10 High-Paying Jobs You Can Land Without a College Degree

A four-year degree is a common route to a bigger paycheck, but it isn't the only one.

Plenty of well-paid careers start with an apprenticeship, a license, technical training, or years of hands-on experience.

For context, the median annual wage across all U.S. workers was $50,980 in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Every job below pays well above that, based on a Resume Genius analysis reported by MoneyLion.

These roles still take serious training, so "no degree" doesn't mean "no effort."

1. Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer

These pros install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.

• Median annual pay: $109,910 (BLS, May 2025)
• Top 10% earn: more than $158,890
• Jobs: about 24,700 (2025)
• Projected growth: 6% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Nearly all workers learn the trade through an apprenticeship, which BLS says typically lasts four years.

Most states also require a license.

2. Ship Engineer

Ship engineers keep the machinery on commercial vessels running.

• Median annual pay: $109,530
• Top 10% earn: $165,490
• Jobs: 8,800
• Projected growth: 1.6% (2024–2034)
• Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Most climb the ranks by logging experience at sea.

3. Transportation and Logistics Manager

These managers keep goods and people moving safely and on schedule.

• Median annual pay: $107,230
• Top 10% earn: $194,900
• Jobs: 216,700
• Projected growth: 6.1% (2024–2034)
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Many start in entry-level logistics roles and move up as they gain experience.

Certifications can help show off your expertise.

4. Police Supervisor

Police supervisors assign duties, manage cases, and make sure departments follow procedure.

• Median annual pay: $106,040
• Top 10% earn: $165,110
• Jobs: 160,800
• Projected growth: 2.9% (2024–2034)
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Most get there after years as police officers or detectives.

5. Power Station Electrical Repairer

These specialists maintain and fix equipment in power stations, substations, and relay systems.

• Median annual pay: $103,020
• Top 10% earn: $129,920
• Jobs: 23,400
• Projected growth: 5.5% (2024–2034)
• Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary non-degree award

Most complete technical training after high school.

Related electrical experience can speed up advancement.

6. Power Line Installer and Repairer

They build and maintain the lines that carry electricity to homes and businesses.

• Median annual pay: $95,320
• Top 10% earn: $128,690
• Jobs: 127,400
• Projected growth: 6.6% (2024–2034)
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

They're also the crews who restore power after outages.

7. Firefighting Supervisor

These leaders coordinate crews and direct operations during emergencies.

• Median annual pay: $93,530
• Top 10% earn: $140,010
• Jobs: 97,200
• Projected growth: 3.4% (2024–2034)
• Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Most start as firefighters before stepping into supervisory roles.

8. Casino Manager

Casino managers run daily operations at gaming establishments and supervise staff.

• Median annual pay: $93,220
• Top 10% earn: $164,350
• Jobs: 5,100
• Projected growth: 1.2% (2024–2034)
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Leadership, customer service, and knowledge of gaming regulations matter most here.

9. Rail Signal Repairer

They inspect, maintain, and repair the signals and switches that keep trains moving safely.

• Median annual pay: $92,460
• Top 10% earn: $119,550
• Jobs: 8,700
• Projected growth: 1.7% (2024–2034)
• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

The work involves diagnosing electrical and mechanical problems.

10. Ship Captain or Mate

Captains and mates navigate commercial vessels such as ships, ferries and tugboats.

• Median annual pay: $92,460
• Top 10% earn: $170,640
• Jobs: 40,700
• Projected growth: 0.5% (2024–2034)
• Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Most enter through maritime training, licensing, and time at sea.

The Takeaway

A degree isn't the only door to a six-figure career.

Before you commit, check the training, licensing, and physical demands, and compare local pay on the BLS site.

This article is for informational purposes only and isn't financial or career advice.

References

1. Olya, G. (2026, October 26). 10 High-Paying Jobs That Can Lead to Wealth Without a College Degree. MoneyLion. https://www.moneylion.com/trending/money/high-paying-jobs-without-college-degree
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Last modified 2026, August 27). Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers, Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/elevator-installers-and-repairers.htm
3. Resume Genius. (2026). Highest-paying jobs without a degree (as cited by MoneyLion; publication date not shown). https://resumegenius.com/blog/job-hunting/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree
4. Schmoll, J. (2025, December 28). 2026's 10 Highest Paying, Fast-Growing Jobs That Don't Require a College Degree. GOBankingRates. https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/jobs/2026-highest-paying-fast-growing-jobs-dont-require-college-degree/

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