No College Required
College isn’t the only ticket to a good paycheck. In fact, plenty of jobs pay solid money with nothing more than a high school diploma—and sometimes not even that. Sure, a few might ask you to pick up a license, apprenticeship, or short training course, but none of them require years buried in textbooks or drowning in student loans.
From trades to gig hustles to surprising career paths you’ve probably never thought of, here are the jobs that prove you can earn big without a degree.
Postal Service Worker
The USPS offers solid pay, great benefits, and long-term security. Not bad for a job that doesn’t require a degree.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $56,090
Job outlook: Declining, but steady annual openings due to retirements
Johnny_Spasm (talk) (Uploads), Wikimedia Commons
Sommelier
Wine experts can earn big in fine dining, and you don’t need a degree—just knowledge, experience, and a sharp palate. In upscale restaurants or hotels, top sommeliers can bring home serious paychecks.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $60,000–$80,000+
Outlook tied to hospitality industry demand
OneArmedMan, Wikimedia Commons
Rideshare Driver
Driving for apps like Uber and Lyft can be a flexible way to make money with just a car and a high school diploma. The hours are yours to set, and in big cities with heavy demand, some drivers pull in impressive paychecks—especially if they work peak hours and surge pricing. Driving an electric vehicle can also save thousands a year on fuel and maintenance, boosting your bottom line.
By the Numbers:
Gross hourly pay in big cities: $25–$30/hr (during peak times)
Annual gross (full-time in high-demand markets): $50,000–$70,000
Smart drivers in top markets can take home $60,000+
Ilya Plekhanov, Wikimedia Commons
Personal Shopper / Stylist
Helping others shop—whether for groceries, clothes, or gifts—can be a surprisingly lucrative path in upscale markets. No degree needed, just hustle and a good eye.
By the Numbers:
Typical pay: $20–$35/hr, plus tips
Annual earnings: $40,000–$60,000
Smart hustlers in luxury markets can clear $75,000+
Correctional Officer
A demanding job, but one with strong pay and benefits for those willing to take it on.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $55,740
Job growth: –7%, but annual openings remain due to turnover
Adam.J.W.C., Wikimedia Commons
Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline)
No degree needed—just flight training and a license. Many fly charters, corporate jets, or private planes.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $129,250
Job growth: +4%
Annual openings: 16,800
Necati Ömer Karpuzoğlu, Pexels
Makeup Artist (Theatrical & Performance)
Creative types can make serious money in film, theater, or TV makeup.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $134,750
Job growth: +5%
Annual openings: 800
Professional Athlete
Not realistic for most, but some pros skip college entirely and still make millions.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $98,010
Job growth: +7%
Ludovic Péron, Wikimedia Commons
Casino Gaming Manager
Overseeing casino operations can pay surprisingly well, with no degree required.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $77,770
Growth depends on regional casino expansion
Antoine Taveneaux, Wikimedia Commons
Delivery App Driver (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart)
Food and grocery delivery has exploded, especially in big cities. Flexible hours, low entry requirements, and solid peak-hour pay make it appealing. Like rideshare, using an EV or fuel-efficient car really helps keep profits up.
By the Numbers:
Average pay: $15–$20/hr gross, higher in busy cities during surge
Annual gross (full-time, top markets): $40,000–$60,000
Smart drivers in top markets can take home $50,000+
Freelance Gig Worker (TaskRabbit, Handy, Thumbtack)
From assembling furniture to running errands, gig platforms let you earn good money with skills you already have. High-demand cities see higher hourly rates, especially for specialized tasks like moving help or home repairs.
By the Numbers:
Hourly rates: $20–$60+ depending on the task
Annual gross (full-time, top workers): $50,000–$75,000+
Top performers in major metros can clear $80,000
Electrician
Electricians keep our world lit up—literally. This hands-on trade pays well, and apprenticeships let you earn while you learn.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $62,350
Job growth: +9% (faster than average)
Annual openings: 81,000
Team Massachusetts 4D Home, Wikimedia Commons
Plumber
Plumbers might deal with messy jobs, but the paychecks are clean. From installing systems to saving homes from leaks, plumbers are always in demand.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $62,970
Job growth: +4%
Annual openings: 44,000
photo taken by flickr user rick, Wikimedia Commons
Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
For those who love the open road, truck driving offers stability and solid pay. Long-haul routes especially can bring in bigger salaries.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $53,090
Job growth: +4%
Annual openings: 241,200
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wikimedia Commons
Police Officer
Serving your community pays well—and comes with great benefits. It’s a tough but rewarding career.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $77,270
Job growth: +3%
Annual openings: 62,200
Matthew Daley, Wikimedia Commons
Firefighter
Firefighters risk their lives, but their pay and benefits reflect that commitment. It’s one of the most respected public service jobs.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $55,290
Job growth: +4%
Annual openings: 28,000
StevenTerblanche, Wikimedia Commons
Construction Manager (Experience-Based)
Not every manager needs a degree—many work their way up. If you’ve got years of construction experience, leadership roles can pay six figures.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $103,270
Job growth: +5%
Annual openings: 38,700
Oregon Department of Transportation, Wikimedia Commons
Elevator Installer/Repair Technician
This “hidden gem” career pays big. Elevator techs keep high-rises moving—and their paychecks are sky-high too.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $101,230
Job growth: +3%
Annual openings: 2,200
FUG TIAM Naim Sheim, Wikimedia Commons
Sales Representative
If you’ve got the gift of gab, sales can pay incredibly well—especially with commission. Hustle pays off more than degrees here.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $70,230
Top earners: $100,000+
Job growth: +4%
Real Estate Agent
With just a license, you can dive into real estate. The harder you work, the bigger the potential payday.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $54,880
Top 10%: $113,320+
Job growth: +3%
Railroad Worker
Railroad jobs are union-backed, high-paying, and stable. Whether on the tracks or in operations, they’re solid careers.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $69,380
Job growth: –6% (decline, but openings remain)
Unknown authorUnknown author, Wikimedia Commons
Utility Line Worker
Line workers keep the lights on—and they’re paid well for the risk. Training is often apprenticeship-based.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $82,770
Job growth: +2%
Annual openings: 11,200
Marvin Nauman, Wikimedia Commons
Wind Turbine Technician
One of the fastest-growing careers in the U.S., with renewable energy on the rise.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $61,770
Job growth: +49.9% (much faster than average)
Annual openings: 1,800
Entrepreneur
College isn’t required to start a business—you just need grit, ideas, and hustle. Many millionaires never earned a degree.
By the Numbers:
Earnings range from nothing to millions
20% of businesses fail in the first year, 50% by year five
Víctor Manuel Reyna, Wikimedia Commons
Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft mechanics keep planes safe in the skies. While you’ll need FAA certification, the job doesn’t require college.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $78,170
Job growth: +4%
Annual openings: 12,800
Peter F.A. van de Noort, Wikimedia Commons
Dental Assistant
A healthcare career you can enter with training and certification, but no degree.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $48,990
Job growth: +7%
Annual openings: 55,100
HVAC Technician
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning techs keep homes comfortable year-round.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $57,300
Job growth: +6%
Annual openings: 37,700
Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Services, Wikimedia Commons
Mining Machine Operator
It’s tough, physical work, but mining operators can earn well without needing a degree.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $62,440
Job outlook: Varies by region and industry
Security Guard
Most roles need only a diploma; employers provide training.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $36,600
Job growth: +3%
Annual openings: 139,700
Delivery Driver (Non-CDL)
Driving routes for companies like UPS or FedEx doesn’t require more than a high school diploma.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $41,320
Job growth: +9%
Annual openings: 170,000
Customer Service Representative
A job almost anyone can step into with a diploma and strong people skills.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $39,070
Job growth: –4% (automation impact)
Annual openings: 373,400
Bartender
Learn on the job, meet people, and boost pay with tips.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $30,580 (plus tips)
Job growth: +3%
Annual openings: 105,800
Retail Salesperson
Retail jobs don’t require more than a diploma, and niche retail can pay higher.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $32,300
Job growth: –2%
Annual openings: 450,000+
Grounds Maintenance Worker
Outdoor work that doesn’t require more than a high school education.
By the Numbers:
Median annual wage: $38,600
Job growth: +5%
Annual openings: 173,300
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