10 Jobs With the Most Pay Without a Degree in 2025

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The average cost of college in the United States is more than $20,000 a year. That’s at a public university; private universities can cost upward of $40,000 a year on average. That’s a lot of money for most Americans to come up with to pursue higher education. 

The good news is that not every well-paying job requires a college degree. Resume Genius recently released a list of the top 10 highest-paying jobs that don’t require a degree. Here are the jobs to know.

10. Construction and Building Inspector

• Median annual salary: $67,700

Ensure buildings in the area are up to code and work with some of the top construction officials in the city. Building inspectors typically need a high school degree and some construction experience to qualify. In some states, those interested in being an inspector may need to get a license or certification as well.

9. Flight Attendant

• Median annual salary: $68,370

Make sure airplane passengers are safe and sound and get to travel for free as a flight attendant. No college degree is required, but employees do need to undergo on-the-job training and an FAA certification. 

8. Professional Athlete 

• Median annual salary: $70,280

Obviously, some professional athletes make more than others, but competing in a minor league team can still be a good way to make a living. The only skill required is being good enough at the game to compete. 

7. Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representative

• Median annual salary: $73,080

Got a knack for charming people into doing things? Consider a career in sales. Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell products from wholesalers or manufacturers directly to businesses. Most positions require a high school degree and sales experience.

6. Train Engineer

• Median annual salary: $73,580

This is another career where workers get to travel on the job. The job entails interacting with passengers and getting the train to destinations safely. Prospective employees are required to complete training and get an FRA certification. 

5. Detective and Criminal Investigator 

• Median annual salary: $74,910

Get paid to solve crimes. Most jobs in the field don’t require a college degree, but will require extensive training in addition to age, physical fitness and background standards.

4. Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanic and Technician

• Median annual salary: $75,400

People working in this field will typically install, inspect and repair aircraft systems. Most jobs require credentials from an FAA-approved program, such as a certificate in aviation maintenance technology and an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification.

3. Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer

• Median annual salary: $85,420

Be the person who helps keep the city connected to power. Job requirements include a high school diploma, technical training and not being afraid of heights.

2. Transportation, Storage and Distribution Manager

• Median annual salary: $99,200

For those who like to keep organized, these positions can be a great fit. Transportation, storage and distribution managers coordinate the flow of goods and people. Qualifications include a high school degree and some experience in logistics. Getting certifications like the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) or Lean Six Sigma can also be very beneficial. 

1. Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer

• Median annual salary: $102,420

No college degree is required for this position that can pay six figures. Plus, those working in this field can save a lot of people from their greatest nightmare of being stuck in an elevator. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, service and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways and other lift systems.

To work as an elevator and escalator installer or repairer, applicants need a high school diploma, completion of a four-year apprenticeship and a state license or certification in most areas. 

Once certified, you can expect steady work with full-time hours, though repair roles often require being on call for emergencies or working overtime for urgent repairs.

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