It’s Easier Than Ever to Earn $100,000 a Year Without a Four-Year Degree. Here Are 20 Careers to Consider.

In today’s evolving job market, a bachelor’s degree isn’t the only path to a six-figure income. With skills-based hiring on the rise and advancements in online certifications, apprenticeships, and vocational training, more opportunities exist for high earners without a four-year credential. Fields like tech, trades, and management are leading this shift, fueled by labor shortages and automation. Below are 20 careers where experience, certifications, or associate degrees can lead to $100k+ salaries, based on median earnings and top percentiles from industry data.

1. Elevator Installer and Repairer

These specialists install and maintain elevators, often earning over $100,000 with apprenticeships and certifications. Median salary: $99,000; top earners exceed $120,000.

2. Power Plant Operator

Operators control systems in power plants, requiring vocational training or an associate degree. Median: $103,000; many hit $100k+ with overtime.

3. Nuclear Technician

Monitoring nuclear equipment demands specialized training, not a degree. Median: $100,000+; nuclear reactor operators average $122,000.

4. Air Traffic Controller

Federal training programs lead to this high-stress role. Median: $132,000; no degree needed beyond certification.

5. Commercial Pilot

Flight school and licenses suffice. Median: $121,000; experienced pilots surpass $165,000.

6. Real Estate Broker

Licensing exams and experience open doors. Top brokers earn $100k+ through commissions.

7. Fire Chief

Rise through ranks with fire academy training. Median: $100k+ in leadership roles.

8. First-Line Supervisor of Police

Promotions from officer roles, often via academy. Many earn $100k+ with experience.

9. Construction Manager

Project management certifications or associate degrees qualify. Median: $101,000; top: $160,000+.

10. Electrical Power-Line Installer

Apprenticeships lead to this utility role. Median: $82,000, but experienced workers hit $100k+.

11. Transportation Inspector

Certifications for inspecting vehicles or cargo. Many earn over $100k with federal roles.

12. Postmaster

Postal service experience and management training. Top earners: $100k+.

13. Detective or Criminal Investigator

Academy training and field experience. Median: $90,000; seniors exceed $100k.

14. Software Developer

Bootcamps or self-taught skills via platforms like Coursera. Median: $120,000+ for experienced devs.

15. Information Systems Manager

Certifications like CompTIA; experience over degrees. Median: $159,000.

16. Product Manager

Tech certifications and project experience. Median: $130,000+ in tech firms.

17. Sales Director

Proven sales track record; no degree required. Top earners: $130,000+ with commissions.

18. Voice-Over Artist

Freelance with home studios and talent agencies. Experienced artists: $134,000+.

19. Executive Chef

Culinary school or apprenticeships. Top chefs: $90,000+, but in high-end spots $100k+.

20. Technology Sales Manager

Sales certifications and tech knowledge. Median: $140,000+ with bonuses.

These careers highlight how targeted training, apprenticeships, and on-the-job experience can bypass traditional degrees. Success often requires dedication, networking, and continuous learning. With trends favoring skills over credentials, it’s a promising time to explore these paths—research local requirements and start building your skills today.