As student debt soars and AI advances, Gen Z is re-evaluating the traditional path of earning a four-year degree as part of the American Dream. Fortunately, an alternative exists: numerous high-paying roles that do not require a bachelor’s degree yet offer six-figure salaries.
According to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from Resume Genius, the highest-paying job that doesn’t require a four-year degree and has strong growth prospects might be surprising: elevator and escalator installers and repairers. This position commands a median annual salary of $106,580 and typically only requires a high school diploma, completion of an apprenticeship, and a state certification.
The study ranked transportation, storage, and distribution managers second. By starting in an entry-level logistics role, individuals can progress to earning a median of $102,010 per year. The list also includes flight attendants, chefs, athletes, and criminal investigators.
While young people are often advised that a college education is essential for success, Gen Zers who wish to avoid expensive degrees do not have to compromise their career ambitions. The report highlights a wide array of options, from lucrative blue-collar positions to comfortable office jobs.
Resume Genius career expert Eva Chan emphasized that “there’s no one way to get a high-paying job,” noting that all the listed professions “require some form of training, and some involve schooling, but they are all achievable without a degree.”
The top 15 high-paying jobs that don’t require four-year degrees
Resume Genius has identified the top 15 highest-paying jobs that offer salaries above the U.S. median, have positive projected job growth, and do not require a four-year degree for applicants.
- Elevator and escalator installer and repairer (Median annual salary: $106,580)
- Transportation, storage, and distribution manager (Median annual salary: $102,010)
- Electrical power-line installer and repairer (Median annual salary: $92,560)
- Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanic and technician (Median annual salary: $79,140)
- Detective and criminal investigator (Median annual salary: $77,270)
- Locomotive engineer (Median annual salary: $75,680)
- Wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (Median annual salary: $74,100)
- Flight attendant (Median annual salary: $67,130)
- Property, real estate, and community association manager (Median annual salary: $66,700)
- Water transportation worker (Median annual salary: $66,490)
- Food service manager (Median annual salary: $65,310)
- Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technician (Median annual salary: $62,740)
- Athlete and sports competitor (Median annual salary: $62,360)
- Chef and head cook (Median annual salary: $60,990)
- Insurance sales agent (Median annual salary: $60,370)