13 Well-Paying Jobs You Can Land Without a Degree
The necessity of a college education for professional success has always been debated. A recent report by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation found that just 36% of adults express a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in higher education, shown by a decline in college enrollment.
The Pew Research Center Survey further supports this. According to a March survey by the Pew Research Center, only about 1 in 4 Americans believe that a bachelor’s degree is essential for landing a well-paying job.
This shift reflects growing skepticism about the value of a college degree or traditional methods of gaining higher knowledge. The constant rise in tuition fees, student loan debts, and the increasing availability of alternative career pathways contribute to this evolving mindset.
Let’s look at 12 well-paying jobs you can land without a degree.
1. Real Estate Agent
As you already know, a real estate agent helps clients buy, sell, or rent properties. It can be commercial, residential, or a combination of both. While you do not need a degree to become one, you must enroll in an accredited course and pass the licensing exam.
Average Pay: $51,220 annually. Top earners can make significantly more as you add on commissions.
2. HVAC Technician
If your aircon unit went out this summer, you will know how vital HVAC technicians are. They help restore comfort to your home by diagnosing issues, repairing faulty systems, and ensuring your heating and cooling systems run efficiently year-round.
You can opt for trade school and learn on the job.
Average Pay: $58,782 per year
3. Licensed Practical Nurse
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) cares for patients, monitors vital signs, assists with meals, and facilitates communication between patients, their families, and healthcare providers. In short, LPNs operate under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors.
While RNs require a college degree, LPNs don’t. A high school diploma or GED is required to begin the process, after which you can enroll in an accredited practical nursing program available at community colleges and vocational schools.
Average Pay: $51,500 per year
4. Dental Hygienist
Most states require dental hygiene students to graduate from an accredited program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a regional or state clinical board exam before they can start practicing.
The BLS forecasts an 11% increase in dental hygienist employment from 2020 to 2030, with approximately 15,600 new jobs expected to be created.
Average Pay: $60,000 per year
5. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers manage aircraft’s safe and orderly movement in the air and on the ground.
There are a few ways to become an air traffic controller. You can get an associate’s degree from the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program, or obtain several years of related work experience, or a mix of both.
Candidates for positions in the U.S. must also be U.S. citizens, pass medical and background checks, and finish training at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) academy.
Average Pay: $137,380 per year
6. Plumber
A plumber installs and repairs piping systems for water, gas, and drainage in homes and businesses.
To become a plumber, you must finish a formal training program or apprenticeship, get the necessary licenses and certifications, and acquire practical experience in the field.
Average Pay: $61,550 per year
7. Electrician
Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in buildings, homes, transmission lines, and various types of equipment.
You can attend a technical school or start an apprenticeship for hands-on learning. Either way, you need a license to practice.
Average Pay: $61,590 per year
8. Truck Driver
As a truck driver, your primary job involves transporting goods from one place to another.
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers typically hold a high school diploma and complete training at a truck driving school. They must also obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
According to BLS, the jobs for truck drivers are projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033,
Average Pay: $54,320 per year
9. Flight Attendant
Flight attendants (also, known as air hostesses or stewards) usually undergo training provided by their employer and must obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Flight attendant jobs are projected to grow by 10 percent between 2023 and 2033, making them a good option for people who want to start earning money without a college degree.
Average Pay: $68,370 per year
10. Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
In every state, barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists must have licenses to practice. You must complete a state-approved training program and pass a licensing exam to obtain a license.
According to the BLS, jobs for barbers and similar workers are projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033.
Average Pay: $35,080 per year
11. Firefighters
We all know what firefighters do. They put out fires, rescue people, and handle emergencies.
Firefighters generally need a high school diploma and training in emergency medical services. Most undergo training at a fire academy. Additional qualifications, such as emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, can differ depending on the state or local regulations.
Average Pay: $57,120 per year
12. Funeral Home Manager
As a funeral home manager, you are responsible for organizing and managing the details of ceremonies to honor the dead.
To become a funeral service worker, you need to be at least 21 years old and need an associate’s degree in funeral service or mortuary science. Many employers also ask for at least two years of formal education, previous supervised training, and passing a state licensing exam.
Average Pay: $60,580 per year
13. Ship Engineers and Water Transportation Workers
Water transportation workers manage and upkeep vessels that transport cargo and passengers.
While most entry-level sailors and marine oilers jobs do not require formal education, many of these jobs do require completion of U.S. Coast Guard-approved training programs.
Average Pay: $64,930 per year
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