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You don’t always need a college degree to land a job that pays well and keeps you happy. In today’s world, many career paths value skills, hands-on experience, and a good work ethic over a diploma.
Whether you love working with your hands, enjoy helping others, or have a creative side, there’s a high-paying job out there waiting for you.
This post will explore some of the best jobs you can get without a degree and helpful tips to kick-start your career journey.
Let’s dive in and discover the opportunities that might be perfect for you!
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Technology and IT Careers
Tech jobs can pay well and offer flexibility. These roles often need skills you can learn through training or certifications.
1. Network Systems Administrator
You can become a Network Systems Administrator with vocational training and certifications. College degrees are not always required, and short programs can quickly teach you the necessary skills.
Many people in this field train for less than two years before landing good jobs.
The median yearly pay is $95,360. Top earners make over $148,710 per year. Job openings will grow by 10% between 2023 and 2033. Certifications show your abilities to employers and boost job chances more than formal education does.
2. Web Developer
Web developers can earn well without needing a degree. This job pays a median salary of $84,960 per year, while top professionals make over $157,280 annually.
Practical experience matters more than formal education. You need skills like problem-solving and teamwork to succeed. Many companies hire based on your portfolio instead of credentials.
The job market for web developers is strong, as demand keeps growing. Use platforms like LinkedIn or ZipRecruiter to find opportunities quickly.
3. IT Support Specialist
IT Support Specialists earn about $60,810 per year. You only need a high school diploma for this role.
Your job is to fix technical issues, set up devices, and help users with computer problems. Companies rely on IT support for smooth operations. With tech skills and certifications like CompTIA or Microsoft, you can quickly land a solid position in this field!
4. Computer User Support Specialist
A Computer User Support Specialist earns an average of $60,810 yearly. The job market for this role will grow by 10% between 2023 and 2033. You only need a high school diploma to get started, but certifications help you stand out.
Employers value skills and experience more than degrees in this field.
These specialists solve IT problems for users at work or at home. Many positions let you work remotely, offering flexibility and convenience. The unemployment rate in such roles is low, just 9.6%.
This makes it a solid career choice without needing a college degree!
Healthcare and Medical Roles
You can find great healthcare jobs that pay well and don’t require a degree.
5. Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
A medical coding and billing specialist earns about $48,780 per year. You only need a high school diploma or a postsecondary certificate to start. This job involves organizing patient records, using medical codes for insurance claims, and handling bills.
Attention to detail is key in this role. You will use computer systems daily while managing patient care data. Hospitals, nursing facilities, and doctors’ offices often hire these specialists.
It’s a great path if you want steady work without spending years in college.
6. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists earn up to $87,530 annually, and top earners make over $118,400 annually. This job focuses on oral care and helping patients keep their teeth healthy.
Hygienists clean teeth, check for gum disease, and teach proper brushing habits. You’ll need an associate degree in dental hygiene and a state license. It’s a rewarding role in healthcare without needing years of school.
7. Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists play a key role in operating rooms. They prepare tools and make sure the area stays sterile. Your job might involve passing tools to surgeons during procedures or checking that the equipment works properly.
This career pays well without a degree. You can earn around $60,610 per year, with top earners making over $83,150 annually. Training programs for surgical technology are shorter than those for many other healthcare roles.
These programs teach you how to assist doctors and handle surgical instruments safely. This work is perfect if you like precision and thrive under pressure!
8. Occupational Therapy Assistant
As an occupational therapy assistant (OTA), you help patients rebuild daily skills by assisting with exercises and activities. You might work in hospitals, schools, or people’s homes.
The job offers great pay without a bachelor’s degree. An associate’s degree, which takes about two years to complete, is required. The median salary is $61,510 each year, and top earners make over $78,590 annually.
This role will grow by 25% from 2023 to 2033, creating many new opportunities in healthcare and rehabilitation.
Creative and Freelance Opportunities
Explore paths where creativity meets independence, freelance jobs offer flexibility and growth. These roles let you turn skills into income while working on your terms.
9. Photographer
Photographers can make a good living without a degree. You need skills in editing programs and some experience with cameras. Many photographers earn about $40,760 per year. You could work for events, magazines, or even as self-employed.
This job lets you be creative while earning money. Different areas, such as weddings, portraits, or product photos, offer options to grow your career. With practice and passion, you can build a strong portfolio to attract clients.
10. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create logos, websites, ads, and more. You can work freelance or with a company. A strong portfolio matters more than a degree for many jobs without a college requirement.
Skills-based hiring is growing fast in this field.
As a freelancer, you can set your own hours. Many use platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find clients. Graphic design offers freedom and good pay through creative work!
11. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant works from home and handles tasks for businesses. You might manage emails, set appointments, or handle customer service. Many companies hire virtual assistants to save costs.
This job pays well without needing a degree. You can earn quickly with just a high school diploma and good organizational skills. Remote work is common in this field, offering flexibility and convenience.
12. Social Media Manager
You can manage accounts for companies as a social media manager. Businesses pay well to help them grow their followers and sell their products online.
Learn tools like scheduling apps or analytics software to track engagement. Build experience by handling smaller projects first. Many businesses prefer skills over degrees, making this one of the high-paying jobs without formal schooling.
Fitness and Personal Care Careers
Jobs in fitness or personal care can be rewarding and flexible. These careers often let you help others feel their best while earning a good income.
13. Personal Trainer
A personal trainer can earn around $46,480 per year. You help clients reach fitness goals through workout plans and advice. Certification is needed for this job, so you must study and pass a program.
Many trainers work in gyms or offer private sessions at homes or online.
This career doesn’t require a college degree but demands energy and people skills. Strong knowledge of health and exercise is key, too. With more people caring about fitness today, your services will stay in demand.
14. Massage Therapist
Massage therapists earn about $55,310 a year. You need a license or certification to work in this field. Training programs teach you to reduce pain and stress and help clients relax.
This career offers flexible hours and high demand. People often seek massages for health reasons or personal care. You can start quickly without needing a college degree with proper vocational training.
15. Cosmetologist or Hairstylist
You can become a cosmetologist or hairstylist without a degree. Complete a state-approved cosmetology program and get your license. These programs teach hair cutting, styling, coloring, and more.
This career pays around $41,780 per year. With experience, you can work in salons or start your own business. Build skills to attract loyal clients and grow your income over time.
Skilled Trades and Technical Jobs
Skilled trades offer hands-on work with solid pay. These jobs often need vocational training or certifications instead of a degree.
16. Electrician
Electricians earn about $67,810 per year. This job needs hands-on skills and problem-solving. You work with wires, lighting, and air conditioning ducts. Most states require a license to start working in this field.
You can train at a trade school or through an apprenticeship program. Electrician demand is expected to grow by 11% from 2023 to 2033, making it a high-paying and stable career option without needing a college degree.
17. Plumber
Plumbers can earn around $61,550 per year. You will work with pipes, fix water heaters, and repair issues like leaks or clogs. The job needs steady hands and good problem-solving skills.
Most states require a plumbing license. Vocational training or attending trade schools helps you learn the skill quickly. Many plumbers start as apprentices to gain experience while earning money.
Demand for plumbers stays high because homes and businesses always need water systems fixed.
18. HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians work with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. You install, repair, or maintain equipment like furnaces and air conditioners. This job offers solid pay; the average salary is $57,300 annually, with top earners making over $84,250 annually.
Licensing or certification is often required. Many employers look for people with training from technical schools or vocational programs. Hands-on experience through apprenticeships can be a big plus, too! This field has strong demand as homes and businesses need reliable systems year-round.
19. Welder
Welders earn a median salary of $48,940 each year, and some, with experience and advanced skills, earn more than $72,970. The job market for welders is growing fast, with an expected 10% rise from 2023 to 2033.
You can start this career with just a high school diploma. Many employers also offer on-the-job training. Trade schools provide welding programs that take two years or less to complete.
Certifications can boost your pay and job choices in this field.
20. Elevator and Escalator Installer
You can earn about $102,420 per year as an elevator and escalator installer. This job involves installing, repairing, and maintaining elevators, escalators, and similar machines in buildings.
A high school diploma is enough to start. You also need four years of apprenticeship training. After that, getting a license is required for this role. It’s a hands-on job with strong demand in cities or places with tall buildings and public transportation systems.
Transportation and Maintenance Jobs
Transportation and maintenance careers offer solid pay with hands-on work. These roles often need specific skills, making them valuable in many industries.
21. Truck Driver
Truck drivers earn good pay without needing a degree. Many jobs offer steady incomes comparable to skilled trades. On average, truck drivers can make solid earnings, especially in specialized roles.
You only need a high school diploma or vocational training to start. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is mandatory, but easy to get through short programs. Demand is strong, with job growth expected at 10% from 2023 to 2033.
Skills like time management and vehicle maintenance are crucial for success in this field.
22. Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft mechanics inspect, fix, and maintain planes. You ensure safety by repairing engines, hydraulics, or electrical systems. This job pays an average of $75,020 annually, with top earners making over $114,750.
You need FAA-approved training to start. Earning an Airframe and Powerplant certificate boosts your chances. These jobs offer strong demand and steady pay growth in the aviation maintenance field.
23. Heavy Equipment Operator
Heavy equipment operators earn solid pay without needing a college degree. You can start in this field with just a high school diploma, GED, or vocational training. The average salary is about $55,270 per year.
Some experienced workers even make over $94,800 annually.
This job path expects 10% growth from 2023 to 2033. Certifications and practical experience improve your chances of landing higher-paying roles. Many positions also focus on work-life balance and low-stress environments, making them attractive options for steady income with fewer daily pressures.
Tips for Landing a High-Paying Job Without a Degree
Learn skills, get certified, and build connections, it can open doors to great jobs!
Gain Certifications and Licenses
Certifications help you stand out. Many high-paying jobs, like electricians or pharmacy technicians, require proper licensing. These prove your skills and meet job standards. Most states need licenses for careers such as plumbers and HVAC technicians.
Short programs can give quick results. For example, becoming a certified welder may take only a few months but offers excellent pay. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates aircraft mechanics, so getting their approval is key to working in aviation jobs.
Certifications also boost confidence when applying for technical or healthcare roles, such as dental hygienists or medical coders.
Build a Strong Portfolio or Resume
Showcase your skills with real examples. Highlight work experience, certifications, and vocational training. Include if you completed a certificate program or gained expertise in areas like soldering or inspections.
Use clear sections to list achievements. Tailor each resume for the job you want. Add any volunteer work or freelance projects if they show functional skills. Keep everything neat and easy to read!
Network and Seek Apprenticeships
Talk to people in your field of interest. Use LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and professional groups to connect. Attend events or job fairs where employers gather. Building relationships can lead to hidden job opportunities.
Apprenticeships are great for learning on the job. Many skilled trades, like plumbing or welding, offer them. These programs let you earn while training under experts. Companies often hire workers from their apprenticeships after completion.
The Bottom Line
Many great jobs pay well without needing a degree. You can explore skilled trades, tech careers, healthcare, or creative gigs. These paths offer good pay and real opportunities for growth.
With training and certifications, you can stand out in these fields. Take the first step today to build a rewarding career!
