31 High-Paying Jobs With Little Schooling (With Salary Information)

High pay is often associated with a bachelor’s or graduate degree, but many occupations use shorter college programs, certificates, apprenticeships or employer training. These paths can reduce time in a classroom, although they are not necessarily easy, inexpensive or quick.

The salary figures below are US median annual wages for May 2024 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A median is the midpoint for workers across experience levels—not a starting salary. Location, employer, schedule, union coverage, experience and specialization can change earnings substantially.

What does “little schooling” mean?

For this guide, the term includes occupations for which the BLS typically identifies one of these entry routes:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Postsecondary nondegree award

• Some college without a degree

• Associate degree

Some occupations have no bachelor’s requirement but involve years of apprenticeship or long-term on-the-job training. Healthcare, aviation, utilities and public-safety roles may require licenses, examinations, background checks, medical standards or competitive federal training.

“Little schooling” should therefore be read as less traditional college education, not as little preparation.

31 high-paying jobs with relatively little schooling

1. Air traffic controller

2024 median pay: $144,580
Typical entry education: Associate degree or other qualifying pathway

Air traffic controllers coordinate aircraft movement to maintain safe separation. The Federal Aviation Administration uses specific citizenship, age, medical, testing and training requirements. Candidates may qualify through education, work experience or a combination and must complete FAA training. Competition and job stress are substantial.

2. Commercial pilot

2024 median pay: $122,670
Typical entry education: High school diploma; flight training and FAA certificates required

Commercial pilots may fly charter aircraft, conduct aerial tours, support firefighting or perform other non-airline work. They need progressive flight experience, medical certification and FAA pilot certificates. Airline pilot positions generally have different education and experience expectations.

3. Elevator and escalator installer or repairer

2024 median pay: $106,580
Typical entry education: High school diploma plus apprenticeship

These workers install, maintain and repair elevators, escalators and related equipment. Most learn through a multiyear apprenticeship, and many states require licensing. The work can involve confined spaces, heights, heavy equipment and emergency calls.

4. Power plant operator, distributor or dispatcher

2024 median pay: About $103,600 for the occupational group
Typical entry education: High school diploma plus long-term training

These professionals control systems that generate and distribute electricity. Employers provide extensive technical training, and some roles require licenses or examinations. Shift work is common, and BLS projects declining employment for the group as facilities automate and the energy system changes.

5. Radiation therapist

2024 median pay: $101,990
Typical entry education: Associate degree

Radiation therapists deliver prescribed cancer treatments using specialized equipment. Most states require licensing or certification, and employers commonly seek graduates of appropriate accredited programs. The career requires clinical education, patient communication and precision.

6. Nuclear medicine technologist

2024 median pay: $97,020
Typical entry education: Associate degree

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging or treatment and operate specialized equipment. Certification and state licensing requirements vary. Programs include science and supervised clinical training.

7. Dental hygienist

2024 median pay: $94,260
Typical entry education: Associate degree

Dental hygienists provide preventive oral care, examine patients for signs of disease and educate them about oral health. Every state requires licensing, typically after an accredited program and examinations. Many hygienists work part time, so annual earnings vary with hours.

8. Electrical power-line installer and repairer

2024 median pay: Approximately $92,560
Typical entry education: High school diploma plus technical and on-the-job training

Line workers install and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems. Training may occur through apprenticeships or employer programs. The work is physically demanding, performed at heights and sometimes required during storms or emergencies.

9. Diagnostic medical sonographer

2024 median pay: $89,340
Typical entry education: Associate degree or postsecondary certificate

Sonographers use ultrasound equipment to create images used by physicians. Specialties include abdominal, cardiac and vascular imaging. Education includes anatomy, equipment operation and clinical practice; employers may require professional certification.

10. Magnetic resonance imaging technologist

2024 median pay: $88,180
Typical entry education: Associate degree

MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance scanners and support patients during examinations. Many begin as radiologic technologists and add MRI education and clinical competencies. Certification, licensing and employer requirements vary.

11. Transportation inspector

2024 median pay: $85,750
Typical entry education: Varies; often high school plus relevant experience

Transportation inspectors examine equipment or goods involved in moving people and cargo, including some aviation, rail and freight functions. Requirements differ significantly by specialty and may include technical experience or federal credentials.

12. Avionics technician

2024 median pay: $81,390
Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Avionics technicians install and repair aircraft electronic systems. Preparation often comes from an FAA-approved program, military training or structured employer training. Safety standards and documentation are strict.

13. Respiratory therapist

2024 median pay: $80,450
Typical entry education: Associate degree

Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat patients with breathing problems. Most states require licensing, and employers may require certification. Programs include science, patient care and supervised clinical practice.

14. Aircraft mechanic or service technician

2024 median pay: $78,680
Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Aircraft mechanics inspect, maintain and repair aircraft systems. Many complete an FAA-approved maintenance program; others qualify through practical experience or military service. FAA mechanic certification is important for many responsibilities.

15. Radiologic technologist or technician

2024 median pay: $77,660
Typical entry education: Associate degree

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations. Students complete classroom and clinical education, and many employers seek ARRT certification. State license requirements vary.

16. Police officer or detective

2024 median pay: $77,270 for police and detectives
Typical entry education: High school diploma to college, depending on agency

Police officers protect people and property, while detectives investigate crimes. Candidates normally complete academy training and must meet agency standards for age, fitness, background and examinations. The work carries physical and psychological risk.

17. Railroad worker

2024 median pay: Approximately $75,680
Typical entry education: High school diploma plus training

Railroad workers operate trains, coordinate switching and support safe movement of freight or passengers. Roles include locomotive engineer, conductor and yard worker. Certification and extensive employer training may apply, and schedules can include nights and weekends.

18. Computer network support specialist

2024 median pay: Approximately $73,340
Typical entry education: Associate degree for many roles

Network support specialists analyze and troubleshoot network problems. Some employers accept certificates and demonstrated skills, while others prefer a bachelor’s degree. Practical labs, vendor credentials and customer communication can strengthen entry prospects.

19. Occupational therapy assistant

2024 median pay: Approximately $68,340
Typical entry education: Associate degree

Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop or recover everyday living and work skills under an occupational therapist’s direction. States regulate practice, and graduates generally complete an accredited program, fieldwork and certification requirements.

20. Court reporter or simultaneous captioner

2024 median pay: $67,310
Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Court reporters create verbatim records of proceedings, while captioners provide real-time transcription. Programs focus on stenography, voice writing or digital methods. Licensing and certification requirements differ by state and work setting.

21. Cardiovascular technologist or technician

2024 median pay: $67,260
Typical entry education: Associate degree or certificate

These professionals support testing and procedures involving the heart and blood vessels. Education usually includes a clinical component. Some workers need a license or certification depending on specialty and state.

22. Water transportation worker

2024 median pay: $66,490
Typical entry education: Varies by role

Captains, mates, sailors and marine oilers operate and maintain vessels. Many positions require US Coast Guard credentials, medical fitness and documented sea service. Workers may spend extended periods away from home.

23. Physical therapist assistant

2024 median pay: $65,510
Typical entry education: Associate degree

Physical therapist assistants provide treatment under a physical therapist’s supervision. They generally must graduate from an accredited program, complete clinical education and obtain state licensure or certification.

24. Industrial machinery mechanic, maintenance worker or millwright

2024 median pay: $63,510
Typical entry education: High school diploma plus training

These workers maintain and repair factory machinery. Industrial mechanics and millwrights may learn through technical programs, apprenticeships or long-term on-the-job training. Mechanical reasoning and safety practices are central.

25. Surgical technologist

2024 median pay: Approximately $62,830
Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award or associate degree

Surgical technologists prepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment and support surgical teams. Employers may require certification, and some states regulate the occupation. Programs include laboratory and clinical preparation.

26. Plumber, pipefitter or steamfitter

2024 median pay: $62,970
Typical entry education: High school diploma plus apprenticeship

These trades install and repair systems carrying water, gas and other substances. Most learn through a four- or five-year apprenticeship. States and localities commonly require licensing for independent work.

27. Wind turbine service technician

2024 median pay: $62,580
Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Wind technicians install, inspect and repair turbines, often working at height and outdoors. BLS projects rapid employment growth, but the occupation is relatively small and geographically concentrated.

28. Electrician

2024 median pay: $62,350
Typical entry education: High school diploma plus apprenticeship

Electricians install and maintain electrical systems. Most complete a four- or five-year apprenticeship, and most states require licensing. Construction cycles, overtime and union coverage can affect income.

29. Licensed practical or vocational nurse

2024 median pay: $62,340
Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award

LPNs and LVNs provide basic nursing care under the direction allowed by state law. Approved programs commonly take about one year, followed by the NCLEX-PN and state licensure.

30. HVACR mechanic or installer

2024 median pay: $59,810
Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award

HVACR professionals install and repair heating, cooling and refrigeration systems. Training may come from a technical program, apprenticeship or employer. Federal certification is required for technicians who handle regulated refrigerants.

31. Construction equipment operator

2024 median pay: $58,320
Typical entry education: High school diploma plus training

Operators use excavators, loaders, graders and other heavy equipment. Workers learn through apprenticeships, vocational education or the job. Commercial driver’s licenses may be required for certain equipment or transport duties.

Salary and education overview

Career	2024 median pay	Typical education route
Air traffic controller	$144,580	Associate/qualifying pathway + FAA training
Commercial pilot	$122,670	High school + flight credentials
Elevator installer	$106,580	High school + apprenticeship
Power plant operator group	About $103,600	High school + long-term training
Radiation therapist	$101,990	Associate degree
Nuclear medicine technologist	$97,020	Associate degree
Dental hygienist	$94,260	Associate degree
Power-line installer	About $92,560	High school + training
Diagnostic sonographer	$89,340	Associate/certificate
MRI technologist	$88,180	Associate degree
Transportation inspector	$85,750	Varies + experience
Avionics technician	$81,390	Nondegree award
Respiratory therapist	$80,450	Associate degree
Aircraft mechanic	$78,680	Nondegree award
Radiologic technologist	$77,660	Associate degree
Police and detectives	$77,270	High school/college + academy
Railroad worker	About $75,680	High school + training
Network support specialist	About $73,340	Often associate degree
Occupational therapy assistant	About $68,340	Associate degree
Court reporter	$67,310	Nondegree award
Cardiovascular technologist	$67,260	Associate/certificate
Water transportation worker	$66,490	Varies + credentials
Physical therapist assistant	$65,510	Associate degree
Industrial machinery mechanic	$63,510	High school + training
Surgical technologist	About $62,830	Certificate/associate
Plumber or pipefitter	$62,970	High school + apprenticeship
Wind turbine technician	$62,580	Nondegree award
Electrician	$62,350	High school + apprenticeship
LPN or LVN	$62,340	Nondegree award
HVACR mechanic	$59,810	Nondegree award
Construction equipment operator	$58,320	High school + training

All figures are national medians. Some occupations include several subcategories with different wages.

How to choose a shorter-training career

Compare total preparation time

Include prerequisites, waitlists, clinical rotations, apprenticeship years, examinations and employer training. A two-year degree can lead to practice sooner than a four-year apprenticeship.

Verify licensing requirements

Use the state or federal regulator’s official instructions. School completion may not be enough to work independently.

Calculate the full cost

Include tuition, tools, uniforms, travel, examinations, unpaid clinical time and lost earnings. Apprenticeships can offer paid training, but admission may be competitive.

Examine local opportunity

National medians can hide geographic differences. Power, marine and wind occupations may be concentrated in particular locations.

Consider risk and working conditions

High pay may compensate for heights, shift work, emergencies, physical strain, travel or safety responsibility. Ask practitioners about a typical week.

Review job outlook and openings

A high median does not mean many openings. BLS projects decline in some power and railroad roles, while wind and solar occupations are growing from smaller bases.

Check advancement options

Ask whether experience can lead to supervision, specialization, teaching or business ownership and what additional credentials those steps require.

How to prepare for these careers

1. Choose three roles that fit your schedule, abilities and location.

2. Read the complete BLS occupational profile.

3. Check state, federal or professional requirements.

4. Compare accredited or approved training programs.

5. Speak with workers and employers about entry hiring.

6. Calculate cost and time to eligibility.

7. Apply for financial aid, apprenticeships or employer training.

8. Build prerequisite skills in math, science, mechanics or communication.

9. Complete required examinations and licenses.

10. Keep credentials and continuing education current.

Avoid programs that guarantee high salaries or claim a certificate automatically creates a license.

Present career comparisons clearly with Dokie

Job seekers and career advisers may need to compare education time, median pay, licensing, working conditions and outlook across many occupations. Dokie can help turn verified research into an editable presentation with comparison tables, timelines, cost categories and decision criteria.

Dokie is an AI presentation maker, so confirm every salary and requirement with BLS, regulators and training providers. Label data by year and geography, protect personal information and do not present national median pay as an entry-level offer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest-paying job with little schooling?

Air traffic controller has one of the highest national medians among occupations without a typical bachelor’s requirement, but FAA eligibility and training are demanding.

Can I earn a high salary without college?

Yes, some trades, transportation and utility roles use apprenticeships or employer training. High pay often comes after experience and required credentials.

Which two-year degree pays the most?

Radiation therapy and nuclear medicine technology have high national medians among associate-level occupations, but local demand and licensing matter.

Does an apprenticeship count as schooling?

It combines paid work with structured technical instruction. It may avoid a four-year degree but still requires years of preparation.

Are these starting salaries?

No. They are BLS national medians across experience levels for May 2024.

Which careers have the fastest training?

Some certificate programs take about a year, but licenses, examinations and job training add time. Compare the complete pathway.

Are high-paying trade jobs dangerous?

Some involve heights, electricity, machinery or demanding environments. Training and safety controls reduce risk but do not eliminate it.

How should I verify a training program?

Check accreditation or approval with the relevant regulator, accreditor and state agency before enrolling.