13 High-Paying Careers That Don't Require a College Degree

For generations, Americans have viewed a four-year college degree as the guaranteed ticket to a high-paying job. However, you can still secure a job without a bachelor's degree and earn good money.

There is still hope in this market to land a job that will help you move beyond living paycheck to paycheck without falling into college debt. The following are 13 career paths you can pursue and still earn a decent salary, whether you just graduated from high school or are considering a career change later on.

Editor's note: All salary figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

1. Commercial Pilot

Median annual salary: $198,100

Not to be confused with airline pilots who fly passengers and need a bachelor's degree, commercial pilots usually fly cargo. However, both must complete flight training requirements from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The salary of a commercial pilot is still enough to help you get ahead financially.

2. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager

Median annual salary: $102,010

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers oversee the logistical operations of transporting, storing, and distributing goods. These managers ensure companies' compliance with government regulations, coordinate among internal departments, and keep operations running smoothly.

A degree is helpful for this career, but a few years of industry experience can sometimes substitute for education.

3. Elevator or Escalator Installer and Repairer

Median annual salary: $106,580

Elevator and escalator installers/repairers need to be comfortable working in tight spaces, such as elevator shafts. So, this job isn't for the claustrophobic. But it does pay well.

It only requires a high school diploma and an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are typically paid, and they last about four years. In most states, an installer and repairer must be licensed.

4. Postmaster or Mail Superintendent

Median annual salary: $88,670

Postmasters and mail superintendents supervise postal workers and ensure that all the mail that comes through the post office gets delivered promptly.

They handle administrative tasks and oversee the basic functions of the post office, including coordinating delivery services.

5. Transportation Inspector

Median annual salary: $87,290

Transportation inspectors check vehicles for problems, safety violations, and emissions issues, ensuring they are prepared and safe to transport cargo. They might also inspect goods.

Inspectors use visual checks and diagnostic equipment to detect mechanical and other problems. Much of the training occurs on the job, and you may be required to become certified.

6. Lighting Technician

Median annual salary: $62,240

Many shows or performances you see on a stage have a lighting technician behind them. These professionals design, set up, adjust, and take down all the lighting equipment for shows, lectures, church performances, and more.

Lighting technicians don't need a four-year degree, but they do receive some training.

7. Subway and Streetcar Operator

Median annual salary: $84,270

Subway and streetcar operators safely operate trains or streetcars, greet passengers, and sometimes take fares. To become a subway or streetcar operator, you typically need a high school diploma or GED.

8. Line Installer and Repairer

Median annual salary: $92,560

Line installers and repairers work on fiber optic cables for telecommunications systems or work with electrical power systems. Apprenticeships are a common way to enter this field.

Although many workers in this field deal with high-voltage power lines, heavy equipment, and working from great heights, the pay is good.

9. Power Plant Operator, Distributor, or Dispatcher

Median annual salary: $103,360

Power plant operators control the equipment responsible for generating electricity. They monitor various indicators to make sure the plant is operating safely and that electricity is flowing efficiently to homes and other buildings.

While this profession doesn't require a degree, years of on-the-job training are necessary before you're ready to run a power plant.

10. Petroleum Pump System Operator

Median annual salary: $94,580

Petroleum pump system operators monitor and control the manifold and pumping systems. They may also test oil.

11. Gambling Manager

Median annual salary: $82,380

Gambling managers work at casinos or on cruise ships, ensuring that operations in their establishments run smoothly.

While a degree in business or hospitality is helpful for a career as a gambling manager, it is not always required.

12. Construction/Building Inspector

Median annual salary: $72,120

Construction and building inspectors verify that building projects or repairs comply with city codes. The goal is to keep people safe.

While licensure requirements vary by state and city, some building inspectors need continuing education to maintain relevant knowledge in their field.

13. Commercial Diver

Median annual salary: $61,300

Commercial divers help with underwater maintenance of equipment or structures. This might include installing, removing, or simply inspecting things.

Divers also conduct underwater experiments, photograph marine life, inspect structures such as bridges, or even rig submarine explosives. Scuba diving is a fun hobby for some, but those who do it for a career are handsomely compensated.

Many high-paying jobs require a college degree, but that's not true for all lucrative career paths. With the rising cost of university tuition, it's worth looking into some of these careers that offer plenty of earnings.

Choosing one of these career paths can boost your bank account by allowing you to skip expensive college courses. You will also get a head start on working while others are still racking up tuition costs for several years.