Many people typically associate high-paying jobs with a college degree. There’s some truth to this – there are many high-paying jobs that do require some kind of college degree. However, you certainly do not need a college degree to land a job that pays great. Many people avoid college altogether and find fantastic careers based on their unique skills and experience and potential professional school. Here are 20 jobs that earn over $75,000 that don’t need a college degree to get:
Refinery Operators
Median salary: $75,180 a year
Refinery operators work at an oil refinery and typically manage oil refining and processing units. You are required to have a high school diploma and will receive on-the-job experience.
Commercial Makeup Artist
Median salary: $75,730 a year
A commercial makeup artist works with commercial brands to do professional makeup on clients. To become a commercial makeup artist, you will need extensive makeup experience and typically a high school diploma. This position can be quite lucrative depending on the brand you are working for.
Funeral Home Director
Median salary: $76,350
As a funeral home director, you will be responsible for the daily management of a funeral home and oversee all employee operations. Additionally, you will have to interface with people on a daily basis. You need at least a high school diploma and a state license to become a funeral director.
Plumber Foreman
Median salary: $77,361 a year
A plumber foreman supervises a group of plumbing employees and manages their day-to-day tasks on projects. You need a high school diploma and must also complete a vocational school program to be certified.
Transportation Manager
Median salary: $94,560 a year
Transportation managers plan, direct and coordinate transportation activities and work closely with the government. To become a transportation manager, you will need your high school diploma and work experience in transportation.
Computer Security Analyst
Median salary: $99,720 a year
A computer security analyst needs to have a working knowledge of computer security systems to be successful in this role. You will be responsible for securing your organization’s private data. To qualify, you may only need a high school diploma and extensive IT and computer science experience.
Postmaster
Median salary: $76,900 a year
Postmasters plan and direct mail operations at a U.S. Post Office location. You need a high school diploma and a lot of experience working at a post office.
Firefighter
Median salary: $77,800
A professional firefighter works in the frontlines of fighting and preventing fires. To become a professional firefighter, you will need a high school diploma and a specific postsecondary certificate.
Media & Communications Equipment Managers
Median salary: $79,500
Media and communications equipment managers oversee functions of and repair audio and visual systems as needed on movie, television, and radio sets. To become a media and communications equipment manager, you will need a high school diploma and extensive experience with audio and visual technology systems.
Criminal Investigator
Median salary: $83,170 a year
Criminal investigators and detectives work on crime scenes to gather evidence and evaluate it to determine facts from the crime. You will need to first become a police officer, and work your way up with experience to become a criminal investigator.
Computer Programmer
Median salary: $84,260 a year
A computer programmer needs to have extensive knowledge about programming languages and a deep understanding of software and security. To become a successful computer programmer, you will need at least a high school diploma and plenty of experience coding in various languages.
Elevator Repairman
Median salary: $84,990 a year
An elevator repairman’s job description is in the name – you are responsible for repairing and maintaining elevators. You will need a high school diploma and most likely a license from your state, along with apprenticeship experience.
Radiation Therapist
Median salary: $85,560 a year
As a radiation therapist, you will treat cancer patients and other individuals who require radiation therapy. To become a radiation therapist, you will need an American Registry of Radiologic Technologies (ARRT) certification, along with any licenses your specific state requires for the job.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Median salary: $85,950 a year
A nuclear power reactor is responsible for controlling and operating nuclear power and distribution. This job requires a high school diploma and a lot of training on the job.
Police Supervisor
Median salary: $91,090 a year
Police supervisors directly supervise and manage policy officers. To become a police supervisor, you need a high school diploma and experience as a police officer.
Transportation Manager
Median salary: $94,560 a year
Transportation managers plan, direct and coordinate transportation activities and work closely with the government. To become a transportation manager, you will need your high school diploma and work experience in transportation.
Computer Security Analyst
Median salary: $99,720 a year
A computer security analyst needs to have a working knowledge of computer security systems to be successful in this role. You will be responsible for securing your organization’s private data. To qualify, you may only need a high school diploma and extensive IT and computer science experience.
Commercial Pilot
Median salary: $121,430 a year
Commercial pilots operate and navigate airplanes and helicopters. To become a commercial pilot, you will need your high school diploma and a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Air Traffic Controller
Median salary: $122,950
An air traffic controller directs air traffic at an airport. This is a highly competitive job, and often very stressful as well. To succeed as an air traffic controller, you will need your high school diploma and complete extensive testing and training by the FAA.
Retail Manager
Median salary: $124,220 a year
A retail manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a retail store, including employees, customers, and overall store functions. This job requires a lot of customer service and people management skills. You need at least a high school diploma and retail experience to become a retail manager.
