Highest-Paying Jobs In 2025 You Can Get Without a Degree

A woman in a construction hat shakes hands with her new employer.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

In certain industries, relevant work experience, internships, training and certifications are just as important, if not more, than a four-year degree.

Job applications usually have a minimum educational requirement — some college, an associate's, bachelor’s or master’s degree. But with average student loan debt topping $1.77 trillion (an increase of 66% in the past 10 years), according to the Federal Reserve, you might ask if a four-year college degree is worth it.

The answer will likely depend on your career choice. Some professions — medical and health care providers, lawyers, teachers, nuclear engineers — all require a degree or degrees. (Here's our look at the best college majors for a lucrative career).

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However, some underrepresented career fields welcome applicants who never attended college or don't hold a four-year degree, and some of these careers pay very well.

There are plenty of in-demand careers with a salary higher than $59,228 (the median U.S. annual salary in 2024), according to "10 Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree in 2025," a report from career resource platform Resume Genius.

The list spotlights 10 well-paying jobs and their accompanying educational requirements, based on the latest data (2023) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data takes into account a minimum U.S. median annual salary and high growth projections, as well as jobs with more stable, little-change scenarios.

Here are the 10 highest-paying jobs with high growth projections that don't require a degree this year.

1. Elevator and escalator installer and repairer (up from #3 last year)

Median annual salary: (2023) $102,420
Number of jobs (2023): 24,400
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 6%
Educational requirements: High school diploma, completion of a 4-year apprenticeship and a state license or certification.
Work experience: None. But you’ll work in tight spaces and at heights, so it’s necessary to have physical stamina and be comfortable in small spaces. Repair workers might also be on call 24 hours a day or need to work overtime.

2. Transportation, storage, and distribution manager

Container ship in import export and business logistic, By crane, Trade Port, Shipping cargo to harbor, Aerial view from drone, International transportation, Business logistics concept

Median annual salary: (2023) $99,200
Number of jobs (2023): 211,800
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 9%
Educational requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and vocational training
Work experience: None for entry-level jobs, but relevant work experience in a related role and certifications are beneficial. Some employers might prefer or require a bachelor’s degree.

3. Electrical power-line installer and repairer

High voltage power line towers at sunset

Median annual salary: (2023) $85,420
Number of jobs (2023): 123,400
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 8%
Educational requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Work experience: Technical training is typically completed through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job apprenticeships.

4. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanic and technician

Median annual salary: (2023) $75,400
Number of jobs (2023): 163,300
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 5%
Educational requirements: Credentials from an FAA-approved program to earn your Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification, although some technicians start with an associate’s degree or gain experience through military service.
Work experience: On-the-job training for most positions after certification.

5. Detective and criminal investigator

Photo of a man in sunglasses behind the wheel of a car holding a camera

Median annual salary: (2023) $74,910
Number of jobs (2023): 796,800
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 4%
Educational requirements: High school diploma at minimum, though some roles require a college degree. Most police officers and detectives must graduate from their agency’s training program before completing on-the-job training. Other requirements vary.
Work experience: Career advancement can be influenced by experience, specialized skills and additional on-the-job training and certifications.

6. Locomotive engineer

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - MAY 15:A freight train passes diagonally-shifted layers of earth as it crosses the San Andreas Rift Zone, the system of depressions in the ground between the parallel fau

Median annual salary: (2023) $73,580
Number of jobs (2023): 83,000
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 2%
Educational requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training, plus earning a certification from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Work experience: Earning potential and career progression can improve with on-the-job experience and additional certifications.

7. Wholesale and manufacturing sales representative

Median annual salary: (2023) $73,080
Number of jobs (2023): 1,681,400
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 1%
Educational requirements: If the products are not technical or scientific, a high school diploma is generally sufficient for entry into the occupation. If the products are scientific or technical, sales representatives typically need at least a bachelor's degree.
Work experience: Experience in sales or customer service.

8. Athlete and sports competitor

Photo of a baseball, football and basketball player

Median annual salary: (2023) $70,280 to start
Number of jobs (2023): 25,100
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 11%
Educational requirements: High school diploma and outstanding athletic talent and deep knowledge of the sport, although many pro athletes are drafted while in college.
Work experience: On-the-job training

9. Flight attendant

Median annual salary: (2023) $68,370
Number of jobs (2023): 130,300
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 10%
Educational requirements: Most airlines don’t require a college degree, although some might prefer it. A high school diploma is usually required, plus on-the-job training from the employer. Most flight attendants must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Work experience: On-the-job training; knowing a foreign language can be helpful for international work.

10. Construction and building inspector

Repairman, building inspector, exterminator, engineer, insurance adjuster, or other blue collar worker examines a building/home exterior wall.He wears a red hard hat and clear safety glasses

Median annual salary: (2023) $67,700
Number of jobs (2023): 142,600
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 0%
Educational requirements: High school diploma and experience in a construction trade. Some states also require a license or certification.
Work experience: Licensing (varies by state) with additional certifications.

Other jobs that pay well without a four-year degree

Here's are 10 other career fields that don't require a 4-year degree, according to U.S. News and World Report, "Best Jobs Without a Degree in 2025." Some don't quite meet the median U.S. annual salary in 2024 of $59,228, but most are a good jumping-off point for early in your career, and many offer room for advancement.

Solar photovoltaic installer. Salary: $48,800
Wind turbine tech. Salary: $61,770
Home health aide. Salary: $33,530
Electrician. Salary: $61,590
Massage therapist. Salary: $55,310
Community health worker. Salary: $48,200
Hearing aid specialist. Salary: $58,670
Pharmacy tech. Salary: $40,300
Baker. Salary: $34,950
Ophthalmic medical technician. Salary: $41,780

How to land a high-paying job without a four-year degree

Given the soaring cost of college and an explosion in online learning and certificate courses, it's no wonder that students are looking for non-traditional ways to join the labor force.

However, even if you choose to forego a four-year degree, having relevant work experience, certifications and on-the-job training shows employers you have what it takes to succeed in your career.

“A college degree doesn’t mean quite what it used to, and we're witnessing a significant shift towards skills-based hiring," explains Eva Chan, a career expert at Resume Genius. "This change is creating more accessible opportunities, including a range of lesser-known, yet well-paying roles."

But keep in mind, even if you don't hold a degree, you might be competing with someone who does.

That's why a having a professional résumé that highlights alternate education in the form of certifications, associate degrees, short-term courses, professional training, vocational programs or apprenticeships is imperative to get your foot in the door, even without a college diploma.

For the past 18+ years, Kathryn has highlighted the humanity in personal finance by shaping stories that identify the opportunities and obstacles in managing a person's finances. All the same, she’ll jump on other equally important topics if needed. Kathryn graduated with a degree in Journalism and lives in Duluth, Minnesota. She joined Kiplinger in 2023 as a contributor.