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8 Jobs That Require Minimal Experience But Pay Over $45 an Hour

Skip the degree and earn over $45 an hour with these eight high-paying career paths.

By Andy Lindquist

Edited by Lisa Dammeyer

Updated Dec. 26, 2025

A college degree used to be the traditional route to a high-paying job, but that's no longer the case. You don't need to spend four years in the classroom and get a bachelor's degree to earn substantial pay. Many industries now prioritize specialized skills and technical certifications over an academic pedigree. This is a great way to increase your earning potential and lower your financial stress, since you'll have a higher monthly income to work with.

Here are eight jobs that require minimal experience and pay more than $45 an hour.

Editor's note: Salary information comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Air traffic controller

Median hourly pay: $69.51

Air traffic controllers coordinate the movements of airplanes. That means taking great care in directing landing and take-off flight paths to avoid any crashes or delays. This is a stressful role, but one in high demand, as airports constantly seek more controllers as older workers retire.

To get started, you'll need an associate's degree from an accredited program in addition to a pre-employment test and training at the FAA Academy.

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Power plant operator

Median hourly pay: $49.81

Power plant operators control the systems that generate and distribute electric power, including turbines, generators, and boilers. This role involves monitoring charts and meters to ensure grid stability and detect equipment malfunctions.

While a high school diploma is the standard entry requirement, employers provide extensive long-term on-the-job training to help workers master the complex machinery and safety protocols required. State licensure might be required depending on the type of power plant.

Elevator and escalator installer or repairer

Median hourly pay: $51.24

In this labor-intensive role, you'll help fix, install, and check a variety of elevator and escalator equipment. That means getting down and dirty in tiny crawl spaces and learning the ins and outs of small mechanical parts.

You'll need a high school diploma or equivalent, but there is an extensive apprenticeship program to get you up to speed. Some states also require licensure, but this role does not require much prior field experience.

Radiation therapist

Median hourly pay: $49.03

As a radiation therapist, you'll deliver targeted doses of radiation to a specific point on a patient's body to help eliminate cancer cells. Therapists work in a variety of environments, from hospitals to clinics.

You'll need an associate's degree in radiation therapy and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam, along with a few years of clinical experience.

Dental hygienist

Median hourly pay: $45.32

If you like looking at and cleaning teeth all day, this is an excellent job for you. As a hygienist, you'll assist a dentist in cleaning a patient's teeth and looking for any signs of serious dental issues.

You'll need to complete an associate's degree in dental hygiene and become licensed in your state, but after that, it's pretty smooth sailing.

Transportation, storage, and distribution manager

 Median hourly pay: $49.05

These professionals manage the logistics of supply chain distribution centers, coordinating with vendors to ensure goods are shipped and stored efficiently. With the global supply chain becoming increasingly vital, these positions are in high demand.

While a background in procurement helps, many professionals work their way up from entry-level roles, proving that hands-on experience in a logistics company can be just as valuable as a degree.

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Airline pilot

Median hourly pay: $101.59

Flying an airplane, whether as a commercial or airline pilot, is a lucrative and demanding role that doesn't require the traditional educational path. You'll need to complete pilot school and meet all Federal Aviation Administration requirements.

Still, if you have the physical and mental aptitude for the task, you won't necessarily need a college degree.

Nuclear medicine technologist

Median hourly pay: $46.64

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs, known as radiopharmaceuticals, to patients for diagnostic imaging or therapeutic purposes. They operate sophisticated equipment, such as PET or CT scanners, to create images that help physicians visualize the body's anatomy and function.

To become one, you'll need at least an associate's degree from an accredited program and pass a national certification exam, along with state licensure.

Bottom line

High-paying careers are no longer exclusive to four-year degree holders, with industries like aviation, health, and logistics increasingly prioritizing technical skills over academic pedigrees. By pursuing targeted certifications or associate degrees, you can secure substantial earning potential while bypassing the financial burden of traditional university tuition. That means no longer living paycheck to paycheck, as your income-to-debt ratio will increase significantly in one of these new roles.

This shift toward "skills-based hiring" is rapidly accelerating. A 2024 survey found that 45% of companies planned to eliminate bachelor's degree requirements for some positions to broaden their talent pools and address labor shortages.

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