Top 10 High-Paying Jobs in the US That Don’t Require a College Degree

Looking to earn big without a four-year degree? You're not alone. College isn’t the only path to financial success. In today’s job market, many Americans are turning to high-paying careers that don’t require a college diploma.

Whether you're a high school graduate, changing careers, or seeking a better-paying job without student debt, here are the top 10 high-paying jobs in the U.S. that don’t require a college degree in 2025.

1. Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline)

Average Salary: $100,000 – $130,000/year
Education: High school diploma + flight training + FAA license
Why It Pays: Private pilots for charter flights, air tours, and agriculture often earn six figures. You’ll need flight school but not a college degree.

✅ Pros: High salary, travel opportunities
⚠️ Cons: Requires flight hours and FAA certification

2. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager

Average Salary: $98,000/year
Education: High school diploma + experience
Why It Pays: These managers oversee logistics and supply chains. With experience, you can rise through the ranks without a degree.

✅ Pros: High demand, room for growth
⚠️ Cons: High-stress environments

3. Elevator and Escalator Installer/Repairer

Average Salary: $90,000/year
Education: High school diploma + apprenticeship
Why It Pays: It’s a specialized trade with union benefits and excellent pay.

✅ Pros: Strong job security, unionized roles
⚠️ Cons: Physically demanding, requires certification

4. Computer Support Specialist

Average Salary: $60,000 – $85,000/year
Education: High school diploma + certifications (CompTIA, Cisco, etc.)
Why It Pays: Tech skills are in demand. Many companies value certifications over degrees.

✅ Pros: Remote work options, fast entry
⚠️ Cons: Requires continuous learning

5. Real Estate Broker

Average Salary: $70,000 – $120,000+/year (commission-based)
Education: High school diploma + real estate license
Why It Pays: High commissions on sales in booming real estate markets.

✅ Pros: Flexible hours, unlimited income potential
⚠️ Cons: Competitive field, inconsistent income

6. Police Officer

Average Salary: $65,000 – $100,000/year (varies by location)
Education: High school diploma + police academy training
Why It Pays: Strong benefits, pensions, and overtime can increase pay.

✅ Pros: Great benefits, meaningful work
⚠️ Cons: Physically and emotionally demanding

7. Electrician

Average Salary: $60,000 – $95,000/year
Education: High school diploma + apprenticeship
Why It Pays: Skilled trades are in high demand and offer steady, well-paying work.

✅ Pros: Stable career, opportunity to start your own business
⚠️ Cons: Requires licensing and ongoing training

8. Web Developer (Self-Taught)

Average Salary: $70,000 – $110,000/year
Education: High school diploma + self-learning (coding bootcamps, online courses)
Why It Pays: Coding skills are highly valuable. Many successful developers are self-taught.

✅ Pros: Work from anywhere, high flexibility
⚠️ Cons: Fast-paced, constantly evolving field

9. Radiologic Technologist

Average Salary: $65,000 – $85,000/year
Education: Associate degree or certificate program
Why It Pays: In-demand role in healthcare that doesn’t require a bachelor's degree.

✅ Pros: Good benefits, growth in healthcare
⚠️ Cons: Requires certification and clinical hours

10. Plumber

Average Salary: $60,000 – $100,000/year
Education: High school diploma + apprenticeship
Why It Pays: Essential service with excellent earnings, especially for licensed pros or business owners.

✅ Pros: High demand, room for entrepreneurship
⚠️ Cons: On-call work, physically demanding

Final Thoughts: Is College the Only Way?

Absolutely not. These high-paying jobs without a degree prove that practical skills, certifications, and experience can be just as valuable—sometimes more—than a college diploma.

Whether you're interested in tech, trades, transportation, or real estate, there's a path to success that doesn’t involve massive student loan debt.