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Some workers are earning six figures without a college degree. Here’s where
Published: Sep. 19, 2026, 5:30 a.m.
High-paying jobs that do not require a college degree
Many high-paying careers do not require a bachelor’s degree. Workers in skilled trades, transportation and utilities often build careers through apprenticeships, certifications and hands-on training. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)AP
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By Chris Pugh, cleveland.com
For decades, many Americans were told that earning a four-year college degree was the best path to a good paycheck. But new workforce data shows that some of the nation’s highest-paying jobs can be reached through apprenticeships, licenses, certifications or on-the-job training instead of a bachelor’s degree, according to Advance Education. New research highlights growing demand for skills-based careers as employers search for qualified workers.
Many of the best-paying jobs without a college degree are found in transportation, construction, utilities and skilled trades. Roles such as air traffic controllers, elevator installers and repairers, construction managers and power plant operators can earn wages well above the national median, according to labor-market analyses that cite federal wage data, a Skillscouter analysis reported.
Air traffic controllers are often near the top of the pay scale, according to a BoredListed salary review. The job requires specialized training through the Federal Aviation Administration rather than a traditional four-year degree. Workers help guide planes safely through busy airspace and are responsible for some of the most important decisions in air travel.
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This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.
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