Good-paying jobs without a degree in 2025 are available across various fields including skilled trades, technology, healthcare, and management. Many of these jobs offer six-figure salaries or near that range, often requiring certifications, apprenticeships, or training but not a traditional four-year college degree.
Top high-paying jobs without a degree
- Elevator and escalator installers/repairers: Average annual pay about $98,000 to $100,000. Requires apprenticeship and licensing due to technical skill and safety demands.
- Electricians and plumbers: Salaries range from around $61,000 to $65,000. These trades remain in high demand due to essential services.
- Commercial pilots: Median salary approximately $121,000. Requires a high school diploma and commercial pilot’s license.
- Software developers and computer network architects: Many earn six-figure incomes without degrees, often through coding bootcamps or self-study.
- Transportation roles such as air traffic controllers and locomotive engineers also offer lucrative pay without degree requirements.
Other notable jobs and fields
- Police officers, first-line supervisors in construction, fire fighting, and mechanics.
- Sales engineers, marketing managers, human resources managers, and general operations managers with six-figure income potential.
- Skilled trades like welders, building maintenance, pest control technicians, and electricians.
These jobs emphasize that strong income potential is accessible without college degrees, especially through vocational training, certifications, apprenticeships, or on-the-job experience. The growing trend reflects changing workforce needs and alternatives to traditional degree pathways, reducing the burden of student debt while still enabling financial stability.
This summary highlights a range of options for accessing good-paying careers without a college degree in 2025. If more detail about a specific job or sector is desired, that can be provided as well.
