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).
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Related Content
-
3 Ways to Stretch the 2026 Social Security COLA For Your BudgetThree steps retirees can take to stretch the Social Security COLA to fit their budgets.
-
How to Keep Your Charitable Giving Momentum Going All YearInstead of treating charity like a year-end rush for tax breaks, consider using smart tools like DAFs and recurring grants for maximum impact all the year.
-
Uber Takes Aim at the Bottom Lines of Billboard LawyersUber has filed lawsuits and proposed a ballot initiative, in California, to curb settlements it claims are falsely inflated by some personal injury lawyers.
-
Uber Takes Aim at the Bottom Lines of Billboard Personal Injury Lawyers
Uber has filed lawsuits and proposed a ballot initiative, in California, to curb settlements it claims are falsely inflated by some personal injury lawyers.
-
11 Cities With the Cheapest Groceries in the USIf you live in one of these 11 cities, you're paying less than the rest of the country to keep your fridge stocked.
-
Giving Tuesday 2025: 'Every Small Act Makes a Major Difference'GivingTuesday encourages generosity in any form, from donating to charity to helping your neighbors.
-
How to Position Your Portfolio for Lower Interest RatesThe Federal Reserve is far from done with its rate-cutting regime. This is how investors can prepare.
-
Moves to Manage the Soaring Costs of Owning a CarIt's costing more and more to keep a car on the road, but you can drive some costs down. Here's how to get a better deal on insurance premiums, repairs and gas
-
My First $1 Million: Oil Industry Engineering Manager, 67, Chapel Hill, N.C.Ever wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
I'm a Financial Literacy Expert: Bubble-Wrapping Our Kids Robbed Them of Resilience. Now What?By raising them to think they're amazing no matter what and lifting them over obstacles, we left them unprepared to work in the real world.
-
I'm a Financial Planner: If You're a High Earner, You Need an 18-Month Safety NetNo job seems to be safe in this age of AI. If you make a larger-than-usual salary, then you need to have a larger-than-usual emergency fund. Here's why.
