$100,000 a year? The jobs with the highest median income that don’t require a degree

Due to financial constraints or other factors, not everyone can or wants to obtain a college degree. Fortunately, there are other employment options that, although they require training like any other job, offer high salaries without the need to complete a college program.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are only four jobs where the median pay was $100,000 or more in 2023. Although these jobs do not require a college degree, it is important to note that some require licenses and certifications relevant to the position, as well as certain experience and knowledge.

Jobs with a median pay $100,000 and above

The first two jobs on the list are expected to see an increase in the number of jobs added over the next ten years, while the remaining two are forecasted to see a decline in positions available.

The first is Elevator and escalator installers and repairers, which will require those interested to complete a 4-year apprenticeship and a state license or certification. You’ll also need physical stamina and comfort in small spaces. Anywhere between 1,000 to 4,999 jobs are expected to be added to the economy between 2023 and 4,999.

First-line supervisors of police and detectives can also make over $100,000 and but will require “moderate-term on-the-job training.”

As for the number of Nuclear power reactor operators, Power distributors, and dispatchers, the BLS forecasts a decrease in the number of roles that will become available, making selection more competitive. The BLS warns those interested in joining the profession that “employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a postsecondary degree, such as from a college or vocational school.” Additionally, coursework or a background in “science and mathematics, especially algebra and trigonometry,” are seen as valuable by those looking to fill these roles.

Jobs with median pay between $75,000 and $99,999 - growing fast

The next three jobs on the list do not require more education than a high school diploma and are projected to see growth in the number of jobs available through the early 2030s:

Of these three professions, only the first is growing “much faster than the average,” with the BLS estimating that between 10,000 and 49,999 jobs will be created over the next nine years. In 2023, the median pay for this occupation was $99,200 a year.

To get hired in this field, coursework in " English, mathematics, and economics may be helpful for prospective transportation, storage, and distribution managers” is beneficial for applicants. Additionally, one will face competition from workers with a college degree who may have studied supply chain management or logistics.

For those interested in supervisor roles on a construction site, no high school diploma is required, but employers are often looking for candidates that have at least five years of relevant experience.

Lastly, electrical line installers and repairers with “basic knowledge of algebra and trigonometry,” will have greater appeal in hiring. The BLS advises that additional training in electricity or electronics through vocation programs or community college could also be useful in getting a foot in the door.

For those interested in attending community college, the BLS notes that programs that can be completed in one or two years are often available and that they can even help students get an internship that will allow them to build relationships with the industry in their area.

Jobs with median pay between $75,000 and $99,999 - not growing as fast

The median income for Transportation inspectors was $ 87,290 in 2023, and the number of jobs is expected to expand slightly by 1,200. For those looking to expand their appeal in the job market, there are several national certification programs that can be completed to bolster one’s resume.

Additionally, another supervisor role, with a median income of $84,570 are first-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers. The occupation is expected to see these positions expand modestly, with the forecasted estimate of additional roles growing by 4,000. The BLS list of some of the most common tasks carried out by these workers includes, “budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.”

Jobs with median pay between $75,000 and $99,999 - declining

The final job included in this list is petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers because although the number of positions is expected to fall, the median income in 2023 was $94,000.