10 High‑Paying Careers That Don’t Require a Degree
Skilled Trades are a great pathway to high earning careers.
If you’re aiming to bypass expensive college tuition (but still land a high‑paying, in‑demand job) this list is for you. These 10 careers offer solid earnings, strong growth, and pathways fueled by training, certifications, or apprenticeships, not bachelor’s degrees. If you are open to a couple of years of schooling check out these careers that only require a two year degree.
There’s money in wind technology.
1. Wind Turbine Service Technician
Median Pay: ~$57,320/year
Growth (2022–32): +44.9% — fastest among non‑degree jobs
Ideal For: Fit problem-solvers who love heights, renewable energy, & mechanical challenges.
Skills That Stand Out: Safety/machinery certifications, electrical troubleshooting, climbing comfort.
Like heights, fresh air, and saving the planet? Wind turbine techs climb tall towers to maintain and repair the machinery powering renewable energy. It’s adventurous, technical, and in huge demand. Best of all? You can earn over $57K without ever stepping foot in a traditional college.
How to Get Started:
Enroll in a technical program in wind energy or turbine maintenance.
Complete long-term on-the-job training via industry employer.
Earn OSHA or turbine-specific credentials (e.g., NTC).
High-Flying Trade careers.
2. Aircraft Mechanics & Service Technicians
Median Pay: ~$65,380/year
Growth: ~12% (2020–30) – strong openings
Ideal For: Detail-oriented individuals passionate about aircraft systems and problem-solving.
Skills That Stand Out: FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certifications, avionics, composite repair.
If you've ever been fascinated by how planes work, this is your runway. Aircraft mechanics are essential for keeping flights safe, fixing engines, and inspecting everything from landing gear to electronics. With FAA certification, you can earn over $65K+ per year. Think of it as working in a high-tech garage in the sky.
How to Get Started:
Attend an FAA-approved A&P technical school.
Complete rigorous hands-on training.
Sit for A&P certification exams and pursue apprenticeships.
Opportunities for pilots are sky high.
3. Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline)
Median Pay: ~$99,640/year
Growth: ~11% (2020–30), ~4,900 openings
Ideal For: Calm, decisive individuals who excel under pressure and love travel.
Skills That Stand Out: Flight hours, instrument ratings, strong communication.
Love the skies but not interested in flying for a major airline? Commercial pilots fly charters, crop dusters, medevac flights, and more—without a traditional degree. You’ll need flight hours and certifications, but the job pays nearly $100K and delivers daily adventure. This career is for calm, focused flyers with a sense of independence.
How to Get Started:
Earn a Private Pilot’s License (PPL), then build hours.
Train for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with instrument certification.
Gain experience via regional charters or flight instructors.
A truly powerful career path.
4. Electrical Power‑Line Installers & Repairers
Median Pay: ~$75,000–$99,000/year
Growth: Faster-than-average job growth and steady openings
Ideal For: Those strong in math/physics, not afraid of heights or outdoor work.
Skills That Stand Out: Lineman apprenticeship, pole climbing, OSHA safety certifications.
Not afraid of heights or high-voltage thrills? Linemen work outdoors restoring power and building the electric grid, making them essential workers in any storm. The pay is strong (often $75K+), and many enter through paid apprenticeships. It’s a powerful job—literally and financially.
How to Get Started:
Join a lineman apprenticeship program.
Get certifications in transformer, high-voltage work.
Pass completion exams and earn journeyman status.
Gain the tools that are in-demand.
5. Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Median Pay:~$59,840/year
Growth: ~21% (2020–30), ~45,100 openings annually
Ideal For: Mechanically-minded troubleshooters who enjoy diagnosing factory equipment.
Skills That Stand Out: Hydraulics, PLC control, welding, precision tool use.
These behind-the-scenes heroes keep factories running. Industrial mechanics repair, inspect, and maintain the machines that power everything from car production to food packaging. With a bit of training and hands-on experience, you can earn nearly $60K annually. If you’re mechanically minded and love solving puzzles, this career delivers.
How to Get Started:
Get vocational training in industrial maintenance.
Pursue long-term on-the-job training in plants.
Earn certifications like CMRP or CNC fundamentals.
Deep possibilities for career satisfaction.
6. Commercial Diver
Median Pay: ~$60,360/year
Growth: ~17% projected
Ideal For: Adventurous, physically fit individuals with calm under pressure and love for water.
Skills That Stand Out: Dive certifications (e.g. commercial SCUBA), underwater welding, salvage operations.
Yes, you can get paid to dive underwater—and make over $60K while you’re at it. Commercial divers do welding, repairs, and construction in environments where most people wouldn’t dare to go. It’s physically demanding, a bit risky, and absolutely thrilling. For adventurers with nerves of steel, this is the real deal.
How to Get Started:
Earn commercial dive certification.
Build log hours in pool and open-water environments.
Join a dive crew—often entry-level starts via on-the-job training.
Keep an eye on opportunities in this growing field.
7. Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installer
Median Pay: ~$48,320/year
Growth: ~16% (2020–30), ~9,200 openings annually
Ideal For: Tech-savvy problem solvers who enjoy hands-on work and security tech.
Skills That Stand Out: Low-voltage wiring, blueprint reading, vendor certifications (e.g., ADT, Honeywell).
Tech-savvy and love gadgets? These pros install and maintain home and business security systems—everything from fire alarms to smart security cameras. With average pay around $48K and growing demand, it’s a solid, future-focused role. You’ll always be one step ahead of trouble.
How to Get Started:
Complete a trade school course in low-voltage electronics.
Earn vendor/system certifications.
Gain experience via installations and apprenticeships.
An in-demand field for people who don’t mind heights.
8. Telecommunications Line Installer & Repairer
Median Pay: ~$50,000–$74,999/year
Growth: Faster-than-average; strong tech sector demand
Ideal For: Tech-focused and detail-oriented field workers.
Skills That Stand Out: Fiber optics know-how, telecom certifications, pole and trenchwork.
The internet doesn’t install itself—and that’s where you come in. Telecom installers set up the physical networks for phones, internet, and fiber optics, helping keep the world connected. The job pays $50K–$75K and is a great fit for hands-on workers with an eye for detail. Plus, it’s a fast-track into the booming tech industry—no degree needed.
How to Get Started:
Take telecom technician or fiber optic coursework.
Pursue field apprenticeships with carriers.
Get certified (FOA, BICSI Technician).
A hot and cool In-demand career.
9. Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic
Median Pay: ~$50,000–$74,999/year
Growth: Much faster than average
Ideal For: Troubleshooters who enjoy tech & climate-controlled systems, and customer interaction.
Skills That Stand Out: EPA refrigerant handling, HVAC certification, electrical understanding.
You can thank HVAC techs for the AC during heatwaves and the cozy heat in winter. These professionals install and repair systems that regulate indoor climate, and demand is red-hot. With training, you could earn $50K–$70K doing skilled, independent work every day. Bonus: it’s recession-proof and everywhere needs heating or cooling.
How to Get Started:
Complete HVAC technical school.
Earn EPA 608 and HVAC tech certifications.
Start as helper/apprentice under licensed technician.
A job for those wired for the electrical field.
10. Electrical & Electronics Repairers (Substation/Relay)
Median Pay: ~$100,000+/year — among the highest non‑degree roles
Growth: Faster-than-average openings
Ideal For: Precise technicians with deep electrical system knowledge and analytical skills.
Skills That Stand Out: High-voltage safety, relay protection, diagnostics, utility apprenticeship.
These specialists work with the complex electrical systems that power our homes, hospitals, and cities. It’s a precise, high-stakes role that can pay over $100K without a degree. You’ll need focused training and field experience, but the path is hands-on and worth it. For analytical thinkers who love tech and systems, it’s a hidden gem.
How to Get Started:
Acquire an electrical/electronics technical diploma.
Join utility apprenticeship; on-the-job mentoring.
Gain certifications in relay/compressor systems.
Why Choose These Careers?
Pay: Median salaries between $50K – $100K+—comparable to many degree roles.
Growth: Robust demand across most sectors (many 12–45% growth projections).
Accessibility: No bachelor’s degree—entry through apprenticeships, certifications, or career schools
What Kind of Person Thrives Here?
Hands-on problem-solvers: You like tinkering, fixing gear, or working with your hands.
Reliable & safety-conscious: Especially vital in high-risk roles (heights, electricity, chemicals).
Physically capable: Some jobs involve climbing, diving, or strength.
Detail-oriented & technical: Electronics, systems, and diagnostics all reward precision.
3 Actionable Steps to Get Started
Research & choose your path
Research roles to understand tasks, qualifications, and future need
Get proper training/certification
Complete vocational programs or earn required licenses and certifications.
Secure real experience
Enter as apprentice, trainee, or via internships; safety and training are built into many fields.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a four-year college to build a well-paying, future-proof career. These 10 lesser-known trades—ranging from wind technicians to substation repairers—offer strong salaries, stability, and growth. With hands-on training, certifications, and a bit of drive, you can launch into a rewarding profession without student debt.
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