Are you wondering how to earn $75k a year without a degree? In 2025, it’s certainly possible to find jobs that pay $75k a year without a degree. Instead of paying for a formal education, you can acquire skills through other training and learning tracks while leveraging your previous experience in a given field.
In this article, we’ve compiled for you some good-paying jobs that don’t require a degree and pay a $75k annual salary. We’ll also discuss the type of job experience you need to land these roles.
How Common Are $75K Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree?
Jobs that pay $75k and don’t require a degree are not necessarily as common as those that require a formal education.
The $75,000 annual salary is a bit above average. According to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in July 2025, the average weekly earnings for full-time U.S. workers were $1,196.1 Based on a 49-week work year, that’s an average annual salary of $58,604. As a result, only a handful of jobs are available to non-degree holders, with this salary being a little on the higher end of the spectrum.
How to Earn $75K Without a Degree: Three Alternative Paths to Your Dream Job
Earning $75,000 per year does not have to be a far-fetched dream. Any job listed in our article in this salary range can be accomplished if you have dedication, drive, and a strong, supportive network. If you want to land your dream job without a degree, here are a couple of ways you can do it.
Seek Apprenticeships
An apprentice is a person who learns a craft from a senior in that field. By enrolling in an apprenticeship program, you can learn the exact skills you need while developing and applying them through on-the-job training. An example of a job you can get through an apprenticeship is an elevator mechanic.
Enroll in a Vocational Training
You can enroll in vocational training under a training academy that focuses on the specific skills and practices in a career field. It’s an intense course where people develop the technical skills they require for a job’s daily activities. Ranging from a few months to two years, this type of training costs less time than typical four-year degree programs.
Earn an Associate Degree
Associate degrees fall somewhere in between formal education and a certification program. It’s not as comprehensive as a four-year college degree and a bit less focused than vocational training. These degrees usually take up to two years. Registered nurses, nuclear technicians, or power plant operators are examples of jobs that need an associate degree or credentialed training.
Jobs That Pay $75K a Year Without a Degree: At a Glance
| Job | Median Annual Salary (BLS 2024) | Education Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | $97,020 | Associate degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program, on-the-job training |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $144,580 | Associate degree through a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program, on-the-job training |
| Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers | $103,600 | High school diploma, on-the-job training |
| Web Applications Developers and Digital Designers | $95,380 | High school diploma (some employers prefer a computer programming degree, but it is not necessarily required) |
| Registered Nurses | $93,600 | Associate degree in nursing or a diploma from an approved nursing program, and state licensing |
| Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | $94,580 (BLS May 2023) | High school diploma, vocational or technical school (optional), on-the-job training |
| Signal and Track Switch Repairers | $82,710 (BLS May 2023) | High school diploma, on-the-job training |
| MRI Technologists | $78,980 | Associate degree or postsecondary education, state licensing or certification |
| Airline and Commercial Pilots | $198,100 | Flight training with independent FAA-certified flight instructors or at schools that offer flight training, associate degree in aviation (some employers prefer a bachelor’s degree, but it is not necessarily required) |
Jobs That Pay $75K a Year Without a Degree: A Closer Look
In this section, we’ll provide a list of 10 jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree but will allow you to earn $75k or more per year. The jobs included here range from nuclear medicine technologist to commercial pilot. We also include their median annual wages and a list of their education requirements.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Median Annual Wage: $97,0202
- Projected Job Growth: 3%2
Nuclear medicine technologists produce radioactive drugs. They investigate the uses of these drugs and are responsible for their quality control. They also perform therapeutic and diagnostic medical procedures for patients. A nuclear medicine technologist needs to have a high school diploma or an associate degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program, on-the-job training, and certification in radiologic technology.
Air Traffic Controllers
- Median Annual Wage: $144,5803
- Projected Job Growth: 1%3
Air traffic controllers supervise and direct air and ground traffic while monitoring aircraft movement and ground traffic on airport runways. They also provide the pilot with every necessary and critical piece of information, like bad weather or obstructions that might be in their path.
If you want to become an air traffic controller without a college degree—according to the BLS as of 2024—you need an “associate’s or bachelor’s degree through a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program, several years of progressively responsible work experience, or a combination of education and experience.”11 Once hired, air traffic controllers go on to complete a 12-month on-the-job training program.
Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
- Median Annual Wage: $103,6004
- Projected Job Growth: -10%4
Power plant operators oversee and supervise all machinery that produces electricity and power to our homes. They are primarily in charge of electrical systems and power plant management, and maintenance. You can start working in this position once you have earned a high school diploma and are willing to undergo on-the-job training.
Web Applications Developers and Digital Designers
- Median Annual Wage: $95,3805
- Projected Job Growth: 7%5
Web developers build and maintain websites. They write code, test integrations, and debug websites. They are responsible for the end-to-end development processes of website applications. If you want to get this role without a computer science degree, you’ll need a strong understanding of programming languages like JavaScript and C#.
Registered Nurses
- Median Annual Wage: $93,6006
- Projected Job Growth: 5%6
Registered nurses usually tend to patients’ needs and take care of all aspects of the patient’s overall health. They assess the patient’s conditions, record their medical history, and distribute medications. To become one without a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to complete an associate degree in nursing or an associate of science in nursing training program.
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
- Median Annual Wage: $94,580 (BLS May 2023)7
- Projected Job Growth: N/A
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers manage the machines used to process petroleum or natural gas for mass consumption. They ensure fuel quality, monitor tank levels and storage, and practice safety precautions in processing oil. You can apply for this job if you have at least a high school diploma and can learn fast through on-the-job training.
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
- Median Annual Wage: $82,710 (BLS May 2023)8
- Projected Job Growth: N/A
Signal and track switch repairers test, install, and maintain the electrical components of a railroad system. They ensure that track switches, signals, and intercommunications are all working and fully functional for operations. A high school diploma and willingness to undergo on-the-job training are sufficient to get an entry-level job in this field.
MRI Technologists
- Median Annual Wage: $78,9809
- Projected Job Growth: 5%9
Radiological technologists or radiographers are health professionals who use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine soft tissues and organs. These professionals produce MRI scans that doctors can use later to make assessments and develop a treatment strategy. MRI technologists generally need vocational training, an associate degree, or postsecondary education.
Airline and Commercial Pilots
- Median Annual Wage: $198,10010
- Projected Job Growth: 4%10
Airline and commercial pilots operate aircraft to transport passengers, cargo, or perform specialized services such as charter flights. They are responsible for flight planning, navigation, and ensuring safety throughout the journey. You don’t need a four-year degree to become a pilot, but you will need a commercial pilot’s license and flight training from an FAA-approved program or flight school. Many start with a high school diploma or an associate degree before logging flight hours.
How to Earn $75K Without a Degree
There are several ways you can earn $75,000 without a degree. If you’re interested in on-the-job training as your way in, consider becoming a power plant operator. If you’d like to work in a medical setting, MRI technologists really only require an associate degree, a license, or a certification.
As long as you set your mind to it and achieve any necessary education requirements, getting a job within this $75k pay range is achievable.
Jobs That Pay $75K a Year Without a Degree FAQ
What are the easiest certifications to get?
What may be easy for you may not be for another professional. So, “easy” certifications are really subjective. Professional certifications you can pursue without a degree include information technology, human resources, and language certifications. A certification is an official document that verifies your talents and credentials in a particular subject or career.
What trade can I learn in three months?
There are few careers you can get with a three-month certificate program and no need for additional education; however, some options for salaried careers are web designer, IT support specialist, or licensed real estate broker.
What’s the quickest trade to learn?
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Job seekers searching for the quickest trade to learn should look into commercial truck driving.12 With 160 training hours, you can earn a CDL-A tractor-trailer driver’s license. This program takes around three to six weeks to complete.
Sources:
1 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/wkyeng.pdf
3 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm
4 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/power-plant-operators-distributors-and-dispatchers.htm
5 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm
6 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-1
7 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes518093.htm
8 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes499097.htm
9 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm
10 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm
11 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm#tab-4
12 https://driverresourcecenter.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-cdl/
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