14 Jan 12 High-Paying Jobs for 2026 That Don’t Require a Degree
For years, the default advice was simple: go to college, get a degree, and you’ll be set.
In 2026, that message is losing traction, and not because education doesn’t matter. It’s because the job market is changing. Student debt is still a major concern, and more employers are shifting toward skills-based hiring, especially in essential industries like construction, logistics, infrastructure, public safety, and aviation.
A recent Business Insider analysis using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data highlighted something many trade professionals already know: there are multiple career paths where you can earn near six figures (or more) without a four-year degree.
Below are 12 high-paying jobs projected to stay in demand through the end of the decade, along with median salary, growth projections, and the typical education path.
High-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree (2026 Outlook)
The Leaders of the Pack (Management & Logistics)
When it comes to leadership, experience often matters more than a diploma. These roles typically require years of hands-on work and the ability to manage people, timelines, safety, and results.
1. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades
- Median salary: $78,690
- Projected growth: 49,000 new jobs
- Typical education: High school diploma + experience
2. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
- Median salary: $102,010
- Projected growth: 13,100 new jobs
- Typical education: High school diploma
3. First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics & Repairers
- Median salary: $78,300
- Projected growth: 19,100 new jobs
- Typical education: High school diploma
High-Voltage Careers (Infrastructure & Power)
As the U.S. modernizes its electrical grid and expands EV infrastructure, demand for skilled electrical workers continues to rise. Many of these jobs also come with strong union pathways, structured apprenticeships, and long-term earning potential.
4. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
- Median salary: $92,560
- Projected growth: 8,400 new jobs
- Typical education: High school diploma + apprenticeship
5. Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay Repairers
- Median salary: $100,940
- Projected growth: 1,300 new jobs
- Typical education: Postsecondary non-degree award
6. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
- Median salary: $106,580
- Projected growth: 1,200 new jobs
- Typical education: High school diploma + apprenticeship
Protecting the Public (Safety & Law Enforcement)
Public safety careers remain a stable part of the labor market. While many people assume a Criminal Justice degree is required, the highest-paying paths often depend more on academy training, certifications, and years of service.
7. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- Median salary: $105,980
- Projected growth: 4,600 new jobs
- Typical education: High school diploma
8. Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers
- Median salary: $76,290
- Projected growth: 22,000 new jobs
- Typical education: High school diploma + training academy
9. First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting Workers
- Median salary: $92,430
- Projected growth: 3,400 new jobs
- Typical education: Postsecondary non-degree award
Skies and Systems (Aviation & Avionics)
Aviation is facing a talent shortage in multiple areas, especially maintenance and technical roles. That shortage is increasing opportunities for certified professionals who can keep fleets safe, compliant, and operational.
10. Commercial Pilots
- Median salary: $122,670
- Projected growth: 2,800 new jobs
- Typical education: Commercial Pilot License (postsecondary award)
11. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Median salary: $78,680
- Projected growth: 5,600 new jobs
- Typical education: Postsecondary non-degree award (FAA certified)
12. Avionics Technicians
- Median salary: $81,390
- Projected growth: 1,700 new jobs
- Typical education: Postsecondary non-degree award
What These Careers Have in Common
These jobs may not require a four-year degree, but they do require real commitment. Most of them involve:
- Apprenticeships or structured training programs
- Certifications or postsecondary technical programs
- Safety requirements and physical demands
- Long-term skill-building on the job
The upside is that these paths can offer stable income and long-term growth without taking on the cost of traditional college.
The Bottom Line for 2026
The job market is shifting toward competency.
Whether it’s a four-year apprenticeship for elevator repair, years of field experience leading a construction crew, or an FAA certification for aircraft maintenance, these careers can offer a direct route to strong earning potential without the burden of student loans.
For many workers, the question isn’t “Do I need a degree?” anymore.
It’s “What skill can I build that employers actually need?”
Sources
Business Insider: 12 High-Paying Jobs That Don’t Need a College Degree
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook