10 jobs offering big pay without a college degree

Think you need a college degree to net a solid paycheck? Think again. You can snag a number of high-paying jobs—without a degree under your belt. And we’ve got the data to back it up.

Monster consulted the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ research on occupational outlook (which includes the median pay for thousands of careers), and identified the ten high-paying jobs requiring only a high school diploma. With student debt adding up to about $1.3 trillion nationally—yes, trillion—it’s surprising how little attention is paid to the fact that you can still earn a substantial wage without shackling yourself to a crippling college loan.

In fact, all of the jobs we’ve collected here take home over $55,000, which above the national average wage index of around $52,145.08. That said, salaries will depend on your level of experience, your specialty, and where in the country you're employed. For example, a boilermaker salary in Lewes, Delaware, is the same as the national median and a criminal investigator salary in Modesto, California, is 12% higher than the national median.

Curious if one of them is right for you? Take a look at the full list of high-paying jobs without a degree:

10. Stationary engineers and boiler operators

Median salary: $67,640

Job outlook, 2023–33: 4%

9. Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives

Median salary: $73,080

Job outlook, 2023–33: 1%

8. Boilermakers

Median salary: $71,140

Job outlook, 2023–33: -1%

7. Police and detectives

Median salary: $74,910

Job outlook, 2023–33: 4%

6. Electric power line installers and repairers

Median salary: $85,420

Job outlook, 2023–33: 8%

5. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

Median salary: $75,020

Job outlook, 2023–33: -5%

4. Farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers

Median salary: $83,770

Job outlook, 2023–33: -2%

3. Power plant operators, distributors and dispatchers

Median salary: $100,890

Job outlook, 2023–33: -8%

2. Elevator installers and repairers

Median salary: $102,420

Job outlook, 2023–33: 6%

1. Airline and commercial pilots

Median salary: $171,210

Job outlook, 2023–33: 5%

Find your job here

To get started looking for high-paying jobs without a degree, you need to be visible to employers. Could you use some help with that? Join Monster for free today. As a member, you can upload up to five versions of your resume—each tailored to the types of jobs that interest you. Recruiters search Monster every day looking to fill top jobs with qualified candidates, just like you. Additionally, you can get job alerts sent directly to your inbox to cut down on time spent looking through ads. Don't sit around and wait. Let Monster brighten up your future!