100 Best High-Paying Jobs Without a College Degree in 2025 (No Experience Needed for Many)

1. Elevator & Escalator Installer/Repairer

Average Annual Wage: $98,000+
Description: Installs and maintains elevators, escalators, and chairlifts in residential and commercial buildings. Requires apprenticeship and licensing.
Why It Pays Well: Precision, safety risks, and union-backed training drive strong pay.

2. Electrician

Average Annual Wage: $65,000+
Description: Installs and repairs wiring systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings.
Why It Pays Well: Electricity is essential, and skilled electricians are always in demand.

3. Plumber

Average Annual Wage: $61,000
Description: Maintains and installs piping systems and fixtures for water, gas, and sewage.
Why It Pays Well: Plumbing issues are urgent and unavoidable, creating constant job flow.

4. Wind Turbine Technician

Average Annual Wage: $62,000
Description: Installs and services wind turbines for energy companies.
Why It Pays Well: Clean energy boom and remote work sites lead to strong wages.

5. Industrial Maintenance Technician

Average Annual Wage: $70,000
Description: Performs routine maintenance and troubleshooting on industrial equipment.
Why It Pays Well: Preventing downtime in manufacturing is critical for productivity.

6. Tool & Die Maker

Average Annual Wage: $75,000
Description: Crafts precision tools and dies used in manufacturing and metalworking.
Why It Pays Well: High-precision work requiring technical skill and experience.

7. CNC Machinist

Average Annual Wage: $65,000
Description: Uses computer-guided tools to cut and shape metal and plastic components.
Why It Pays Well: High demand in aerospace, defense, and medical device sectors.

8. Pipefitter / Steamfitter

Average Annual Wage: $67,000
Description: Installs and maintains high-pressure piping systems.
Why It Pays Well: Work is specialized and essential in power plants and industrial sites.

9. HVAC Technician

Average Annual Wage: $60,000
Description: Services heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Why It Pays Well: Year-round demand and technical licensing requirements.

10. Boilermaker

Average Annual Wage: $68,000
Description: Assembles boilers and large containers that hold hot liquids and gases.
Why It Pays Well: Physically intense work with safety and pressure risks.

11. Construction and Building Inspector

Average Annual Wage: $67,000
Description: Ensures construction projects meet codes and regulations.
Why It Pays Well: Plays a vital role in public safety and infrastructure quality.

12. Electrical Technician

Average Annual Wage: $66,251
Description: Electrical technicians maintain wiring and equipment, needing vocational training or on-the-job experience.
Why It Pays Well: Electrification trends create consistent demand.

13. Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline)

Average Annual Wage: $104,000
Description: Flies cargo, charter, or crop dusting planes. FAA license required.
Why It Pays Well: Pilots carry high responsibility and require strict certification.

14. Aircraft Mechanic / Avionics Technician

Average Annual Wage: $75,000
Description: Maintains and services aircraft systems and engines.
Why It Pays Well: High-risk industry with technical precision required.

15. Locomotive Engineer

Average Annual Wage: $78,000
Description: Operates freight or passenger trains across the country.
Why It Pays Well: Union protections and technical skills raise wages.

16. Air Traffic Controller

Average Annual Wage: $120,000+
Description: Directs the safe movement of aircraft.
Why It Pays Well: High stress, zero margin for error, intense training.

17. Flight Attendant

Average Annual Wage: $68,000
Description: Ensures passenger safety and comfort on flights.
Why It Pays Well: Irregular schedules and extensive training.

18. Diesel Mechanic

Average Annual Wage: $65,000
Description: Repairs diesel engines in trucks, buses, and heavy machinery.
Why It Pays Well: Commercial fleets rely heavily on diesel performance.

19. Truck Driver (Long Haul)

Average Annual Wage: $70,000+
Description: Transports goods across long distances with Class A CDL.
Why It Pays Well: Long hours, physical isolation, and strict schedules.

20. Powerline Installer / Repairer

Average Annual Wage: $85,000
Description: Installs or fixes electrical power systems.
Why It Pays Well: Dangerous, often remote work with overtime potential.

21. Crane Operator

Average Annual Wage: $75,000
Description: Operates large construction cranes for lifting heavy materials.
Why It Pays Well: Precision and safety responsibility are critical.

22. Heavy Equipment Operator

Average Annual Wage: $70,000
Description: Runs bulldozers, excavators, and loaders on construction sites.
Why It Pays Well: Equipment costs millions; operators must be skilled.

23. Structural Iron & Steelworker

Average Annual Wage: $62,000
Description: Installs steel frames and supports in buildings and bridges.
Why It Pays Well: Physically demanding and often high-risk job.

24. Mason / Bricklayer

Average Annual Wage: $65,000
Description: Lays bricks, stone, and concrete blocks.
Why It Pays Well: Detail and durability make this a skilled craft.

25. Welder

Average Annual Wage: $60,000–$100,000
Description: Joins metal parts using intense heat and fusion techniques.
Why It Pays Well: Industrial, underwater, and pipe welders can earn six figures.

26. Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Average Annual Wage: $60,000
Description: Installs and maintains solar panels on homes and businesses.
Why It Pays Well: Clean energy growth and tax incentives fuel job demand.

27. Real Estate Agent

Average Annual Wage: $55,000 (median), top earners $100K+
Description: Helps clients buy, sell, or rent properties. Requires licensing.
Why It Pays Well: Commission-based income can be very lucrative.

28. Insurance Sales Agent

Average Annual Wage: $70,000+
Description: Sells auto, life, property, or health insurance policies.
Why It Pays Well: Performance-based earnings and renewals offer high potential.

29. Commercial Diver

Average Annual Wage: $90,000+
Description: Performs underwater repairs and inspections.
Why It Pays Well: Physically risky and specialized with strict safety standards.

30. Offshore Oil Rig Worker

Average Annual Wage: $80,000–$120,000
Description: Works on remote platforms to extract and maintain oil operations.
Why It Pays Well: Remote location, long shifts, and hazardous work conditions.

31. Power Plant Operator

Average Annual Wage: $85,000
Description: Controls and maintains equipment that generates electricity.
Why It Pays Well: Essential utility role with safety-critical systems.

32. Line Supervisor (Manufacturing)

Average Annual Wage: $70,000
Description: Oversees production workers on a factory floor.
Why It Pays Well: Leadership role requiring operational oversight.

33. Patrol Police Officer

Average Annual Wage: $72,000
Description: Maintains public safety, enforces laws, responds to emergencies.
Why It Pays Well: Demanding hours and public accountability.

34. Firefighter

Average Annual Wage: $65,000
Description: Responds to fires and emergencies, performs rescues.
Why It Pays Well: Life-threatening work with overtime and hazard pay.

35. Correctional Officer

Average Annual Wage: $58,000
Description: Oversees inmates in correctional facilities.
Why It Pays Well: High-stress work with strict procedures.

36. Airfield Operations Specialist

Average Annual Wage: $70,000
Description: Coordinates ground operations at airports.
Why It Pays Well: Aviation safety compliance is critical.

37. Subway / Streetcar Operator

Average Annual Wage: $68,000
Description: Operates subway trains or trolleys.
Why It Pays Well: Urban transit is essential, with union support.

38. Railroad Conductor

Average Annual Wage: $65,000
Description: Coordinates train crew and operations.
Why It Pays Well: Safety oversight and travel responsibilities.

39. Flight Dispatcher

Average Annual Wage: $70,000
Description: Plans flight routes and weather compliance.
Why It Pays Well: Aviation logistics expertise is key.

40. Merchant Marine Deck Officer

Average Annual Wage: $80,000+
Description: Operates ships and supervises cargo and navigation.
Why It Pays Well: Long voyages and maritime certifications required.

41. Building Automation Specialist

Average Annual Wage: $72,000
Description: Installs and manages smart systems in buildings.
Why It Pays Well: Integration of energy and tech drives demand.

42. Logistics Coordinator

Average Annual Wage: $65,000
Description: Manages supply chains and transportation.
Why It Pays Well: Efficient logistics are essential to global trade.

43. Executive Assistant

Average Annual Wage: $70,000
Description: Supports high-level executives with administrative tasks.
Why It Pays Well: Requires discretion, multitasking, and leadership support.

44. Private Chef

Average Annual Wage: $65,000
Description: Cooks personalized meals for families or executives.
Why It Pays Well: High-income clients and travel opportunities.

45. Tattoo Artist

Average Annual Wage: $60,000–$100,000
Description: Designs and applies body art.
Why It Pays Well: Artistic skill, personal branding, and repeat clients.

46. Makeup Artist (Film / TV / Bridal)

Average Annual Wage: $60,000+
Description: Provides cosmetic services for events or productions.
Why It Pays Well: Specialized roles and celebrity clients.

47. Massage Therapist

Average Annual Wage: $55,000
Description: Relieves pain and stress through therapeutic massage.
Why It Pays Well: Flexible hours and private clientele.

48. Hearing Aid Specialist

Average Annual Wage: $60,000
Description: Tests and fits hearing devices for patients.
Why It Pays Well: Medical-adjacent role with aging population demand.

49. Optician

Average Annual Wage: $55,000
Description: Fits and sells eyeglasses or contacts.
Why It Pays Well: Recession-resistant field with consistent foot traffic.

50. Dental Assistant

Average Annual Wage: $52,000
Description: Assists dentists with patient care and procedures.
Why It Pays Well: Clinical knowledge and hands-on patient interaction.

51. Dental Hygienist (Associate Degree)

Average Annual Wage: $75,000
Description: Cleans teeth, takes X-rays, and educates patients on oral hygiene.
Why It Pays Well: High demand and recurring preventative care services.

52. Radiation Therapist Assistant

Average Annual Wage: $65,000
Description: Supports radiation therapists with cancer treatment procedures.
Why It Pays Well: Technical healthcare work with life-impacting responsibilities.

53. Ultrasound Technician

Average Annual Wage: $70,000
Description: Uses imaging equipment to scan patients for diagnostic purposes.
Why It Pays Well: High tech, fast-growing part of non-invasive diagnostics.

54. Physical Therapy Aide

Average Annual Wage: $48,000
Description: Assists patients with rehabilitation exercises.
Why It Pays Well: Entry point into medical field with high patient interaction.

55. Occupational Therapy Assistant

Average Annual Wage: $65,000
Description: Helps patients develop or recover daily life skills.
Why It Pays Well: Meaningful work with therapy professionals.

56. Respiratory Therapy Technician

Average Annual Wage: $60,000
Description: Supports respiratory therapists in treating breathing disorders.
Why It Pays Well: Growing demand from aging and post-COVID populations.

57. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Average Annual Wage: $55,000
Description: Responds to emergency calls and provides life-saving care.
Why It Pays Well: High-stress, fast-paced work with split shifts.

58. Dialysis Technician

Average Annual Wage: $60,000
Description: Operates equipment for patients with kidney failure.
Why It Pays Well: Specialized equipment and routine patient monitoring.

59. Pharmacy Technician

Average Annual Wage: $50,000
Description: Assists pharmacists in dispensing medications.
Why It Pays Well: Fast-paced, accuracy-dependent retail or hospital work.

60. Medical Coder

Average Annual Wage: $55,000
Description: Converts healthcare procedures into billing codes.
Why It Pays Well: Remote potential and required precision.

61. Solar Panel Technician

Average Annual Wage: $65,000
Description: Installs and maintains solar photovoltaic systems.
Why It Pays Well: Solar incentives and clean energy investments.

62. Elevator Safety Inspector

Average Annual Wage: $80,000
Description: Ensures elevator and lift systems comply with safety regulations.
Why It Pays Well: Specialized training and state certification needed.

63. Diesel Engine Specialist

Average Annual Wage: $68,000
Description: Repairs diesel engines in trucks, construction equipment, or ships.
Why It Pays Well: Heavy equipment industries rely on uptime.

64. Home Energy Auditor

Average Annual Wage: $62,000
Description: Evaluates energy efficiency in homes and buildings.
Why It Pays Well: Green building codes and federal incentives.

65. Sheet Metal Worker

Average Annual Wage: $60,000
Description: Builds ducts, roofs, and architectural metal features.
Why It Pays Well: Precision tools and strong construction ties.

66. Fabricator

Average Annual Wage: $58,000
Description: Shapes and assembles products from metal, plastic, or wood.
Why It Pays Well: Manufacturing and custom work with technical tools.

67. Brick Mason

Average Annual Wage: $65,000
Description: Lays bricks and stones for structural and aesthetic use.
Why It Pays Well: Requires strength, skill, and design knowledge.

68. Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Average Annual Wage: $70,000
Description: Maintains and repairs bulldozers, cranes, and other large machinery.
Why It Pays Well: Commercial-grade equipment needs specialized care.

69. Refrigeration Technician

Average Annual Wage: $66,000
Description: Installs and maintains commercial refrigeration units.
Why It Pays Well: Supermarkets and data centers rely on cooling systems.

70. Water Treatment Operator

Average Annual Wage: $62,000
Description: Monitors and manages water treatment facilities.
Why It Pays Well: Critical infrastructure job with public health impact.

71. Pest Control Technician

Average Annual Wage: $55,000
Description: Eliminates pests in homes and commercial spaces.
Why It Pays Well: Uninterrupted demand and emergency calls.

72. Landscaper / Groundskeeper (Commercial)

Average Annual Wage: $50,000+
Description: Maintains outdoor aesthetics for commercial sites.
Why It Pays Well: Contracts with governments and corporations.

73. Line Cook (High-End or Resort)

Average Annual Wage: $50,000–$75,000
Description: Prepares meals in upscale restaurants.
Why It Pays Well: Tip share, experience, and creativity.

74. Butcher / Meat Cutter

Average Annual Wage: $54,000
Description: Processes and prepares meat for sale.
Why It Pays Well: Specialization and safety compliance.

75. Glazier

Average Annual Wage: $56,000
Description: Installs glass in windows, doors, and storefronts.
Why It Pays Well: Physical labor with high accuracy requirements.

76. Roofer

Average Annual Wage: $55,000
Description: Installs and repairs roofing systems.
Why It Pays Well: Physically demanding and essential in all climates.

77. Tile Setter

Average Annual Wage: $53,000
Description: Lays ceramic, stone, or porcelain tiles in homes and businesses.
Why It Pays Well: Detail-oriented finish work with high craftsmanship value.

78. Carpet Installer

Average Annual Wage: $50,000
Description: Measures, cuts, and lays carpet for residential and commercial spaces.
Why It Pays Well: Specialty skill often paid per square foot or project.

79. Fence Installer

Average Annual Wage: $52,000
Description: Installs fencing on private, public, or commercial properties.
Why It Pays Well: Outdoor work with high DIY outsourcing rates.

80. Drywall Installer / Finisher

Average Annual Wage: $56,000
Description: Hangs and finishes drywall in construction projects.
Why It Pays Well: Essential in remodeling and new builds.

81. Painter (Residential/Commercial)

Average Annual Wage: $52,000
Description: Applies paint and coatings to structures.
Why It Pays Well: Time-sensitive and technique-dependent work.

82. Insulation Contractor

Average Annual Wage: $55,000
Description: Installs insulation materials for temperature control and energy efficiency.
Why It Pays Well: Green building incentives and energy code compliance.

83. Floor Installer

Average Annual Wage: $54,000
Description: Installs hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and tile flooring.
Why It Pays Well: Skilled work, often paid by the job or square foot.

84. Pest Control Sales Rep

Average Annual Wage: $60,000+
Description: Sells pest services to homeowners and businesses.
Why It Pays Well: Base + commission in a recession-proof niche.

85. Locksmith

Average Annual Wage: $52,000
Description: Installs, repairs, and bypasses locks and security systems.
Why It Pays Well: Emergency services and commercial accounts.

86. Automotive Service Advisor

Average Annual Wage: $55,000–$75,000
Description: Sells maintenance services and acts as liaison between customer and mechanic.
Why It Pays Well: Commission-based service sales role.

87. Auto Body Repair Technician

Average Annual Wage: $60,000
Description: Repairs vehicle bodywork and paint damage.
Why It Pays Well: Insurance-backed repairs keep business steady.

88. Tow Truck Operator

Average Annual Wage: $50,000–$65,000
Description: Transports disabled vehicles and provides roadside assistance.
Why It Pays Well: Emergency hours and demand flexibility.

89. Forklift Operator

Average Annual Wage: $48,000–$55,000
Description: Moves materials in warehouses and factories using lift equipment.
Why It Pays Well: Safety-certified roles in busy logistics environments.

90. Warehouse Manager

Average Annual Wage: $70,000+
Description: Oversees operations, logistics, and staff in distribution centers.
Why It Pays Well: Inventory and workforce management is critical to e-commerce.

91. Inventory Control Specialist

Average Annual Wage: $60,000
Description: Tracks and manages stock and supply levels.
Why It Pays Well: Optimization and shrinkage prevention saves money.

92. Security Systems Installer

Average Annual Wage: $58,000
Description: Installs and maintains residential or commercial alarm systems.
Why It Pays Well: Technology integration and safety demand.

93. Wind Farm Technician

Average Annual Wage: $65,000
Description: Maintains turbines and electrical systems on wind farms.
Why It Pays Well: Green energy career with field risk and isolation.

94. Pool Technician

Average Annual Wage: $50,000–$60,000
Description: Maintains water chemistry and equipment in residential/commercial pools.
Why It Pays Well: Recurring service business in warm climates.

95. Mail Carrier

Average Annual Wage: $54,000
Description: Delivers mail and parcels for the USPS.
Why It Pays Well: Government job security and benefits.

96. Garbage Collector

Average Annual Wage: $55,000–$65,000
Description: Collects residential and commercial waste.
Why It Pays Well: Union-backed role with early retirement options.

97. Court Reporter

Average Annual Wage: $60,000
Description: Transcribes legal proceedings using stenography or voice recognition.
Why It Pays Well: Legal accuracy is mission critical.

98. Interpreter / Translator

Average Annual Wage: $60,000
Description: Converts speech or documents from one language to another.
Why It Pays Well: Multilingual professionals in high demand.

99. Social Media Manager

Average Annual Wage: $65,000+
Description: Runs brand social channels and engagement strategies.
Why It Pays Well: Impactful marketing role with measurable ROI.

100. Content Creator / Streamer

Average Annual Wage: Varies widely; $50,000–$150,000+
Description: Monetizes content via YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, or newsletters.
Why It Pays Well: Viral growth and sponsorships enable high incomes.