20 high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree

For years it was believed that a four-year college degree was the only way to land a successful, lucrative career — but that isn’t the case anymore.

Seventy percent of high school graduates on a non-degree pathway are very confident in their plan to forgo a degree, according to a survey commissioned by American Student Assistance and Jobs for the Future, and it’s because their decision doesn’t have to cost them a good salary. To help them identify the best opportunities, Resume Genius released its list of 20 highest-paying jobs without a degree for 2024.

“Earning a bachelor’s degree can be an excellent step in beginning a career, but it’s not necessarily the best path for everyone,” says Eva Chan, a career expert at Resume Genius. “With the rising costs of college education and the burden of student loans, more people are considering alternative career paths that don’t require a degree, leading to increased interest in jobs that offer competitive salaries and opportunities for career advancement without a four-year college commitment.”  

Many of the jobs ranked by Resume Genius may not need a four-year degree, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other post-graduate credentials young professionals may need or should preemptively pursue for certain positions. This includes vocational school, apprenticeships and certifications.

For example, airline and commercial pilot roles topped the list with an impressive annual salary of $148,900, but most piloting jobs ask for training in vocational schools and sometimes an associate’s degree to start actively working in this role. There’s also a significant amount of on-the-job training needed in order to meet the Federal Aviation Administration requirements.

“Having diverse educational backgrounds, hands-on experience, and a commitment to continuous learning are becoming more valued in the job market,” Chan says. “That’s not to say that a degree isn’t helpful. A college degree can still provide advantages in many fields, and the decision to pursue a degree or not should be based on a person’s own career goals, interests, and financial circumstances.”

See what other high-paying professions made Resume Genius’ list: