The 40 highest-paying jobs you can get without a bachelor's degree

They inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people.

Median annual wage in 2019: $75,820

Number of people employed in 2019: 30,020

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 3,300

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

Median annual wage in 2019: $63,460

Number of people employed in 2019: 185,430

Education required: Associate's degree

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 17,400

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: None

They directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.

Median annual wage in 2019: $63,730

Number of people employed in 2019: 46,430

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 2,800

Work experience: Less than 5 years

On-the-job training: None

They repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft.

Median annual wage in 2019: $64,090

Number of people employed in 2019: 133,310

Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 11,800

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: None

They use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition.

Median annual wage in 2019: $64,490

Number of people employed in 2019: 7,550

Education required: No formal educational credential

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 1,300

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training

Plan, lay out, and construct wooden unit or sectional patterns used in forming sand molds for castings.

Median annual wage in 2019: $64,880

Number of people employed in 2019: 370

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 200

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: N/A

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft.

Median annual wage in 2019: $65,700

Number of people employed in 2019: 21,750

Education required: Associate's degree

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 1,500

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: None

They coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location.

Median annual wage in 2019: $65,990

Number of people employed in 2019: 45,710

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 3,700

Work experience: N/A

On-the-job training: N/A

They operate steam, gas, electric motor, or internal combustion engine driven compressors.

Median annual wage in 2019: $66,160

Number of people employed in 2019: 3,440

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 400

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

Median annual wage in 2019: $62,980

Number of people employed in 2019: 626,180

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 79,400

Work experience: Five years or more

On-the-job training: None

They review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures.

Median annual wage in 2019: $66,790

Number of people employed in 2019: 287,960

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 25,800

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training

They drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight.

Median annual wage in 2019: $67,090

Number of people employed in 2019: 35,520

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 2,900

Work experience: Usually first work as a conductor for several years

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers.

Median annual wage in 2019: $67,460

Number of people employed in 2019: 485,700

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 47,500

Work experience: Less than five years

On-the-job training: None

They operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers.

Median annual wage in 2019: $67,880

Number of people employed in 2019: 10,730

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 1,000

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.

Median annual wage in 2019: $70,710

Number of people employed in 2019: 14,410

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 1,500

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training

They plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments.

Median annual wage in 2019: $71,160

Number of people employed in 2019: 5,060

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 95,600

Work experience: Five years or more

On-the-job training: None

They protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.

Median annual wage in 2019: $71,820

Number of people employed in 2019: 4,690

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 300

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats.

Median annual wage in 2019: $72,340

Number of people employed in 2019: 33,370

Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 3,600

Work experience: Less than five years

On-the-job training: None

They install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems.

Median annual wage in 2019: $72,520

Number of people employed in 2019: 111,660

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 11,400

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training

They monitor patient safety and comfort and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures.

Median annual wage in 2019: $73,410

Number of people employed in 2019: 37,900

Education required: Associate's degree

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 2,700

Work experience: Less than five years

On-the-job training: None

They install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunication systems within a railroad system.

Median annual wage in 2019: $73,890

Number of people employed in 2019: 6,860

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 900

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They operate or control petroleum refining or processing units.

Median annual wage in 2019: $74,180

Number of people employed in 2019: 40,370

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 4,300

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They use special imaging equipment that directs sound waves into a patient's body to assess and diagnose various medical conditions.

Median annual wage in 2019: $74,320

Number of people employed in 2019: 72,790

Education required: Associate's degree

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 5,800

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: None

They supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.

Median annual wage in 2019: $74,610

Number of people employed in 2019: 8,410

Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 1,100

Work experience: Less than five years

On-the-job training: None

They directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers.

Median annual wage in 2019: $74,760

Number of people employed in 2019: 249,090

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 37,000

Work experience: Less than five years

On-the-job training: None

They apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Median annual wage in 2019: $75,730

Number of people employed in 2019: 3,400

Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 600

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people.

Median annual wage in 2019: $75,820

Number of people employed in 2019: 30,020

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 3,300

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases like gingivitis, and provide other preventative dental care.

Median annual wage in 2019: $76,220

Number of people employed in 2019: 221,560

Education required: Associate's degree

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 17,900

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: None

They plan, direct, or coordinate operational, administrative, management, and supportive services of a US post office, or coordinate activities of workers engaged in postal and related work in assigned post office.

Median annual wage in 2019: $76,900

Number of people employed in 2019: 13,850

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 500

Work experience: Less than five years

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They use a scanner to create images of various areas of a patient's body. They prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients undergoing the scans.

Median annual wage in 2019: $77,950

Number of people employed in 2019: 18,110

Education required: Associate's degree

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 1,200

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: None

They control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.

Median annual wage in 2019: $81,990

Number of people employed in 2019: 33,620

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 3,000

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training

They assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research and nuclear production.

Median annual wage in 2019: $82,080

Number of people employed in 2019: 6,420

Education required: Associate's degree

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 900

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

Median annual wage in 2019: $82,780

Number of people employed in 2019: 22,650

Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 2,100

Work experience: Less than five years

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

Median annual wage in 2019: $83,170

Number of people employed in 2019: 105,620

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 7,500

Work experience: Less than five years

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They check equipment, observe patients' reactions to treatment, and document sessions.

Median annual wage in 2019: $85,560

Number of people employed in 2019: 17,860

Education required: Associate's degree

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 1,100

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: None

They pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air-carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires commercial-pilot certificate.

Median annual wage in 2019: $86,080

Number of people employed in 2019: 37,830

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 4,600

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.

Median annual wage in 2019: $90,700

Number of people employed in 2019: 10,770

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 1,000

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training

They directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of a police force.

Median annual wage in 2019: $91,090

Number of people employed in 2019: 121,340

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 8,300

Work experience: Less than five years

On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

They coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations.

Median annual wage in 2019: $94,560

Number of people employed in 2019: 132,040

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 11,400

Work experience: Five years or more

On-the-job training: None

They operate or control nuclear reactors, move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, record data in logs, and implement emergency procedures when needed.

Median annual wage in 2019: $100,530

Employment in 2019: 5,050

Education required: High-school diploma or equivalent

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 500

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training

They monitor and direct the movement of aircraft. Median annual wages of air-traffic controllers are the highest of any occupation in which workers typically do not need a bachelor's degree.

Median annual wage in 2019: $122,990

Number of people employed in 2019: 22,090

Education required: Associate's degree

Projected average annual openings from 2018-2028: 2,300

Work experience: None

On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training