12 Jobs That Pay Over $80K and Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree

The old adage that a four-year degree is required to make a comfortable living doesn’t always apply to every job out there. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with just some college or an associate’s degree have made up the largest share of the workforce since 2012.

So, whether you're switching careers or just starting out, these high-paying opportunities can help you get ahead financially — without spending years in a classroom.

All educational and salary data come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Median annual salary: $113,080

Commercial pilots operate flights, oversee maintenance, and handle luggage. Corporate pilots, for example, transport executives. Agricultural pilots may manage chemicals for crops.

A bachelor’s degree isn’t required, although some employers may prefer it. In general, you need flight training and a commercial pilot license. To qualify, you’ll need to meet age, flight-hour requirements, and medical requirements — like having 20/20 vision. The Federal Aviation Administration determines those requirements, and there are plenty of FAA-accredited flight schools.

Median annual salary: $82,710

To land a job as a signal and track switch repairer, you’ll only need vocational training, on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree. These jobs are a key part of keeping America’s rail infrastructure functioning — and people safe. They install, inspect, test, maintain, and repair all aspects of railroad systems.

Median annual salary: $99,200

According to the BLS, to work in this field, you typically only need a high school diploma. A few years of experience working in a related position can also be helpful, though this expectation can vary.

Broadly speaking, transportation, warehouse, and logistics managers oversee the movement, storage, and distribution of goods. They manage staff, coordinate shipments, maintain safety, track inventory, and optimize supply chains.

Median annual salary: $80,850

To become a sonographer, you’ll need a formal education in the field, usually an associate’s degree. You may need to become certified as well, as some employers prefer this.

Sonographer jobs can span various types, from diagnostic medical sonographers to cardiovascular technologists and technicians. However, the throughline for the field is using specialized equipment to create images and conduct tests. These workers also assist physicians in diagnosing medical conditions through detailed imaging and analysis.

Median annual salary: $102,420

Elevator and escalator installers assemble, install, maintain, and replace lifts, escalators, and moving walkways. They troubleshoot complex systems while making sure the equipment is working well — and safely.

This job requires a high school diploma. You’ll typically start with an apprenticeship program that lasts about four years. According to the BLS, most states require a certificate as well.

Median annual salary: $83,770

Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of America. They’re responsible for managing family-owned or leased farms and handling crop production, animal care, and equipment maintenance. Small-scale operators do most tasks themselves. Large farms typically hire workers.

This job typically requires a high school diploma to get into the field. Many state universities have programs designed to teach people about agriculture.

Median annual salary: $87,530

Dental hygienists need an associate’s degree, which can typically be completed in three years. Licensing is required in all states, with specific requirements varying by location.

The first person you see at the dentist is usually a dental hygienist. They use a wide variety of tools to check for oral disease and provide dental hygiene examinations.

Median annual salary: $137,380

Those towers you see at the airport? Those are air traffic control towers. This is where controllers manage aircraft movement near airports and between altitude sectors to ensure safe distances and coordination between control centers. Beyond safety, air traffic controllers also work to minimize delays.

Air traffic controllers typically need an associate's degree from an FAA-approved program, relevant work experience, and must pass medical, background, and FAA tests. After they get hired, they must complete on-the-job training and annual evaluations.

Median annual salary: $84,960

Everything you see online is, in some capacity, the result of the work of a web developer. In short, they build and maintain websites. That can include everything from the technical aspects of the site (like how it performs) to how it looks for users.

While some employers prefer a bachelor’s degree, many web developers are self-taught. In general, you must possess a strong understanding of HTML and some other programming languages.

Median annual salary: $100,890

The electricity you enjoy in your home is all thanks to power plant operators. They control machinery to generate and distribute electricity. They also manage control boards to regulate power flow efficiently.

This job only requires a high school diploma, but on-the-job training is extensive. You may also need to take the Edison Electrical Institute’s plant operator exam or get certified by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s System Operator Certification Program.

Median annual salary: $135,160

While it’s common for sales managers to need a bachelor’s degree, some workers can qualify with a high school diploma.

Business as we know it doesn’t work without sales managers. They oversee assignments, set goals, and train sales staff. They often recruit, assist with sales, and collaborate with other departments to analyze data and improve performance.

Median annual wage: $98,300

Radiation therapists use machines like linear accelerators to deliver targeted radiation therapy to tumors. This helps to shrink or eliminate cancer. They are key members of oncology teams treating cancer patients.

In addition to an associate degree, most states will require you to take a national certification exam.

Exploring jobs that offer a significant bump in pay is a key way to build your wealth, but people often think you need to spend four years (and perhaps lots of money) in higher education.

You absolutely have the power to find a job that comes with a hefty paycheck. Don’t let a lack of a four-year degree get in your way of landing one. Researching companies thoroughly, building relevant experience, or taking courses to develop your skills will help you level up your career.