So I was looking into some career options the other day and found something pretty interesting. Turns out there are actually a ton of best high paying jobs without a degree that most people never think about.

Like, everyone talks about needing college to make real money, but the numbers tell a different story. We're talking six figures for some positions, which is wild when you think about it.

Elevator and escalator installers are at the top of the list making around $102k annually. Yeah, seriously. You need a high school diploma, complete a four-year apprenticeship, and get certified in your state. Once you're in, it's steady work with full benefits. The crazy part? You're literally saving people from their worst nightmare.

Then there's transportation and distribution management hitting close to $100k. If you're organized and like logistics, this could be your lane. High school diploma plus some experience gets you there, and certifications like CSCP or Lean Six Sigma can really bump up your earning potential.

Electrical power-line installers are pulling in $85k plus. You're basically keeping cities powered up. Needs high school diploma, technical training, and yeah, you gotta be cool with heights.

Aircraft mechanics and technicians make around $75k. You're working on planes, which sounds pretty legit. FAA certifications are the main requirement here.

Detectives and criminal investigators also in that $75k range. Get paid to actually solve crimes. Requires training and you gotta meet physical fitness standards, but no degree needed.

Train engineers around $73k, wholesale sales reps at $73k, and manufacturing sales roles similar. Flight attendants are $68k with free travel included. Construction inspectors $67k.

The thing is, these are all legitimate best high paying jobs without a degree that actually have real career growth potential. Most require some form of training or certification, but nothing that costs like a four-year university.

If you're thinking about skipping the college route or already went a different direction, there's definitely money to be made. Worth checking out what's available in your area. Some of these careers have crazy demand right now, especially trades.