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13 Careers for Easy-To-Get Jobs Without a College Degree (Most Pay Over $75,000)

These career paths reward hands-on training and licensing, and they still pay well above average.

By Josh Koebert , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Nov. 5, 2026

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Plenty of people assume a big paycheck requires a four-year degree and a mountain of student debt. That is not the case anymore, especially in fields where employers care more about a license, a certification, or proven hands-on skill.

These are the kinds of jobs that let you start earning while you are still learning, often through paid apprenticeships or short training programs. If you want to get ahead financially without years of tuition bills, this is a good place to start looking.

Editor's note: All salary data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025.

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Air traffic controller

Median annual salary: $148,080

Air traffic controllers monitor and direct aircraft on the ground and in the air, using radar, computers, and radio equipment to issue takeoff and landing instructions and keep pilots informed of weather and runway conditions.

Entry typically requires a degree through an FAA-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program, U.S. citizenship, passing FAA exams and medical and background checks, and completing training at the FAA Academy along with an Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate.

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Commercial pilot

Median annual salary: $123,220

Commercial pilots fly aircraft for charters, aerial tours, aerial application, and other unscheduled flights, checking conditions before takeoff and monitoring engines, fuel, and other systems throughout the flight.

A high school diploma is the typical starting point, followed by FAA-approved flight training and a commercial pilot certificate, which requires passing a medical exam, a knowledge test, and a practical flight exam.

Nuclear technician

Median annual salary: $110,240

Nuclear technicians support physicists and engineers in power generation and research settings, operating and maintaining testing equipment and monitoring radiation levels.

Most enter with an associate's degree in nuclear science or a related technology, though some start with a high school diploma or postsecondary nondegree award plus relevant experience, followed by extensive on-the-job training.

Elevator and escalator installer and repairer

Median annual salary: $109,910

These workers install and wire elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, then troubleshoot and repair problems with brakes, motors, switches, and control systems, along with routine maintenance and modernization work.

A high school diploma gets you in the door, and most workers then complete a four-year apprenticeship sponsored by a union, employer, or industry group. Most states also require a license.

First-line supervisor of police and detectives

Median annual salary: $106,040

These supervisors oversee police officers and detectives, assigning schedules, directing investigations, and making sure procedures follow departmental policy and the law.

The role typically calls for a high school diploma, fewer than five years of experience as a police officer or detective, and moderate-term on-the-job supervisory training, often including a promotional exam.

Power plant operator

Median annual salary: $105,080

Power plant operators control the systems that generate and distribute electricity, reading gauges and adjusting controls to manage voltage and power flow, and starting or stopping generators and turbines as needed.

Entry usually requires a high school diploma plus extensive on-the-job training, and those running nuclear reactors need a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

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Postmaster and mail superintendent

Median annual salary: $96,660

Postmasters plan and direct the operations of a post office, overseeing mail processing while hiring, training, and evaluating staff and resolving customer complaints.

The role typically calls for a high school diploma, under five years of related work experience, and moderate-term on-the-job training.

Detective and criminal investigator

Median annual salary: $93,790

Detectives gather evidence and investigate crimes, conducting interviews, reviewing records, monitoring suspects, and sometimes taking part in raids and arrests, often specializing in one type of case.

Education requirements range from a high school diploma to a college degree depending on the agency. Most candidates start as police officers and complete an agency academy, while federal agencies such as the FBI may require a bachelor's degree.

First-line supervisor of firefighting and prevention workers

Median annual salary: $93,530

These supervisors direct and coordinate firefighting and fire prevention crews, overseeing operations on emergency calls and routine work at the station.

Entry typically requires a postsecondary nondegree award, fewer than five years of experience as a firefighter, and moderate-term on-the-job training before stepping into a supervisory role.

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Gaming manager

Median annual salary: $93,220

Gaming managers run the operations of a gambling establishment, setting house rules such as betting limits, handling customer complaints, and hiring and training staff.

A high school diploma is the typical baseline, though some employers want college coursework. Most managers come up through casino jobs as a dealer or supervisor and must obtain a state gaming license, which involves a background check, a drug test, and a fee.

Signal and track switch repairer

Median annual salary: $92,460

These workers install, inspect, test, and repair railroad signals, electric gate crossings, track switches, and the communication systems that keep rail lines running safely.

A high school diploma is typically enough to start, with no related experience required, followed by moderate-term on-the-job training.

Transportation inspector

Median annual salary: $92,100

Transportation inspectors check equipment and goods tied to the safe transport of cargo or people, including freight and rail inspections and other transportation vehicle checks.

A high school diploma is typically enough to start, followed by moderate-term on-the-job training in inspection procedures and safety regulations.

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Subway and streetcar operator

Median annual salary: $86,380

Subway and streetcar operators run the trains and streetcars that move passengers through a city, and they sometimes handle fare collection along the route.

A high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training are typically all it takes to get started, with no prior experience required.

Bottom line

None of these paths require four years of general education classes to reach a strong paycheck. What they do require is focused training, a licensing or certification test, and a willingness to start near the bottom and work your way up.

The fastest route into most of them is a union apprenticeship or an accredited certificate program, and many are offered through community colleges or workforce development programs at little to no cost. That setup lets you earn while you learn instead of piling up debt.

If you are weighing your options after high school or thinking about a career change, these fields deserve a serious look. Steady pay and accessible training give you real room to grow your wealth without a traditional degree.

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