To many people, a six-figure salary is the mark of success. In many parts of the country, earning six figures is extremely common—and while it may mean more in some regions than others, it’s still an impressive achievement. As you might expect, college is necessary to earn six figures in some positions. But this isn’t universally true anymore, as you can earn a six-figure income without a college degree. Coding bootcamps, trade schools, and other alternative education programs constantly train people for high-earning positions, and they often cost significantly less than a college degree. In this article, we’ll feature ten ways to earn a six-figure income—with and without a four-year college degree. There are plenty of surprising jobs that pay six figures, so check it out and see if any of these positions sound interesting to you.
Six-Figure Incomes Are Common in the Tech Industry
Unsurprisingly, six-figure salaries are common in the tech industry. So common, in fact, that we could probably write a list of 10 ways to earn a six-figure income in the tech industry alone—but we’ll save that for another time. Not everybody wants to work in tech, and that’s fine—but this booming industry boasts some of the highest-paying jobs in the country. In San Francisco alone, the influence of tech drove the average salary in the city to around $100,000 annually! There are plenty of positions in tech that earn a substantial amount of money, even when you’re just starting. Data scientists, for example, train at coding bootcamp—and go on to make an average of $116,000 annually. The tech industry’s reputation for high salaries is well deserved, ranking it as one of the highest-paid fields in the country.
10 Jobs that Frequently Pay 100k or More
- Oil Field Work
Oil field work is a popular choice for many people, and it pays handsomely. There’s hardly another job that pays six-figures without requiring any formal education. States like Texas and Wyoming need oil workers almost year-round, and tons of positions for able-bodied individuals are available. Nationally, the average oil worker makes $100,000 per year.
- Real Estate Broker
Real estate brokers make big bucks, especially if they live in the right locations. In densely-populated areas, many real estate professionals earn over $150,000 annually. If you’re an excellent salesperson, this may be the career path for you.
- Full Stack Web Developer
Full stack web developers combine the skills of front and back end programmers. They handle the entire development and operation of a website—all the way from the server to the desktop. Full stack developers often don’t need a college degree if they attend a coding bootcamp, and they earn an average of $110,000 annually.
- Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers have an enormously important job—and their salary reflects it. These professionals monitor flight paths, ensuring airplanes don’t collide, and they make sure planes can land and take off safely. Air traffic controllers earn nearly $160,000 annually in the United States.
- Construction Manager
Construction managers watch over the construction site and make sure everything goes according to plan. These professional builders often make over $100,000 annually, though salaries depend on a variety of factors.
- Data Scientist
Data science is another coding bootcamp career that doesn’t require a college degree. Programmers in this position manage databases and analyze data. The average salary for a data scientist is $113,000 annually.
- Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots earn impressive salaries, many exceeding $110,000 with experience. If you want a chance to see the world and perform important work, consider becoming an airline pilot.
- Business Consultant
If you have extensive business experience or connections, consider becoming a business or management consultant. These professionals routinely make more than $100,000 annually, and they offer important services to businesses all around the country.
- Car Dealership Manager
Car dealerships deal in some pretty expensive items, and managers make an impressive salary. The average pay for dealership managers is over $130,000, so it’s worth sticking around for that promotion if you’re in the car business.
- Owner-Operator Truck Driver
Experienced truckers may want to consider becoming an owner-operator. Unlike working for a company, this position requires investing in a truck—but once you do, you can pocket an enormous profit after fuel and other expenses. Many owner-operator truckers make more than $100,000 per year.
How to Train for a Six-Figure Tech Career
If you’re interested in a tech career, look no further. Coding bootcamp is a proven way to break into tech, especially if you have no prior experience in the industry. Before you jump in, it’s essential to prepare for enrollment. These education programs take commitment, so click the link below to learn more about what you’re in for. Coding bootcamp is one of the fastest ways into a six-figure tech career, so be sure to check it out.
Ready to learn the skills you need to land a high-paying tech job? Sign up for Career Karma today for free, and we’ll match you with the best coding bootcamp for you.
