While a four-year degree has long been seen as a ticket to a successful and high-paying career, times have changed. With college tuition soaring high, many are questioning whether taking the traditional path is still worth it. Surprisingly, some jobs pay around $100k to employees who don’t have a college degree. All they need are the necessary skills and specialized training that are more valuable to the job than a diploma.
12. Dental Hygienist
This role is seen as a standard healthcare support role, and surprisingly, they earn a six-figure salary in most markets. Those who are experienced, especially in high-demand areas, can earn $60,000-$100,000 annually. All this job requires is an associate’s degree in dental hygiene and a state licensure, without committing to medical school. This profession also offers a work-life balance because of its flexible hours and part-time opportunities.
11. Commercial Truck Driver (Specialized Roles)
Did you know that specialized truck drivers can earn six figures? If you’re an owner-operator, you can even earn an average of $342,000 annually. The secret is in hauling oversized loads, hazardous materials, or managing a fleet. These are niches that require extra certification and skills. This industry is the backbone of the economy, especially with persistent shortages in drivers.
10. Nuclear Technician
You can become a nuclear technician with an associate’s degree or equivalent to military experience, particularly from the U.S. Navy. You will be responsible for monitoring and operating nuclear reactors and equipment, which demands the right precision and safety. Starting salaries will pay you around $50,000 to $70,000, but for experienced technicians, they command salaries over $100,000. These skilled technicians are actually needed in the energy sectors.
9. Real Estate Broker
Everyone knows that real estate agents make a good living, but those who advance to become brokers earn even more. While agents work under a broker, a licensed broker can have their own firm and manage agents to earn from their commissions. This business will earn you six figures and even beyond. In top markets like New York, they earn over $136,000 with just enough experience and a broker’s license.
8. Electrical Power-Line Installer/Repairer
They are the professionals behind getting our electricity back on, and of course, they’re compensated with good pay. They have a median salary of about $92,000, and around 40.5%% of workers without a degree earn six figures. All the job requires is a high school diploma and a long-term apprenticeship to master all that there is to the job.
7. Software Developer (Self-Taught/Bootcamp)
Software development is truly a high-paying field, but you don’t actually need a computer science degree to earn six figures in this industry, just like 56.5% of them. Tech giants like Apple, Google, and IBM are prioritizing skills as they open their companies to those willing to learn. There are intensive bootcamps that you can complete in 12-24 weeks that will land you in high-paying roles.
6. Locomotive Engineer
Yup, operating engines from the nation’s railways pays six figures. Locomotive engineers have a median salary of nearly $98,000, with 41.3% of them earning over $100,000 without a bachelor’s degree. All this career requires is a high school diploma and a willingness for on-the-job training from railroad company programs. You will get to learn engine mechanics and federal regulations.
5. Commercial Pilot
Many assume that an airline pilot will need a bachelor’s degree, but the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has no requirement for that certification. The path you must take is through flight school and accumulating flight hours. The median salary is over $198,100, with top pilots earning more. But be ready for an expensive and rigorous training to be one.
4. Power Plant Operator
Power plant operators are responsible for managing systems that generate and distribute electricity. Median income for this profession is at $100,000, with over 41.2% of operators earning six figures without having a bachelor’s degree. An entry-level position will only require you to have a high school diploma and extensive on-the-job training, which includes apprenticeships.
3. Architectural and Engineering Manager
Of course, moving into a management role will boost your income, but it’s surprising to do so without a degree. With that, 60.9% of architectural and engineering managers earn six figures without a bachelor’s degree. They’re responsibilities include planning, directing, and coordinating activities in architectural and engineering companies. Their skills are honed through technical experience in the field.
2. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers’ jobs include the safe and orderly flow of air traffic. The median salary for this role is $144,580, potentially earning up to $225,000. The entry requirements include being a U.S. citizen under 31 and passing rigorous tests like the Air Traffic Skills Assessment. After you get accepted, you will need to attend the FAA Academy for months of training.
1. Chief Executive
Out of all the success stories, we all know that you don’t need a fancy degree to run a company and earn a six-figure salary. In fact, 63.6% of chief executives earn over $100,000 without a bachelor’s degree. They possess leadership, vision, and an entrepreneurial spirit more than others with formal education. This proves that it’s actually in an individual, whether with a bachelor’s degree or not, to succeed in life.