The Reality of Six-Figure Salaries: 10 Highest Paying Jobs Without Requiring a College Degree

Many people assume that landing a lucrative career requires years spent in college classrooms. However, this conventional wisdom doesn’t match today’s job market reality. Rising tuition costs—averaging $11,610 annually for a four-year in-state public university according to the College Board—have made higher education a significant financial burden for countless Americans.

The good news? According to Pew Research, only 25% of Americans believe a four-year degree is essential for securing well-paying employment. For those interested in skilled trades and hands-on work, the opportunities are substantial and growing.

A comprehensive analysis by Resume Genius reveals that skilled blue-collar professionals command impressive salaries, with many positions offering six-figure earnings potential for top performers. These roles typically require only a high school diploma or specialized trade certifications, yet they deliver competitive compensation and strong job security through 2034.

Understanding the Data

The rankings examined below are based on multiple factors: median annual compensation, earnings for the top 10% of professionals, total job availability, projected employment growth through 2034, and educational prerequisites. This comprehensive approach reveals that the path to financial stability doesn’t necessarily run through a university campus.

The Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs Without a College Degree

Elevator and Escalator Technician

• Median annual salary: $106,580
• Median hourly wage: $51.24
• Top 10% earnings: $149,250
• Available positions: 24,200
• Projected growth (2024-2034): 5%
• Required education: High school diploma or equivalent

Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer

• Median annual salary: $92,560
• Median hourly wage: $44.50
• Top 10% earnings: $126,610
• Available positions: 127,400
• Projected growth (2024-2034): 7%
• Required education: High school diploma or equivalent

Aircraft Avionics Equipment Mechanic and Technician

• Median annual salary: $79,140
• Median hourly wage: $38.05
• Top 10% earnings: $120,080
• Available positions: 160,800
• Projected growth (2024-2034): 5%
• Required education: Postsecondary nondegree award (FAA-approved program)

Railroad Worker

• Median annual salary: $75,680
• Median hourly wage: $36.38
• Top 10% earnings: $100,130
• Available positions: 77,900
• Projected growth (2024-2034): 1%
• Required education: High school diploma or equivalent

Stationary Engineer and Boiler Operator

• Median annual salary: $75,190
• Median hourly wage: $36.15
• Top 10% earnings: $121,200
• Available positions: 33,300
• Projected growth (2024-2034): 2%
• Required education: High school diploma or equivalent

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

• Median annual salary: $63,510
• Median hourly wage: $30.53
• Top 10% earnings: $85,790
• Available positions: 538,300
• Projected growth (2024-2034): 13%
• Required education: High school diploma or equivalent

Plumber, Pipefitter and Steamfitter

• Median annual salary: $62,970
• Median hourly wage: $30.27
• Top 10% earnings: $105,150
• Available positions: 504,500
• Projected growth (2024-2034): 4%
• Required education: High school diploma or equivalent

Wind Turbine Technician

• Median annual salary: $62,580
• Median hourly wage: $30.09
• Top 10% earnings: $88,090
• Available positions: 13,600
• Projected growth (2024-2034): 50%
• Required education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Electrician

• Median annual salary: $62,350
• Median hourly wage: $29.98
• Top 10% earnings: $106,030
• Available positions: 818,700
• Projected growth (2024-2034): 9%
• Required education: High school diploma or equivalent

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installer

• Median annual salary: $51,860
• Median hourly wage: $24.93
• Top 10% earnings: $80,150
• Available positions: 28,600
• Projected growth (2024-2034): 42%
• Required education: High school diploma or equivalent

Why These Opportunities Matter

Nathan Soto, Career Expert at Resume Genius, emphasizes the shift occurring in the employment landscape: “The misconception that a four-year degree is mandatory for financial success no longer holds true. Our research indicates substantial demand for skilled technicians and tradespeople, with employers prepared to compensate them generously for their specialized expertise. Notably, nine of these highest paying jobs without a college degree offer six-figure compensation for workers in the top earnings tier annually.”

The data underscores a significant market reality: most positions require merely a high school diploma, and every role on this list anticipates positive growth through 2034. This expansion signals that accessibility to high-income career paths has genuinely expanded beyond traditional academic routes.

Making Your Career Decision

Before investing in higher education, evaluate whether it aligns with your professional objectives. For many individuals, pursuing apprenticeships or vocational training in these skilled trades offers faster entry into well-compensated work with substantial advancement opportunities. The trajectory toward six-figure earnings in these fields appears increasingly attainable for motivated professionals willing to develop specialized technical competencies.