College isn’t necessary for every career path, and jobs that pay $100K a year without a degree are more common than you might think. After all, of the jobs included in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupation Finder in 2025, nearly a quarter of all professions with a median annual salary of $50K or more do not require a degree.1 To put it in perspective, according to the most recent census data, the median annual income across the U.S. is below that at $42,220.2
Depending on your career interests and goals, pursuing a job that pays six figures without a degree may be a better bet than with a four-year degree, the average cost of which is $27,146 per year for in-state public institutions.3 Though college degree requirements vary by employer, more and more companies are recognizing the importance of practical abilities and experience, and there are a variety of alternative learning paths, certifications, and on-the-job training opportunities that can help you hone your skills.
Key Takeaways
- College is not necessary for every lucrative career path, and there are many jobs that pay $100,000 or more per year without a degree.
- Depending on your preferred career, pursuing a job that pays six figures without a degree could be a better bet than getting a four-year degree, which can be costly.
- Some of the highest-paying jobs without a degree include computer and information systems manager; advertising, promotions, and marketing manager; air traffic controller; and other high-demand positions.
- Sales manager, software developer, and computer network architect are also high-paying roles that often don’t require a degree.
- Many of these jobs require specific technical skills, experience, relevant certifications, or on-the-job training.
- While some entry-level positions in these fields may not initially pay six figures, with extensive experience and additional training, it is possible to reach a salary of $100,000 or more.
- Bootcamps and specialized training programs can be a viable alternative to traditional college education for gaining the necessary skills and building strong portfolios for these high-paying jobs.
Jobs That Pay $100K a Year Without a Degree: At a Glance
Here are the jobs that make $100K a year without a degree, listed from highest to lowest median annual salary, though some employers may still require a bachelor’s degree. Salary data has been gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which was updated in May 2024.
| Job | Median Annual Salary | Minimum Job Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $171,200 | Computer science knowledge and 5-10 years of management experience |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager | $159,660 | Ability to organize promotional campaigns and establish a brand |
| Air Traffic Controller | $144,580 | High school diploma, complete Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative, pass a medical evaluation, and years of related experience |
| Sales Manager | $138,060 | Experience as a sales representative and a high-school diploma |
| Software Developer | $133,080 | Software development knowledge |
| Computer Network Architect | $130,390 | Knowledge of relevant computer networks, 5-10 years of experience, professional certification |
| Information Security Analyst | $124,910 | Knowledge of cyber security, professional certification |
| Construction Manager | $106,980 | High school diploma and construction experience |
| Elevator and Escalator Installer | $106,580 | High school diploma, state license, and apprenticeship |
High-Paying Careers Without a Degree: In Detail
Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Median Annual Salary: $171,2004
- 90th Percentile Salary: $239,200+4
- Projected Job Growth: 17%13
- Highest-Paying States: California, New York, Washington14
Computer systems managers plan and coordinate a company’s information technology needs, authorizing hardware and software updates when necessary. The role requires deep knowledge of the latest technologies and strong leadership skills. If you don’t have a degree, bootcamp training, industry experience, and management certifications can qualify you to become one.
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager
- Median Annual Salary: $159,6605
- 90th Percentile Salary: $239,200+5
- Projected Job Growth: 8%15
- Highest-Paying States: New York, New Mexico, New Jersey14
Advertising and promotions managers plan marketing strategies by reviewing budgets, contracts, campaigns, and writing content for all ads for their clients they oversee. They constantly research trends and supervise a team of marketing agents to help acquire and retain clients. You can get into advertising without a degree if you have an extensive background in traditional and social media marketing.
Air Traffic Controller
- Median Annual Salary: $144,5806
- 90th Percentile Salary: $210,410+6
- Projected Job Growth: 3%16
- Highest-Paying States: Virginia, Minnesota, Illinois14
Air traffic controllers direct aircraft traffic at airports and communicate with pilots about weather conditions. They need to be able to multitask safely and make important decisions quickly. You can become an air traffic controller without a four-year degree by taking a training course with the Federal Aviation Administration and passing a skill assessment, medical exam, and background check.
Sales Manager
- Median Annual Salary: $138,0607
- 90th Percentile Salary: $239,200+7
- Projected Job Growth: 6%17
- Highest-Paying States: New York, Delaware, Colorado14
Sales managers oversee a team of salespeople, planning, directing, and coordinating the delivery of a product or service. As this is a mid to senior-level job, no degree is needed if you have the right sales experience. To get into sales without a degree, you’ll need to first excel as an entry-level salesperson. You then might also advance by improving your skills with a sales bootcamp or a sales or management certification program.
Software Developer
- Median Annual Salary: $133,0808
- 90th Percentile Salary: $211,450+8
- Projected Job Growth: 18%18
- Highest-Paying States: California, Washington, New York14
Software developers create software applications and products to meet the demand of web and mobile applications in all industries. While some positions will require a bachelor’s degree, there are plenty of software development jobs with no degree requirement. To become a software developer with no degree, you’ll need to learn how to code.
Computer Network Architec
- Median Annual Salary: $130,3909
- 90th Percentile Salary: $198,030+9
- Projected Job Growth: 13%19
- Highest-Paying States: Washington, South Dakota, Virginia14
A computer network architect designs and builds either the physical or cloud-based network that a company uses to share information and conduct business. They consult with the company’s decision-makers to determine the best network for the budget. A certificate from a top networking bootcamp and IT certifications are sufficient prerequisites in lieu of a degree.
Information Security Analyst
- Median Annual Salary: $124,91010
- 90th Percentile Salary: $186,420+10
- Projected Job Growth: 33%20
- Highest-Paying States: Washington, California, Maryland14
Information security analysts study an organization’s computer systems to determine their ability to withstand a cyber attack. If they determine the systems are compromised, they propose and work to implement a solution in a timely manner. Cyber security bootcamps have made it possible to become an information security analyst without a degree.
Construction Manager
- Median Annual Salary: $106,98011
- 90th Percentile Salary: $176,990+11
- Projected Job Growth: 9%21
- Highest-Paying States: Massachusetts, Washington, Alaska14
Construction managers make sure construction projects get completed on time and on budget. Becoming a construction manager with no degree is possible for self-employed contractors or those who work for a small business, but those who work at larger firms need an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. To become a construction manager without a degree, you need several years of work experience and strong project management skills.
Elevator and Escalator Installer
- Median Annual Salary: $106,58012
- 90th Percentile Salary: $149,250+12
- Projected Job Growth: 6%22
- Highest-Paying States: Hawaii, Maine, Nevada14
Elevator and escalator installer is another one of the high-paying jobs you can get without a degree, though you won’t make that much in your first few years. The primary duties of elevator and escalator installers include installing new elevators and repairing existing elevators. They usually also work on chairlifts, moving walkways, and similar equipment in offices, buildings, and public spaces.
What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree?
Many of the highest paying jobs without a degree are tech jobs, such as computer network architect, software developer, and computer and information systems manager. To learn the coding skills you need for these positions, you can teach yourself how to code or join a coding bootcamp.
For the non-tech jobs, you need a mix of experience and management skills. In these roles, the entry-level positions don’t make six figures. However, after a number of years on the job and a certificate or certification program to hone your skills, you’ll be eligible for one of the jobs that pay $100K with no degree.
How Common Are Six-Figure Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree?
There are many high-paying job opportunities available that pay $100K a year without having to follow a traditional educational path. Though for most common high-paying jobs without a degree, you may need many years of work experience until you reach a level where you make a six-figure salary.
For some high-paying positions, you may still need advanced training. Bootcamps and skilled trade schools can offer programs for those seeking these specialized career paths. As a result, you’ll be able to build an impressive portfolio and gain experience hands-on, in order to land your dream job with no college degree needed.
How to Earn $100K Without a Degree: Three Alternative Paths
A college degree isn’t the only way to earn a job with a median salary of $100K. There are alternative paths you can take to careers that pay well without a bachelor’s degree, and an impressive resume and technical skill set that show off your motivation and qualifications can go a long way. Below are some of the best alternative methods to start making $100K a year.
Freelance Work
As a new freelancer, you may be wondering what the best-paying freelance jobs are and where to find them. You can build a portfolio and demonstrate your skills on freelance websites. With fewer requirements and barriers to entry than salaried jobs, the freelancing world is a place where you can stumble upon no-experience jobs that pay $100K. You can start a six-figure salary by finding your niche and taking up gigs that help you reach your career goals.
Consulting
Consulting allows you to earn money by providing professional advice to businesses and clients. There aren’t many entry-level jobs that pay $100K, but consulting is one career option that pays big bucks right away if you’re bringing valuable skills and experience from another domain. According to PayScale, for example, information technology consultants earn an average salary of $88,646 per year, with the top 10 percent of earners making over $143,000 per year.23
Bootcamp Education
If a job has entry-level education requirements, you might be able to meet those requirements by attending a bootcamp. The goal of bootcamps is to offer a focused learning experience in in-demand fields such as data science, machine learning, and more, with the goal of helping students gain industry-relevant expertise. With reputable bootcamps, students have a chance to gain hands-on experience and build professional portfolios before they graduate, which is a great way to stand out in the job market. Plenty of web developer, product manager, computer programmer, and other tech jobs are open to those who have a certificate from a coding bootcamp but no degree.
Should I Skip College and Try to Get a $100K Job Without a Degree?
College is not for everyone. Depending on your financial situation and your goals, you may be better off choosing one of the career paths on our list. After all, the average bachelor’s degree student at public in-state schools will pay $27,146 per year.3 Moreover, many employers have been dropping their degree requirements for middle-skill and high-skill jobs over the past years.24
However, it’s important to weigh your career goals, what skills and experience you’ll need, and how you can best gain these assets. Requirements will vary by employer, so take time to check out job postings near you, and what you can do to fit these requirements. Many alternative education providers are also not accredited the same way universities are, so be sure to do thorough research on their reputation, relevancy of their curricula, support network, and whether any outcomes data has been made transparent and/or verified by a third party.
Jobs That Pay $100K a Year Without a Degree FAQ
All of the jobs that pay $100K without a degree require experience and skill. There’s no easy job that pays $100K without a degree. However, the easiest job on our list is probably technology sales manager. It’s a relatively low-stress sales role that only requires some technical knowledge. If you are a naturally gifted salesperson, this can be an easy job that pays well without a degree.
How do you find traveling jobs that require no skills or degree?
To find traveling jobs that require no skills or degree, search for jobs where you have to visit clients or business locations. You can also work as a remote freelance software developer or Computer and Information Systems Manager and work from anywhere in the country or world.
What hospital jobs require no degree?
While many hospital jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree and a state license to work with patients, there are still several others you can get with a certification. These include medical assistants, medical billers and coders, and phlebotomists.
What jobs pay $20 an hour without a degree?
All of the jobs on our list of jobs that pay $100K a year without a degree pay more than $20 an hour. Some other jobs that pay $20 an hour without a degree that didn’t make our list are solar installer, truck driver, and delivery driver. Some visual and musical artists can also make $20 an hour without a degree.
Sources:
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1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder.htm
2https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MEPAINUSA672N
3https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college
4https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm#tab-5
5https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm#tab-5
6https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm#tab-5
7https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/sales-managers.htm#tab-5
8https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-5
9https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm#tab-5
10https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm#tab-5
11https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm#tab-5
12https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/elevator-installers-and-repairers.htm#tab-5
13https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm#tab-6
14https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/
15https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm#tab-6
16https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm#tab-6
17https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/sales-managers.htm#tab-6
18https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-6
19https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm#tab-6
20https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm#tab-6
21https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm#tab-6
22https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/elevator-installers-and-repairers.htm#tab-6
23https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Information_Technology_(IT)_Consultant/Salary
24https://www.burningglassinstitute.org/research/the-emerging-degree-reset
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