9 higher-paying jobs that don't require a college degree. The top 2 earn six-figures
No college degree, no problem: These careers can pay surprisingly well, and two of them quietly break the six-figure salary mark
The idea that a four-year degree is the only path to financial success has lost much of its grip on today’s career landscape. With rising tuition costs and increasing employer focus on skills, many roles now reward experience, training, and certifications more than a bachelor’s diploma. A new Resume Genius report identifies the highest-paying jobs where you can start with a high school diploma and build upward through apprenticeships, vocational training, or on-the-job experience.
These jobs span industries from trades and logistics to public safety and sales, reflecting how lucrative work is not always confined to an office.
According to Resume Genius’ report, what ties many of these roles together is a combination of specialized skills, physical or technical expertise, and practical experience. For example, getting licensed and certified can make the difference between entry and advancement.
The list also highlights growth prospects. Resume Genius says many of these careers are expected to expand over the next decade due to demographic trends, infrastructure demand, and evolving economic needs. For those who opt out of a traditional degree path, these jobs offer a clear illustration of how alternative education and focused training can translate into solid, and sometimes exceptional, earning power.
Here are nine roles you can pursue without the traditional college degree.
2 / 10
Water transportation worker
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With a median annual salary of $66,490, these workers support operations where practical experience can be valued more than formal education, according to Resume Genius' report.
3 / 10
Property, real estate, and community association manager
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At a median salary of $66,700, this role oversees residential and commercial properties, handles tenant issues, and, Resume Genius notes, may require a state license rather than a degree.
4 / 10
Flight attendant
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With a median salary of $67,130, according to the report, flight attendants enter the field through airline training programs rather than degree requirements.
5 / 10
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representative
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This sales role has a median pay of $74,100 and often values experience over formal education, according to the report. Additionally, commissions can significantly boost income in the right situation.
6 / 10
Locomotive engineer
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Locomotive engineers earn a median of $75,680 and steer freight and passenger trains. The report says that you can enter this field with a high school diploma and on-the-job rail training along with Federal Railroad Administration certification.
7 / 10
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanic and technician
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Earning a median of $79,140, the report notes that these technicians maintain and troubleshoot aircraft systems. Certification from an FAA-approved program replaces degree requirements for many employers.
8 / 10
Electrical power-line installer/repairer
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With a median salary of $92,560, this job involves installing and repairing power cables that keep the grid operational, often under challenging conditions such as storm recovery, says the report.
9 / 10
Six figures: Transportation, storage, and distribution manager
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This logistics leadership role has a median annual salary of $102,010, according to Resume Genius, and can exceed $180,000 for top earners; experience and certifications often substitute for a college degree.
10 / 10
Six figures: Elevator and escalator installer and repairer
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With a median annual salary of $106,580, this is the highest-paying job on Resume Genius' list. It requires a high school diploma and completion of a multi-year apprenticeship focused on installation, maintenance, and repair of lift systems.