Neither SEO nor stockbroker – These are the highest-paying occupations in the U.S. with no college degree required

In today’s labor market, several good-paying jobs are available without requiring a four-year college degree. Most of these jobs rely more on hard skills, experience, and technical training than conventional education. 

Highest-paying jobs that require no degree

Neither SEO nor stockbroker is in the list of the US’s top 10 highest-paying jobs without a college degree.

Sales representative

This profession tends to be fickle, as job growth can depend on the economy being up. Sales reps must be able to evolve with changing products and anticipate their customer’s needs. 

• Median salary: $93,280
• Education needed: High school

Flight attendant

Flight attendants are the most visible members of the flight crew for passengers. They ensure that passengers are comfortable and must be ready to handle safety issues at any time on a flight. 

• Median salary: $86,314
• Education needed: High school

Executive assistant

The role of an executive assistant can be heavier than an administrative assistant’s. This position undertakes key office management roles and also prepares and analyzes reports. 

• Median salary: $64,980
• Education needed: High school

Patrol officer

A patrol officer is supposed to protect and serve, whether it is in the community or filing reports in the office. 

• Median salary: $62,148
• Education needed: High school

Sound engineering technician

A career as a sound engineer can take you to a variety of venues—from theater performances and sporting events to concerts and TV or movie sets. Sound engineering technicians install and test audio equipment, and they check that microphones work before events. They operate the equipment during a performance or event and monitor the sound. They may record and synchronize sound as well, and they may even run the lights. 

• Median salary: $60,670
• Education needed: Postsecondary non-degree

Structural iron and steelworker

The tall buildings couldn’t be made possible without these steelworkers reinforcing and installing iron and steel. This occupation typically requires an apprenticeship to increase knowledge and safety. 

• Median salary: $60,500
• Education needed: High school

Electrician

Electricians design, install, maintain, and repair motors, equipment, or electrical systems for businesses and residences. 

• Median salary: $60,240
• Education needed: High school

Plumber

This occupation is more than eliminating problems when pipes or water fixtures are damaged. Plumbers also design and draw blueprints for new buildings or those undergoing renovation. 

• Median salary: $60,090
• Education needed: High school

Hearing aid specialist

Hearing aid specialists work with the key issues of hearing aid choice and fitting. These professionals design and alter ear molds, choose and fit hearing aids, and conduct and interpret hearing tests. 

• Median salary: $59,020
• Education needed: High school

Brickmason and blockmason

Brickmasons and blockmasons are employed privately and publicly, using bricks, cement, and concrete to construct residential and commercial walls, among other things. 

• Median salary: $59,000
• Education needed: High school