Highest-Paying Jobs In 2025 You Can Get Without a Degree

In certain industries, relevant work experience, internships, training and certifications are just as important, if not more important, than graduating with a four-year degree.

Job applications usually have a minimum educational requirement — some college, an associate degree or a bachelor’s or master’s degree. But with average student loan debt topping $1.77 trillion (an increase of 66% over the past 10 years), according to the Federal Reserve, you may ask if a four-year college degree is worth it.

The answer will likely depend on your career choice. Some professions — medical and healthcare providers, lawyers, teachers, nuclear engineers — all require a degree or degrees. (Here’s our look at the best college majors for a lucrative career).

However, some underrepresented career fields welcome applicants who never attended college or didn’t graduate with a four-year degree, and some of these careers pay very well.

There are plenty of in-demand careers with a salary higher than $48,060 (the median U.S. annual salary), according to “10 Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree in 2025,” a report from career resource platform Resume Genius.

The list spotlights 10 well-paying jobs and their accompanying educational requirements, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data is based on a minimum U.S. median annual salary and high growth projections as well as those with more stable, little-change scenarios.

Here are the 10 highest-paying jobs with high growth projections that don’t require a degree this year:

1. Elevator and escalator installer and repairer (up from #3 last year)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

• Median annual salary: $102,420
• Number of jobs (2023): 24,400
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 6%
• Educational requirements: High school diploma, completion of a 4-year apprenticeship, and a state license or certification.
• Work experience: None. But you’ll work in tight spaces and at heights, so it’s necessary to have physical stamina and comfort with small spaces.

2. Transportation, storage, and distribution manager

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• Median annual salary: $99,200
• Number of jobs (2023): 211,800
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 9%
• Educational requirements: High school diploma or vocational training
• Work experience: None for entry-level jobs, but relevant work experience in a related role and certifications are beneficial

3. Electrical power-line installer and repairer

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• Median annual salary: $85,420
• Number of jobs (2023): 123,400
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 8%
• Educational requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
• Work experience: Technical training is typically completed through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job apprenticeships

4. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanic and technician

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• Median annual salary: $75,400
• Number of jobs (2023): 163,300
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 5%
• Educational requirements: Credentials from an FAA-approved program to earn your Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification, although some technicians start with an associate’s degree or gain experience through military service.
• Work experience: On-the-job training for most positions after certification.

5. Detective and criminal investigator

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• Median annual salary: $74,910
• Number of jobs (2023): 796,800
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 4%
• Educational requirements: High school diploma at minimum, though some roles require a college degree.
• Work experience: Career advancement can be influenced by experience, specialized skills, and additional certifications

6. Locomotive engineer

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• Median annual salary: $73,580
• Number of jobs (2023): 83,000
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 2%
• Educational requirements: High school diploma and on-the-job training, plus earning certification from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
• Work experience: Earning potential and career progression can improve with on-the-job experience and additional certifications

7. Wholesale and manufacturing sales representative

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• Median annual salary: $73,080
• Number of jobs (2023): 1,681,400
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 1%
• Educational requirements: High school diploma to get started, though a bachelor’s degree may be needed to show you’ve got a solid grasp of the industry.
• Work experience: Experience in sales or customer service

8. Athlete and sports competitor

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• Median annual salary: $70,280
• Number of jobs (2023): 25,100
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 11%
• Educational requirements: High school diploma and outstanding athletic talent and deep knowledge of your sport
• Work experience: On-the-job training

9. Flight attendant

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• Median annual salary: $68,370
• Number of jobs (2023): 130,300
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 10%
• Educational requirements: Most airlines don’t require a college degree, although some may prefer it. A high school diploma is usually required.
• Work experience: On-the-job training; knowing a foreign language can be helpful for international work.

10. Construction and building inspector

(Image credit: Getty Images)

• Median annual salary: $67,700
• Number of jobs (2023): 142,600
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 0%
• Educational requirements: High school diploma and experience in a construction trade. Some states also require a license or certification.
• Work experience: Licensing (varies by state) with additional certifications

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How to land a high-paying job without a 4-year degree

Given the soaring cost of college and an explosion in online learning and certificate courses, it’s no wonder that students and employers are both looking for non-traditional ways to join the labor force. However, having relevant work experience, certifications and on-the-job training shows employers you have what it takes to succeed in your career of choice.

“A college degree doesn’t mean quite what it used to, and we’re witnessing a significant shift towards skills-based hiring,” explains Eva Chan, a career expert at Resume Genius. “This change is creating more accessible opportunities, including a range of lesser-known yet well-paying roles.”

To land your dream job (without a 4-year degree under your belt), you might also consider pursuing alternate education in the form of certifications, associate degrees, short-term courses, professional training, vocational programs or apprenticeships.

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