Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree

Despite what you are taught in school, college is not a requirement for a successful career. Here's a list of some of the highest-paying ways to make money without a college degree:

1. Real Estate Agent: You can earn significant commissions by selling or renting properties.

2. Commercial Pilot: Flying planes, especially for major airlines, can be lucrative.

3. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator: Operating and controlling nuclear reactors can be high-paying.

4. Air Traffic Controller: Managing air traffic safely and efficiently pays well.

5. Elevator Installer and Repairer: Skilled technicians who install and maintain elevators can earn high salaries.

6. Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter: Skilled tradespeople who work with piping systems can earn well.

7. Dental Hygienist: Dental hygiene can offer good pay and benefits without requiring a four-year degree.

8. Radiation Therapist: Operating radiation equipment for medical treatment can be a well-paying career.

9. Nuclear Medicine Technologist: Working with radioactive materials in medical settings can pay well.

10. Computer Programmer: Skilled programmers can earn high salaries without a college degree, though self-study or coding bootcamps may be necessary.

11. Software Developer: Similar to programming, developing software can be a high-paying career without a degree.

12. Web Developer: Building websites and web applications can be a lucrative career path.

13. Sales Representative: Successful salespeople can earn significant commissions without a degree.

14. Executive Assistant: Providing high-level administrative support to executives can be well-compensated.

15. Insurance Sales Agent: Selling insurance products can lead to high earnings through commissions.

16. Commercial Diver: Underwater welding and other specialized skills can make commercial diving lucrative.

17. Electrician: Skilled electricians can earn good money through their expertise.

18. Detective/Private Investigator: Investigative work can pay well, particularly in certain fields like corporate investigations.

19. Gaming Manager: Running gaming operations in casinos can be a high-paying role.

20. Small Business Owner: Successful entrepreneurship can lead to significant earnings without a degree.

21. Real Estate Broker: Brokers earn commissions on property sales and leases.

22. Court Reporter: Providing verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings can be a well-paying job.

23. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager: Managing logistics operations can be lucrative.

24. Postal Service Mail Carrier: Delivering mail for the postal service can offer good pay and benefits.

25. Mechanic: Skilled mechanics, especially those specializing in certain types of vehicles or machinery, can earn high salaries.

These are just a few examples, and the earning potential can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and industry demand.