Across the world, several industries are offering a wide of range best-paying jobs. Out of them, a fraction of jobs do not require a degree. Are you curious to know the top-paying jobs without an academic degree? If yes, then check this blog. Here, we have published 15 best jobs that pay 80K a year without a degree. But remember, to land one of the high-paying jobs without a degree, you must possess a strong determination and skill set relevant to the position.
Some of the highest-paying jobs without a degree include information security analyst, software developer, and database administrator. If you are not interested in earning traditional college degrees, then you may pursue certificate programs, attend coding boot camps, or explore entrepreneurship. All these will take you to high-paying jobs. Most importantly, to get top-paying jobs without a degree in any industry, you must be strong in networking and knowing where to look.
Best Jobs that Pay 80k a Year without a Degree
The following are our top choices for jobs that pay above $80K a year without a degree.
Also Read: 10 Best Paying Jobs in Computer Software Prepackaged Software [2024]
1. Commercial Pilot
A commercial pilot is in charge of flying fixed-wing aircraft, or ordinary planes that transport freight and passengers. Their other jobs and operations may include aerial surveying, search, and rescue.
To become a commercial pilot, you must have at least a high school education or equivalent. Moreover, you should have a commercial pilot certificate and have finished the required flight hours.
Average Salary: $134,630
2. Air Traffic Controller
Air Traffic Controllers are professionals who ensure aviation safety and efficiently route flights to avoid delays and accidents. Generally, they control several aircraft at once and hence for this position, quick decision-making capacity is required.
To become an air traffic controller, you must complete federal aviation administration-approved air traffic college training.
Average Salary: $129,750
3. Makeup Artist
Makeup artists are professionals who change and improve the appearance of the cast involved in a theatrical show or any event. According to the character design, the era, and other prescribed specifications, their makeup design must be precise.
To become a makeup artist, you must have a postsecondary non-degree award and a certificate from a reputable cosmetology school.
Average Salary: $124,380
4. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
A nuclear power reactor operator is responsible for managing the flow of energy in a nuclear power plant. Usually, they work closely with nuclear reactor electric power levels. This makes this job dangerous.
For this role, you must have finished a high school diploma or equivalent. Nevertheless, you must also pass the NRC license examinations.
Average Salary: $111,220
5. Software Developer
This is one of the best jobs that pay more than 80K a year without a degree. The main responsibility of a software developer is to create and develop computer programs with the help of different programming languages. So, for this position, excellent coding skills and problem-solving ability are needed.
Simply by completing a software development course on your own, you can land this job. Even, you can learn programming languages through coding boot camps, YouTube videos, online courses, or books. Several tech job companies across the globe, recruit individuals without a degree for entry-level software developer jobs. However, you must possess strong knowledge of programming languages, practical experience, and other essential skills.
Average Salary: $109,020
6. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager
A transportation, storage, and distribution manager manages the workers who receive, ship, and test items and materials. Generally, logistic companies and businesses that run with a large inventory will hire transportation, storage, and distribution managers.
For this position, some organizations look for candidates with a minimum of high school education or equivalent. On the other hand, a few employers hire only candidates with a bachelor’s degree or relevant experience.
Average Salary: $105,580
7. Information Security Analyst
The role of an information security analyst is to protect the network of an organization. However, to achieve this, the analysts should install and maintain software such as firewalls, and conduct penetration testing to detect system weaknesses.
The minimum education required to become an information security analyst is a high school diploma and relevant industry training and certifications. Moreover, to obtain the subject knowledge, you may attend a coding boot camp or learn independently.
Average Salary: $102,600
8. Database Administrator
Database administrators play a vital role in creating or organizing information systems to ensure quick and efficient accessibility of data. Moreover, they must guarantee that sensitive information is stored securely.
To become a database administrator without a degree, the minimum education required is a high school diploma or relevant industry training and certifications. Self-study and coding boot camps are some best approaches to learning the subject.
Average Salary: $101,000
Also Read: 15 Top Highest-Paying Finance Jobs in 2024
9. First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives
The first-line supervisors of police and detectives are in charge of administrative and leadership functions organizing inquiries and making sure departmental actions adhere to legal requirements.
The minimum education needed to become a first-line supervisor of police and detectives is a high school diploma or equivalent. Also, for this position, an associate’s degree or technical training from a police academy is necessary.
Average Salary: $98,760
10. Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer
The role of elevator and escalator installers and repairers is to assemble, install, repair, and maintain escalators and elevators. They employ specialized equipment on the job and respond to on-call situations.
To become an elevator and escalator installer and repairer, you must have finished a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition to that, for this position, you must require on-the-job training.
Average Salary: $97,860
11. Detective and Criminal Investigator
Detectives and criminal investigators must undertake investigations to stop and solve crimes.
For this role, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Aside from that, you must have previous law enforcement experience to get a promotion.
Average Salary: $86,940
12. Electrical and Electronics Repairer
Electrical and electronics repairers are professionals who are in charge of maintaining, repairing, testing, and inspecting electrical equipment. They usually work with electrical systems to detect faults and problems.
To become an electrical and electronics repairer, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job experience. However, some firms prefer employees with vocational training.
Average Salary: $87,640
13. Power Plant Operator
Power Plant Operators are responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment that generates power. Furthermore, they should be comfortable working with generators and complicated control boards.
To become a power plant operator, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some companies prefer applicants with a college or vocational school degree.
Average Salary: $83,740
14. Underwater Welder
Underwater welders, also known as hyperbaric welding professionals, use their expertise to cut and weld in submerged conditions that are typically between 30 and 400 feet deep. Although this is a highly high-risk job, it is also very lucrative. The typical underwater welder’s pay is a little higher than $80,000. However, these experts can earn significantly more money depending on where they work and how risky their operations are.
To become an underwater welder, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. But to survive in this job for a long period, you must have extensive experience and training.
Average Salary: $82,010
15. Network Systems Administrator
Network Systems Administrator is one of the best jobs that pay 80K a year without a degree. The main responsibility of a network systems administrator is to establish and manage the local and wide area networks, computer systems, and other communications systems within a business.
You can become a network systems administrator by learning independently and obtaining relevant industry training, experience, and certifications.
Average Salary: $80,600
Also Read: Top 10 Jobs That Pay 100K a Year Without a Degree
Conclusion
So far, in this blog, we have seen the list of the best jobs that pay 80K a year without a degree. Even though career opportunities are fewer for those without a degree, you can land a high-paying job. All it takes to secure your dream job is the appropriate skill combined with unwavering determination.
