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Best Paying Careers Without a Degree
Top 25 highest-paying careers requiring only a high school diploma or less, based on BLS median salary data.
25
Careers
$230,291
Avg Salary
+2.8%
Avg Growth
On-the-Job Training
Most Common Ed.
1
$360,240+4.1%
$359,820+2.7%
3
$336,640+3.2%
4
$320,700+2.7%
5
$301,500+4.3%
6
$286,310+5.4%
7
$281,130+1.2%
$269,120+6.1%
9
$266,020+4.2%
$258,660+4.5%
$254,620+4.4%
12
$253,470+2.5%
$253,470+2.5%
14
$253,470+2.5%
$253,470+2.5%
16
$236,350+3.3%
17
Pediatricians, General
On-the-Job Training
$210,130+0.8%
18
Air Traffic Controllers
High School Diploma
$144,580+1.2%
19
$130,390+11.9%
20
Commercial Pilots
Some College
$122,670+5.1%
21
$122,610-15.3%
22
Geothermal Production Managers
Postsecondary Nondegree Award
$121,440+1.9%
23
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Some College
$121,440+1.9%
24
Industrial Production Managers
High School Diploma
$121,440+1.9%
25
Clinical Neuropsychologists
On-the-Job Training
$117,580+4.3%
Education Requirements
On-the-Job Training18 of 25
High School Diploma3 of 25
Some College3 of 25
Postsecondary Nondegree Award1 of 25
Compare Careers in This Guide
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons vs RadiologistsOral and Maxillofacial Surgeons vs AnesthesiologistsRadiologists vs AnesthesiologistsRadiologists vs Emergency Medicine PhysiciansAnesthesiologists vs Emergency Medicine PhysiciansAnesthesiologists vs Ophthalmologists, Except PediatricEmergency Medicine Physicians vs Ophthalmologists, Except PediatricEmergency Medicine Physicians vs NeurologistsOphthalmologists, Except Pediatric vs NeurologistsOphthalmologists, Except Pediatric vs Obstetricians and GynecologistsNeurologists vs Obstetricians and GynecologistsNeurologists vs Psychiatrists
Explore Skills
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many careers are in the Best Paying Careers Without a Degree guide?
- This guide covers 25 occupations, including Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Radiologists, Anesthesiologists, and 22 more.
- What is the salary range for careers in this guide?
- Salaries range from $117,580 (Clinical Neuropsychologists) to $360,240 (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons) median annual wage, based on BLS data.
- Which careers in this guide are growing fastest?
- The fastest-growing careers include Telecommunications Engineering Specialists (+11.9%). Growth rates are projected from 2024 to 2034 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- What education is typically needed for these careers?
- The most common entry-level requirement is a On-the-Job Training (18 of 25 careers). Education requirements vary across the guide.
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