Think a six-figure salary is only possible with a college degree? Think again.
Today, there are numerous high-paying jobs where skills, experience, and hustle matter more than a diploma — and many of these roles pay over $150,000 annually.
In this post, we highlight 10 lucrative careers that don’t require a 4-year degree but still deliver the kind of income that can fund your dream lifestyle, support your family, or build long-term wealth.
Myth-Busting: Do You Really Need a Degree to Make Six Figures?
For decades, society drilled in the belief that college was the only path to success. But in today’s world, employers are increasingly focused on:
-
Skills
-
Experience
-
Certifications
-
Results
And the numbers back it up.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and top recruitment firms like Glassdoor and Indeed, many six-figure roles now have no formal degree requirement — especially in trades, sales, and tech.
Why High-Paying, No-Degree Jobs Are on the Rise
Several key trends are driving this shift:
-
Entrepreneurship and freelancing are more accessible than ever
-
Technology enables rapid skill development via bootcamps and online learning
-
Skilled trades are facing shortages — and wages are rising
-
Experience-based hiring is replacing outdated credentialism
So, if you’re driven, trainable, and willing to put in the work, the six-figure world is wide open — no degree required.
Skills That Replace a College Degree in 2025
Before diving into the job list, here are the core skills that matter more than a diploma:
-
Sales & negotiation
-
Tech literacy (coding, networking, cybersecurity)
-
Project management
-
Communication & leadership
-
Digital marketing & analytics
-
Problem-solving & adaptability
-
Licensing or certification in your field
Top 10 Jobs That Pay Over $150,000 Without a Degree
Let’s break down the top ten jobs, what they pay, and what it takes to land them.
Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline)
Average Salary: $160,000–$210,000
Degree Required: No
What You Need:
-
FAA commercial pilot license
-
Flight hours (typically 1,500+)
-
Clean health and vision check
Pro Tip: You can earn while training by becoming a flight instructor first.
Real Estate Developer / Investor
Average Salary: $150,000–$500,000+
Degree Required: No
What You Need:
-
Deep understanding of property markets
-
Capital or funding access
-
Project management & negotiation skills
Bonus: Many started as real estate agents or house flippers.
Tech Sales Executive
Average Salary: $150,000–$300,000 (base + commission)
Degree Required: No
What You Need:
-
Sales skills
-
Product knowledge (SaaS, cloud, cybersecurity)
-
CRM software experience (Salesforce, HubSpot)
Note: Top performers in tech sales routinely clear $250K+ with bonuses.
Construction Manager / General Contractor
Average Salary: $160,000+
Degree Required: No (experience-based)
What You Need:
-
5+ years in the construction field
-
Leadership skills
-
Contractor’s license
-
OSHA safety certifications
Fast Track: Start as a skilled tradesperson and build upward.
Air Traffic Controller
Average Salary: $150,000–$180,000
Degree Required: No
What You Need:
-
Pass the FAA training (AT-CTI program)
-
Intense focus & decision-making skills
-
U.S. citizenship (for FAA employment)
Perk: Retirement at 56 with full federal benefits.
Entrepreneur / Online Business Owner
Average Salary: $150,000–$1M+
Degree Required: No
What You Need:
-
Niche expertise
-
Digital marketing know-how
-
E-commerce, dropshipping, content creation, etc.
Examples: Shopify store owners, YouTubers, affiliate marketers, freelancers.
Elevator and Escalator Installer/Repairer
Average Salary: $155,000
Degree Required: No
What You Need:
-
Apprenticeship (usually 4 years)
-
Union training
-
State license (varies)
Why It Pays: Dangerous, technical, and in high demand.
Ethical Hacker / Cybersecurity Specialist
Average Salary: $150,000–$250,000
Degree Required: No
What You Need:
-
Certifications (CEH, CompTIA Security+, CISSP)
-
Hands-on hacking/lab experience
-
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Career Path: Learn online → Build lab → Get certified → Freelance or corporate
Commercial Diver (Underwater Welder / Technician)
Average Salary: $160,000–$300,000
Degree Required: No
What You Need:
-
Dive certification (from accredited school)
-
Welding or engineering background
-
Ability to work in extreme conditions
Caution: Physically demanding and dangerous — but very lucrative.
Court Reporter (with Experience or Specialization)
Average Salary: $150,000+ (especially with realtime captioning or legal video skills)
Degree Required: No
What You Need:
-
Court reporter certification (NCRA-approved)
-
Real-time typing speed of 225+ WPM
-
Accuracy and legal knowledge
In Demand: For remote depositions and closed captioning services.
Certifications and Training That Help You Qualify
Even though you don’t need a degree, credentials help. Here are valuable ones:
-
FAA Licenses (Pilots, ATC)
-
CompTIA/CISCO/CISSP (Cybersecurity)
-
Salesforce Certification (Tech Sales)
-
Real Estate License (Investors, Agents)
-
OSHA/PMI Certifications (Construction, Project Management)
-
Welding & Diving Certs (Commercial Divers)
Most can be completed in 6–18 months and cost far less than college tuition.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a degree to earn a six-figure income — you need skills, commitment, and the right strategy.
From high-stakes roles like commercial diving and air traffic control to modern hustles like tech sales and real estate, the opportunities are everywhere.
Whether you’re 18 or 48, you can start today, invest in the right training, and build a career (or business) that pays more than many college grads ever earn.
Your path to $150K+ is real — and it doesn’t require a diploma. Just determination.