Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Top Careers Paying Six Figures Without College
You don't always need a college degree to earn a lot of money.
A new report shows that many jobs pay over $100,000 a year and only need a high school diploma.
These jobs are in areas like construction, police work, and fixing things like elevators or airplanes.
People in these jobs get paid well because they have special skills and lots of experience.
For example, construction supervisors can earn around $79,000 a year, and pilots can earn over $120,000.
The report says that as more people are needed for these jobs, many can have great careers without going to college.
High-paying jobs in construction, protective services, and technical roles often require only a high school diploma.
First-line supervisors in construction and extraction earn around $79,000 annually with expected job growth.
Police and firefighting supervisory roles pay between $90,000 and $105,000 without requiring a college degree.
Technical roles like electrical power-line installers and aircraft mechanics offer salaries above $80,000 with specialized training.
Commercial pilots earn over $120,000 annually, typically requiring postsecondary non-degree qualifications.
- Who
- Individuals with a high school diploma or specialized training
- What
- High-paying careers without requiring a college degree
- When
- Present and future job market trends
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Growing demand for skilled workers in essential industries
- Median Salary
- $79,000 - $120,000+ annually
- Top Sectors
- Construction, Protective Services, Installation & Repair
- Key Skills
- Experience, Technical Skills, Leadership
- Education Requirement
- High School Diploma + Specialized Training
- Job Growth
- 49,000+ new jobs in construction supervision
- Highest Paying Role
- Commercial Pilots ($120,000+ annually)
- Data Source
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics