These Are the Top-Paying Jobs You Can Get Without a Degree

Est. Average Salary: $94,350*
Top Employers: General Atomics, Arizona Public Service (APS)

To become a nuclear power reactor operator you will usually start as an equipment operator and work your way up to the position while gaining the required training. While the minimum requirement is a high school diploma, the job requires formal technical training in order to acquire a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. 

Nuclear Power Reactor Operator ©Krysja / Shutterstock.com

The job is really as it says, to control nuclear reactors. By regulating control rods you affect the quantity of electricity generated by the reactor. You will also be trained to keep control of the reactors, turbine generators and cooling systems.

Est. Average Salary: $42,680*
Top Employers: Sunrun and Tesla

Green energy is the way forward, so it’s no wonder that a solar panel installer is a sought after career path. The requirements are basic, a high school diploma is usually the only prerequisite and you will usually receive training on the job or you can do a course at a community college or technical school. 

Solar Panel Installer ©zstock / Shutterstock.com

Building, installing and repairing solar panels is an outdoor job and ideal for anyone who prefers hands on work. It is the type of work you can do anywhere, and in fact travel is part of the job as you will go out to your customers on location. 

Est. Average Salary: $41,420*
Top Employers: Large hotel chains and health clinics

The job of a massage therapist will always be in demand and will remain a brick and mortar industry as the world moves towards e-commerce. The employment options are plentiful as you can work from a hotel, a health care clinic, hospital or doctors office as well as fitness centers or you could be self employed and travel out to clients. 

Massage Therapist ©Dmytro Zinkevych / Shutterstock.com

Depending on the type of massage you would like to provide, a post secondary program is often required as well as a certain amount of hours of experience. If you get into sports massage you might need to study further. This differs from state to state so it is advisable to check your local requirements. 

Est. Average Salary: $89,030*
Top Employers: Police force 

While public service jobs are often not known to be the highest paid sector, there are ways to work your way up to a very decent wage. With plenty of on the job training and experience you can aim to become a first line police supervisor and earn way above the average income.

First-Line Police Supervisors ©John Roman Images / Shutterstock.com

The job entails management, supervision and coordination of a police force. The main responsibility is to oversee that cases and procedures are lawful and run smoothly and correctly. The job might require training of new members and is best suited to someone with strong leadership qualities. 

Est. Average Salary: $86,410*
Top Employers: Pacific Gas & Electric

This job is on the technical side and requires a lot of experience and additional training but will be worth it in the long run as the annual income is much higher than the average. The responsibilities include controlling the flow of electricity between the station and its substations and users.

Power Distributors and Dispatchers ©Goodvibes Photo / Shutterstock.com

A power distributor and dispatcher is also responsible for fixing line failures which can occur in the transformer or transmission lines. You may need to acquire certification and can look into the requirements through the North American Electric Reliability Corproation’s System Operator Certification Program. 

Est. Average Salary: $43,550*
Top Employers: Bechtel, Fluor Corporation and Turner Corporation

If you’ve ever wondered who installs glass for doors, windows, mirrors and just about anything else that needs glass, it’s a glazier. The job is quite a physical one and is in the highest demand on building sites. If you don’t mind scaffolding and step ladders, this might be a great option for you.

Glazier ©PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek / Shutterstock.com

This is a trade which often requires an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. Someone with an eye for design and math will catch on fairly quickly, and even more so if you enjoy working with power tools and don’t mind an element of danger on the job. 

Est. Average Salary: $50,000*
Top Employers: Keller Williams Realty and CBRE 

This is an ideal career for a go-getter who is good with people and has a strong sense of the community and real estate market in the area. A knack for sales will get you a step ahead, and alongside a good ability to read people this could be a very prosperous path.

Real Estate Agent ©goodluz / Shutterstock.com

Acquiring a real estate license is usually fairly straightforward and takes an average of 2-5 months. Most states require a real estate license, but the specific requirements are different state by state. As with most things, it’s always best to check the specific procedures in your state. 

Est. Average Salary: $40,710*
Top Employers: D.I Auto Service, The Auto Clinic and Brake Masters

While becoming an auto mechanic doesn’t require a degree, it is usually attainable once completing a trade school program. There are opportunities to acquire knowledge through an apprenticeship program or to get an entry level position which will provide employer training.

Auto Mechanic ©Syda Productions / Shutterstock.com

The job is best suited to those with a technical mind and an ability to use, fix and maintain tools and machines. Problem solving skills will be an advantage as well as an understanding of engineering science and technology. Once you have the skills required, it is unlikely that you will struggle to find employment in the trade.

Est. Average Salary: $54,370*
Top Employers: EDF, RWE

A wind turbine converts the wind’s kinetic energy into electrical energy. The job of a wind turbine technician is to fix, maintain and inspect wind turbines. If you are someone who gets giddy when high up, this is not the job for you. It involves climbing up high ladders to get to the top in order to maintain or resolve any technical issues the turbine might have.

Wind Turbine Technician ©Suwin / Shutterstock.com

This is a skill which is often acquired through vocational school, though on-the-job training is often provided. There are also various technical programs you could pursue, depending on which state you live and work in. 

Est. Average Salary: $41,910*
Top Employers: A+ Insulation and Attic Insulation Co. Inc. 

Insulation is used within floors, ceilings and walls and keeps us warm and protected from the elements. The job of insulation contractor is one that is best suited to someone with a knack for measurements and understanding blueprints as you will need to install the insulation to fit the surroundings perfectly.

Insulation Contractor ©ronstik / Shutterstock.com

Training is usually provided on-the-job and certain hazardous material training might be required. Provided you don’t suffer from claustrophobia, this is a great career path for anyone who enjoys working on building sites and is physically strong as the installation can be physically demanding. 

Est. Average Salary: $44,810*
Top Employers: Baker Concrete Construction 

This job is like the very personification of one of those Instagram videos featuring satisfying visual effects. Take concrete that was poured onto the ground and a large spatula tool and smooth the concrete out to a perfect finish. How gratifying! 

Cement and Concrete Finisher ©sakoat contributor / Shutterstock.com

This job requires a lot of physical strength as the tools and materials are very heavy. It is usually performed outdoors, and you will have to spend a fair amount of time bending or kneeling down as your focus is on the floor. You can get a job like this with a high school diploma and an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. 

Est. Average Salary: $46,240*
Top Employers: Hospitals and clinics 

To qualify as a licenced practical nurse (LPN) you don’t need a degree, but you do need a diploma. The program usually takes a year to complete and will arm you with all the basic skills to perform this highly important and respected job. You can work providing basic medical care in schools, hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. 

Licensed Practical Nurse ©fizkes / Shutterstock.com

Your tasks include crucial practices such as dressing wounds, checking vital signs, installing catheters and performing enemas. If you have the drive to help people, and choose a career path with great, deep satisfaction, this might be the one for you. 

Est. Average Salary: $79,580*
Top Employers: AT&T

If you have a technical mind and have ever dreamed of working in the film and movie business, this might be the job for you. Very high demand in industries that use audio and visual systems, the responsibility includes fixing, maintaining and installing these systems.

Communication Equipment Workers ©ESB Professional / Shutterstock.com

If being self employed is appealing to you, you can offer this service to businesses and private customers too. With only a high school diploma as an entry requirement, you will benefit from some training in electrical installation and repair. You will also require on-the-job training. 

Est. Average Salary: $82,240*
Top Employers: Airlines 

In order to qualify as a commercial pilot, you will need to earn a private pilot certificate. This can be quite pricey but in the long run it will pay off as the earnings are very high in this field. Along with the certificate, commercial pilots are often required to have logged a certain amount of flight hours.

Commercial Pilots ©Skycolors / Shutterstock.com

Commercial pilots have many different options and responsibilities. You can fly charter flights and Ariel’s tours as well as handling non-flight duties such as organizing schedules and maintaining aircrafts. Also known as corporate pilots or transport company executives, this can be a prosperous career choice.