While a college degree is required in some fields and careers, it’s not always the best path to achieve your goals – especially if you want to work in an industry or position that doesn’t require a degree. Understanding your personal goals, career aspirations, and financial situation can help you make the best decision for your education and work opportunities. Check out jobs that don’t require a college degree, how to find them, and see if you should pursue one of those fields!
20 High Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
We’ve put together a list of 20 high paying jobs that don’t require a degree, their projected job growth between 2022 and 2023, the estimated percentage of workers in those jobs without a college degree, and median wages according to the 2022 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These positions may or may not require a high school diploma, training, or certifications. Some employees may also benefit from a relevant associate’s or bachelor’s degree, even though a degree isn’t technically required.
1. CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS
- Median wage: $104,000
- Job growth: 6.6%
- Percent without a degree: 57%
Construction managers oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of construction projects. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specified quality standards. Becoming a construction manager requires years of experience, certifications, and training.
2. ELEVATOR AND ESCALATOR INSTALLERS AND REPAIRERS
- Median wage: $102,000
- Job growth: 5.6%
- Percent without a degree: 82%
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers are specialized technicians who are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and similar items, ensuring they’re in compliance with safety and building codes. This position usually requires an apprenticeship and relevant licenses.
3. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGERS
- Median wage: $99,000
- Job growth: 7.5%
- Percent without a degree: 57%
Supply chain managers, or transportation, storage, and distribution managers, make sure that products are efficiently and effectively sourced, manufactured, distributed, and delivered. This requires planning, managing logistics, coordinating with suppliers, and forecasting demand. Some employers require a bachelor’s degree, but employees can receive in-house promotions to this position through experience and on the job training.
4. ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS REPAIRERS (POWERHOUSE, SUBSTATION, AND RELAY)
- Median wage: $96,000
- Job growth: 4.1%
- Percent without a degree: 68%
These electrical and electronics repairers specialize in maintaining, repairing, and testing electrical equipment used in power generation, distribution, and transmission systems. Technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail are required, as well as relevant certifications and on the job training.
5. PETROLEUM PUMP SYSTEM OPERATORS, REFINERY OPERATORS, AND GAUGERS
- Median wage: $94,000
- Job growth: 7.1%
- Percent without a degree: 73%
In the oil and gas industry, petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers focus on managing equipment, monitoring processes, and maintaining safety. Some companies are now requiring an associate’s degree for new operators and gaugers, but the minimum requirement is a high school diploma and one year of on the job training.
6. SHIP ENGINEERS
- Median wage: $94,000
- Job growth: 8.8%
- Percent without a degree: 77%
Ship engineers handle the maintenance, repair, and operation of marine vessels’ engines and machinery, including electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration systems. Those interested in becoming a ship engineer will have to meet the state’s and United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) licensing requirements. Some employers are now requiring a bachelor’s degree in Naval Engineering or similar.
7. CAPTAINS, MATES, AND PILOTS OF WATER VESSELS
- Median wage: $88,000
- Job growth: 5.1%
- Percent without a degree: 72%
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels need to be licensed with the USCG. They’re responsible for overseeing all operations aboard their vessel, including navigation and management of the crew and passengers.
8. NON-RETAIL SALES SUPERVISORS
- Median wage: $84,000
- Job growth: 4.4%
- Percent without a degree: 49%
First-line non-retail sales supervisors oversee the work of their sales team in non-retail settings. Job responsibilities can vary depending on the industry and organization, but generally these supervisors are required to help their team meet sales goals, assign tasks, and monitor performance, while fostering a collaborative environment. Other duties can include budgeting, accounting, scheduling, creating new sales strategies, marketing, and other tasks.
9. FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND OTHER AGRICULTURAL MANAGERS
- Median wage: $83,000
- Job growth: -0.8%
- Percent without a degree: 64%
Farmers and ranchers can own their own land or animals, but they may also work for another organization. They’re responsible for managing and operating farms, ranches, greenhouses, nurseries, timber tracks, and more, depending on the land or business. Degrees may be required for specialized work
10. SIGNAL AND TRACK SWITCH REPAIRERS
- Median wage: $82,000
- Job growth: 8.8%
- Percent without a degree: 79%
Signal and track switch repairers install, maintain, and repair railway signals and track systems, including gates, section lines, and intercommunication systems. The job requires problem-solving skills as repairers will have to diagnose issues and on the job training.
11. GAS PLANT OPERATORS
- Median wage: $82,000
- Job growth: 5.4%
- Percent without a degree: 73%
Gas plant operators monitor operations, control equipment, conduct inspections, and check the quality of gas and other products, adjusting processes as necessary. Certification is offered, but isn’t likely required. Future gas plant operators can work with the business to receive on the job training.
12. CHEMICAL PLANT AND SYSTEM OPERATORS
- Median wage: $80,000
- Job growth: 2.6%
- Percent without a degree: 73%
Chemical plant and system operators are similar to gas plant operators, but deal with chemicals in specific manufacturing industries, including chemical, pharmaceutical and medicine, and petroleum and coal. They can also find work in some wholesale companies, waste treatment plants, and oil and gas extraction organizations.
13. ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS INSTALLERS AND REPAIRERS (TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT)
- Median wage: $79,000
- Job growth: 7.1%
- Percent without a degree: 68%
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers for transportation equipment specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing transportation systems, including automobiles, rail, aircraft, ships, and more. Certifications aren’t always required, but are recommended.
14. SOLAR ENERGY INSTALLATION MANAGERS
- Median wage: $76,000
- Job growth: 6.1%
- Percent without a degree: 83%
Solar energy installation managers oversee their employees’ solar energy system installations, keeping an eye on efficiency, safety, and budget. They need to be skilled in project management, team leadership, and communication, and have an understanding of solar energy systems. Future managers can work with an organization to gain experience or opt for an apprenticeship program.
15. MECHANIC, INSTALLER, AND REPAIRER SUPERVISORS
- Median wage: $75,000
- Job growth: 5.5%
- Percent without a degree: 72%
First-line mechanic, installer, and repairer supervisors oversee their employees’ work, coordinate projects, and enforce safety and quality standards. They can be found in a variety of industries, including automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, and construction. Certification, experience, and training requirements will vary depending on the organization and industry.
16. WELLHEAD PUMPERS
- Median wage: $71,000
- Job growth: -1.9%
- Percent without a degree: 79%
Wellhead pumpers work with oil and gas companies to monitor, control, and operate equipment used on site. They can also be responsible for diagnosing mechanical problems, collecting data, and performing routine maintenance. Not all wellhead pumpers need to have certification, but some organizations will request it.
17. BOILERMAKERS
- Median wage: $71,000
- Job growth: 6.3%
- Percent without a degree: 91%
Boilermakers fabricate, install, and repair boilers, tanks, and other large liquid and gas vessels. Skilled tradespeople, they often work in manufacturing construction, and energy production. Certifications are required, and some employers may require additional credentials. Boilermakers usually learn through an apprenticeship.
18. CONTROL AND VALVE INSTALLERS AND REPAIRERS
- Median wage: $70,000
- Job growth: 4.1%
- Percent without a degree: 78%
Control and valve installers and repairers, excluding mechanical door installers and repairers, are tasked with regulating and controlling devices relevant to their industry. This can include gas regulators, thermostats, electric meters, actuators, pipelines, and more. Common employers are in natural gas distribution, electric power, local government, equipment wholesalers, and building equipment contracting.
19. STATIONARY ENGINEERS AND BOILER OPERATORS
- Median wage: $67,000
- Job growth: 2.7%
- Percent without a degree: 67%
Stationary engineers and boiler operators tend to work with boilers, turbines, generators, and other equipment that produces steam or electricity. They can be responsible for operating equipment, monitoring systems, reporting irregularities, and conducting routine maintenance. Vocational school or college courses are often recommended.
20. RAIL-TRACK LAYING AND MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
- Median wage: $67,000
- Job growth: 9.5%
- Percent without a degree: 90%
Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators lay, repair, and maintain rail track. This can be used for regular railroad service, but they can also work in plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. They often work directly with rail companies, but are also employed by local and state governments, construction firms, and transportation companies.
Should You Get a College Degree?
Choosing to pursue a college degree is a personal decision. It really comes down to answering the question, “Is a college degree required for my career and personal goals?”
Here are a few questions to consider when deciding if you do or don’t need to pursue that college degree:
What are the Benefits of Going to College?
Going to college to earn a degree has several benefits that can impact your career options, opportunities, and financial situation, including:
- Access to higher-paying jobs
- Potential for higher pay and promotions
- Access to specific industries where degrees are required
- Gain specialized knowledge
- Networking opportunities
- Some internship opportunities
What are the Benefits of Not Getting a College Degree?
If you opt not to get a college degree, the biggest benefit is avoiding the high cost of college (and accompanying student loans), especially if your intended career field doesn’t require a degree.
The other main benefit is the ability to enter the workforce sooner. Students who don’t go to college start getting work experience and income right away. While working during college is an option, many students prefer to focus on their studies.
Does the Intended Industry or Career Require a College Degree?
There are plenty of jobs and industries that don’t require college degrees. Three examples that don’t require degrees are:
- Skilled trades. While electricians, plumbers, and similar contractors need training and likely certification, a degree isn’t required to work in this field.
- Sales. A business degree could technically help with sales, but it’s not a requirement. Some people in sales even have degrees in non-business majors.
- Creative fields. You may not need a college degree to pursue art. For instance, photography is a college major that’s often offered, but this is something you can learn on your own time, too.
Even jobs that typically require a college degree don’t always demand one. Paralegals, for instance, often have bachelor’s degrees, but many only have a high school diploma or some college without a degree. Organizations may also forgo degree requirements if you have enough relevant experience.
Are there Alternative Learning/Training Options?
It’s important to note that jobs that don’t require a degree may require some other type of training or certification. For example, electricians need to receive relevant certification in order to work in their state. The certifications can be earned through a vocational or trade school and paid out of your own pocket, but some businesses will cover the cost of training and certification if you agree to work for them after your training is finished.
However, even in occupations that don’t require degrees, you could be held back by not obtaining one. It can limit your earning potential, cause you to be passed up for promotions, reduce job opportunities, or result in missing out on training opportunities. Using the paralegal example, not all law offices will hire a paralegal without a degree, limiting job options. Those that do hire paralegals without a degree tend to offer college educated paralegals more money than those who chose not to go to college.
What Skills are Necessary for the Intended Career?
Certain skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, are required for specific positions. If your intended career requires a skill that is not your forte, you may need to consider further education or training to get your abilities up to par.
How Can You Find Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree?
If you don’t want to go to college, but want to explore jobs that are available to you, we recommend starting with our Career Finder. You can search jobs by education required and see job growth projections, salary expectations, responsibilities, and more.
However, even once you know what you want to do, finding a job can be difficult. To stand out, we recommend:
- Searching job boards
- Attending career fairs
- Networking
- Building a portfolio or resume
- Gaining relevant certifications
- Reaching out to organizations about on the job training
- Researching and self-learning
Not all well paying jobs require a college degree. For some employees, earning a college degree isn’t worth the time or investment. However, there are some cases where it can influence job opportunities, promotions, and pay. If you’re considering a position that doesn’t require a college degree, you’ll still want to do your research into growth opportunities, required certifications, and training opportunities.
Want to explore more careers that usually don’t require a college degree? Our Career Finder has you covered!
