Having an undergraduate or graduate education has often been attributed as the way to earn a high-paying career in most fields. But for people looking to find jobs that pay $60K and above a year without a degree, there is a wide range of options across various sectors.
You can find well-paying jobs without a degree by following various alternative career paths, as more employers are shifting away from requiring college degrees and bachelor’s degrees for open positions.1 This article will outline what it takes to land a job that pays 60k that doesn’t require a degree. In addition, it will cover alternative education requirements and some career options to choose from.
How Common Are $60K Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree?
According to Indeed.com, there are many jobs that pay $60K a year without a degree.2 While some jobs start lower and can rise to an annual salary of $60,000, there are many that start at $60K with the potential to increase your salary as your experience and expertise expand.
Some jobs that pay $60K a year without a degree require specialized training or proper licensing, as well as meeting the education requirement, such as a school diploma or equivalent. They may also require work experience or a commitment to undergo on-the-job training, internships, and apprenticeship programs to prepare you. The specific education requirements vary across industries, and prior experience may also be necessary for some roles.
How to Earn $60K Without a Degree: Three Alternative Paths to Your Dream Job
If you do not have a college degree and would like to begin a career in an entry-level position with an annual salary of $60,000+, you can choose from various career paths. These educational paths allow you to master the technical aspects of the jobs with hands-on training, learn interpersonal skills, and gain exposure to handling the job with excellence. Online courses also offer a flexible way to gain the skills needed for these jobs.
On-the-Job Training
In on-the-job training, you will learn from skilled workers within the job environment, often receiving guidance in technical tasks and craftsmanship. Some entry-level jobs allow on-the-job training as long as you possess the necessary education requirements, such as a high school diploma. An apprenticeship also provides on-the-job training.
Trade Schools for Specialized Training and Licensing
A trade school helps you gain the particular skills or licensing required to work in a certain field. For example, an avionics technician needs to attend an aviation maintenance technician school to learn about aircraft maintenance, testing, and repairs.
Online Training
Online learning has become a great educational path to learn a set of skills from the convenience of your home and within your schedule. There are many jobs that pay an annual salary of $60,000 that you can prepare for with an online program.
Jobs That Pay $60K a Year and Don’t Require a Degree: At a Glance
| Job | Average Salary | Minimum Job Requirements |
| Computer Support Specialists | $61,5503 | High school diploma or some college, IT certifications, on-the-job training |
| Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators | $76,7904 | High school diploma |
| Farmers and ranch managers | $87,9805 | High school diploma, voluntary certification in agriculture |
| Avionics technicians | $79,1406 | Federal Aviation Administration technician school, on-the-job training, or training in the military |
| Police officers | $77,2707 | High school diploma, specialized police academy training |
| Auto insurance appraisers | $76,7908 | High school diploma, experience in evaluating and estimating damage costs |
| Executive administrative assistants | $70,3109 | High school diploma, computer literacy and proficiency |
| Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives | $74,10010 | High school diploma, strong interpersonal and sales skills |
| Electrical and electronics installers and repairers | $71,27011 | High school education, on-the-job specialized training, apprenticeships |
Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree and Pay $60K a Year: A Closer Look
Below are the jobs that pay 60k that don’t require a degree, along with their average salaries, job outlook, and a brief description of the job’s responsibilities. The figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflect the most recent information available—as of August 2025.
Computer Support Specialists
- Average Salary: $61,5503
- Projected Job Growth: 6%3
Computer support specialists help people troubleshoot computer issues. They often answer questions, install software, and maintain systems for businesses, schools, and government offices. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and technical knowledge—only a high school diploma or relevant certification is typically needed.
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, Appraisers, and Investigators
- Average Salary: $76,7904
- Projected Job Growth: -5%4
Claims adjusters investigate, examine, and appraise insurance claims. They primarily work in the field, inspecting properties such as buildings and automobiles on which insurance claims have been made. The education requirements are a high school diploma and a certificate program.
Farmers and Ranch Managers
- Average Salary: $87,9805
- Projected Job Growth: -2%5
Agricultural managers, like farmers and ranch managers, work outdoors and in the office to supervise laborers who take care of livestock or work on the farms. This job is physically demanding and requires continuous decision-making to ensure the ranch or farm runs smoothly. There are no college education requirements for this career path, but an apprenticeship is recommended.
Avionics Technician
- Average Salary: $79,1406
- Projected Job Growth: 5%6
Avionics technicians are part-time or full-time employees—often work alongside aircraft mechanics to diagnose and repair electrical systems in aircraft. They are required to complete a specialized training program before employment can begin.
Police Officer
- Average Salary: $77,2707
- Projected Job Growth: 4%7
Police officers respond to emergencies to help protect lives and property in adherence to the laws of local and state governments. They do not require a college degree but must partake in a formal training program before beginning duty.
Auto Insurance Appraisers
- Average Salary: $76,7908
- Projected Job Growth: -5%8
An auto insurance appraiser works for an insurance company to assess vehicles for auto damage and determine the repair cost for the insurance claim settlement. They also offer recommendations and seek agreements with repair costs from an auto repair shop.
Executive Administrative Assistants
- Average Salary: $70,3109
Executive administrative assistants perform organizational and clerical tasks. They work in office settings in various industries such as healthcare, government agencies, and both private and public companies. Many entry-level roles require computer and software skills, such as Microsoft Office, coupled with excellent customer service skills.
Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives
- Average Salary: $74,10010
- Projected Job Growth: 1%10
Manufacturing and wholesale sales representatives sell merchandise and products created in a manufacturing plant to government agencies, businesses, and other organizations for wholesalers and manufacturing firms. Their work involves lots of traveling and meetings.
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
- Average Salary: $71,27011
- Projected Job Growth: 1%11
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers are tasked with installing and repairing various electrical equipment in residential and commercial premises. They typically work full-time in factories or shops and must be able to lift heavy equipment, run inspections and tests, and disassemble and reassemble various equipment and their components.
How to Earn $60K Without a Degree
You can get a job that pays an annual salary of over $60,000 by receiving specialized training from an approved institution, earning a certification, completing online training, or undergoing on-the-job training with at least a high school diploma. You should also work on developing relevant soft skills, such as interpersonal skills, computer literacy, or negotiation skills.
Jobs That Pay $60K a Year Without a Degree FAQ
Some of the jobs you can get with an annual salary of $60k that don’t require an associate degree or four-year degree include executive assistants, respiratory therapists, avionics technicians, air traffic controllers, power plant operators, and ranch managers.
For most high-paying jobs without a degree, you need at least a high school diploma, specialized training in a community college, or some years of job experience in an apprenticeship position. You may also be required to earn certifications for an entry-level job in certain industries, such as aviation, or obtain a real estate license for real estate careers.
High school graduates can gain the skills required to land jobs with an annual salary of $60K through practical experience as an intern, apprentice, or by volunteering in the local community in a variety of settings. They can also complete online training or certification programs to increase their marketable soft skills.
Some essential things worth considering when choosing among the highest-paying jobs are job growth opportunities, the number of jobs available, whether the skills learned on the job are transferable, formal education requirements, flexibility, and alignment with your future career path.
Sources:
1 https://www.hiringlab.org/2024/02/27/educational-requirements-job-postings/
2 https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-pay-60k-year-without-degree
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5 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/farmers-ranchers-and-other-agricultural-managers.htm#tab-1
7 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm#tab-1
9 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes436011.htm
10 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/wholesale-and-manufacturing-sales-representatives.htm#tab-1
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