For many people, the idea of earning a good salary without a college degree seems impossible. However, there are actually many jobs that pay over $50K a year without requiring a degree. These jobs can include a wide range of industries, including healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
One reason why these jobs are becoming more prevalent is due to the changing nature of work in the United States. As technology continues to advance and the economy shifts, many employers are looking for workers who have specific skills and experience, rather than a four-year degree.
This means that there are more opportunities than ever before for people who are willing to put in the time and effort to learn a trade or develop their skills.
Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to make a change, it’s worth exploring the many jobs that pay over $50K without requiring a degree.
Not only can these jobs provide a good salary and job security, but they can also offer a sense of fulfillment and purpose. In the following sections, we will explore 25 of these jobs in more detail, including what they entail, how much they pay, and what skills and experience are required.
Healthcare and Medical Jobs
Healthcare is a rapidly growing field with many opportunities for high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree. Here are some of the top healthcare and medical jobs that pay over $50K:
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) are responsible for providing patient care, administering medications, and performing diagnostic tests. They work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for RNs is $75,330.
Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays, on patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for radiologic technologists is $63,120.
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive dental care. They work in dental offices, clinics, and public health settings. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for dental hygienists is $76,220.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics. They take patients’ vital signs, assist physicians with medical procedures, and manage patient records. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants is $35,850.
Technology Jobs
Technology jobs are in high demand, and many of them pay well even without a degree. Here are some of the top technology jobs that pay over $50K:
Web Developer
Web developers design and create websites. They work with clients to determine their needs, and then use coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build the website. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for web developers is $77,200.
Computer Support Specialist
Computer support specialists help people and organizations use technology effectively. They troubleshoot problems, provide technical support, and maintain computer systems. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for computer support specialists is $54,760.
IT Manager
IT managers are responsible for overseeing an organization’s technology infrastructure. They manage teams of IT professionals, plan and implement technology projects, and ensure that technology systems are secure and efficient. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for IT managers is $151,150.
Database Administrator
Database administrators manage and maintain an organization’s database systems. They ensure that data is secure, and that the database is running smoothly. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for database administrators is $98,860.
Sales Jobs
There are many sales jobs that offer excellent earning potential without requiring a college degree. Here are a few examples:
Sales Representative
A sales representative is responsible for selling products or services to customers. They may work in a variety of industries, such as pharmaceuticals, technology, or consumer goods. The median annual salary for a sales representative is $63,790, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Primary duties: Sell products or services to customers
- Median annual salary: $63,790
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
Insurance Sales Agent
Insurance sales agents help customers choose insurance policies that fit their needs. They may sell policies for life, health, or property and casualty insurance. The median annual salary for an insurance sales agent is $52,180, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Primary duties: Sell insurance policies to customers
- Median annual salary: $52,180
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
Real Estate Broker
A real estate broker is responsible for helping clients buy or sell properties. They may work with residential or commercial properties. The median annual salary for a real estate broker is $60,370, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Primary duties: Help clients buy or sell properties
- Median annual salary: $60,370
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
Sales Manager
A sales manager is responsible for leading a team of sales representatives. They may set sales goals, train employees, and develop sales strategies. The median annual salary for a sales manager is $126,640, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Primary duties: Lead a team of sales representatives
- Median annual salary: $126,640
- Education required: High school diploma or equivalent, with experience in sales
Skilled Trade Jobs
Skilled trade jobs are a great option for those who enjoy working with their hands and want to earn a good salary without a degree. These jobs require specialized training and expertise, but they offer plenty of opportunities for career advancement and high earning potential. Here are a few examples of skilled trade jobs that pay over $50K per year:
Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and other settings. They typically complete an apprenticeship program or vocational training, and they need to be licensed in most states. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for electricians was $56,180 in May 2020. Electricians who work in the construction industry tend to earn higher salaries than those who work in other settings.
Plumber
Plumbers install and repair pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing systems in homes, businesses, and other settings. They typically complete an apprenticeship program or vocational training, and they need to be licensed in most states. According to BLS, the median annual salary for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $56,330 in May 2020. Plumbers who work in the natural gas distribution industry tend to earn higher salaries than those who work in other settings.
Welder
Welders use heat to join metal parts together in a variety of industries, such as automotive, marine, and transportation businesses. They typically complete vocational training, and they need to be certified in most cases. According to BLS, the median annual salary for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $45,190 in May 2020. Welders who work in the aerospace product and parts manufacturing industry tend to earn higher salaries than those who work in other settings.
HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in homes, businesses, and other settings. They typically complete vocational training, and they need to be licensed in most states. According to BLS, the median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $50,590 in May 2020. HVAC technicians who work in the natural gas distribution industry tend to earn higher salaries than those who work in other settings.
Creative Jobs
For those who are artistically inclined, there are plenty of high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree. Here are a few creative jobs that pay over $50K per year:
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications, such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for graphic designers was $57,430 in May 2021.
Photographer
Photographers use their technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images that visually tell a story or record an event. They may work in various fields, such as journalism, scientific research, or commercial photography. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for photographers was $36,280 in May 2021, but those who specialize in certain areas, such as aerial photography or photojournalism, can earn more than $50K per year.
Writer
Writers create content for various types of media, such as books, magazines, advertisements, and online publications. They may also work as freelance writers, creating content for clients on a project-by-project basis. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for writers and authors was $67,120 in May 2021.
Video Editor
Video editors manipulate and arrange video footage to create a cohesive and compelling story. They may work in various fields, such as film and television production, advertising, or online content creation. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for film and video editors was $63,040 in May 2021.
These are just a few examples of creative jobs that pay over $50K per year. For those who have a passion for art and design, pursuing a career in a creative field can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding.
