20 High-Paying, No-Degree Jobs

Discovering No-Degree Jobs

Think you can’t find good-paying jobs without a degree? Think again! No-degree jobs comprise an important percentage of employment opportunities in the U.S. Between 2020 and 2030, the B.L.S. estimates around 60% of new roles will be “no-degree jobs,” with plenty of growth expected in construction, installation, maintenance, repair, and transportation, among other fields.

When talking about jobs with no degree requirements, it’s worth noting that not all no-degree jobs are created equal. 

• Some are entry-level, requiring only dependability and a strong work ethic. 
• Others provide on-the-job training specifically tailored to your role.
• Jobs with no degree requirements in the skilled trades require certifications or licenses, as well as years of experience.

Worried about finding a job without a degree? That’s completely understandable! Finding jobs with no degree requirements (that also align with your interests, lifestyle, and financial needs) can be challenging. But this article shows you how to find a realistic, achievable path toward the best no-degree jobs. We’ll review college alternatives, potential career paths, and how to land your first job without a degree. Plus, we’ll highlight 20 of the best, highest-paying jobs, no degree required.

Finding jobs with no degree

Finding a job without a degree requirement — that pays well and offers you the chance to do work you actually enjoy — can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. But in reality, nearly two-thirds of Americans lack college degrees, yet many have found meaningful employment without one.

The best no-degree jobs are often technical; the more you learn and excel at your job, the quicker and farther you’ll advance. You’re not limited to a certain industry, either. You can find good-paying jobs without a degree in healthcare, beauty, business, tech, and plenty of other fields. And the highest-paying, no-degree jobs don’t cap out at a $50K salary either — with the right training, expertise, and business savvy, you can make well over three figures working a job without a degree.

Still, “no college degree” jobs aren’t always financially rewarding immediately. The most lucrative no-degree jobs require a high level of technical expertise and often require months, if not years, of training. And, there are downsides to entering the workforce without a college degree. For some roles, hiring managers might use a college degree as a way to weed out applicants, so not having a college degree listed on your job application could disqualify you from an invitation to interview.

However, your experience and the quality of your work will ultimately become the most important indicators of your suitability for a given role. Eventually, your work experience will speak for itself, and it won’t matter what level of education you list on job applications.

Alternatives to college: Trade school, certifications, and apprenticeships

Some no-degree jobs, like retail sales associate, server, custodian, or administrative assistant, only require a high school diploma. Other no-degree jobs require additional education or training, although the commitment and cost are usually far less than those of a formal bachelor’s program.

Investing in an accredited training program is a great way to improve your odds of finding a job without a degree. Here are a few paths toward the best no-degree jobs:

• Trade schools and many community colleges offer short-term training programs you can complete in under two years. These programs cover a wide range of fields, including healthcare, business, construction, mechanics, and technology. Some training programs focus on even more niche areas such as blacksmithing and metalcraft, massage therapy, or the culinary arts.
• Certificate programs provide targeted training and credentials, typically taking a few months to a year to complete. They focus on building specific skills required for a particular job or industry, such as medical billing, HVAC repair, or graphic design, helping students quickly enter the workforce or advance their careers.
• Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to earn while they learn a skilled trade. Common in fields like electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry, apprenticeships provide hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced professionals and often lead to industry-recognized certifications or licenses.

Thanks to apprenticeships and certification programs, more people are finding good-paying jobs without a degree. According to ApprenticeshipUSA, 90% of apprenticeship completers stay employed after finishing their program, earning an average starting salary of $80,000.

Learning while you work: On-the-job training

If your search for “no college degree” jobs includes “no trade school needed,” you might be more interested in jobs that offer on-the-job training. On-the-job training is exactly what it sounds like — your employer will train you themselves or enroll you in classes to get you the instruction you need to become proficient in your role.

No-degree jobs that offer on-the-job training enable you to earn money while developing your skills. The advantage of this approach?  You don’t acquire educational debt or have to worry about whether you’re getting the right qualifications. Your employer will ensure you have the knowledge for competency at your job. Whether or not you advance or excel in your chosen field, however, will be up to you and how hard you’re willing to work to get ahead.

Think getting paid to learn and work jobs with no degree sounds too good to be true? It’s not. Demand for tradespeople is making good-paying jobs without a degree more accessible to those willing to learn on the job. Fast-growing, no-degree jobs offering on-the-job training include:

• Solar photovoltaic installers
• Wind turbine service technicians
• Security and fire alarm systems installers
• Subway and streetcar operators
• Hearing aid specialists
• Industrial machinery mechanics
• Aircraft mechanics and service technicians

Entry-level jobs with no degree requirements

Finding good-paying jobs without a degree takes time. You'll likely need to start on the ground floor in an entry-level job and work your way up to a higher position or salary. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t learn to run before you learn to walk, right? For example, if you want to become a contractor one day, you might hold many other no-degree jobs first, such as a construction laborer or a trade apprentice, then you may move to become a journeyman and then a crew lead, etc.
Getting an entry-level job without a degree is less about earning tons of money and more about developing yourself professionally. You’re building experience while learning the fundamentals of a given role or field. Entry-level, no college degree jobs include:

• Warehouse associate
• Call center operator
• Clerical/administrative assistant
• Cashier
• Receptionist
• Data entry clerk

Entry-level jobs with no degree requirements typically offer on-the-job training, and many require a high school diploma or GED. Some offer minimum wage salaries to start, which vary drastically by state.

How long you stay at an entry-level job depends on a number of factors. If you grasp the work quickly, enjoy it, and are happy with your salary,  you might not look for other no-degree jobs. If you catch on fast and want more responsibility, you might only need 6-18 months to learn the ropes, get good at your job, and move on to other, more advanced no-degree jobs. And who knows — if you promote within a company from entry-level employee through management, the company may very well send you for training and cover the cost, too!

Top 20 no college degree jobs

Still don’t believe you can get plenty of good-paying jobs without a degree? Check out this list, featuring 20 of the highest-paying, no-degree jobs (average annual salaries reported by ZipRecruiter):

1. Wind turbine technicians install, inspect, and maintain wind turbines to keep them operating efficiently. With a 60% growth rate expected by 2033, thousands of new positions are anticipated for wind techs over the next decade. (Average annual salary: $54,230)
2. Truck drivers transport goods across short or long distances using commercial trucks. Depending on where you work and your seniority level, expect to spend plenty of long nights, weekends, and holidays behind the wheel. (Average annual salary: $56,348)
3. Crane operators control heavy machinery to lift and move materials on construction and industrial sites. Because safety and precision are critical, crane operators undergo specialized training to handle complex equipment on busy job sites. (Average annual salary: $58,350)
4. HVAC technicians install, service, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. With steady demand year-round, HVAC technicians play a crucial role in keeping homes and businesses comfortable in all seasons. (Average annual salary: $58,782)
5. Firefighters respond to emergencies, extinguish fires, and perform rescues to protect people and property. With unpredictable shifts and high-pressure situations, firefighters need to stay ready for anything at a moment’s notice. (Average annual salary: $59,606)
6. Security systems technicians install and maintain alarms, surveillance equipment, and access control systems. These professionals may troubleshoot technical issues and upgrade equipment to keep security systems working reliably around the clock. (Average annual salary: $60,700)
7. Electricians wire buildings, repair electrical systems, and ensure everything runs safely and efficiently. Whether working on homes or commercial buildings, electricians handle everything from routine maintenance to complex installations. (Average annual salary: $61,391)
8. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide basic nursing care and support for patients under the supervision of registered nurses or doctors. To become an LPN requires completing a state-approved training program and passing a licensing exam. (Average annual salary: $62,140)
9. General contractors manage construction projects, overseeing crews, timelines, permits, and budgets. They coordinate subcontractors, keep projects on schedule, and ensure everything meets all building codes and client expectations. (Average annual salary: $63,175)
10. Plumbers install, repair, and maintain piping systems for water, gas, and waste. While many plumbers learn through apprenticeships and on-the-job training, their work requires a strong understanding of building codes and safety standards. (Average annual salary: $63,215)
11. Boilermakers assemble, install, and repair boilers, tanks, and large metal vessels used in industrial settings. They often work on-site in factories or power plants, handling heavy materials and using specialized tools to safely assemble and maintain boilers and tanks. (Average annual salary: $66,858)
12. Massage therapists work with individuals to relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve mobility. They often work in spas, wellness centers, even cruise lines, or with private clients, using techniques like deep tissue, Swedish, and sports massage. (Average annual salary: $71,679)
13. Elevator technicians install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, and other lift systems. They inspect cables, motors, and control systems using specialized tools to fix malfunctions and ensure compliance with safety regulations. (Average annual salary: $71,967)
14. Building inspectors examine structures to ensure they meet local codes, regulations, and safety standards. Many start their careers in construction before earning the certifications and licenses required to become inspectors. (Average annual salary: $74,220)
15. Distribution managers coordinate the movement, storage, and delivery of products within a supply chain. Most distribution managers without a college degree work their way up from entry-level roles like warehouse associate or logistics coordinator, gaining hands-on experience along the way. (Average annual salary: $74,699)
16. Sales representatives sell products or services in specialized fields like tech, pharma, or industrial supply. Unlike many of the other jobs with no degree requirements on this list, sales reps earn a commission — the total value of their sales directly impacts their annual earnings. (Average annual salary: $76,681)
17. Stenographers transcribe spoken words into written form using shorthand or stenotype machines, often in courtrooms or legal settings. They need sharp listening skills and a fast typing speed to capture every word accurately in real time. Many also complete specialized training programs to master shorthand techniques. (Average annual salary: $84,999)
18. Commercial pilots fly aircraft for charter services, cargo transport, private travel, and passenger flights for commercial airlines. For people who can handle the responsibility and stay calm under pressure, piloting commercial planes is one of the highest-paying, no-degree jobs out there. (Average annual salary: $87,144)
19. Power plant operators control and monitor equipment that generates and distributes electricity. When problems arise, operators must swiftly assess the situation and decide when to enact emergency procedures, like activating safety systems or executing shutdowns, to protect the plant. (Average annual salary: $93,004)
20. Web developers write, test, and maintain the code that builds websites and web applications to ensure they function properly and provide a good user experience. While many of the no-degree jobs on this list require on-the-job training or schooling, you could gain the skills of a web developer independently through self-learning and free online training courses. (Average annual salary: $93,848)

As you can see, many of the highest-paying jobs, no degree needed, are in the skilled trades, making them viable career paths for students who aren’t planning on going to college.

Tips for finding a job after high school

While you can certainly find good-paying jobs without a degree, remember that “no-degree jobs” are not the same as “no experience jobs.” Many of the highest-paying, no-degree jobs require certifications, training, and years of on-the-job experience. So, how do you start?

While there are certainly plenty of jobs with no degree requirements out there, not all offer substantial earnings or benefits. So, when looking for your first job without a degree, think of it as a stepping stone toward a future career. If you know you want to become a store manager, for instance, you might start as a sales associate. If you want to become an electrician, you might look for an apprentice role with an established electrician in your area.

Ask your high school counselor if they know of any relevant resources, such as career fairs and local job boards, you can use to find open positions. Most job sites allow you to filter results by experience, and Apprenticeship USA has an online Apprenticeship Finder tool you can use to search for opportunities in your area. 

If you don’t know what type of career you want to pursue, think about what types of skills you might want to cultivate. Customer service transfers to a wide range of no-degree jobs, as do computer literacy, project management, and communication. You may need to work a few different no-degree jobs at different companies or in different roles to zero in on what you like and what makes the most sense, and that’s okay! Remember, jobs with no degree requirements empower you to work without taking on debt. Don’t be afraid to try something new and explore outside of your comfort zone.

No-Degree Jobs: Takeaways

Remember, finding good-paying jobs without a degree isn’t as far-fetched as your parents, peers, or counselors may think. Many professionals started straight out of high school and went on to work incredibly important, meaningful jobs with no degree on their resume. But just like any career, starting a job without a degree has benefits and drawbacks.

The pros of jobs with no degree requirements? You can gain work experience while being paid to learn, helping you advance your career without taking on tons of debt. The cons? Entry-level, no-degree jobs can be demanding and pay less. But with the right attitude and a willingness to grow and develop professionally, you can pick up real, marketable skills, move up the ladder, and turn a no-degree job into a solid, long-term path.