Everybody knows it…
People with a college degree generally make more money than people without one. In fact, according to Bankrate.com, people who only have a high school diploma make a median salary of $48,360, while people with a bachelor’s degree make a median annual salary of $80,236.[1]
That’s a huge difference, for sure. And that huge difference might concern you if you don’t have a college degree. Because we’re sure you’d like to earn a big paycheck too.
But…
Did you know there are jobs out there that can pay way over $48,360 a year that don’t require a college degree? It’s true!
Today, FindYourJobNow.com will share nine of the highest paying jobs you can find that don’t require a college degree[2], we’ll show you what you’ll need to land one of them, and we’ll show you how to find one near you.
So, let’s get to it.
Now, like we said, the average bachelor’s degree holder makes about $80,000 a year.
With that said, did you know that elevator/escalator installers and repairers make a median annual salary of about $102,000?
That’s a six figure job, without ever having to go to college. But, in order to get a job as one, you will need a high school diploma, you’ll need to complete a four-year apprenticeship, and you’ll need to be licensed or certified in your state.
Another great paying job in “the trades” is construction and building inspection. With your high school diploma, experience in construction trades (which trade school can provide) and, of course, licenses and certifications, you could make a median annual salary of about $67,000.
Now, if you love to travel, and would like to make a median annual salary of $68,370, perhaps you should consider becoming a flight attendant. To get a job as a flight attendant, you’ll need to be trained by the airline and certified by the FAA.
Want to make even more than that? Then consider becoming an electrical power-line installer/repairer. With a high school diploma and technical and classroom training, you could earn a median annual salary of $85,420.
But if working up high on powerlines is not your cup of tea, why not become a wholesale and manufacturing sales rep? Depending on the employer, you might only need a high school diploma to earn a median salary of $73,080 a year.
You’ve probably been on an airplane. And those planes are maintained by professional aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians. In order to earn a median salary of $75,400, you’ll need credentials from a certified FAA-approved program to earn your Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification.
Next up we have locomotive engineers. Another job in “travel”, these pros make a median annual salary of $73,580. In order to land this job, you’ll need a high school diploma, a certification from the Federal Railroad Administration, and on-the-job training.
Now, if you’re the type of person who loves solving mysteries, perhaps a detective or criminal investigator is the job for you. While some police departments may require you to have a college degree, others don’t.
To become a detective, you’d likely start off as a police officer then go into detective training. This job pays a median annual salary of $74,910.
And finally, we have transportation, storage and distribution managers. With a high school diploma and vocational school, you could earn a median salary of $99,200 a year!
There you have them. Nine jobs that pay very good and don’t require a college degree.
So, how can you find one near you?
Simple. Just visit our homepage at www.FindYourJobNow.com. Once there, put in the type of job you’re looking for and where you’re looking to work (right there in the advanced job search toolbar)…
And then click “view jobs”
That’s it!
[1] College Graduate Salaries: 2025 Projections | Bankrate
[2] Highest-Paying Jobs In 2025 You Can Get Without a Degree | Kiplinger