High-paying jobs without a bachelor's degree are a reality. Learn about 15 professions with salaries starting at $60,000, job requirements and growth prospects for 2024–2034

A high-paying career in the United States is possible even without a four-year college degree. A new analytical report from the Resume Genius platform, prepared based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), proves that dozens of profitable professions are available through professional training, certification, internships or training directly on the job.

The study focuses on vacancies with a median annual salary of $ 49,500, as well as with a positive employment growth forecast for 2024–2034.

Read about 15 high-paying professions that can be obtained without a degree in this article.

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An employment lawyer will help you choose the right type of work visa, check the contract with the employer and avoid common mistakes that can lead to refusal or loss of status. Professional support is your first step to legal and stable work abroad.

Resume Genius career expert Eva Chan emphasizes that while these careers require real skills and often serious training, a bachelor’s degree is not required.

“There is no single path to a high-paying job. All careers require training, but many are quite achievable without a college degree,” Chan notes.

In addition to high salaries, most of the jobs on the list have stable or growing prospects, making them attractive in the long run.

Top 15 Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Bachelor's Degree

1. Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer

Annual Salary: $106,580

Hourly Wage: $51.24

Employment Growth: +5%

2. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager

Annual Salary: $102,010

Hourly Wage: $49.05

Growth: +6%

3. Power Line Installer and Repairer

Annual Salary: $92,560

Hourly Wage: $44.50

Growth: +7%

4. Aircraft and Avionics Mechanic and Technician

Annual Salary: $79,140

Hourly Wage: $38.05

Growth: +5%

5. Detective or Criminal Investigator

Annual Salary: $77 270

Hourly Wage: $37.15

Growth: +3%

6. Locomotive Driver

Annual Salary: $75,680

Hourly Wage: $36.38

Growth: +1%

7. Sales Representative (Wholesale and Manufacturing)

Annual Salary: $74,100

Hourly Wage: $35.63

Growth: +1%

8. Flight Attendant/Stewardess

Annual Salary: $67,130

Hourly Wage: $32.27

Growth: +9%

9. Property Management Manager

Annual Salary: $66,700

Hourly Wage: $32.07

Growth: +4%

10. Water Transport Worker

Annual Salary: $66,490

Hourly Wage: $31.97

Growth: +1%

11. Food Service Manager

Annual Salary: $65,310

Hourly Wage: $31.40

Growth: +6%

12. Heavy Equipment and Mobile Equipment Maintenance Technician

Annual Salary: $62,740

Hourly Wage: $30.16

Growth: +6%

13. Professional Athlete

Annual Salary: $62,360

Hourly Wage: n/a

Growth: +5%

14. Chef/Head Chef

Annual Salary: $60,990

Hourly Wage: $29.32

Growth: +7%

15. Insurance Agent

Annual Salary: $60,370

Hourly Wage: $29.02

Growth: +4%

Market The US labor market offers many opportunities for those who are willing to invest time in practical skills, certification and professional experience, and not just in university education. For migrants, newcomers to the labor market or those who want to quickly reach a stable income, these professions can become a real and promising career path.

Even if the profession does not require higher education, US migration and labor rules remain complex. An employment lawyer will help confirm qualifications, prepare documents for the employer, choose the optimal visa program and accompany you at all stages of employment.

Let us remind you! Are you considering Portugal as a permanent place of residence? This country offers excellent employment opportunities for foreigners. We have already told you what the labor market looks like and what vacancies are most in demand in Portugal in 2025-2026.

Photo – Freepik

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