Did you know that you can get a high-paying job even if you do not have a bachelor’s degree?
While a bachelor’s degree unlocks many opportunities and is still important for many careers, we decided to look into well-paid jobs that do not strictly require a traditional four-year degree.
Erudera.com has put together a list of 18 jobs in the U.S. that do not require a university degree but still pay more than $50,000 annually.
Remember, although these roles do not require a bachelor’s degree, some may require specialized training or certifications.
Let’s check them out together!
Highlights
- The highest-paid job that does not require a traditional university degree is Commercial Pilot, with a median annual salary of $134,630, followed by Air Traffic Controller, with a median yearly salary of $129,750.
- Many of these jobs provide long-term or moderate on-the-job training to ensure that candidates are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.
- Air Traffic Controllers and Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers are the two professions that include long-term on-the-job training.
- Six of these jobs provide moderate-term on-the-job training, including Commercial Pilots, Nuclear Technicians, Police and Detectives, Fire Inspectors, Flight Attendants, and Computer Support Specialists.
- Short-term on-the-job training is provided to Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners.
- Three of these professions learn their job through apprenticeships, including Elevator Installers and Repairers, Electricians, and Ironworkers.
- The majority of these jobs have a positive job outlook, with Web Developers topping the list (with a projected growth of +23% for 2021–2031), followed by Flight Attendants (with a projected growth of +21% for the same time period).
- Some of these professions are projected to decline in employment over time, including Nuclear Technicians (-17%) and Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers (-15%) topping the list.
1. Commercial Pilot
Median Salary: $134,630 per year / $64.72 per hour
Job Growth: +6%
Work Experience: None but Training/Certification required
On-the-job Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Commercial pilots are responsible for safely operating and navigating aircraft, ensuring passenger comfort, adhering to regulations, and communicating effectively with air traffic control.
They conduct pre-flight checks, manage in-flight systems, handle emergencies, and maintain professionalism while complying with safety standards. Some of them plan flights, organize airplane maintenance and even load luggage.
With a median salary of $134,630/year, this job is lucrative and shows a positive job growth of +6% by 2031. While no prior work experience is mandatory, training and certification are necessary to enter this profession.
2. Air Traffic Controller
Median salary: $129,750 per year / $62.38 per hour
Job Growth: +1%
Work Experience: None but Training/Certification required
On-the-job Training: Long-term on-the-job training
An air traffic controller's duties include observing and managing both ground and air traffic, offering valuable details about weather, wind, flight routes, potential wait times, as well as the availability of runways. They use technology to communicate potential air traffic issues in the area.
This job pays a median salary of $129,750 per year and provides long-term on-the-job training. Although prior work experience is not obligatory, training and certification are essential prerequisites.
3. Nuclear Technicians
Median Salary: $99,340 per year / $47.76 per hour
Job Growth: -17%
Work Experience: None
On-the-job Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
These individuals monitor and maintain nuclear equipment and systems, conduct tests and inspections, operate radiation detection equipment, assist with reactor operations, troubleshoot technical issues, and adhere to strict safety protocols to ensure the proper functioning and safety of nuclear facilities.
Offering a median salary of $99,340 annually, this job includes moderate-term on-the-job training.
4. Elevator Installer and Repairer
Median Salary: $97,860 per year / $47.05 per hour
Job Growth: +3%
Work Experience: None
On-the-job Training: The majority learn how to do the work through an apprenticeship.
As an elevator installer and repairer, you install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and other vertical transportation systems.
This job pays a median salary of $97,860 per year or $47.05 per hour. It requires no work experience, nor a university degree, because individuals usually learn how to do the work through an apprenticeship.
5. Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
Median Salary: $94,790 per year / $45.57 per hour
Job Growth: -15%
Work Experience: None
On-the-job Training: Long-term on-the-job training
Power plant operators manage power generation, distribution, and emergencies for efficient electricity operation. They oversee reactors, turbines, generators, and cooling systems, making adjustments to controls as needed.
Professionals in this role earn a median salary of $94,790 per year. Long-term on-the-job training is required to excel in this position.
6. Radiation Therapists
Median Salary: $82,790 per year / $39.80 per hour
Job Growth: +6%
Work Experience: None
On-the-job Training: None
Radiation therapists are healthcare professionals responsible for administering radiation treatments to patients with cancer and other medical conditions requiring radiation therapy. They collaborate closely with medical experts specializing in radiation therapy, known as radiation oncologists, as well as with oncology nurses.
This role offers a median salary of $82,790 per year or $39.80 per hour. With a job growth rate of +6%, opportunities in this field are expected to expand. No prior work experience or on-the-job training is required, making it an accessible option for those looking to enter this career path.
7. Web Developer
Median Salary: $78,300 per year / $37.65 per hour
Job Growth: +23%
Work Experience: None
On-the-job Training: None
It’s a good day to be a web developer, a job projected to grow 23% from 2021 to 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Web developers design and build websites using coding languages. They create both the front-end (user interface) and back-end (server-side logic) components, ensuring websites are visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly.
In this occupation, the median salary stands at $78,300 annually. With a remarkable job growth projection of +23%, the field is set to thrive. No prior work experience or on-the-job training is necessary.
8. Dental Hygienist
Median Salary: $77,810 per year / $37.41 per hour
Job Growth: +9%
Work Experience: None
On-the-job Training: None
Dental hygienists focus on oral health, performing tasks like cleaning teeth, examining for issues, and educating patients about proper dental care. They also take X-rays, apply treatments like fluoride, and assist dentists during procedures.
A dental hygienist earns a median salary of $77,810 per year. No prior work experience or on-the-job training is required.
9. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers/ Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Median Salary: $75,380 per year / $36.24 per hour
Job Growth: +10%
Work Experience: None
On-the-job Training: None
Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians utilize specialized equipment for image creation and testing.
Diagnostic medical sonographers have expertise in generating images referred to as sonograms or ultrasounds that showcase the body's organs and tissues. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians specialize in producing images and performing tests related to the heart and lungs.
This occupation proves financially rewarding, with an annual median salary of $75,380. Prior work experience or on-the-job training is not a requirement, nor is a university degree.
10. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Median Salary: $73,580 per year / $35.37 per hour
Job Growth: +6%
Work Experience: None
On-the-job Training: None
Individuals in this role assist with equipment testing, maintenance, and data analysis. Their role helps ensure safe and efficient aerospace systems.
This occupation offers a median salary of $73,580 per year or $35.37 per hour. The job growth is projected at +6% from 2021 to 2031.
11. Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Median Salary: $73,060 per year / $35.12 per hour
Job Growth: -3%
Work Experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job Training: None
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers oversee and manage agricultural operations. They cultivate crops, raise livestock, and make decisions about planting, harvesting, and resource allocation to ensure productive and sustainable farming practices.
The median salary for this role stands at $73,060 annually. Candidates are typically expected to possess 5 years or more of work experience, and on-the-job training is not required.
12. Police and Detectives
Median Salary: $66,020 per year / $31.74 per hour
Job Growth: +3%
Work Experience: Detectives typically begin their careers as police officers.
On-the-job Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Police and detectives uphold law and order by preventing, investigating, and solving crimes. They enforce regulations, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work to maintain community safety.
The median salary for this position is $66,020 per year. Detectives usually start their careers as police officers, gaining relevant experience in the field.
13. Fire Inspectors
Median Salary: $63,080 per year / $30.33 per hour
Job Growth: +6%
Work Experience: Yes, as a firefighter or in a related occupation
On-the-job Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Fire inspectors ensure fire safety by inspecting buildings, facilities, and equipment to identify and mitigate potential fire hazards.
Fire inspectors earn a median salary of $63,080 per year, equivalent to $30.33 per hour. Work experience is typically required as a firefighter or in a related field. Moderate-term on-the-job training is needed.
14. Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
Median Salary: $60,380 per year / $29.03 per hour
Job Growth: +1%
Work Experience: None
On-the-job Training: Short-term on-the-job training
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners create accurate transcripts of legal proceedings, speeches, or events. They use specialized equipment to record spoken words in real-time, providing essential documentation for legal cases or enabling accessible communication for individuals with hearing impairments.
The median salary is $60,380 annually, which translates to an hourly wage of $29.03. Short-term on-the-job training is typically provided to equip individuals with the necessary skills for success in these roles.
15. Flight Attendants
Median Salary: $61,640 per year
Job Growth: +21%
Work Experience: Less than 5 years
On-the-job Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Flight attendants ensure the safety and comfort of airline passengers during flights. They provide pre-flight safety demonstrations, assist passengers with boarding and seating, serve meals and beverages, respond to passenger needs, and handle emergencies and security procedures as necessary.
Flight attendants earn a median salary of $61,640 per year. Typically, less than 5 years of work experience is required for this role, and moderate-term on-the-job training is provided.
16. Electricians
Median Salary: $60,040 per year / $28.87 per hour
Job Growth: +7%
Work Experience: None
On-the-job Training: Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship.
Electricians specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and equipment. They read blueprints, set up wiring, troubleshoot issues, and ensure safe electrical connections in buildings, homes, or industrial settings.
Electricians receive a median salary of $60,040 per year. No prior work experience is required to start in this profession. Most electricians acquire their skills through apprenticeships.
17. Computer Support Specialists
Median Salary: $57,910 per year / $27.84 per hour
Job Growth: +6%
Work Experience: None
On-the-job Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Computer support specialists provide technical assistance and support to individuals and organizations. They diagnose and resolve computer hardware and software issues, offer guidance on technology use, install and configure software, and assist with network connectivity problems.
They earn a median salary of $57,910 annually. No previous work experience is necessary for entry into this field. People in this profession receive moderate-term on-the-job training.
18. Ironworkers
Median Salary: $57,160 per year / $27.48 per hour
Job Growth: +4%
Work Experience: None
On-the-job Training: Most ironworkers learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Ironworkers are skilled construction professionals who work with steel and other metals to build and install structural components in buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.
Ironworkers receive a median salary of $57,160 per year. Most ironworkers gain their skills through apprenticeships or on-the-job training, which provide hands-on learning and valuable experience in the industry.