5 Well-Paying ‘New Collar’ Jobs in 2026
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Six-figure jobs don’t always require a four-year degree anymore. Some fall into a category called “new collar” jobs, where skills and experience matter more than years of formal education, according to a report from Resume Genius.
New collar jobs are common in tech and business. These jobs pay over $100,000, don’t involve physical labor and are less likely to be replaced by AI.
Marketing Manager
- Median annual pay: $159,660
- Median hourly pay: $76.76
- Top-earning pay: Around $239,200
- Degree required: No four-year degree
- Projected job growth (2024-2034): 6%
- Estimated AI replacement risk: 39%
Marketing managers help a company promote its products or services. Employers often focus on industry connections and portfolios demonstrating SEO or social media management experience instead of formal education.
Human Resources Manager
- Median annual pay: $140,030
- Median hourly pay: $67.32
- Top-earning pay: Around $239,200
- Degree required: No four-year degree
- Projected job growth (2024-2034): 5%
- Estimated AI replacement risk: 24%
Human resources managers are in charge of a company’s hiring while supporting and managing its current workforce. Many employers value hands-on experience in administration or operations.
Sales Manager
- Median annual pay: $138,060
- Median hourly pay: $66.38
- Top-earning pay: Around $239,200
- Degree required: No four-year degree
- Projected job growth (2024-2034): 5%
- Estimated AI replacement risk: 33%
Sales managers oversee teams responsible for bringing in revenue. Successful experience as a sales rep or account executive can be valuable.
Computer Network Architect
- Median annual pay: $130,390
- Median hourly pay: $62.69
- Top-earning pay: Around $198,030
- Degree required: No four-year degree
- Projected job growth (2024-2034): 12%
- Estimated AI replacement risk: 39%
Computer network architects design and maintain systems that allow computers and devices to communicate. Employers tend to seek hands-on experience from potential employees, such as providing IT support or working as a network technician.
General and Operations Manager
- Median annual pay: $129,330
- Median hourly pay: $62.18
- Top-earning pay: Around $232,110
- Degree required: No four-year degree
- Projected job growth (2024-2034): 6%
- Estimated AI replacement risk: 36%
General and operations managers must have strong organizational and decision-making skills to be successful. Experience as a project manager or team leader can be helpful.
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