Lucrative Jobs That Pay $80K a Year Without a Degree in 2023

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.

Key Takeaways

• Jobs that pay $80K a year without a degree are becoming more accessible thanks to increased access to information and alternative education options.
• It is possible to land high-paying jobs with the right skill set and determination.
• Some of the best-paying jobs without a degree include software developer, information security analyst, and database administrator.
• You can earn a salary of $80K without a degree by pursuing certificate programs, attending coding bootcamps, or exploring entrepreneurship.
• Landing high-paying positions without a degree requires networking and knowing where to search.

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.

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