10 High-Paying Jobs In America That Don’t Require College Degrees

Most of us grew up with the notion that obtaining a college degree is necessary in order to land a high-paying job and achieve financial success.

Yet this isn’t the situation at all. The average salary in 2023 for college graduates is $55,260, according to a National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey. But, many people also make a very comfortable living without a college education. If you do not have a formal college education or plan not to have one, do not fret if you would be eligible for a high-paying job. There is a new category of employment that prioritizes skills over training and previous work experience. Jobs classified as “new-collar” demand some hard skills but may not necessitate a four-year college degree (or an extensive work history). A two-year degree program, an apprenticeship, a certificate program, or vocational training are common ways for individuals to acquire the skills they need for the job.

Here we are listing 10 such high-paying jobs in the Us that do not require a college degree.

1. Cybersecurity  analyst

A qualified cyber professional with a focus on network and IT infrastructure security is known as a cybersecurity analyst. The cybersecurity analyst works diligently to foresee and stop these attacks by having a thorough understanding of malware, cyberattacks, and cybercriminals’ actions. Having a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, or a related discipline is often necessary for work as a cybersecurity analyst. Nonetheless, as the demand for cybersecurity grows, businesses are putting more emphasis on employing employees with the necessary computer science, programming, IT security, and technical experience rather than a specific degree that may be attained through training and experience. The average salary for an information security analyst is $82,496 per year in the United States.

2. Web developer

Today, there is a huge demand for web developers that can build and maintain websites. Employers have different requirements for this high-paying job, but if you can demonstrate that you produce good work, many will overlook the lack of a formal degree in your field. Becoming a web developer typically requires computer literacy, strong numeracy skills, a solid creative ability to learn, and one or more programming languages, such as HTML or CSS. Although it may take some time, these abilities may typically be learned on one’s own without the aid of a traditional college education.

Web developers are well-paid, as well. The average salary for a web developer is $76,049 per year in the United States and a $2,500 cash bonus per year.

3. Computer programmer

Computer programmers use programming languages to create, test, and maintain code. Millions of people utilize the tools and software that these crucial technologists produce every day. Computer programmers collaborate with larger software teams while working independently. Programmers create the instructions that are used to carry out operations on computers. Moreover, a programmer’s duties include identifying bugs, correcting errors, and troubleshooting problems. These individuals need to be detail-oriented, have a creative mindset, and be proficient in a number of programming languages while it is true one does not require a related college degree to be a programmer. One will need to build expertise through self-learning, independent skill-building, online courses, and boot camps to avail of this high-paying job.

The average salary for a computer programmer is $72,172 per year in the United States.

4. Commercial pilot

Large commercial aircraft are flown by commercial pilots, frequently for freight and commerce. While airline pilots often need a bachelor’s degree and experience, commercial pilots require a commercial pilot license and 1,500 hours of flight time. It takes an average of 10-22.5 months to complete your flight school training – depending on the program you choose – before going on to obtain your 1,500 flying experience.

According to The May 2021 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for this high-paying job  is $99,640 per year

5. Real estate agent

You may find success in the real estate industry if you have a strong network of contacts and a natural talent for sales. Although state regulations differ, this area of business does not require any formal degree. But, it can take a while to establish a name for yourself, build a reputation, and begin to generate considerable income from real estate.

The average salary for a real estate agent is $95,015 per year in the United States. 

6. Sales representative

Instead of selling directly to consumers, sales agents do business with enterprises, governments, and other organizations. Sales representatives are crucial to the marketing of products for manufacturers and wholesalers. To be a sales representative you need not have any former college degree, but excellent negotiation skills, polite persistence, and accountability. A high school diploma or its equivalent is sufficient for many professions, but prior sales experience is helpful.

The average salary for a sales representative is $68,157 per year in the United States and $10,900 commission per year.

7. Electrician

Electricians install, maintain, and repair the electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems In homes, businesses, and factories. While being an electrician would require no such college degree, electricians have to go through an apprenticeship program. Typically, an apprenticeship program for electricians lasts four to five years. Classes in apprenticeship programs are supplemented by hands-on training in the workplace. Although entry to these programs often simply requires a high school diploma or its equivalent.

The average salary for an electrician is $59,182 per year in the United States and $9,438 overtime per year.

8. Insurance sales agent

A person who sells insurance policies is known as an insurance sales representative. To increase their customer base, insurance sales representatives have to call and meet with existing and potential clients. The objective of an insurance sales representative is to learn about the needs of clients and match those needs with the insurance plans that are available. Although a college degree is not necessary to become an insurance sales representative, you do need to have exceptional interpersonal skills. Agents need to have excellent sales abilities in addition to great people skills, to find, cultivate and keep clients. Agents can develop their skills by visiting a range of seminars and taking part in accredited training courses.

The average salary for an insurance agent is $55,583 per year in the United States.

9. Computer support specialist

Computer support professionals assist businesses and individuals with their hardware, operating system, and software issues. They help people in person, over the phone, and online. Although most computer support professionals may not require a college degree, they must have strong communication skills given the volume of phone conversations, in-person meetings, emails, and chats they engage in daily.  Support specialists need to guide users step-by-step through the fix by asking the correct questions in order to identify the problem, establish a solution, and implement it. They frequently require to have completed a few computer or IT courses or to hold an associate’s degree. Several businesses mandate that their computer support specialists complete a certification course.

The average salary for a technical support specialist is $54,978 per year in the United States.

10. Actor 

Actors appear in the theater, in movies, and in television projects. Their responsibility is to interpret a writer’s screenplay and represent various characters to an audience on stage or in a film. They must read scripts, and prepare for auditions. Learn about their characters, memorize and practice their lines, and play out their roles. Formal education is not necessary to begin a career as an actor, but it is vital to learn the skills necessary for acting, such as script reading and memorization, dancing, and music lessons.

Actors make a median salary of $46,960.