Top 10 Paying Jobs Without a Degree 2020

NUMBER 10 Media and communication equipment workers
Median annual wage: $79,580
Projected job growth through 2026: 8 percent
In-demand in the movie and film industry, these workers installs, maintain and repair audio and visual systems in businesses and homes. They also typically train customers in how to use the equipment appropriately.
Breaking into this role requires only a high school diploma, though those with experience in electrical installation and repair or those with a certification in a related field may find it easier to get hired. Workers will need short-term on-the-job training.
NUMBER 9 Power plant operators
Median annual wage: $79,610
Projected job growth through 2026: 1 percent
Power plant operators control and maintain the machinery used to generate electricity and distribute power among generators. They must also correct voltage and flows to meet changing consumer demands depending on the time of day.
Becoming a power plant operator typically requires a high school diploma as well as several years of on-site training and experience. You may also need to obtain a certification through the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s System Operator Certification Program, if your work could affect the power grid.
NUMBER 8 Elevator installers and repairers
Median annual wage: $79,780
Projected job growth through 2026: 12 percent
These workers install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, chairlifts and other lifts. Elevator repairers typically earn a little more as their job requires a greater knowledge of electronics, hydraulics and electricity than do installers, since a large part of maintenance and repair work is troubleshooting.
Becoming an elevator installer or repairer starts with a four-year apprenticeship program sponsored by a union, industry association or individual contractor. To enter such a program, you’ll need a high school diploma. Even after the program, on-going training is required and 35 states, currently, require an installer or repairer to be licensed.
NUMBER 7 Powerhouse, substation, and relay electrical and electronics repairers
Median annual wage: $80,200
Projected job growth through 2026: 4 percent
Also known as powerhouse electricians, relay technicians or power transformer repairers, these workers specialize in inspecting, maintaining and repairing all electrical equipment used in power generating stations, substations and in-service relays.
Becoming one will require a high school diploma, though many employers prefer applicants who have also taken courses in electronics at a community college or technical school. In addition to such schooling demands, workers in this field usually start their career as an electrician in order to gain the experience needed for this role.
NUMBER 6 Detectives and criminal investigators
Median annual wage: $81,920
Projected job growth through 2026: 5 percent
These types of law enforcement officers collect evidence and gather facts for criminal cases. They conduct interviews, examine records, observe the activities of suspects and participate in raids and arrests. They typically specialize in one type of crime such as homicide or fraud and work on a case until an arrest and trial are completed or the case is dropped.
To become a detective, you’ll need at least a high school diploma, although many federal agencies and some police departments do require some college coursework or a college degree.
NUMBER 5 Commercial pilots
Median annual pay: $82,240
Projected job growth through 2026: 4 percent
These pilots handle unscheduled flight activities, such as aerial application, charter flights and aerial tours. Some, known as corporate pilots, transport company executives. They are also typically responsible for other non-flight duties such as scheduling flights, arranging for maintenance of the aircraft and loading luggage.
To become one, you’ll need a commercial pilot’s license and high school diploma. Most commercial pilots complete their training with independent FAA-certified flight instructors or at schools that offer flight training.
NUMBER 4 Power distributors and dispatchers
Median annual wage: $86,410
Projected job growth through 2026: -3 percent
Also known as systems operators, these workers control the flow of electricity as it travels from generating stations to substations and users. They monitor current converters, voltage transformers, and circuit breakers over a network of transmission and distribution lines as well as resolve problems such as transformer or transmission line failures.
To become a power plant distributor or dispatcher, you’ll need a high school diploma combined with several years of onsite training and experience. Those whose work could affect the power grid may require certification through the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s System Operator Certification Program.