The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a significant uptick in fast-growing, high-earning jobs without a college degree requirement, with an expected growth of 60% from 2020 to 2030.
Resume Genius, a leading career resource platform, created a list of the highest-paying jobs you can do without a degree.
“A college degree doesn’t mean quite what it used to, and we’re witnessing a significant shift towards skills-based hiring. This change is creating more accessible opportunities, including a range of lesser-known yet well-paying roles,” explains Eva Chan, Career Expert at Resume Genius.
This report was created by referencing U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational employment statistics for 2022–2032 and 2022 wage data.
Resume Genius analysts took the following steps in January 2024 to create this list of the top 20 jobs in terms of positive growth with a salary higher than $56,420 (the median US annual salary):
- extracted the professions that showed positive growth in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational employment projections for 2022–2033
- determined which jobs also had a salary higher than $56,420
Geoffrey Scott, Senior Hiring Manager at Resume Genius, also contributed his insights, noting, “We want job seekers to know that these high-paying careers exist and are attainable, even for those who may not have a college degree.”
Each job title includes the median annual wage, projected change in employment, typical education requirements, and required work experience.
1. Airline and Commercial Pilot
Amaviael/DepositPhotos.
- Median annual salary: $148,900
- Number of jobs: 142,600
- Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 4%
- Typical educational requirements: Vocational training or Associate’s degree
- Work experience required: None, but FAA certifications and flight hours necessary
2. Information Security Analyst
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- Median annual salary: $112,000
- Number of jobs: 168,900
- Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 32%
- Typical educational requirements: High school diploma or vocational training
- Work experience required: None, but relevant certifications are beneficial
3. Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer
- Median annual salary: $99,999
- Number of jobs: 25,100
- Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 1%
- Typical educational requirements: High school diploma or GED
- Work experience required: Apprenticeship
4. Special Effects Artist and Animator
Xalanx/DepositPhotos.
- Median annual salary: $98,950
- Number of jobs: 89,300
- Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 8%
- Typical educational requirements: High school diploma or vocational training in makeup or cosmetology
- Work experience required: Portfolio of work, certifications can be beneficial.
5. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager
- Median annual salary: $98,560
- Number of jobs: 14,600
- Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 8%
- Typical educational requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; certification programs beneficial
- Work experience required: 5 years in a related field (logistics, supply chain management)
6. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective
- Median annual salary: $96,290
- Number of jobs: 4,300
- Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 3%
- Typical educational requirements: High school diploma, police academy training
- Work experience required: Several years in police force
7. Radiation Therapist
- Median annual salary: $89,530
- Number of jobs: 15,900
- Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 2%
- Typical educational requirements: Associate’s degree in radiation therapy
- Work experience required: Clinical experience for certification
8. Subway and Streetcar Operator
- Median annual salary: $88,260
- Number of jobs: 300
- Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 4%
- Typical educational requirements: High school diploma
- Work experience required: On-the-job training
9. Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer
- Median annual salary: $82,340 per year
- Number of jobs: 122,400
- Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 3%
- Typical educational requirements: High school diploma, technical training preferred
- Work experience required: Apprenticeship
10. Dental Hygienist
- Median annual salary: $81,400
- Number of jobs: 219,400
- Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 7%
- Typical educational requirements: Associate’s degree in dental hygiene
- Work experience required: Licensing (varies by state)
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