirements over the last five years. It’s a major shift that’s opening doors to better pay and more opportunity without the debt and time commitment of college. So if you’re looking for high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree, you’ve got solid options.
Below are 15 careers without college that actually pay well. These are some of the best jobs that don’t require a degree, based on real data, job demand, and long-term career potential.
1. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers earn some of the highest salaries for jobs that don’t require a degree. They guide planes safely during takeoff, flight, and landing, making it a high-stress, high-responsibility role. You won’t need a four-year degree, but you will need to complete FAA training and pass several tests. Most start by applying through the FAA’s Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative or the military. The job pays over $130,000 a year on average and comes with federal benefits and a defined pension plan.
2. Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline)
If flying excites you, becoming a commercial pilot might be the perfect path. These aren’t airline captains, but they fly charter planes, crop dusters, helicopters, or freight aircraft. You don’t need a college degree, just a high school diploma, flight training, and a commercial pilot’s license from the FAA. It takes serious commitment up front, but once certified, pilots can earn six figures flying on flexible schedules.
3. Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. You can skip college and enter the field through an apprenticeship, which combines paid work with classroom learning. Over time, as you gain experience and licensure, your pay climbs, often above $70,000 per year. It’s a steady trade with strong demand, and it offers the option to work independently or for a company.
4. Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists play a key role in cancer treatment, delivering radiation to patients under the supervision of oncologists. You won’t need a bachelor’s degree, but you do need a certification or associate degree and hands-on clinical training. It’s a healthcare job with real impact and strong job security. The median salary hovers near $90,000, making it one of the best careers without a degree in the medical field.
5. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Solar installers put solar panels on rooftops and connect them to electrical systems. You don’t need a degree, just technical training through a certificate program or apprenticeship. Pay starts in the $45,000 range and can grow with experience. As solar energy adoption expands, this job offers great long-term prospects and solid income.
6. Plumber
Plumbers work on water systems in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. They fix leaks, install piping, and make sure everything flows the way it should. The job requires a paid apprenticeship and state licensure but no formal degree. Once qualified, plumbers can earn $60,000 or more, and some even double that by running their own business. It’s hands-on work with strong income potential and very little downtime between jobs.
7. Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents help people buy and sell properties. You only need a state license to get started, no college required. Income is commission-based, so it can vary wildly, but motivated agents often earn well into six figures. If you’ve got sales instincts, a people-first mindset, and you’re willing to hustle, this career can be both lucrative and flexible. It’s one of the best jobs that don’t require a degree for those who prefer working independently.
8. Wind Turbine Technician
With clean energy on the rise, wind turbine techs are in high demand. They install and maintain turbines, often in remote areas or at great heights. No degree needed—just a technical certificate or on-the-job training. It’s a physically demanding role, but the pay is solid (around $60,000) and the growth potential is huge. If you enjoy working outdoors and don’t mind heights, this is a promising career without college.
9. Computer Support Specialist
These tech professionals help people fix their computer hardware and software problems. While some employers may prefer a degree, many are open to hiring based on certifications like CompTIA A+ or just proven experience. The job can be in-office or remote, and you’ll typically earn around $55,000 to $60,000 per year. It’s one of the best careers without a degree if you like problem-solving and tech.
10. Police Officer
Police officers keep communities safe, enforce laws, and respond to emergencies. Most departments only require a high school diploma, police academy training, and passing a civil service exam. It’s a challenging role that comes with solid pay, overtime opportunities, and a full benefits package. Many officers retire early with pensions, making this a financially smart option if you’re physically fit and service-oriented.
11. HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians install and repair heating and air conditioning systems. Training comes through trade schools or apprenticeships, and most technicians are job-ready in under two years. The pay starts around $50,000 and rises with experience, especially if you specialize in commercial or high-efficiency systems. This job is always in demand, homes and businesses can’t go without heating or cooling for long.
12. Firefighter
Firefighting is physically intense and emotionally demanding, but it’s also one of the more respected and steady careers without college. You’ll go through fire academy and often get EMT certification. Salaries start in the $50,000 range, but experienced firefighters with overtime and specialized roles can make much more. Strong benefits, pensions, and a team-focused culture make this job worth considering.
13. Commercial Diver
Commercial divers work in underwater construction, welding, and inspections. It’s a physically tough job that can take you into oceans, rivers, or tanks, depending on the project. You’ll need to attend commercial diving school and get certified, but not college. Daily pay can be very high, especially in remote or offshore gigs. If you want adventure and you’re comfortable underwater, this is one of the more unique high paying jobs that don’t require a degree.
14. Freelance Digital Marketer
Digital marketing is a fast-growing field where results matter more than credentials. You can learn SEO, paid ads, content strategy, and analytics online. Clients care about what you can do, not where you went to school. Freelancers often work with small businesses or startups, setting their own rates and schedules. Many make over $60,000 a year once they’ve built up a client base. It’s one of the best jobs that don’t require a degree if you want to work from anywhere.
15. Transportation and Distribution Manager
These professionals oversee shipping, logistics, and warehouse operations. Most start in entry-level roles and work their way up through experience and internal promotions. No college degree is necessary, just leadership skills and a knack for systems and organization. Managers in this field often earn close to $100,000 annually, making it one of the top careers without college for those who thrive in fast-paced environments.
16. Home Health Aide
Home health aides assist elderly or disabled patients in their homes. The work is hands-on and requires compassion more than formal education. Certification is often needed, but not a college degree. While starting pay is lower, usually around $30,000, demand is exploding due to an aging population. It’s a reliable job that offers purpose and steady hours.
17. Flight Attendant
Flight attendants don’t need a college degree, just customer service skills, training, and certification from the FAA. Airlines typically provide training programs. The job includes travel perks, a flexible schedule, and solid benefits. While pay varies, many attendants earn $60,000 or more with experience. It’s a great fit if you like working with people and being on the move.
Think Beyond the Job Title
When you skip the degree path, you’re not just taking a shortcut, you’re choosing a different kind of investment. You’re trading classroom time for real-world experience, adaptability, and self-reliance. That often builds a kind of resilience that college can’t teach.
The real advantage? You learn how to solve problems, work with your hands or your mind in practical ways, and navigate change fast. When things change fast, and they always do, those skills are worth more than a diploma.
Careers without college don’t limit your future, they give you the chance to define it on your terms. Success isn’t about credentials anymore. It’s about what you can do, how fast you can learn, and how well you adapt.