A six-figure salary doesn’t always require a degree.
A college diploma isn’t the only ticket to a high-paying job. Plenty of careers offer six-figure salaries based on experience, technical skills, and certifications rather than formal education. With the rising cost of tuition and the uncertainty of student debt, more people are looking for alternative paths to financial success. The good news? Many industries are actively hiring skilled professionals without requiring a four-year degree.
These jobs span various fields, including technology, healthcare, skilled trades, and transportation. Some require apprenticeships, certifications, or specialized training, but they don’t demand years of classroom time. If you’re willing to gain hands-on experience and build expertise, these careers can offer financial security without the burden of student loans. Here are 15 jobs that pay over $100,000 a year and don’t require a college degree—just dedication, skill, and the right opportunities.
1. Elevator mechanics keep the world moving and earn big salaries.
Elevators don’t fix themselves, and the professionals who keep them running are in high demand. Elevator mechanics install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, and moving walkways in commercial and residential buildings. It’s a hands-on career that requires mechanical expertise, problem-solving skills, and attention to safety.
To enter this field, aspiring elevator mechanics typically complete an apprenticeship through the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) and pass the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test. The work can be physically demanding, but it comes with serious financial rewards—many elevator mechanics earn up to $128,660 annually. With increasing urbanization and new construction projects, job opportunities in this field continue to grow, as reported by Skill Hero.
2. Commercial pilots can soar past six figures without a degree.
Becoming a pilot might sound like a career that requires years of formal education, but commercial pilots don’t need a college degree. Instead, they complete flight training, earn a commercial pilot’s license, and obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications, as stated by the writers at The Flight Institute.
The salary potential is impressive, with earnings ranging from $113,080 to over $239,200 annually. Pilots fly charter flights, corporate jets, and cargo planes, providing vital transportation services worldwide. While flight school requires an upfront investment, many pilots quickly earn back their training costs once they start working. If you love travel and adventure, this career offers both excitement and financial stability.
3. Fire chiefs lead teams and earn six-figure salaries.
Firefighting is a demanding career, but for those who rise through the ranks, it can be incredibly rewarding—both personally and financially. Fire chiefs oversee fire departments, manage emergency response operations, and ensure public safety.
Becoming a fire chief typically requires years of firefighting experience and leadership training. While some fire chiefs have degrees in fire science or public administration, many earn their positions through experience alone. With salaries averaging $105,287 annually, this role offers a strong income while making a meaningful impact on communities, according to Anna Marie College.
4. Software developers turn coding skills into high-paying jobs.
The tech industry is filled with opportunities for self-taught professionals, and software development is one of the most lucrative options. Many successful developers learn to code through bootcamps, online courses, or hands-on experience rather than a traditional degree.
With salaries ranging from $100,000 to $132,270 annually, software developers create applications, websites, and systems that power modern businesses. Companies value practical skills over diplomas, meaning a strong portfolio and real-world projects can open doors to high-paying positions. The demand for developers continues to rise, making this one of the most future-proof careers available.
5. Web developers and digital designers build the internet’s future.
Web development and digital design blend creativity with technical expertise, making them ideal careers for those who enjoy problem-solving and aesthetics. Professionals in this field design, build, and maintain websites, ensuring they function smoothly and look great.
A strong portfolio and relevant training—whether self-taught or through certification programs—are often enough to land a high-paying job. Salaries range from $98,540 to $176,490 annually, with opportunities to work for agencies, corporations, or as freelancers. As businesses continue to expand their online presence, skilled web developers are in high demand.
6. Computer network architects design and secure business networks.
Every company relies on secure and efficient networks, and computer network architects ensure they stay up and running. These professionals design, build, and maintain network systems for businesses, government agencies, and tech firms.
Salaries average around $129,566 annually, and many network architects enter the field through hands-on experience and IT certifications rather than a college degree. Popular certifications like Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or CompTIA Network+ can help candidates break into this lucrative industry.
7. Technical program managers lead projects and drive innovation.
Tech companies need skilled professionals to manage complex projects, and technical program managers (TPMs) fill that role. These leaders coordinate teams, oversee product development, and ensure projects meet deadlines and budgets.
With salaries reaching $133,848 annually, TPMs often gain experience through IT roles and leadership positions rather than formal education. Strong communication skills, technical expertise, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams are key to success in this role.
8. Technology sales managers turn industry knowledge into profit.
Sales professionals who specialize in technology products and services can earn impressive salaries, often exceeding $161,920 annually. Technology sales managers lead sales teams, develop client relationships, and drive revenue growth for tech companies.
A degree isn’t necessary—successful sales managers often have backgrounds in business, customer service, or retail. The key to thriving in this field is understanding technology products and having strong negotiation skills. Commission-based earnings can significantly boost annual income, making this a top-paying career for ambitious professionals.
9. Product managers shape business strategies and drive success.
Product managers oversee the development and launch of new products, ensuring they meet market demands and company goals. These professionals work closely with engineering, marketing, and sales teams to bring ideas to life.
Salaries often exceed $100,000 annually, and many product managers enter the field with experience in business strategy, project management, or user experience. A college degree is helpful but not required—real-world experience and a track record of successful projects are more valuable.
10. Senior real estate managers oversee high-value properties.
Real estate management is a high-paying field for those with experience in property oversight, leasing, and investment. Senior real estate managers handle large portfolios, making strategic decisions to maximize profitability.
With salaries averaging $133,871 annually, this career rewards those with strong negotiation skills and market knowledge. Many real estate managers start in property management and work their way up through hands-on experience rather than formal education.
11. Radiation therapists provide critical healthcare services.
Radiation therapists play a vital role in cancer treatment, administering targeted radiation therapy to patients. This healthcare career offers stability, high salaries (starting at $85,921 annually), and the opportunity to make a difference.
Many radiation therapists enter the field through certification programs or associate degrees, bypassing the need for a four-year degree. With demand for healthcare professionals increasing, this is a strong career choice for those interested in patient care.
12. Owner-operator truck drivers make six figures on the road with full control over their earnings.
Long-haul trucking might not sound glamorous, but owner-operators who manage their own trucking businesses can make serious money—often well over $210,396 annually. Instead of working for a company, these independent drivers own or lease their trucks, set their own routes, and negotiate their rates, giving them full control over their income potential.
Starting out requires obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL), registering with the Department of Transportation (DOT), and investing in a commercial truck, which can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000. While the startup costs are significant, so are the profits—especially for those who specialize in high-demand freight like refrigerated goods or hazardous materials. Many owner-operators cut costs by handling their own scheduling, maintenance, and fuel efficiency strategies. This career is perfect for self-motivated individuals who want independence, a flexible schedule, and the potential for a six-figure income without needing a traditional degree.
13. Professional sports referees earn top pay for officiating at the highest levels.
Refereeing may not be the first job that comes to mind when thinking about six-figure careers, but professional sports referees can earn up to $210,000 annually—sometimes even more. Top officials in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB make substantial incomes, especially those with years of experience and playoff assignments.
Breaking into the industry typically requires working up through the ranks. Many referees start at the high school or college level before earning recognition in minor leagues or semi-professional circuits. Certification through an officiating organization, such as the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO), is a must. The job demands exceptional knowledge of the sport, fast decision-making, and the ability to handle intense pressure. While competition for these high-paying roles is fierce, those who make it to the top can enjoy lucrative salaries, travel opportunities, and a career that keeps them right in the heart of the action.
14. Cloud architects design and secure the backbone of modern digital infrastructure.
Cloud computing has transformed how businesses operate, and cloud architects are among the highest-paid professionals in the field, earning up to $154,820 annually. These experts design, implement, and maintain cloud solutions for companies, ensuring secure, scalable, and cost-effective digital environments. With businesses increasingly moving to platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, demand for skilled cloud architects continues to grow.
Unlike traditional IT roles that often require degrees, cloud architects can break into the industry through industry certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Professional Cloud Architect, or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect. Experience in system administration, networking, and cybersecurity is highly valued, making this a great career for those who want a tech-driven role without spending years in college. With remote work options and continuous industry growth, cloud architecture offers both job security and financial success.
15. Data analysts transform raw numbers into high-value business insights.
Companies are drowning in data, and they need skilled professionals to make sense of it. Data analysts, who earn around $110,000 annually, help businesses interpret trends, optimize operations, and make data-driven decisions. These professionals work with tools like Excel, SQL, Python, Power BI, and Tableau to analyze large datasets and present findings in a clear, actionable way.
A college degree isn’t always necessary to land a data analyst role. Many successful analysts break into the field through online courses, bootcamps, and certifications like Google Data Analytics, Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate, or IBM Data Science Professional Certificate. The demand for data expertise spans industries, from healthcare to finance to marketing, making it a versatile and future-proof career. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a knack for storytelling with data can lead to well-paying positions—no traditional degree required.