Although many employers in the United States still require college degrees as a minimum requirement, there is a growing list of well-paying jobs that do not require a bachelor's degree. With student debt exceeding $1.77 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve, it's no surprise that more people are looking for viable alternatives outside the traditional college path.
In fact, in many sectors, hands-on experience, technical training, certifications and apprenticeships carry as much - or even more - weight than a college degree. Here are some of the highest-paying occupations in 2025 that do not require a bachelor's degree, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
If university is not for you, or you want to change your career, these are the 10 best paid jobs without a university degree:
1. Air traffic controller
- Average annual salary: $144,580
- Education: Associate degree
- Estimated employment: 22,400
- Details: Specialized certification required
2. Commercial pilot
- Average annual salary: $122,670
- Education required: Postsecondary certificate
- Estimated employment: 51,830
3. Nuclear reactor operator
- Average annual salary: $122,610
- Education required: High school diploma
- Estimated jobs: 5,720
4. Energy distributor and dispatcher
- Average annual salary: $107,240
- Education required: High school diploma
- Estimated employment: 9,180
5. Elevator and escalator installer and repairer
- Average annual salary: $106,580
- Education required: High school diploma, 4-year apprenticeship
- Estimated jobs: 23,340
6. First-line supervisor of police and detectives
- Average annual salary: $105,980
- Education required: High school diploma
- Estimated employment: 153,130
Nuclear technician
- Average annual salary: $104,240
- Education required: Associate degree
- Estimated employment: 5,990
8. Transportation, storage and distribution manager
- Average annual salary: $102,010
- Education required: High school diploma and relevant work experience
- Estimated employment: 213,000
9. Radiation therapy technician
- Average annual salary: $101,990
- Education: Associate degree
- Estimated employment: 18,700
10. Naval engineer (ship engines)
- Average annual salary: $101,320
- Education required: Postsecondary certificate
- Estimated employment: 8,580
But what do you need if you don't have a degree? While these jobs do not require a college degree, most require technical training, specialized certifications or apprenticeships. In many cases, military or technical trade experience is also valued.
According to Resume Genius, a growing approach in the job market is the skills-based hiring model, which opens doors to people without college degrees, but with demonstrable skills.
In an article for Kiplinger, Eva Chan, an employment expert, explained that this shift creates more accessible opportunities, even in non-traditional, high-paying areas.
With the cost of college on the rise and multiple career paths booming, it's becoming increasingly clear that a lucrative career doesn't necessarily require a college degree. What matters most is having the right skills, formal training and a proactive attitude.
If you're thinking about avoiding college debt without giving up a good salary, these options could be the start of a successful career without the need for four years in college.