10 High Paying Jobs Without a Degree: Blue-Collar Careers With Six-Figure Potential in 2026

Why a Four-Year Degree Isn’t Your Only Route to Financial Success

The traditional belief that you need a college diploma to earn serious money is rapidly becoming outdated. With tuition for public, four-year in-state universities averaging $11,610 annually, many Americans are looking beyond the classroom for career opportunities. According to Pew Research, only one in four Americans considers a four-year degree absolutely essential for landing a well-paying position.

The good news? A comprehensive study by Resume Genius reveals that high paying jobs without a degree are not only real—they’re thriving. The research analyzed ten of the most lucrative blue-collar positions, evaluating median annual salaries, top earner benchmarks, job availability, and projected growth through 2034.

The Top Tier: Six-Figure Territory

For those seeking the absolute highest compensation in high paying jobs without a degree, the pinnacle positions include:

Elevator and Escalator Technician stands at the summit with a median annual salary of $106,580. These skilled professionals earn a median hourly rate of $51.24, while the top 10% of earners pull in $149,250 annually. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects modest but steady 5% growth through 2034, with approximately 24,200 positions currently available. Only a high school diploma or equivalent is needed.

Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer represents another six-figure option, earning $92,560 as a median salary. This role offers greater job availability with 127,400 positions nationwide and stronger growth prospects at 7% through 2034. Top earners in this field command $126,610, while the median hourly wage sits at $44.50. High school education suffices for entry.

Strong Mid-Range Earners With Significant Growth Potential

Aircraft Avionics Equipment Mechanic and Technician offers $79,140 in median annual compensation with 160,800 jobs available. The top 10% earn $120,080, and this field is expected to grow 5% by 2034. Unlike some positions, this one requires a postsecondary nondegree award, typically through FAA-approved programs.

Stationary Engineer and Boiler Operator brings in $75,190 annually with steady employment of 33,300 positions. Growth is modest at 2%, but the position appeals to those seeking stable work. Top performers earn $121,200, making it a viable path to six-figure territory with experience and advancement.

Railroad Worker positions offer $75,680 median annual salary across 77,900 current jobs. While growth is minimal at 1% through 2034, the role provides consistent employment with $100,130 for top earners. A high school diploma or equivalent opens the door to this career.

Explosive Growth Sectors: Where the Demand Is Surging

Wind Turbine Technician represents the fastest-growing opportunity on this list, with a projected 50% expansion through 2034. Even at $62,580 median salary and 13,600 current positions, the surge in renewable energy demand makes this a standout choice for future job security. The median hourly wage is $30.09, and top earners reach $88,090. A postsecondary nondegree award is required.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installer follows closely with a 42% projected growth rate, making it another renewable energy powerhouse. These positions pay $51,860 annually at the median, with 28,600 jobs available nationwide. The top 10% earn $80,150, and only a high school diploma is necessary to start this career in a booming industry.

Established Trades With Steady Demand

Industrial Machinery Mechanic employs 538,300 workers and projects 13% growth—the second-highest expansion rate on this list. Median salary is $63,510, with top earners reaching $85,790. This field demonstrates that high paying jobs without a degree can offer both substantial paychecks and strong job security.

Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter remains a cornerstone of the skilled trades, with 504,500 positions currently filled. The median salary of $62,970 can reach $105,150 for top performers, representing six-figure potential through skill and experience. Growth is projected at 4% through 2034.

Electrician ranks among the most accessible high paying jobs without a degree, with 818,700 positions nationwide—the highest of any role on this list. Median salary is $62,350, while top earners reach $106,030. The field shows 9% projected growth, ensuring continued demand for skilled professionals.

Why Employers Are Paying Premium Rates for Skilled Talent

“A four-year degree isn’t the only path to securing a lucrative, stable career,” explains Nathan Soto, Career Expert at Resume Genius. “The data clearly shows employers are willing to pay significant premiums for specialized blue-collar expertise. On nine of the ten positions we identified, the top 10% of earners exceed six figures annually. Many require only high school education, and virtually all project growth over the next decade—making the six-figure salary goal far more attainable than conventional wisdom suggests.”

Your Next Steps: From Training to Six-Figure Earnings

If you’re reconsidering whether college is the right investment, consider this: apprenticeships and technical training programs can launch you into high paying jobs without a degree far more quickly and affordably than traditional education. These pathways allow you to earn while you learn, often leading to certifications that employers actively seek and reward with competitive compensation.

The surge in demand for skilled blue-collar professionals isn’t a temporary trend—it reflects a fundamental shift in the economy. As infrastructure projects expand, renewable energy initiatives accelerate, and industries face chronic shortages of qualified technicians, the path to stable, well-paying employment without a college degree has never been clearer or more accessible.