Currently, the job market is expanding, and employers are seeking remote and talented employees. A college degree is not always necessary for every career path, and it’s possible to land a job that pays 100K a year without a degree. Skills and experience are important to employers, and many companies provide on-the-job training.
It is possible to earn a 6-figure job without a degree. You need to have a vision for your career and a set of professional skills. There are a variety of learning paths, certifications, and hands-on experience opportunities that can help you hone your skills. In this article, you’ll learn about jobs that pay 100K a year without a degree and what responsibilities they entail.
How Common Are 6-Figure Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree?
There are many high-paying job opportunities available that pay 100K a year without a degree. Some of these jobs are real estate broker, risk manager, and sales consultant. Bootcamps offer programs for those seeking these specialized career paths. As a result, you will be able to build an impressive portfolio with hands-on project experience to get you your dream job without a college degree.
How to Earn $100K Without a Degree: 3 Alternative Paths to Your Dream Job
A four-year degree is not the only way to earn a job with a median salary of 100K annually. There are alternative paths you can take to acquire better job prospects. Below are some of the best alternative methods to get a higher annual salary.
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. You can start a six-figure job by finding your niche and taking up gigs that help you reach your career goals through freelancing.
Consulting
Consulting allows you to earn money while also providing professional advice to businesses and clients. Having consulting experience will help you develop your skillset and take your career to the next level. Your consulting career can take you in many directions depending on your goals and interests.
Bootcamp Education
The goal of bootcamps is to offer a focused learning experience in in-demand fields and help students gain industry-relevant expertise. Bootcamp graduates gain hands-on experience and technical skills for a successful career. Learning at a bootcamp will motivate you to hone new skills to further your career quickly.
Best Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree and Pay $100K a Year: At a Glance
| Job | Average Salary | Top 10% | Minimum Job Requirements |
| Technology Sales Manager | $155,490 | $208,000+ | Experience as a sales representative and a high-school diploma |
| Advertising and Promotions Manager | $133,460 | $208,000+ | Knowing how to organize promotional campaigns, how to establish brand and voice |
| Software Architect | $127,398 | $138,675+ | Computer architecture and software development knowledge |
| Software Developer | $110,140 | $170,100+ | Software development knowledge |
| Elevator and Escalator Installers | $88,540 | $128,500+ | High-school diploma, state license, and apprenticeship |
| Web Developer | $77,200 | $146,430+ | Knowledge in HTML, programming languages, and design tools |
| Gambling Manager | $74,970 | $136,650+ | High-school diploma or equivalent |
| Police Chief | $67,290 | $113,860 | You must have a high school diploma, be a citizen of the United States, and have police experience |
| Fire Chief | $64,610 | $100,780+ | High-school diploma, state-approved EMT certification, and firefighter experience |
| Real Estate Manager | $59,660 | $134,570+ | High-school diploma or equivalent, experience with property finances and contracts, and real estate license |
Best Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree and Pay $100K a Year: A Closer Look
A lack of education can make it intimidating to seek jobs with a high annual salary. If you are a professional in a field, all you need is the right skills and a strong track record to land the highest-paying jobs. Keep reading to find out about the best 6 figure jobs without a degree.
Technology Sales Manager
- Average Salary: $155,490
- 90th Percentile Salary: $208,000
- Projected Job Growth: 7%
Technology sales managers specialize in the effective implementation of sales measures for technologies. The number of online shoppers and remote workers has skyrocketed in the pandemic, as have sales of technical equipment. Businesses are reorienting themselves to adopt a more technological setup. This field offers a high yearly salary.
Advertising and Promotions Manager
- Average Salary: $133,460
- 90th Percentile Salary: $208,000
- Projected Job Growth: 10%
Advertising and promotions managers plan the marketing portfolio of their clients. They review budgets, contracts, campaigns, and content for all ads for the clients they oversee. They also have an extensive background in traditional and social media marketing. They constantly research trends and supervise a team of marketing agents to help acquire and retain clients.
Software Architect
- Average Salary: $127,398
- 90th Percentile Salary: $138,675
- Projected Job Growth: 22%
The primary duty of software architects is to provide high-level software solutions to clients and companies. A software architect is knowledgeable about operating systems, software tools, programming languages, and communication networks. A good analyst must possess analytical skills, a strong intuitive personality, and be able to solve problems decisively.
Software Developer
- Average Salary: $110,140
- 90th Percentile Salary: $170,100
- Projected Job Growth: 22%
Software developers create software applications and products to meet the demand of web and mobile applications in all industries. The software developer is responsible for designing, coding, testing, implementing, and maintaining software. They may create their application from fresh ideas, customized software, or commercial software.
Elevator and Escalator Installers
- Average Salary: $88,540
- 90th Percentile Salary: $128,500
- Projected Job Growth: 6%
The primary duties of elevator and escalator installers include installing new elevators and assembling components. They also disassemble and repair elevator components. They usually maintain chairlifts, moving walkways, and similar equipment in offices, buildings, and public spaces.
Web Developer
- Average Salary: $77,200
- 90th Percentile Salary: $146,430
- Projected Job Growth: 13%
Web developers create websites and web applications for clients and businesses. Web developers have the knowledge and technical skills in programming, web design, and user interfaces. You can become a web developer at any age and earn a high-paying salary as an entrepreneur, freelancer, or software company employee.
Gambling Manager
- Average Salary: $74,970
- 90th Percentile Salary: $136,650
- Projected Job Growth: 24%
Gambling managers are responsible for managing casino operations. Gambling managers have excellent customer service and managerial skills to look after the staff and customers. They ensure house rules and policies are implemented in the casino. Among other things, they decide how to handle gambling issues and keep valuables like cash safe for business.
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Police Chief
- Average Salary: $67,290
- 90th Percentile Salary: $113,860
- Projected Job Growth: 7%
A police chief is responsible for the police department and its officers. They are responsible for police academy training, delegating and supervising cases, and handling administrative tasks. They also have good communication and negotiation skills as they often deal with criminal investigators and government and official agencies.
Fire Chief
- Average Salary: $64,610
- 90th Percentile Salary: $100,780
- Projected Job Growth: 11%
In a fire department, a fire chief oversees the operations and activities when the fire team is called in. They have strong management skills and have experience managing time-sensitive situations. In addition, they supervise firefighters and command incidents. They coordinate the fire response team and act according to the action plan.
Real Estate Manager
- Average Salary: $81,924
- 90th Percentile Salary: $134,570
- Projected Job Growth: 3%
Real estate managers handle the sale of real estate properties. They have excellent sales skills and maintain good relationships with clients. Additionally, they are familiar with property contracts, property and land regulations, as well as the local area. In addition, they have experience as real estate agents and excellent soft skills.
How to Earn $100K Without a Degree
If you are wondering how to get a job that forgoes any entry-level education requirements, you can earn a 100k salary by demonstrating your skills in your portfolio. Prospective employers want to see what you can do for them and how you have come to that experience. Thus, it is imperative to showcase your skills and potential in a professional portfolio.
Search for job opportunities that match your exact expertise to earn a six-figure salary. An impressive resume and cover letter will demonstrate your extensive experience. When employers can see your motivation and acquired qualifications, a four-year college education will not be the central focus of your application.
Jobs That Pay $100K a Year Without a Degree FAQ
Real estate agents, sales jobs, dental hygienists, network architects, and massage therapists are some jobs that pay the most without the need for a four-year college degree or even an associate degree. Freelance platforms offer some of the best jobs without a college degree.
Investing in stocks, trading stocks, or getting into real estate can earn you a living without working. If you create art in your spare time, you can sell your best photography or paintings. Avoiding student loans can also help if this is your goal.
There are a variety of online jobs that hire 13-year olds, with a variety of job duties involved. There are opportunities to take online surveys, become a virtual assistant, design graphics, or sell books online.
A fast way to kickstart your career is gaining specific skills from bootcamps with high job placement rates. You will have a carefully designed program and professional career services to guide your career plans, which will help you improve your job outlook and give you access to 100k salary jobs.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
