15 Best Jobs Without a Degree

A bachelor’s degree is not always a prerequisite to landing a high-paying job. In fact, plenty of well-paying careers prioritize skills, experience, and know-how over a college diploma. In this blog, we’ve put together a list of top-paying jobs that don’t require a degree so you can see which ones might be a great fit for you. We also detail the average annual salary and estimated number of jobs for these careers. Take a look and discover some of the best jobs without a degree that could lead to big earnings.

• The Best Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
• Are College Degrees Still Necessary?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

The Best Jobs That Do Not Require A College Degree

In some industries, having relevant experience, internships, certifications, and training can be just as valuable—sometimes even more so—than a four-year degree. Many job listings do ask for a minimum level of education, like “some college,” an associate’s, or a bachelor’s degree. But with student loan debt reaching $1.77 trillion (a 66% increase over the last decade, according to the Federal Reserve), it’s understandable if you’re questioning whether a degree is worth it.

The answer really depends on your career path. Jobs like healthcare providers, lawyers, teachers, and nuclear engineers typically require formal degrees. But there are plenty of fields, especially those that are less represented, that hire people without a four-year degree, and many of these roles offer impressive salaries. These are often considered some of the best jobs without a degree, offering alternative routes to success in various industries.

For example, according to Resume Genius and data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many high-paying jobs don’t require a degree and offer salaries higher than $56,420, which is the median U.S. annual wage. If you’re looking to explore your options, these are well-paying careers that don’t demand a college degree and could still lead to a successful and rewarding future.

1. Airline and commercial pilot

• Average annual salary: $148,900
• Estimate number of jobs: 142,600
• Required educational level: Associate’s degree or vocational training

An airline or commercial pilot’s main job is to fly passengers, cargo, or both to various destinations, ensuring a safe and smooth journey. They handle everything from pre-flight checks, monitoring weather conditions, and coordinating with air traffic control, to navigating the plane and troubleshooting any technical issues that arise mid-flight.

Commercial pilots may also fly non-passenger flights, such as charters, crop dusters, or aerial photography, making this role one of the best jobs without a degree in terms of high earning potential and career opportunities.

2. Information security analyst

• Average annual salary: $112,000
• Estimated number of jobs: 168,900
• Required educational level: High school diploma or vocational training

An information security analyst protects a company’s data and computer systems from cyber threats. They monitor networks for security breaches, install software to defend against hackers, and run regular tests to find weaknesses in the system.

For those entering the tech industry, information security can sometimes be one of the few jobs with no experience required, as many companies offer on-the-job training for entry-level roles. They also create plans and protocols for handling potential security emergencies. In short, they’re the go-to people for keeping sensitive information safe and ensuring that a company’s data stays out of the wrong hands.

3. Elevator and escalator installer and repairer

• Average annual salary:  $99,999
• Estimate number of jobs: 25,100
• Required educational level: High school diploma or GED

An elevator and escalator installer and repairer is responsible for setting up, maintaining, and fixing elevators, escalators, and other types of lifts. They install the mechanical systems, ensure everything runs smoothly, and troubleshoot any issues when these systems break down. This is definitely one of the high income skills without a degree.

The job involves reading blueprints, connecting electrical wiring, and testing equipment to make sure everything is safe and functioning properly. This role is considered one of the best jobs without a degree due to its high demand and the specialized skills it offers without requiring a four-year college education.

4. Special effects artist and animator

• Average annual salary:  $98,950
• Estimate number of jobs: 89,300
• Required educational level: High school diploma, vocational training, certifications

A special effects artist and animator brings visual magic to life by creating realistic or fantastical animations and effects for movies, TV shows, video games, and other digital media.

They work on everything from 3D models and characters to explosions and weather effects, using computer software to design and animate scenes that grab your attention. It’s a blend of art and technology that adds depth and excitement to all kinds of media, making it one of the best jobs without a degree for those with creativity and technical skills.

5. Transportation, storage, and distribution manager

• Average annual salary:  $98,560
• Estimate number of jobs: 14,600
• Required educational level: High school diploma or certifications

A transportation, storage, and distribution manager oversees the entire process of getting products from one place to another. This includes managing the transportation of goods, making sure they’re stored properly, and organizing their distribution to customers or retailers.

They coordinate with different teams, handle schedules, ensure vehicles and storage facilities are running smoothly, and monitor inventory levels. These managers are important in keeping supply chains efficient and organized, making it one of the best jobs without a degree.

6. Police and detective first-line supervisors

• Average annual salary:  $96,290
• Estimate number of jobs: 4,300
• Required educational level: High school diploma, police academy training

Police and detective first-line supervisors are responsible for leading and managing teams of officers and detectives. They make sure law enforcement operations run smoothly by overseeing day-to-day activities like patrols, investigations, and arrests. They provide guidance, assign tasks, and ensure their team follows proper procedures and protocols.

Additionally, these supervisors play a crucial role in training new officers, reviewing reports, and handling any disciplinary issues.

7. Radiation therapist

• Average annual salary:  $89,530
• Estimate number of jobs: 15,900
• Required educational level: Associate’s degree

A radiation therapist is a healthcare professional who assists in treating cancer and other diseases by delivering targeted radiation to a patient’s body. They work closely with oncologists to develop treatment plans, operate specialized equipment, and make sure radiation is accurately directed at the affected areas.

Radiation therapists are also responsible for monitoring patients’ responses to treatment, maintaining detailed records, and providing emotional support throughout the process. This role is considered one of the best jobs without a degree, as it requires only an associate degree but offers a high level of responsibility and competitive pay.

8. Subway and streetcar operator

• Average annual salary:  $88,260
• Estimate number of jobs: 300
• Required educational level: High school diploma, technical training and certifications

A subway and streetcar operator is responsible for driving trains or streetcars to transport passengers along designated routes in cities. They control the speed, make scheduled stops, and ensure passenger safety while navigating through underground tunnels or streetcar tracks. Operators also monitor equipment, make announcements, and respond to emergencies or unexpected issues that arise during the trip.

9. Electrical power-line installer and repairer

• Average annual salary:  $82,340
• Estimate number of jobs: 122,400
• Required educational level: High school diploma or GED

An electrical power-line installer and repairer is responsible for setting up and maintaining the network of power lines that deliver electricity to homes, businesses, and other facilities. They install new lines, repair damaged ones, and ensure that everything is functioning safely and efficiently.

This job involves working at heights, climbing utility poles, and sometimes repairing lines after storms or accidents. They also inspect equipment and troubleshoot any issues to prevent power outages. This makes it one of the best jobs without a degree, as it offers a stable career with good pay.

10. Dental hygienist

• Average annual salary:  $81,400
• Estimate number of jobs: 219,400
• Required educational level: Associate’s degree in dental hygiene

The main difference between a dentist and a dental hygienist lies in their roles, education, and scope of practice. Dentists are doctors who diagnose and treat oral health issues, perform surgeries, fill cavities, and handle more complex procedures like root canals, extractions, and restorative work such as crowns and bridges.

Dental hygienists, on the other hand, primarily focus on preventive care. They clean teeth, remove plaque and tartar, apply fluoride, and teach patients how to maintain good oral hygiene.

While hygienists perform exams to check for issues like gum disease, they do not diagnose or treat conditions beyond preventive care. This role is one of the best jobs without a degree, as it requires only an associate degree yet offers a rewarding career.

11. Web developer

• Average annual salary:  $80,730
• Estimate number of jobs: 216,700
• Required educational level: high school diploma, training and certifications (typically the educational requirements vary by employer)

A web developer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining websites. They work on the front end (what users see) and/or the back end (the server and database management) to ensure websites function smoothly, load quickly, and provide a great user experience. This role is one of the best jobs without a degree, as it often requires specific technical skills and certifications rather than a four-year degree.

Web developers write code in languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and others to create responsive, user-friendly websites. They collaborate with designers, content creators, and clients to bring a website’s vision to life. They make sure everything meets all technical requirements and looks great across different devices. This is one of the high paying remote jobs that requires no degree.

12. Medical sonographer

• Average annual salary: $78,210
• Estimate number of jobs: 142,800
• Required educational level: associate’s degree and license

A medical sonographer, also known as an ultrasound technician, uses specialized equipment to create images of the inside of a patient’s body. These images help doctors diagnose and monitor various medical conditions, such as pregnancies, heart issues, or organ problems.

Sonographers work closely with physicians. They capture detailed images and ensure the clarity and accuracy of the scans. They also interact with patients and explain procedures and make them comfortable during the process. This profession is one of the best jobs without a degree, as it typically requires only an associate degree.

13. Police officer

• Average annual salary: $69,160
• Estimate number of jobs: 808,700
• Required educational level: High school diploma, police training academy for an entry-level position

A police officer’s job is all about keeping communities safe and enforcing the law. They respond to emergency calls, patrol neighborhoods, and investigate crimes. Whether it’s pulling someone over for speeding, mediating a domestic dispute, or gathering evidence at a crime scene, police officers play a critical role in maintaining public order. They also work closely with community members, answering questions and providing assistance when needed.

14. Flight attendant/cabin crew

• Average annual salary: $$63,760
• Estimate number of jobs: 111,100
• Required educational level: High school diploma, cabin crew training program

Considered one of the best jobs without a degree, a flight attendant or a cabin crew is responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers during flights. They conduct pre-flight safety checks, give safety briefings, and assist with boarding. Throughout the flight, they serve food and beverages, address any passenger needs, and handle emergencies or unexpected situations.

15. Property and real estate manager

• Average annual salary: $60,670
• Estimate number of jobs: 429,600
• Required educational level: High school diploma and real estate license (varies by city and state)

A property and real estate manager oversees the daily operations of residential, commercial, or industrial properties. Their job includes handling rent collection, coordinating maintenance and repairs, marketing vacant properties, and ensuring tenant satisfaction.

They also manage budgets, property inspections, and legal paperwork, like lease agreements. Essentially, they ensure that the properties they manage run smoothly, stay profitable, and meet all regulatory requirements which makes them one of the best jobs without a degree.

Are College Degrees Still Necessary?

The necessity of a college degree in today’s world is increasingly being questioned—and for good reason. For generations, the belief was ingrained that a college degree was the golden ticket to financial prosperity. Parents passed this mindset onto their children, convinced that without a degree, success was unattainable.

While college worked well in the past, the landscape has changed. More than 40% of high school graduates are enrolling in college, but only one in four graduates manage to secure a good job afterward. This points to a supply and demand problem, where the skills acquired in college don’t always match the demands of the job market.

In fact, some of the best jobs without a degree are increasingly in demand. In some fields, experience and hands-on training are becoming more valuable than a degree alone.

One major factor contributing to the shift in how we view college is the skyrocketing cost of a traditional degree. The average public university student in the U.S. now graduates with over $32,000 in student loan debt. For many, this debt is a burden that lingers for years, limiting financial freedom and delaying life milestones like buying a home.

Meanwhile, companies are struggling to fill technical roles that don’t necessarily require a four-year degree, such as artificial intelligence specialists. In fact, 68% of executives report a significant skills gap in this area, highlighting the need for specialized training over a general degree. For these roles, targeted education—whether it’s through certifications, boot camps, or community college—might be a more practical and affordable path, especially for those looking for the best jobs without a degree.

Despite the growing need for alternative education paths, there’s still a stigma around community colleges and trade schools. Many high schools have scaled back vocational training, leaving students without exposure to careers that don’t require a degree. This reinforces the idea that college is the only option.

With technical skills becoming more valuable and trades like electricians, plumbers, and AI specialists in high demand, it’s clear that college isn’t the only path to a successful career. In today’s economy, skills, certifications, and hands-on experience can be just as powerful—if not more—than a traditional degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a college and an associate degree?

The main difference between a college degree and an associate degree is the time and depth of study. A college degree, like a bachelor’s, usually takes four years and covers a wide range of subjects in more detail. An associate degree, on the other hand, takes about two years, typically offered at community colleges, and focuses more on basic skills in specific fields. While a bachelor’s can lead to more advanced career options, an associate degree is great for getting started in entry-level jobs or as a foundation for further education.

2. Do Ivy League schools offer associate degrees?

No, Ivy League schools do not offer associate degrees. These prestigious universities primarily focus on bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, along with various professional degrees in fields like law, medicine, and business.

3. Will AI replace manpower?

AI probably won’t completely replace human workers, but it will definitely change how we work. While AI can handle repetitive tasks and make things more efficient, we still need human skills like creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence in many areas. Instead of taking over jobs entirely, AI is more likely to work alongside humans, helping us focus on more complex and meaningful tasks.

Takeaways

With the rising cost of college and the growing demand for technical skills, we have to rethink the long-held belief that a four-year degree is the only route to a successful career.

• In many industries, hands-on experience, internships, and certifications are now just as important—if not more—than holding a bachelor’s degree.
• While professions such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers still require formal degrees, many well-paying jobs in industries like tech, trades, and management do not. In fact, some of the best jobs without a degree offer competitive salaries and opportunities for growth.
• Careers such as elevator repairers, radiation therapists, and special effects artists rely heavily on vocational training and certifications rather than college degrees.
• The stigma around vocational training is slowly fading as more people recognize the value of practical skills in today’s job market.
• Deciding on a college degree can be challenging especially with hundreds of options available in this day and age. We highly recommend consulting a college admissions expert to help you identify the academic and career path that are a perfect fit for your skills and passion.