While many jobs require candidates to possess an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree or another kind of educational credential, many high-paying positions don’t require a degree or experience. Some of these positions may require the completion of a vocational or an apprenticeship program, while others offer training as part of the job. Learning more about high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree or experience can help you find the right occupation for your career goals. In this article, we list 85 high-paying positions that don’t require a degree or experience.
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24 high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree or experience
Here are 24 high-paying jobs you can apply for without a degree or experience.
1. Elevator technician
National average salary: $52,401 per year
Primary duties: Elevator technicians assemble, install and maintain elevators and other types of electronic lifts. They’re responsible for the electrical wiring inside of the elevator. They work to ensure that the elevator operates correctly and that any maintenance takes place promptly.
2. Performer
National average salary: $52,683 per year
Primary duties: Performers are professionals who perform in front of an audience by singing, dancing or acting. They play characters either on video or live on stage and assist the creative team in developing their character’s personality. They also undergo training sessions and rehearsals before their performance.
3. Copywriter
National average salary: $53,862 per year
Primary duties: Copywriters write and edit content for websites, online blogs and marketing materials. They’re responsible for researching topics, writing compelling content and sourcing images and other content. They also work with designers, public relations specialists and other marketing professionals to create email campaigns and other marketing materials.
4. Police officer
National average salary: $54,520 per year
Primary duties: Police officers locate and apprehend suspects to keep communities safe. They conduct surveillance, make arrests and write reports. They also conduct interviews and interrogations, process suspects and protect crime scenes from possible contamination.
5. Equipment operator
National average salary: $56,025 per year
Primary duties: Equipment operators handle a variety of construction, excavation and general maintenance equipment like bulldozers, excavators and tractors. They’re responsible for preparing construction sites for building or demolition. They also use equipment to dig holes and construct trenches for large concrete structures.
6. HVAC technician
National average salary: $57,484 per year
Primary duties: HVAC technicians help to install, maintain and repair ventilation equipment and air conditioning units. They identify maintenance risks and determine electrical and mechanical faults in HVAC systems. They also provide other professionals with technical support and assist customers with installing new systems.
7. Claims adjuster
National average salary: $59,188 per year
Primary duties: Claims adjusters help to investigate and settle insurance claims. They’re responsible for examining physical damage or bodily injuries, preparing claim reports and negotiating insurance payments. They also consult regularly with specialists like doctors and engineers to collect additional information before examining claim liability.
8. Plumber
National average salary: $59,209 per year
Primary duties: Plumbers install, maintain and repair pipes, valves, bathroom fastenings, drainage systems and other fixtures in residential or commercial buildings. They collaborate with electricians and other construction professionals to ensure the proper installation of plumbing components. They also frequently inspect and perform tests on equipment to determine the cause of plumbing issues.
9. Flooring installer
National average salary: $59,260 per year
Primary duties: Flooring installers consult with clients to determine their flooring needs, remove their existing flooring and install the new flooring. They’re responsible for laying wood, tiles, carpeting and other types of flooring. They also educate clients about how to care for their floor to ensure it lasts a long time.
10. Graphic designer
National average salary: $59,417 per year
Primary duties: Graphic designers visualize and create graphics for online campaigns, advertisements, videos and websites. They develop illustrations and logos by hand or with computer software. They also present their graphics to clients and work with creative directors and copywriters to produce their final design.
11. Electrical technician
National average salary: $61,676 per year
Primary duties: Electrical technicians manage the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical equipment in homes, offices and factories. They install all wiring and circuits necessary to power lights, appliances and other equipment inside of a building. They also help to troubleshoot systems and determine the source of faulty wiring before making any repairs.
12. Delivery driver
National average salary: $64,088 per year
Primary duties: Delivery drivers load and transport items to their destination. They review orders before delivery to ensure that they’re complete, collect payments for the items and follow their assigned route to deliver the items to organizations. They also communicate with others to confirm delivery details and follow safety protocols during deliveries.
13. Sewer Technician
National average salary: $67,587 per year
Primary duties: Sewer technicians install and maintain sewage systems and drainage equipment. They put together, clean and repair sewer lines, septic tanks and other pieces of sewer equipment. They also collaborate with engineers to ensure proper drainage design and potential areas for improvement.
14. Web developer
National average salary: $68,125 per year
Primary duties: Web developers create applications or websites using computer programs. They’re responsible for analyzing consumers and designing web content that’s easily accessible to them. They also identify issues in web pages and fix them, if necessary.
15. Sales Consultant
National average salary: $68,284 per year
Primary duties: Sales consultants locate potential customers and meet with them to discuss their needs. They explain their company’s products or services and provide customers with training on using the product or service. They also communicate with existing customers to ensure the company is meeting their needs.
16. Aircraft mechanic
National average salary: $69,553 per year
Primary duties: Aircraft mechanics perform regular inspections of aircraft and make repairs. They maintain mechanical systems, identify the best repair methods and schedule routine maintenance. They also collaborate with engineers and other mechanics to ensure all aircraft systems function properly.
17. Massage therapist
National average salary: $73,674 per year
Primary duties: Massage therapists perform therapeutic massages on patients to relieve their muscle pain and tension. They work closely with patients to learn more about their systems, medical histories and desired outcomes. They use their hands and other tools to manipulate various areas of the patient’s body and guide them on how to improve their posture and strengthen their muscles.
18. Truck driver
National average salary: $74,224 per year
Primary duties: Truck drivers travel long distances to deliver goods, pick up goods from suppliers and verify loads for accuracy. They perform basic vehicle maintenance and comply with traffic laws and trucking regulations. They also inspect their trucks and report any issues to their trucking company or immediate supervisor.
19. Construction project manager
National average salary: $77,599 per year
Primary duties: Construction project managers collaborate with architects, engineers and construction crews to determine the specifications of a construction project. They meet with clients, deliver project progress reports and negotiate contracts with external vendors. They also obtain any permits and licenses that may be necessary to complete the project.
20. Commercial pilot
National average salary: $80,265 per year
Primary duties: Commercial pilots navigate and operate passenger and cargo planes. These professionals ensure passengers or cargo are secure in the plane, check fuel levels and flight time and plan for a safe landing. They also schedule flights, help to maintain the aircraft and load luggage onto and off of the plane.
21. Real estate associate
National average salary: 83,709 per year
Primary duties: Real estate associates assist customers in the buying process of buying, renting or selling a property. They advise clients about market conditions, give them a tour of the property and follow up with them later. They work closely with real estate brokers, agents, managers and other professionals to negotiate an agreement between buyers and property owners.
22. Voice-over artist
National average salary: $94,632 per year
Primary duties: Voice-over artists record their voices for radio, film, television, theater and other mediums. They narrate or provide commentary for documentaries, shows, commercials, video games, animations and other works. They vocally entertain a wide variety of audiences and often use different accents, depending on their assigned role.
23. Business owner
National average salary: $95,882 per year
Primary duties: Business owners are individuals who own their own and manage their own business. They’re responsible for the daily operations of their business, including recruiting employees, establishing budgets, communicating the mission of the business to stakeholders and developing marketing and advertising campaigns. They also ensure the business complies with any applicable laws and regulations.
24. Power plant operator
National average salary: $96,205 per year
Primary duties: Power plant operators manage the equipment that’s necessary to generate electricity and help to prevent power outages by making repairs and performing inspections. They help to clean and lubricate electrical equipment to prevent failures. They also create and maintain power plant documentation, in addition to general operating instructions.
61 additional jobs for candidates without a degree or experience
Consider these 61 additional positions that don’t require a degree or experience:
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Welder:$48,177 per year
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Building maintenance technician:$48,553 per year
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Property management coordinator:$48,626 per year
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Photographer:$49,207 per year
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Minister associate:$49,297 per year
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Brand ambassador:$49,516 per year
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Administrative assistant:$49,798 per year
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Wedding planner:$50,335 per year
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Groundskeeper:$50,475 per year
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Tutor:$50,659 per year
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Marketing specialist:$50,660 per year
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Human resources coordinator:$50,806 per year
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Recruiter:$51,312 per year
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Recreation specialist:$51,726 per year
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Interpreter:$53,265 per year
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Advocacy manager:$53,507 per year
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Pest control technician:$53,634 per year
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Fieldworker:$53,765 per year
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Soccer coach:$54,142 per year
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Canvasser:$54,253 per year
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Interior designer:$54,585 per year
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Pet Sitter:$55,281 per year
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Grassroots organizer:$55,620 per year
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Customer success manager:$55,653 per year
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Engagement manager:$55,808 per year
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Payroll administrator:$56,177 per year
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Head custodian:$56,361 per year
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Activities director:$56,896 per year
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Installation manager:$57,005 per year
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Associate project manager:$57,355 per year
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Digital marketer:$57,756 per year
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Technical writer:$58,787 per year
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Excavation operator:$59,557 per year
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Hairstylist:$59,581 per year
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Social media manager:$59,643 per year
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Operations supervisor:$60,033 per year
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Security officer:$60,413 per year
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Drafting technician:$60,423 per year
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Campaign manager:$61,536 per year
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Wind turbine technician:$61,818 per year
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Telemarketer:$63,844 per year
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Automotive technician:$64,321 per year
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Content writer:$64,420 per year
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Travel agent:$64,718 per year
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Cleaning technician:$65,231 per year
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Nuclear technician:$66,195 per year
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Data analyst:$66,283 per year
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Painter:$69,729 per year
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Sales representative:$69,837 per year
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Supply chain analyst:$70,020 per year
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Property preservation specialist:$70,097 per year
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Pipeline integrity manager:$72,057 per year
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Solar installer:$70,390 per year
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Freelance designer:$72,271 per year
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Makeup artist:$72,978 per year
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Construction manager:$77,329 per year
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Investor relations manager:$85,480 per year
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Stock trader: $86,530 per year
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Alarm technician:$90,063 per year
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Professional driver:$122,287 per year
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Security specialist:$127,311 per year
I hope you find this article helpful.
