23 Jobs That Pay $50K Without a Bachelor's Degree
Do you want to make a decent living without spending many years in college? Jobs that pay $50K or more a year and don't require a four-year degree are easier to find than you might think. The sales, transportation, insurance, hospitality, healthcare, and information technology sectors all feature opportunities for people with two years or less of college training.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-time workers across the U.S. earned a median annual pay of $48,060 in May 2023. That means all the jobs listed in this article have median earnings above the national norm—and you don't need a four-year degree to get them.
We've divided the following list of jobs that make $50,000 a year into those that don't require any degree at all, those that don't require a degree but do call for real-world work experience, and those that require an associate degree. Read on to explore the many options for your future!
Salary information is based on 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise indicated.*
Jobs That Pay $50K a Year Without a Degree
There are plenty of ways to make a good living without spending years in college. None of the jobs in this section require a college education, but you might have to complete an apprenticeship, take special certifications, or undergo extensive on-the-job training. Here are some examples of jobs that pay $50,000 a year and don't require a degree:
1. Aircraft mechanic
Some aircraft mechanics get into the trade with a high school diploma and develop the skills they need through on-the-job training, while others complete an aviation maintenance program at an FAA-approved school. Either option allows you to make a decent living by maintaining and repairing various types of aircraft.
- Median salary: $75,020
2. Police officer
Do you feel called to serve and protect? Becoming a police officer doesn't necessarily require a college degree, though some training in law enforcement can help. The normal route into this career involves graduating from a police academy and undergoing a period of on-the-job training; you'll also need to meet physical fitness requirements.
- Median salary: $74,910
3. Boilermaker
Learning to install and maintain the boilers, vats, and tanks that hold, heat, or process liquids like oil and beer is normally done through an apprenticeship rather than academic study. Boilermakers assemble boilers, look for leaks and defects, and repair or replace broken components. Having some experience in welding can help.
- Median salary: $71,140
4. Wholesale and manufacturing sales representative
A college degree is not required for most wholesale and manufacturing sales jobs; many companies provide in-house training for new hires. You may find that selling non-technical goods to businesses and government agencies is easier if you take training courses or seminars in marketing, communications, or sales techniques.
- Median salary: $65,630
5. Telecommunications line installer and repairer
The world relies on telecommunications line installers and repairers to build and maintain the cables that bring telephone, cable TV, and Internet services to our homes and businesses. That's why workers in this field can earn decent wages even without a degree. You can expect to undergo a significant period of on-the-job training after being hired.
- Median salary: $64,640
6. Structural iron and steel worker
Installing structural and reinforcing columns, girders, and beams during the construction of buildings and bridges can be learned through on-the-job training offered by some employers. However, most ironworkers get their training through apprenticeships. You can boost your job prospects with welding training and certification.
- Median salary: $62,760
7. Electrician
Electricians can make a comfortable living by installing and maintaining the electrical systems in homes, factories, and office buildings. You can begin a four- or five-year electrical apprenticeship right out of high school and earn a wage while you learn your trade, or you can take a training program at a technical school first.
- Median salary: $61,590
8. Plumber
While you don't need a college degree to become a plumber, learning to install and maintain the pipes and fixtures that move liquids and gases through homes, factories, and other buildings is most commonly done through an apprenticeship. Some aspiring plumbers choose to complete a training program at a trade school or vocational college first.
- Median salary: $61,550
9. Advertising sales agent
Charisma, communication skills, and a knack for connecting with people are more important than academic credentials when it comes to landing a job as an advertising sales agent. These workers sell ad space or time to companies and businesses. Cultivating relationships with clients is a key skill for this kind of work.
- Median salary: $61,270
$50,000-a-Year Jobs That Require Work Experience But No Degree
Working up through the ranks is another way to earn an income of $50K or more. While you don't need a degree for any of the jobs listed in this section, you do need a bit of experience in the work world. Check out these options:
1. Fire inspector
The more real-world experience you have as a firefighter, the better your chances of becoming a fire inspector. On-the-job training can give you the skills to identify fire hazards in public buildings and private homes and ensure safety regulations are followed. You may also need to get professional certifications.
- Median salary: $74,160
2. Building inspector
A college degree is not necessary to become a building inspector, but you do need plenty of construction industry experience. (Many inspectors start off as electricians, carpenters, or plumbers.) This role involves evaluating different buildings' structural integrity and ensuring that construction codes are properly followed.
- Median salary: $67,700
3. Food service manager
With a high school diploma and several years of work experience as a cook or server, you could pursue a career as a food service manager. In this role, you hire and schedule workers, order supplies, address customer requests or complaints, and ensure food safety standards are met. Voluntary certifications are available that could enhance your employability.
- Median salary: $63,060
4. Property manager
You can qualify for a position as an on-site property manager with a high school diploma and a few years of experience in real estate. A property manager's job is to inspect the building and grounds, arrange for maintenance or repairs, show vacant spaces to prospective tenants, and collect rents. Some states require managers to be licensed or get professional credentials.
- Median salary: $62,850
Jobs That Pay $50K a Year With an Associate Degree
An associate degree can lead to well-paying opportunities in a range of fields, including healthcare, hospitality, and information technology. Here are a few jobs that pay $50K or more that could be yours with an associate degree:
1. Nuclear technician
Operating and monitoring equipment and machines in nuclear power plants or nuclear-powered naval ships typically requires an associate degree in nuclear technology or a related field. You might be responsible for measuring radiation levels and adjusting or repairing equipment to improve performance or efficiency.
- Median salary: $101,740
2. Dental hygienist
An associate degree in dental hygiene can prepare you to make a comfortable living cleaning and polishing people's teeth. Other typical tasks include taking x-rays and teaching patients proper brushing and flossing techniques. All states require dental hygienists to be licensed; it's also important to be trained in CPR.
- Median salary: $87,530
3. Web developer
Creating attractive and functional websites requires a unique blend of computer programming and graphic design skills. Web development encompasses both the visual appearance and technical construction of a site, though some developers specialize in one area or the other. Many employers look for candidates with associate degrees in web design or development.
- Median salary: $84,960
4. Diagnostic medical sonographer
Ultrasounds are not just for monitoring a fetus's development. Sonographers use high-frequency sound waves to create images of anything from muscles and tissues to organs and blood vessels. An associate degree in sonography is the usual requirement for this job. Professional certification is not mandatory, but many employers prefer candidates who have it.
- Median salary: $84,470
5. Aerospace engineering technician
Are you fascinated by vehicles that fly? Assisting in developing and testing components that make up an aircraft or spacecraft offers solid potential for a good living. You could calibrate testing equipment, perform computer simulations, or troubleshoot faulty parts. An associate degree in engineering technology is typically required, and you may need special security clearance for defense-related positions.
- Median salary: $77,830
6. Radiologic technologist
You can get the radiologic technology training you need to administer x-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans through an associate degree program. Technologists can be certified in many specialties, such as mammography or medical resonance imaging (MRI) technology. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed.
- Median salary: $73,410
7. Computer network support specialist
There are many ways to become a computer network support specialist, but getting an associate degree is one of the most common. These information technology professionals analyze and solve problems with digital data networks and perform routine maintenance to keep networks running smoothly.
- Median salary: $71,530
8. Hotel manager
An associate degree in hospitality or hotel management can prepare you for a rewarding career that involves providing comfortable accommodations for vacationers and business travelers. Hotel managers typically hire staff, set room rates, manage budgets, and ensure a pleasant experience for guests. You need excellent customer service and leadership skills for this kind of work.
- Median salary: $65,360
9. Court reporter
Do you have the concentration that's required to capture every word that is spoken during legal proceedings? Court reporters use special equipment like stenography machines to create detailed and accurate records of everything said during hearings, depositions, and trials. An associate degree can get you started in this field, and training in criminal justice can be helpful. Licensing is required in some states.
- Median salary: $63,940
10. Hearing aid specialist
Hearing aid specialists determine what type of hearing aid best suits each patient's needs. They measure a patient's hearing and recommend devices that provide a comfortable fit and an appropriate level of sound amplification. They may also refer patients to an audiologist for more advanced testing.
- Median salary: $58,670
Get Positioned for Success
Jobs that pay $50K without a four-year degree are more common than many people think. Do you feel prepared to take advantage of those opportunities? If you need to brush up on your skills, check out the job-driven training offered by trade schools, vocational colleges, and technical institutes. These types of schools can help prepare you to find success in a wide range of career fields. Just enter your zip code into our search tool to explore convenient programs in your area!
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Some careers listed may be part of a combined occupation profile (visited October 30, 2024).
