Jobs That Pay $80K Without a Degree in 2025

Lucrative jobs that pay $80K a year don’t always require a college education, as new alternatives to traditional college degrees, like specialized training programs and certifications, continue to provide job-ready skills and career success.

In order to land a high-paying job 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 or training programs instead of a degree. With hard work, it is possible to land a job that pays $80K without a degree.

Read on as we discuss the 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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupation Finder lets you filter the listings according to a median wage of $75,000 to $99,000, or more.¹ Some of the jobs listed only require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Even though opportunities are fewer for those without a college education, landing a lucrative job is still possible. All it takes is the right skill paired with unwavering efforts and a good network to land a high-paying job.

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	Minimum Job Requirements
Commercial Pilot	$198.100	Flight training, high school diploma or equivalent, and related certificates
Air Traffic Controller	$144.580	Federal Aviation Administration-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training associate degree
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator	$103.600	High school diploma or equivalent
Software Developer	$131.450	High school diploma and relevant industry training and certifications.
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager	$102.010	High school diploma or equivalent
Information Security Analyst	$124.910	High school diploma and relevant industry training and certifications.
Database Administrator	$123.100	High school diploma and relevant industry training and certifications.
First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives	$106.000	High school diploma or equivalent
Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer	$106.580	High school diploma or equivalent and on the job training
Power Plant Operator, Distributer, and Dispatcher	$103.600	High school diploma or equivalent
Network Systems Administrator	$96.800	High school diploma and relevant industry training and certifications.

Note: These job outlook sources were taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ranging from May 2023 to April 2025. All sources have been cited at the bottom of this article for your convenience.

Top High-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 salary, it’s time to move on. Below is a closer look at the best jobs that pay $80K+ a year.

Commercial Pilot

• Average Salary: $198,100
• Projected Job Growth 2023-2033: 5%

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 completion of the required flight time.

Air Traffic Controller

• Average Salary: $144,580
• Projected Job Growth 2023-2033: 3%

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.

Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

• Average Salary: $103,600
• Projected Job Growth: -8%

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: $131,450
• Projected Job Growth: 17%

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: $102,010
• Projected Job Growth: 9%

A transportation, storage, and distribution manager supervises the workers who 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: $124,910
• Projected Job Growth: 33%

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: $123,100
• 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
• Projected Job Growth: 4% (for Police and Detectives)¹³

This role is responsible for administrative and leadership duties, including coordinating investigations and ensuring that 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: $106,580 
• Projected Job Growth: 6%

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.

Power Plant Operator

• Average Salary: $103,600
• Projected Job Growth: -8%

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.

Network Systems Administrator

• Average Salary: $96,800
• 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, 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—it may even be the path that leads to your six-figure salary.¹⁴ Starting your own business comes with risks, irregular hours, and a heavy workload, but it can pay off generously if you’re consistent, passionate, and persistent.

Start Earning $80K Without a Degree

Jobs that pay $80K a year without a degree may seem scarce, but with the right skills, network, 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 Without a Degree FAQ

Sources:

1 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder.htm

2 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm?view_full#tab-1

3 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm#tab-1

4 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes518011.htm

5 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm

6 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/transportation-storage-and-distribution-managers.htm

7 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm#tab-1

8 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm#tab-1

9 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes331012.htm

10 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/elevator-installers-and-repairers.htm#tab-1

11 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/power-plant-operators-distributors-and-dispatchers.htm

12 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm#tab-1

13 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm

14 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/entrepreneur-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm

15 https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/average-salary-in-us/