The 25 Highest-Paying Jobs That Don't Require a College Degree
You don't need a four-year degree to score these jobs.
A traditional four-year college degree is not the only route to a high-paying career. Among U.S. News' list of the 100 Best Jobs, these 25 offered the highest pay without necessitating a bachelor's degree. An important note: Most of these jobs do require some form of postsecondary training, be it on-the-job experience, course work at a technical college or other credentialing and licensure.
25. Brickmason and Blockmason
Average Salary: $51,750
Median Salary: $47,950
Expected Job Openings: 14,500
These workers use bricks and other materials to construct or repair walls and various structures. Brickmasons and blockmasons may gain skills through on-the-job training, technical college programs and apprenticeships.
Learn more about the salaries of brickmasons and blockmasons.
24. Paralegal
Average salary: $52,390
Median Salary: $48,810
Expected Job Openings: 21,200
These legal workers assist lawyers in drafting motions, summarizing reports and performing other specialized tasks.
Learn more about the salaries of paralegals.
23. Hearing Aid Specialist
Average salary: $52,850
Median Salary: $49,600
Expected Job Openings: 1,600
These professionals specialize in selecting, fitting and maintaining hearing-loss devices.
Learn more about the salaries of hearing aid specialists.
22. Wind Turbine Technician
Average salary: $53,030
Median Salary: $51,050
Expected Job Openings: 4,800
These workers adjust, diagnose, inspect or repair wind turbines. Training may take place on the job or through a technical program.
Learn more about the salaries of wind turbine technicians.
21. Structural Iron and Steelworker
Average salary: $54,750
Median Salary: $50,490
Expected Job Openings: 2,700
These employees install iron and steel structures, gaining experience through apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
Learn more about the salaries of structural iron and steelworkers.
20. Plumber
Average salary: $55,100
Median Salary: $50,620
Expected Job Openings: 49,100
Plumbers assemble, install and repair pipes and pipe systems.
Learn more about the salaries of plumbers.
19. Physical Therapist Assistant
Average salary: $55,250
Median Salary: $55,170
Expected Job Openings: 31,900
PTAs work with physical therapists to help patients regain movement and mobility after an injury or illness.
Learn more about the salaries of physical therapist assistants.
18. Executive Assistant
Average Salary: $55,460
Median Salary: $53,370
Expected Job Openings: -44,600
Executive assistants help the higher-ups manage their time, schedules and paperwork. These pros may coordinate meetings, analyze documents or oversee clerical workers.
Learn more about the salaries of executive assistants.
17. Electrician
Average Salary: $55,590
Median Salary: $51,880
Expected Job Openings: 85,900
Electricians install and repair electrical power and other systems in business, factories and homes. Training happens on the job or at a technical school, with many states requiring licensure.
Learn more about the salaries of electricians.
16. Cardiovascular Technologist
Average salary: $56,100
Median Salary: $54,880
Expected Job Openings: 11,500
Cardiovascular technologists conduct tests on patients to help diagnose heart-related conditions.
Learn more about the salaries of cardiovascular technologists.
15. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Average salary: $58,340
Median Salary: $57,870
Expected Job Openings: 14,100
OTAs specialize in working with occupational therapists to help patients relearn daily tasks after an injury or illness.
Learn more about the salaries of occupational therapy assistants.
14. Real Estate Agent
Average salary: $58,410
Median Salary: $43,370
Expected Job Openings: 9,400
When homebuyers or renters are looking to buy, sell or rent a home, these professionals are available to help with the process. Training requirements vary by state, but all require licensure.
Learn more about the salaries of real estate agents.
13. Radiologic Technologist
Average salary: $58,520
Median Salary: $56,670
Expected Job Openings: 17,200
These health care workers are trained to perform medical imaging exams and administer radiation therapy treatments to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Learn more about the salaries of radiologic technologists.
12. Respiratory Therapist
Average Salary: $59,640
Median Salary: $57,790
Expected Job Openings: 14,900
These medical professionals provide care and treatment for patients with heart and lung problems, including those with asthma, chronic bronchitis and sleep apnea.
Learn more about the salaries of respiratory therapists.
11. Patrol Officer
Average Salary: $61,270
Median Salary: $58,320
Expected Job Openings: 34,200
Patrol officers protect people and their property, which includes patrolling local areas, writing reports and responding to incidents.
Learn more about the salaries of patrol officers.
10. Sound Engineering Technician
Average Salary: $63,340
Median Salary: $53,330
Expected Job Openings: 1,200
These audio whizzes are adept at setting up and operating sound equipment at a variety of events, from weddings to concerts.
Learn more about the salaries of sound engineering technicians.
9. Insurance Sales Agent
Average salary: $64,790
Median Salary: $48,200
Expected Job Openings: 43,500
These professionals are insurance know-it-alls who sell a range of policies, including auto, health, home and life insurance, as well as various commercial products.
Learn more about the salaries of insurance agents.
8. Sales Representative
Average salary: $66,790
Median Salary: $55,730
Expected Job Openings: 93,400
These professionals sell goods and services to businesses, government agencies and other organizations.
Learn more about the salaries of sales representatives.
7. Computer Support Specialist
Average salary: 67,260
Median Salary: $62,250
Expected Job Openings: 88,800
These specialists come to the rescue to diagnose and troubleshoot computer problems.
Learn more about the salaries of computer support specialists.
6. MRI Technologist
Average salary: $68,340
Median Salary: $67,720
Expected Job Openings: 3,500
MRI technologists operate machines that use magnetic fields and radio waves to take images of patients' organs and other internal parts.
Learn more about the salaries of MRI technologists.
5. Web Developer
Average Salary: $70,660
Median Salary: $64,970
Expected Job Openings: 39,500
Web developers build websites, working with software applications or writing code to finish the job.
Learn more about the salaries of web developers.
4. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Average Salary: $70,880
Median Salary: $68,970
Expected Job Openings: 16,000
These health care specialists use sonography equipment to capture images for a number of medical purposes, from finding out the gender of a baby to imaging tumors.
Learn more about the salaries of diagnostic medical sonographers.
3. Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $72,720
Median Salary: $72,330
Expected Job Openings: 37,400
Dental hygienists typically work in dental offices, cleaning teeth and educating patients on how to brush and floss properly.
Learn more about the salaries of dental hygienists.
2. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Average Salary: $74,990
Median Salary: $73,360
Expected Job Openings: 300
Nuclear medicine technologists have mastered a process that involves injecting small amounts of radioactive material into patients to diagnose certain diseases and illnesses.
Learn more about the salaries of nuclear medicine technologists.
1. Radiation Therapist
Average Salary: $84,460
Median Salary: $80,220
Expected Job Openings: 2,300
These medical professionals may need a 12-month certificate or associate degree to get started in radiation therapy, which involves the use of radiation to treat cancer.
Learn more about the salaries of radiation therapists.
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