Lucrative jobs that pay 80k a year don’t always require a college education. As access to information continues to increase across the world, and as new alternatives to traditional college degrees continue to gain popularity, jobs that pay 80k a year without a degree are easier to land than ever before.
In order to land one of the best-paying jobs without a degree, you will need to have a strong skillset and be willing to get an education in your chosen field, even if you opt for alternatives such as coding bootcamps instead of a degree. However, with hard work and the tips in this guide, it is possible to land a job that pays $80K without a degree. Read on as we discuss the best jobs that don’t require a degree in greater detail.
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How Common Are $80K Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree?
Jobs that don’t require a degree and pay an average annual salary of at least $80K can be hard to find. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupation Finder lets you filter the listings according to a median wage of $80,000 or more. Only a fraction of the jobs listed do not require a degree.
However, this is not a reason to become disheartened in searching for good-paying jobs without degrees. Even though opportunities are fewer for those without a college education, getting a lucrative job is still possible. All it takes is the right skill paired with unwavering efforts to land your dream, high-paying job.
Best Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree and Pay $80K a Year: At a Glance
Below are our top choices for the highest-paying jobs without a degree that can help you earn $80k per year. Use this list to guide you on your quest to find the right job opportunity based on your skills, interests, and career goals.
Job | Average Salary | Top 10% | Minimum Job Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
Commercial Pilot | $134,630 | $208,000 | Flight training, high school diploma or equivalent, and related certificates |
Air Traffic Controller | $129,750 | $185,990 | Federal Aviation Administration-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training associate degree |
Makeup Artist: Theatrical and Performance | $124,380 | $172,150 | Postsecondary non-degree award |
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator | $111,220 | $132,960 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Software Developer | $109,020 | $168,570 | High school diploma and relevant industry training and certifications. |
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager | $105,580 | $162,770 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Information Security Analyst | $102,600 | $165,920 | High school diploma and relevant industry training and certifications. |
Database Administrator | $101,000 | $151,400 | High school diploma and relevant industry training and certifications. |
First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives | $98,760 | $159,850 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer | $97,860 | $130,940 | High school diploma or equivalent and on the job training |
Detective and Criminal Investigator | $90,370 | $146,830 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Electrical and Electronics Repairer | $87,640 | $120,000 | Postsecondary non-degree award and on the job training |
Power Plant Operator | $83,740 | $110,590 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Underwater Welder | $82,010 | $160,110 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Network Systems Administrator | $80,600 | $130,830 | High school diploma and relevant industry training and certifications. |
Best Paying Jobs Without a Degree: A Closer Look
There are many high-paying jobs without a degree available, as shown in our list. If you don’t have a degree and have found yourself in a job that pays way less than the national average, it’s time to move on. Below is a closer look at the best jobs that pay 80k a year.
Commercial Pilot
- Average Salary: $134,630
- 90th Percentile Salary: $208,000
- Projected Job Growth: 6%
A commercial pilot is responsible for flying fixed-wing aircraft or regular planes that transport cargo and passengers. Other tasks and operations may include aerial survey, search, and rescue. The minimum requirements for a commercial pilot are a high school diploma or equivalent, a commercial pilot certificate, and completing the required flight time.
Air Traffic Controller
- Average Salary: $129,750
- 90th Percentile Salary: $185,990
- Projected Job Growth: 1%
Air traffic controllers are responsible for ensuring the safety of aircrafts and directing aircraft efficiently to minimize delays and accidents. They usually manage multiple aircraft at once, thus they must be capable of making quick decisions. You only need to receive federal aviation administration-approved air traffic collegiate training.
Makeup Artist: Theatrical and Performance
- Average Salary: $124,380
- 90th Percentile Salary: $172,150
- Projected Job Growth: 11% (for Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists)
Makeup artists for the theatrical and performance industry are responsible for altering and enhancing the appearances of the cast. Their makeup design must be accurate according to the character design, the time period, and other scripted requirements. You need a postsecondary non-degree award to become a makeup artist, as well as a certificate from a valid cosmetology school.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
- Average Salary: $111,220
- 90th Percentile Salary: $132,960
- Projected Job Growth: -15% (for Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers)
A nuclear power reactor operator is responsible for handling the flow of energy in a nuclear power plant. They may also work closely with the electric power levels of nuclear reactors, which makes this role somewhat hazardous. The only formal education credential you need for this role is a high school diploma or equivalent, but you must also pass the NRC licensing exams.
Software Developer
- Average Salary: $109,020
- 90th Percentile Salary: $168,570
- Projected Job Growth: 25%
This is one of the best paying jobs without a degree you can land after learning software development on your own. You can accomplish this through coding bootcamps, online courses, or books. As a software developer, you will be in charge of designing and developing computer programs using a variety of programming languages. Many entry-level software developer jobs are available at tech companies worldwide.
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager
- Average Salary: $105,580
- 90th Percentile Salary: $162,770
- Projected Job Growth: 28% (for Logisticians)
A transportation, storage, and distribution manager supervises the workers that receive, ship, and test products and materials. For some workplaces, the minimum requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, in addition to relevant experience, although some employers do require a bachelor’s degree.
Information Security Analyst
- Average Salary: $102,600
- 90th Percentile Salary: $165,920
- Projected Job Growth: 35%
As an information security analyst, you are in charge of protecting an organization’s network. You do this by installing and maintaining software such as firewalls and conducting penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in a system. You can become an information security analyst by getting training through a coding bootcamp or learning independently.
Database Administrator
- Average Salary: $101,000
- 90th Percentile Salary: $151,400
- Projected Job Growth: 9%
Database administrator jobs involve creating or organizing information systems so that data can be accessed quickly and efficiently. They must also ensure sensitive information is stored safely. Self-study and coding bootcamps are effective ways to become a database administrator without needing to obtain a college degree.
First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives
- Average Salary: $98,760
- 90th Percentile Salary: $159,850
- Projected Job Growth: 3% (for Police and Detectives)
This role is responsible for administrative and leadership duties, including coordinating investigations and ensuring actions in the department comply with laws and regulations. Supervisors must have a high school diploma or equivalent, with some districts pairing it with an associate degree or technical training at a police academy.
Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer
- Average Salary: $97,860
- 90th Percentile Salary: $130,940
- Projected Job Growth: 3%
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers are responsible for assembling, installing, repairing, and maintaining escalators and elevators. They use dedicated equipment on the job and have to respond to on-call emergencies. This role typically only requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and candidates learn through on-the-job training.
Detective and Criminal Investigator
- Average Salary: $86,940
- 90th Percentile Salary: $146,000
- Projected Job Growth: 3% (for Police and Detectives)
Detectives and criminal investigators are responsible for conducting investigations to prevent and solve crimes. Candidates for this role must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Aside from that, the candidate must first have law enforcement experience and be promoted into the role.
Electrical and Electronics Repairer: Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
- Average Salary: $87,640
- 90th Percentile Salary: $120,000
- Projected Job Growth: -1%
Electrical and electronics repairers are responsible for maintaining, repairing, testing, and inspecting electrical equipment. They must work with electrical systems and identify defects and malfunctions. Candidates for this role must have a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Some employers prefer those with vocational training.
Power Plant Operator
- Average Salary: $83,740
- 90th Percentile Salary: $110,590
- Projected Job Growth: -15%
Power plant operators operate and maintain machinery that generates electricity. They need to be comfortable working with generators and complex control boards. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, but some employers prefer those with a college or vocational school degree.
Underwater Welder
- Average Salary: $82,010
- 90th Percentile Salary: $160,110
- Projected Job Growth: 2% (for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers)
Underwater welders, or hyperbaric welding professionals, use their skills to weld and cut in underwater environments, with depths ranging from 30 to 400 feet on average. This is a lucrative profession, but it is also a very high-risk activity, so take that into consideration. The average underwater welder’s salary is just above the $80k mark, but these professionals can earn much more depending on where they work and how dangerous their activities are.
Network Systems Administrator
- Average Salary: $80,600
- 90th Percentile Salary: $130,830
- Projected Job Growth: 3%
Network systems administrator is the last job that pays 80k a year without a degree on our list. These professionals are in charge of setting up and maintaining an organization’s computer systems, local and wide area networks, and other communications systems. You can become a network systems administrator by studying independently and gaining relevant experience.
How to Earn $80K Without a Degree: Alternative Paths to Your Dream Job
If you want to earn $80K without a degree, there are three alternative paths to consider. The list below highlights the most straightforward and common paths to take in order to land jobs that pay well without a degree.
Consider Certificate Programs
Many of the highest-paying jobs don’t require college degrees as long as applicants have the right certificate or certification. Thus, consider looking for certificate programs that align with your career goals and interests. With this path, you may be able to land a high-paying job in industries like law enforcement or healthcare.
Attend a Coding Bootcamp
Aside from certificate programs, the best coding bootcamps can also help you attain a freelance job with an $80K salary. Many programming jobs require degrees, but companies also consider non-degree holders as long as they have relevant training and proven skills. If you think the field of tech is interesting, then this path may be for you.
Look Into Entrepreneurship
If you would rather be your own boss, then entrepreneurship is also a possible path to getting that $80K salary. Starting your own business comes with risks, irregular hours, and a heavy workload, but it can pay off generously. It may even be the path that leads to your six-figure salary, as long as you have the right mindset.
Start Earning $80K Without a Degree
Jobs that pay $80K a year without a degree may seem scarce, but with the right skills and determination, it is possible to be successful in obtaining these high-paying positions. Knowing where to look for such roles and leveraging your network is another important factor in locating these jobs and securing them.
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Getting a four-year college degree is not as easy as many people make it seem. It requires time, effort, and financial security that some people are unable to provide. After reading this article, however, you now know all about how to start a lucrative career path without attending a four-year university. Seize the opportunity and change your career for the better.
Jobs That Pay $80K a Year Without a Degree FAQ
What is the best job that pays $80K or more without a degree for me?
Some of the best jobs without a degree that pay $80K are tech roles such as software developer, database administrator, and information security analyst. These are great options because you can gain the necessary skills through a bootcamp or independent study over a short period of time.
Can I get an associate degree instead of a bachelor’s degree for a high-paying job?
Yes, many high-paying jobs will accept an associate degree. High-paying jobs for people with associate degrees include radiation therapists or nuclear medicine technologists. It’s important to know, however, an associate degree can’t satisfy a bachelor’s degree requirement.
Do I have fewer opportunities because I don’t have a degree?
Yes, there may be fewer opportunities for those without a degree. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t have the chance to make a high salary and live comfortably. Make the most out of the opportunities that you do have and you’ll be able to secure a job that doesn’t require a degree.
Is $80K per year a very high salary?
Yes, $80k is a high salary. For reference, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the median salary in the US for 2021 was $58,260. Jobs where you can make $80k a year can help you earn well above the country’s average, which should be enough to live comfortably.
FAQs
How can I make 80k a year without a degree? ›
Some of the best jobs without a degree that pay $80K are tech roles such as software developer, database administrator, and information security analyst.
What occupations pay 80k a year? ›- Professional Development Specialist (Remote) ...
- Driller II. ...
- Litigation Attorney (Lit experience Necessary - Personal Injury) ...
- Business Development Manager. ...
- HRSS Program Coordinator (REMOTE) ...
- Food & Beverage Manager- $80k to $85k Salary. ...
- Partner Account Executive (Remote, West Region)
- Patrol Officer.
- Executive Assistant.
- Flight Attendant.
- Sales Representative.
- Sound Engineering Technician.
- Electrician.
- Plumber.
- Occupational therapist.
- Real estate agent.
- Biomedical engineer.
- Physical therapist.
- Construction manager.
- Management analyst.
- IT manager.
- Mechanical engineer.
- Personal shopper. Average Annual Salary: $49,000. ...
- Insurance specialist. Average Annual Salary: $33,000. ...
- Personal trainer. Average Annual Salary: $38,000. ...
- Massage therapist. Average Annual Salary: $38,000. ...
- Graphic designer. ...
- Flight attendant. ...
- Electrician. ...
- Freelance photographer.
- Air Traffic Controller. Median Salary: $99,661. ...
- Real Estate Broker. Median Salary: $79,340. ...
- Construction Manager. ...
- Radiation Therapist. ...
- Commercial Pilot. ...
- Funeral Services Manager. ...
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators. ...
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operator.
$80,000 is $38.46 an hour without vacation time.
If you work a full 40-hour week for 52 weeks, that amounts to 2,080 hours of work. So $80,000 a year in income divided by 2,080 is a $38.46 hourly wage.
$80,000 yearly is how much per hour? If you make $80,000 per year, your hourly salary would be $38.46. This result is obtained by multiplying your base salary by the amount of hours, week, and months you work in a year, assuming you work 40 hours a week. How much tax do I pay if I make $80,000 per year?
Is 80k a year rich? ›No matter where you live, 80K is considered to be a pretty good salary for most people. This puts you in the higher middle-class range of people who are earning no matter where you live in the US.
What is a low stress job that pays well? ›According to data that FinanceBuzz compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), some low-stress jobs that typically yield a six-figure salary include mathematician, software developer, political scientist, physicist, chemical engineer, astronomer, and ...
What job is the most in demand right now? ›
- Nurse practitioner. Median salary: $123,780 a year. ...
- Information security analyst. Median salary: $102,600 a year. ...
- Statistician. Median salary: $97,570 a year. ...
- Physical therapist assistants. Median salary: $61,180 a year. ...
- Economist. ...
- Wind turbine technicians. ...
- Solar photovoltaic installers. ...
- Data scientist.
- Air Traffic Controller.
- Construction Site Manager.
- Web Developer.
- Commercial Diver.
- Power Plant Operator.
- Elevator Installer and Repairer.
- Wind Turbine Service Technician.
- Solar Energy Systems Installer.
So, if you make $80,000 a year, you should be looking at homes priced between $240,000 to $320,000. You can further limit this range by figuring out a comfortable monthly mortgage payment. To do this, take your monthly after-tax income, subtract all current debt payments and then multiply that number by 25%.
What percentage of Americans make over $80000? ›Income range | Number of people | Proportion (%) |
---|---|---|
Cumulative | ||
$77,500 to $79,999 | 1,307,000 | Less than $100k 90.85% |
$80,000 to $82,499 | 2,725,000 | |
$82,500 to $84,999 | 1,021,000 |
At the heart of it all, making 100K a year means that you need to make approximately $8333 a month. Assuming 30 days in a month, that means you only have to make roughly $278 dollars a day in order to hit the magical six figures mark.
What is the happiest job? ›- Physical Therapist. Physical therapists are experts in movement and the human body that often help to rehabilitate people with injuries or disabilities. ...
- Firefighter. ...
- Teacher. ...
- Teaching Assistant. ...
- Quality Assurance Analyst.
Jobs that pay between $60,000 and $90,000 and evoke minimal stress include dietician, audiologist, technical writer, hydrologist and geographer. With competitive salaries above $100,000, enjoyable careers include mathematician, astronomer, orthodontist, physicist and political scientist.
What is the quickest career to get? ›...
High-Paying Jobs With Little Schooling Required
- Police Officer. ...
- Aircraft Mechanic. ...
- Mechanical Engineering Technician. ...
- Radiologic (X-Ray) Technologist. ...
- Welder. ...
- Diesel Mechanic.
- Radiation Therapists. ...
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists. ...
- Dental Hygienists. ...
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians. ...
- Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians. ...
- Boilermakers. ...
- Construction and Building Inspectors. ...
- Electricians.
The best way to earn $150K without a degree is by enrolling in a coding bootcamp, taking online courses, and networking. To change your career path and earn a high salary, you must acquire and master the necessary skills.
What's the easiest trade to learn? ›
Although learning a trade depends on the person's skills, some of the easiest trades to learn are elevator mechanic, electric lineman, millwright, boilermaker, and construction inspector, since you can learn your skills throughout apprenticeships and on-the-job training, and don't need a degree.
How much a year is $25 an hour? ›$25 hourly is how much per year? If you make $25 per hour, your Yearly salary would be $52,000. This result is obtained by multiplying your base salary by the amount of hours, week, and months you work in a year, assuming you work 40 hours a week. How much tax do I pay if I make $25 per hour?
What is 100k a year hourly? ›$100,000 is $50.00 an hour.
$50.00 is the hourly wage a person who earns a $100,000 salary will make if they work 2,000 hours in a year for an average of 40 hours per week, with two weeks of total holidays. We take the annual salary of $100,000 and divide it by 2,000 to get to a $50.00 hourly rate.
If you make $120,000 per year, your hourly salary would be $57.69.
What is $30 an hour annually? ›$30 hourly is how much per year? If you make $30 per hour, your Yearly salary would be $62,400. This result is obtained by multiplying your base salary by the amount of hours, week, and months you work in a year, assuming you work 40 hours a week.
How much is 150k a year hourly? ›$150,000 is $75.00 an hour.
$75.00 is the hourly wage a person who earns a $150,000 salary will make if they work 2,000 hours in a year for an average of 40 hours per week, with two weeks of total holidays. We take the annual salary of $150,000 and divide it by 2,000 to get to a $75.00 hourly rate.
A salary of $90,000 equates to a monthly pay of $7,500, weekly pay of $1,731, and an hourly wage of $43.27.
What is 70k a year hourly? ›A salary of $70,000 equates to a monthly pay of $5,833, weekly pay of $1,346, and an hourly wage of $33.65.
What is middle class income? ›Pew defines “middle class” as those earning between two-thirds and twice the median American household income, which in 2021 was $70,784, according to the United States Census Bureau. That means American households earning as little as $47,189 and up to $141,568 are technically in the middle class.
What is considered high income? ›Based on Pew's analysis, a household of three needs an income of $156,600 to meet the definition of upper class, which amounts to more than double the national median.
Can you make 100K a year without a degree? ›
It's possible to land a job that pays $100K a year without a degree. Skills and experience are more important to some employers, and many companies provide on-the-job training. To get a job that pays six figures without a degree you need to have a vision for your career and a set of professional skills.
How can I make 6 figures a year without a degree? ›- Real estate agent. Real estate can be a lucrative line of work for the right person. ...
- Construction management. Construction can be a lucrative industry, particularly for skilled laborers and managers. ...
- Elevator/escalator installer. ...
- Commercial pilot. ...
- Web developer. ...
- Honorable mentions.
- Air Traffic Controller.
- Construction Site Manager.
- Web Developer.
- Commercial Diver.
- Power Plant Operator.
- Elevator Installer and Repairer.
- Wind Turbine Service Technician.
- Solar Energy Systems Installer.
- Registered nurse. National average salary: $78,905 per year. ...
- Senior consultant. National average salary: $91,805 per year. ...
- Risk manager. National average salary: $88,879 per year. ...
- 4. Development director. ...
- IT manager. ...
- Professional athlete. ...
- Detective. ...
- Sales director.
- Start Dropshipping with Shopify. ...
- Offer Freelance Writing Services. ...
- Start a Bookkeeping Business. ...
- Open a Custom Pins Shop Online. ...
- Start Affiliate Marketing with Clickbank. ...
- Start a Blog. ...
- Sell T-Shirts through Tee Spring. ...
- Start a Web Development Business.
- General and Operations Managers. Number of employees: 2,289,770.
- Software Developers and Programmers. Number of employees: 1,666,270. ...
- Physicians and Surgeons. ...
- Lawyers. ...
- Financial Managers. ...
- Financial Analysts and Advisors. ...
- Computer and Information Systems Managers. ...
- Sales Managers. ...
Only 7% of all 30-year-olds earn $100k or more per year. This number jumps to 15% for 40-year-olds, 16% for 50-year-olds, and reaches a max of 21% for 66-year-olds.
How can I become a millionaire without a degree? ›- Starting a business. ...
- Be prepared to take risks as an owner. ...
- Upskilling. ...
- Seek out startups that hire applicants with nontraditional resumes. ...
- Taking an alternative path means investing in yourself. ...
- It takes hard work and self-discipline to be successful.
- Commercial Pilots: $121,430.
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers: $94,560.
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives: $91,090.
- Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers: $85,950.
How much is a six-figure salary? With all that said, to earn a six-figure salary means you're making an income between $100,000 and $999,999 per year (thinking of each digit as a figure).
What blue collar jobs make 100k a year? ›
- Air traffic controller. ...
- Radiation therapists. ...
- Police and detectives. ...
- Elevators and escalator installation and repair. ...
- 5. Mail superintendents. ...
- Airline pilot. ...
- Construction manager. ...
- Nuclear technician.
- Investment banker.
- Certified public accountant.
- Entrepreneur.
- Day trader.
- Real estate agent.
- Engineer.
- Lawyer.
- Actuary.
$75,000 is $37.50 an hour.
$37.50 is the hourly wage a person who earns a $75,000 salary will make if they work 2,000 hours in a year for an average of 40 hours per week, with two weeks of total holidays. We take the annual salary of $75,000 and divide it by 2,000 to get to a $37.50 hourly rate.
In fact, in some cases, a six-figure salary is readily accessible without a college degree. Before you invest in a costly degree, learn everything you can about the opportunities in your chosen field.
What is the easiest job to do? ›- Appointment Setter. If you have good communication skills, appointment setting could be the job for you. ...
- Brand Ambassador. ...
- Classroom or Library Monitor. ...
- Customer Service. ...
- Data Entry. ...
- Delivery Driver. ...
- Fitness Instructor. ...
- Food/Product Demonstrations.