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

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Rachel Gillett,Madison HoffMay 20, 2020, 00:30 IST
The 40 highest-paying jobs you can get without a bachelor's degree

Nuclear technicians make a median salary of $82,080 a year and need at least an associate's degree.Saurabh Das/AP

  • Not all jobs require a four-year college degree or higher to earn a large salary.
  • We found the highest-paying jobs where the typical education requirement is not a bachelor's or graduate degree.
  • On the top of the list was air traffic controllers who made a median annual salary of $122,990 in May 2019.

Don't have the time or money to get a bachelor's degree?

Don't fret.

There are plenty of high-paying jobs that require only a two-year associate degree, postsecondary nondegree certificate, or even just a high-school diploma — and a few that don't require a formal educational credential at all.

Business Insider decided to look at which jobs do not require a bachelor's degree or higher and are also high-paying. To do this, we used the latest educational data and salary figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Of the top 40 jobs on our list, each occupation had a median annual salary of at least $63,000 in May 2019, the latest year of available data.

Some occupations from the 40 highest-paying are part of the transportation sector. This includes railroad conductors and locomotive engineers. Other jobs also include technicians and repairers, such as avionics technicians and electrical power-line installers and repairers.

The following are the 40 highest-paying jobs where you don't need a four-year degree to pursue, along with their minimum educational requirement, work experience, and on-the-job training. We also included median annual salary and employment figures from May 2019, employment projections for 2018 to 2028, and their job description from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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15. Transportation inspectors

15. Transportation inspectors
Larry W. Smith / Getty Images

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

40. Computer network support specialists

40. Computer network support specialists
Associated Press

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

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39. First-line supervisors of correctional officers

39. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
Shutterstock

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

38. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians

38. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Stephen Brashear / Stringer / Getty Images

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

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37. All other artists and related workers

37. All other artists and related workers
Guido Mieth/Getty Images

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

36. Wood patternmakers

36. Wood patternmakers
ellinnur bakarudin/Shutterstock

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

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35. Avionics technicians

35. Avionics technicians
industryviews/Shutterstock

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

34. Railroad conductors and yardmasters

34. Railroad conductors and yardmasters
Scott Olson/Getty Images

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

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33. Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators

33. Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators
serts/Getty Images

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

32. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers

32. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Getty Images / Jeff Pachoud

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

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31. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

31. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Brian Harkin/Getty Images

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

30. Locomotive engineers

30. Locomotive engineers
Jason Reed/Reuters

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

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29. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers

29. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
sturti/Getty Images

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

28. Subway and streetcar operators

28. Subway and streetcar operators
Mario Tama/Getty Images

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

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27. Gas plant operators

27. Gas plant operators
curraheeshutter/Getty Images

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

26. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers

26. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
Associated Press

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

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25. Transit and railroad police

25. Transit and railroad police
everythingforall/Shutterstock

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

24. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels

24. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels
Nomad_Soul/Shutterstock

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

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23. Electrical power-line installers and repairers

23. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Justin Sullivan / Staff / Getty Images

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

22. Magnetic resonance imaging technologists

22. Magnetic resonance imaging technologists
Paul Sancya/AP

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

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21. Signal and track switch repairers

21. Signal and track switch repairers
Reuters / Mike Segar

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

20. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers

20. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

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

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19. Diagnostic medical sonographers

19. Diagnostic medical sonographers
Star Tribune via Getty Images

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

18. Ship engineers

18. Ship engineers
Igor-Kardasov/Getty Images

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

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17. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers

17. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Getty Images

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

16. Theatrical and performance makeup artists

16. Theatrical and performance makeup artists
Hill Street Studios/Getty Images

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

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15. Transportation inspectors

15. Transportation inspectors
Larry W. Smith / Getty Images

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

14. Dental hygienists

14. Dental hygienists
Kevin Rivoli/AP

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

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13. Postmasters and mail superintendents

13. Postmasters and mail superintendents
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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

12. Nuclear medicine technologists

12. Nuclear medicine technologists
Sergei Bobylev / Getty

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

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11. Power plant operators

11. Power plant operators
Alexander Ryumin/TASS/Getty Images

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

10. Nuclear technicians

10. Nuclear technicians
Saurabh Das/AP

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

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9. Powerhouse, substation, and relay electrical and electronics repairers

9. Powerhouse, substation, and relay electrical and electronics repairers
Westend61/Getty Images

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

8. Detectives and criminal investigators

8. Detectives and criminal investigators
BrandonKleinVideo/Shutterstock

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

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7. Radiation therapists

7. Radiation therapists
Theo Heimann/Getty Images

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

6. Commercial pilots

6. Commercial pilots
Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

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

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5. Power distributors and dispatchers

5. Power distributors and dispatchers
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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

4. First-line supervisors of police and detectives

4. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Adrees Latif/Reuters

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

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3. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

3. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

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

2. Nuclear power reactor operators

2. Nuclear power reactor operators
Dmitry Lobanov/Shutterstock

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

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1. Air traffic controllers

1. Air traffic controllers
Shaun Best/Reuters

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

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