10 Trade Jobs That Pay Over $75K Without a College Degree

Rising college costs and huge student loan debts are making people reconsider their stances and age-old norms. Fueled by good growth forecasts over the next decade and the fact that many trade jobs often provide on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and/or certification programs, career aspirants from entry-level to pre-retirees and retirees are interested.

Here's a list of 10 fact-checked and vetted trade roles that pay more than $75,000 per year that could help you build wealth, and none require a bachelor's degree.

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

Median Annual Salary: $75,480

Fire inspectors examine and inspect buildings, both residential and commercial, to detect fire hazards, ensure compliance with local and state fire codes, and investigate fire incidents. There are also forest fire inspectors, who are in charge of forests and patrol to look for forest fires and observe weather elements that might cause wildfires.

A high school diploma and work experience as a firefighter are typically required, after which individuals are given on-the-job training in inspection and investigation.

Median Annual Salary: $106,580

As the name suggests, these are tradespeople who install, repair, and maintain elevators and escalators across commercial, industrial, and residential properties.

Typically possessing a high school diploma, nearly all elevator and escalator installers and repairers learn the ropes of the trade through apprenticeships. These are union-sponsored or provided by industry associations or employers. Most states in the United States require them to be licensed, too.

Median Annual Salary: $103,600

These are tradespeople who work in power generation plants and are associated with the various tasks and responsibilities of managing them. They control equipment, read charts and meters, and maintain equipment and devices to ensure stable power generation.

A high school diploma, along with formal technical training for a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, helps enter the industry, followed by extensive on-the-job training.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Compare car insurance rates in Ohio

See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes

Currently Insured?

Yes

No

Multiple Cars?

Yes

No

Homeowner

Yes

No

Age

30-39

• 18-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70-79
• 80+

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Great News! We’ve located some excellent quote options just for you.

Where can we send you info and recommendations?

Enter Email

Bundle Home & Auto to Save More?

Yes

No

Active Military?

No

Yes

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Median Annual Salary: $79,140

As suggested by the title, these folks install, test, adjust, and repair aircraft and avionics equipment and instruments. Aircraft technicians deal with the mechanical and electrical problems of an aircraft, while avionics technicians deal with the electronic equipment on the aircraft.

They need to clear a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved program to enter this occupation, while some enter with a high school diploma and train on the job.

Median Annual Salary: $77,180

Electrical and electronic engineers are supported by these tradespeople in planning and developing communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, etc. They also help in assembling equipment for automation.

While typically needing an associate's degree from community colleges or vocational schools, the requirements vary across employers. While optional, additional certifications help to showcase advanced knowledge for aspiring technologists.

Median Annual Salary: $77,270

As is known worldwide, these are the people who protect the lives and properties of civilians around them. Detectives go further to gather facts, investigate crimes, and collect evidence.

The education required varies from a high school diploma to a college degree. Most police and detectives need to complete academy training and graduate to then get on-the-job training. They should also have rigorous physical and personal qualifications, in addition to not having any felony convictions or drug use.

Median Annual Salary: $78,980

Also known as radiographers, they take X-rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations for patients having medical issues. They prep patients for procedures and follow precise orders from doctors to get the exact image.

They need an associate's degree to start out as a radiographer and gradually become an MRI technologist. Most states in the U.S. require radiologists to be licensed, while a few require licensure for MRI techs.

Median Annual Salary: $94,260

Different from dentists, dental hygienists take care of patients by examining them for oral diseases and providing preventive care. They also help educate patients about best dental practices and oral health.

They need to hold a dental hygienist associate's degree, which usually takes three years to complete. While all states in the U.S. require them to be licensed, the requirements vary by state.

Median Annual Salary: $75,190

Stationary engineers and boiler operators control, monitor, inspect, and maintain stationary engines, boilers, and similar mechanical equipment to provide utilities to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Having a high school diploma or equivalent, they are either trained on the job or go through an apprenticeship program. They should demonstrate competency through license exams or company-specific exams before they can work unsupervised.

Median Annual Salary: $101,990

Radiation therapists work in oncology departments in the medical industry and administer radiation doses to patients who have cancer or other serious diseases.

They typically need an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in the specific field to enter the workforce, with most states requiring them to be licensed or certified by passing a national certification exam.

These jobs show that you can get ahead financially with a solid-paying trade job without a college degree and the associated burden of student debt. Keep in mind that the salaries listed here are median annual figures, meaning once you gain experience and knowledge in your niche, these figures could go way up.

For aspiring tradespeople, talk to folks who are already in the relevant trades to gain insights and to understand the real-world scenarios of each role. This not only gives you perspective but also helps you get clarity on which trade might be the right fit for your skill sets.