Education is often cited as the key to earning high-paying careers in most fields. However, there are many sectors where people who don’t have a degree can find jobs that pay $60K a year.
Various alternate career paths can lead to 5-figure jobs without a degree. Our detailed guide will explain how to land the best jobs that that pay $60K per year without a degree. We also discuss what alternative education is required to earn $60k or more a year and what careers are available.
This article lists the Best 27 Jobs That Pay $60K Per Year Without a Degree.
A list of 27 jobs that pay $60K Per Year Without a Degree
There are certain career paths that may require specific training or training programs, such as two-year associate degrees, certifications, or licenses. Here’s a list of 25 careers across various industries that pay at least $60,000. Use this list to research highest-paying jobs if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree:
1. Claims adjuster
An insurance claims adjuster investigates insurance claims to determine an insurance company’s liability so that an appropriate settlement amount can be calculated. In addition to having strong customer service skills, insurance adjusters must also thoroughly understand insurance policies. An insurance adjuster license may be required by employers in addition to a high school diploma or GED equivalent, depending on the state. The national average salary for them is $60,629.
Related: How to make money as a claims adjuster.
2. Instrument technician
An instrument technician’s responsibilities are monitoring, repairing, and maintaining mechanical systems. In manufacturing plants, they often supervise industrial equipment as instrumentation control technicians. There are no formal education requirements for this profession, but technicians often receive on-the-job training or pursue certification in Engineering Technologies. This profession pays an average salary of $64,326 per year.
3. Blogging
Creating articles, photos, and other forms of content for a blog and publishing them on a website constitutes the process of blogging. Blogging requires informal language, a laid-back atmosphere, regular updates, tips, and lifehacks, as well as a high level of customer engagement. As a blogger, you can earn as much as $60k annually, depending on how long you have been blogging, how big your audience is, how much traffic you receive from the internet and what you write about. Your audience size determines how much money you can earn. Blogging is one of the easy jobs that pays well with high potential of earning.
Read our step-by-step guide on how to make money from blogging as beginners.
4. Web developer
Creating websites and web applications is the responsibility of a web developer. They are responsible for writing front and back-end code, analyzing user feedback to fix errors, improving the user experience, and implementing testing tools to monitor the website continuously. It is possible to start a career as a self-employed developer without an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, even though some employers prefer candidates with degrees in relevant fields. Courses or self-study are available to those interested in a career in web development. The national average salary is $67,591 per year.
5. Electrical foreman
Electrical foremen plan and supervise electrical projects. The average annual salary for electrical contractors is $67,605 per year, with responsibilities including assessing clients’ electrical needs, estimating time and costs, hiring and training employees, directing the project staff, ensuring safety compliance, and inspecting and ensuring quality assurance. Electricians usually have a high school diploma or equivalent, have participated in specialized training or apprenticeship programs, and have been licensed.
6. Aircraft mechanic
An aircraft mechanic maintains and repairs flying vehicles such as helicopters and airplanes. Any organization that involves planes and helicopters, such as aviation companies, federal agencies, and military groups, can hire them. As part of their job duties, they inspect aircraft systems, diagnose operational issues, measure aircraft parts, interpret manuals, complete repairs, clean mechanical parts, and update maintenance records. They earn an average salary of $69,306 per year. To become an aircraft mechanic, you must undergo a technical Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accreditation course and perform on-the-job training.
7. Insurance agent
As an insurance salesperson, you’re responsible for developing strategies for promoting insurance products, assessing a business or individual’s needs, and offering insurance plans tailored to their needs. Building relationships with clients to increase your clientele. Depending on your state, a high school diploma or GED is typically required, along with a licensing course and exam. Health, property, disability, casualty, and long-term care insurance agents usually specialize in a specific type of insurance. An insurance agent earns an average salary of $69,693.
8. Solar installer
Solar installers install solar photovoltaic panels on roofs, which provide electricity from the sun. A two-year associate degree or trade school will likely provide the skills and knowledge needed for this profession. If you plan to work in this field, you can enroll in a certification program by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This field typically pays $70,002 per year.
9. Truck driver
Transporting goods via tractor-trailers or heavy trucks is a truck driver’s responsibility. Individuals must possess a high school diploma or equivalent to become commercial drivers. As part of their responsibilities, they plan efficient transportation routes, conduct regular truck inspections, maintain daily logs, and secure cargo. Most of their time is spent traveling regionally or nationally, which may last for days or weeks. It is one of the best low stress jobs where $70,414 approximately is the national average salary for this position.
10. Nuclear technician
A nuclear technician ensures the safety of nuclear reactors and other equipment. A nuclear technician usually assists others in conducting research in a nuclear power plant or a laboratory. They are also called operations technicians or radiation protection technicians. Associate degrees are available in nuclear science or related fields at community colleges and technical schools. They may test radiation levels, calculate efficiency measures, implement safety protocols for decontamination and emergency procedures, and remove and clean up hazardous waste. The national average salary is $71,365.
11. Makeup artist
Making up for personal or professional reasons is the responsibility of a makeup artist. Due to the fact that clients usually focus on the makeup artist’s level of experience, this role does not have education requirements. There are many settings where makeup artists can work, including entertainment productions, department stores, and freelancing. Some of their responsibilities are providing makeup application advice and collaborating with clients on desired makeup looks. In entertainment settings, prosthetics may be applied to performers. The national average salary is $71,810.
12. Sell feet pics
Selling feet pictures is another way to make hefty amounts of money without a degree. It is entirely legit, legal, and a great side hustle. There is, however, a vast market where more and more people want to buy feet pictures for a variety of reasons, including for fetishes. This is relative to how many foot photos you are selling and how well they are selling.
Selling foot photos can provide you with a full-time income of $70,000 a year. It all depends on how many photos are sold, how good the quality is, and how popular the images are.
However, there is no cap, and the sky is the limit in terms of how much money can be made.
13. Sales representative
The sales representatives represent wholesalers and manufacturers in selling goods and services. The profession does not require post-secondary education. However, some specialized sales positions, such as those in pharmaceuticals or technical fields, may require additional education. Customers are contacted, products are demonstrated, sales contracts are negotiated, and these individuals handle transactions. Creating sales reports and meeting sales goals are also important aspects of their jobs. The average annual salary in the country is $73,762.
Also Read: Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour Without a Degree
14. Yoga instructor
Yoga instructors teach yoga to improve students’ flexibility and strength. A degree is not required for this profession, but instructors must complete specialized training or certification programs. Fitness centers and studios hire yoga instructors, or they can work as self-employed instructors. As a yoga teacher, you will plan lessons, demonstrate yoga poses, adapt instructions for different levels of students, and teach breathing exercises. The average salary nationally is $73,775.
15. HVAC supervisor
An HVAC supervisor oversees a team of HVAC engineers or technicians. Residential and commercial heating and cooling systems are maintained, repaired, and installed by HVAC technicians. After completing an apprenticeship program and obtaining certification, individuals can pursue a supervisor’s role as an HVAC technician. HVAC supervisors are responsible for assigning work orders, planning and supervising repair and maintenance activities, estimating time and cost, and managing inventory. The national average salary for HVAC supervisors is $74,509 per year.
16. Physical therapist assistant
Physical therapy assistants, or PTAs, work under the supervision of physical therapists to provide patient treatment. Hospitals, assisted living facilities, sports clinics, and outpatient facilities employ these professionals. To become a physical therapist, you must earn a two-year associate degree and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam. The duties of these professionals may include educating patients about their injuries, demonstrating exercises for them, and documenting their treatment sessions. Across the country, these professionals earn an average salary of $74,646.
17. Occupational therapy assistant
Assisting an occupational therapist in healing and enhancing patients’ mental and physical health is the job of an occupational therapy assistant. The National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy requires that you earn an associate degree in occupational therapy and complete hands-on training before becoming an occupational therapist. An occupational therapist’s duties can include:
- Helping patients perform various tasks.
- Demonstrating how to use special equipment to help them in everyday life.
- Recording the progress of a patient and reporting it to an occupational therapist.
- Assisting children with disabilities in play activities that increase coordination.
The national average salary is 75,524 dollars.
18. Cargo pilot
Transporting goods by plane is the responsibility of a cargo pilot. A commercial pilot’s license and airline transport pilot’s certification are required for this profession, but no degree is required. Cargo pilots typically transport mail, perishable goods, industrial supplies, and relief supplies at night or early in the morning. In addition to planning routes, checking the weather, coordinating flight plans with air traffic controllers, and monitoring fuel and equipment, a flight planner’s responsibilities include coordinating flight plans with air traffic controllers. The national average salary is $76,619 per year.
19. Railroad conductor
Coordination of a train crew’s daily activities is the task of a railroad conductor. At each stop, freight train conductors oversee the loading and unloading of cargo. The conductor must assist passengers throughout travel, conduct a pre-check on the train before departure, and observe tracks for route signals and potential obstructions. The minimum requirement for this career is a high school diploma or equivalent and a conductor certification course completion. Train conductors earn an average salary of $78,401 per year.
20. Boilermaker
Tank, furnace, tower, heat exchanger, and other heavy metallic structures are usually created, assembled, tested, and installed by boilermakers. Most boilermaker apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED and take 4-5 years to complete, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience. The work involves:
- Reading blueprints.
- Determining whether there are defects or leaks in the boiler system.
- Erecting steel beams and columns.
- Interpreting blueprints. Directing crane operators.
The national average salary is $79,849 per year.
21. Power plant operator
Controlling and maintaining a power plant’s equipment is the responsibility of a power plant operator. Generators, turbines, boilers, and reactors are some equipment they use. This career requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent, along with extensive on-the-job training. The duties of these workers include:
- Cleaning machinery.
- Reading charts and meters to assess voltage and electricity flows.
- Checking equipment and indicators to identify issues.
These workers earn an average salary of $80,960 a year.
22. Dental hygienist
Dental hygienists examine and clean teeth under the supervision of dentists. Dental assistants are responsible for educating patients about oral health, applying protective materials to teeth, taking dental X-rays, and collaborating with dentists to develop treatment plans. A dental hygiene associate’s degree or specialized training program is required for certification in this profession. The national average salary is $85,031 per year.
23. MRI technician
In MRI technology, community colleges and trade schools offer associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. MRI technicians, also known as MRI technologists, operate the equipment that produces 3D images of organs and tissues in patients. Their duties include:
- Injecting dye into patients.
- Positioning them for scans.
- Discussing their medical histories.
- Addressing concerns.
- Maintaining imaging equipment.
As a result, they often work closely with doctors and radiologists in reading and analyzing images. Approximately $90,537 is the average annual salary for this position.
24. Nuclear medicine technologist
Performing nuclear imaging tests under the supervision of a physician is the responsibility of a nuclear medicine technologist. As radiographers, they diagnose medical conditions and diseases using imaging tests, prepare and administer radioactive drugs, and maintain detailed medical records. An associate degree is often required for nuclear medicine technologists, and certification will make them more marketable. The average national salary is $95,812.
25. Radiation therapist
Medical professionals such as radiation therapists administer radiation treatments to cancer patients. They operate radiation therapy equipment, take X-rays, discuss treatment procedures, follow radiation safety protocols and monitor patients during treatment. Radiation therapy certificate programs and licensing are acceptable to some employers, while others prefer associate’s degrees. An average radiation therapist makes $101,634 per year.
26. Real estate agent
Buying, selling, or renting a home is the responsibility of a real estate agent. Real estate agents must complete courses required by their state to become licensed. Real estate agents work closely with clients to understand their needs assess potential options, and answer questions about the local area. Real estate agents coordinate property viewings, negotiate purchase offers, and create contracts. Their average annual salary is $104,451.
27. Owner-operator driver
Owner-operators work as independent contractors within the trucking and transportation industry. A commercial driver’s license is required since they own semi-trailer trucks and often have prior trucking experience. Their truck expenses, such as maintenance and fuel, are their responsibility as truck owners. As part of their responsibilities, they drive trucks long distances, plan routes, follow traffic laws, and load and unload cargo. They may also perform business-related duties, such as accounting and tax preparation. Nationally, the average salary is $145,939 per year.
Conclusion
Getting a job that pays $60k a year without a degree isn’t that difficult (depending on where you live).
You no longer have to suffer through four years of college or incur heavy debt to find a lucrative career with the list above. Depending on the job, you may even be able to earn certification. How awesome is that?
You can earn over $60k a year, depending on the skills you acquire over time! Therefore, don’t lose heart. It is still possible to be successful without a degree.