Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs/Careers With No College Degree Required

Who said college was the only way to secure a high-paying job/career? Today there are plenty of professions that will pay you a decent salary without the experience and degrees that come with a university, and the only education level being a high school diploma. Below I have named a few...

1. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

This highest paying job without a degree involves all activities relating to the planning and coordination of distribution, transportation, or storage. Transportation managers are responsible for directing these activities in accordance with government regulations and organizational policies. Tasks include planning and implementing warehouse safety, supervising shipping, receiving, storing, and testing of products, and integrating logistics with business operations.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent

• Years of Experience: 5 or more years

• Median Income: $94,560

• Projected Jobs: 4,900

2. Police Officers

If you’re at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma and valid driver’s license, and are a U.S. citizen, becoming a police officer is a career option for those who don’t possess a degree. In addition to those eligibility requirements, written and physical exams must be passed before becoming a cadet. Police cadets typically attend a training academy to learn about federal, state, and local laws, civil rights, and ethics. They’ll also receive on-the-job training to be able to perform duties such as traffic control, self-defense, first aid, patrol, and emergency response. After completing training and passing a series of interviews, cadets are allowed to become police officers.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training

• Years of Experience: None

• Median Income: $65,170

• Projected Jobs: 40,600

3. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Aircraft Mechanics perform routine maintenance or make repairs to aircraft. After completing high school, mechanics and technicians can get technical training and complete certification at an aviation technician school that is approved by the Federal Aviation Association (FAA). Another pathway is to start training on the job with constant supervision in order to gain enough experience to become certified. Responsibilities include fixing electrical or mechanical issues and repairing parts relating to the brakes, wings, and other electrical components.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent, additional technical training

• Years of Experience: None

• Median Income: $64,310

• Projected Jobs: 7,300

4. Court Reporters

To qualify for an entry-level court reporter position, you’ll need to complete a certificate from a community college or technical school. Certifications will prepare you to pass typing-speed exams and obtain a license, which is required in many states. After gaining your credentials, you will work in court creating word-for-word transcripts of proceedings, hearings, and depositions. Court reporting is essential to legal proceedings, and you can feel confident about doing work that benefits society while also getting paid well for it.

• Education: Postsecondary nondegree award, on-the-job training

• Years of Experience: None

• Median Income: $60,130

• Projected Jobs: 1,400

5. Property Managers

You don’t need a college degree to manage real estate, property, or community associations. Property managers maintain the operations and appearance of real estate or communities in order to generate income from the property. Their tasks include showing the property to potential renters, discussing financial options and terms of leasing, conducting inspections, scheduling repairs, and running operations according to fair housing laws. Although this occupation isn’t in decline, automation of property management has slowed this field’s growth.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent

• Years of Experience: Less than 5 years

• Median Income: $58,760

• Projected Jobs: 800

6. Lighting, Media, and Communication Equipment Workers

Individuals who work as lighting technicians or media and communication equipment workers are well-compensated for their services. This career finds high levels of employment in the following industries: radio and television broadcasting, motion picture and video, colleges and universities, rental and leasing services, and federal government. Jump into this career after earning a high school diploma and going through short-term on-the-job training.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training

• Years of Experience: None

• Median Income: $73,460

• Projected Jobs: 1,300

7. Commercial Pilots

While airline pilots typically need a bachelor’s degree, commercial pilots perform a similar job without one. Commercial pilots operate and fly aircraft, such as helicopters and airplanes that aren’t affiliated with airlines. Their responsibilities include preparing and inspecting aircraft conditions, making flight plans, communicating with air traffic controllers, and navigating aircraft. Unlike airline pilots, commercial pilots generally perform unscheduled flights such as charter flights and aerial tours. Reap the benefits of a pilot’s salary while getting to stay closer to home.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent, commercial pilot’s license

• Years of Experience: Less than 5 years (500 to 1,500 hours minimum flight experience)

• Median Income: $86,080

• Projected Jobs: 45,400

8. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

This career consists of maintaining and installing the power grid, and entry-level positions require a high school diploma. Electrical power-line installers install power line networks and repairers service high-voltage lines and towers or even street and traffic lights. Typical duties include inspecting power lines, identifying defects in the power grid, and climbing poles to string power lines. These electrical line installers and repairers work in dangerous conditions off of the ground and with high-voltage electricity. This risk may be balanced by strong growth and compensation.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training

• Years of Experience: None

• Median Income: $72,520

• Projected Jobs: 116,900

9. Non-Retail Sales Supervisors

In this role, individuals supervise non-retail sales workers and may also take on budgeting and accounting responsibilities. Non-retail sales supervisors manage their staff and offer guidance in hitting sales goals and resolving problems regarding services or products. Although this occupation’s jobs are projected to decline, the current job landscape indicates a robust field with 409,800 employed in 2020.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent

• Years of Experience: Less than 5 years

• Median Income: $74,760

• Projected Jobs: 34,100

10. Agricultural Managers

Agricultural managers, farmers, and ranchers make a decent salary producing livestock, dairy, or crops. This occupation typically needs a high school diploma to get started, but as farm management grows more complex, a secondary degree may be necessary. Agricultural manager positions are expected to decline as farms become more efficient, but about 81,000 job openings are projected each year for the next decade. Explore this career if you enjoy working outdoors with crops or animals.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent

• Years of Experience: 5 or more years

• Median Income: $71,160

• Projected Jobs: 61,600

~Ironesha Johnson (;