Top High-Paying Careers Without a Degree Requirement – According to Recent Research

Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

The U.S. skilled labor market is facing unprecedented challenges, with a growing number of workers aging out and a shortage of young people training for trade jobs such as construction, plumbing, and welding. The Covid-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these issues, leading to increased competition for talent and a more than 20% rise in wages for skilled trade jobs since 2020.

Despite these challenges, the demand for skilled tradespeople is expected to remain high in the U.S. over the next decade. This is due to a variety of factors, including infrastructure needs, real estate redevelopment, and investments in renewable energy. The most in-demand trade jobs that don’t require a degree include construction superintendent, manufacturing production manager, and journeyman plumber. The median salaries for these jobs range from $61,500 to $84,600, with the potential to earn up to six figures without a college degree.

Certification levels for some trade jobs, such as plumbers and electricians, include apprentice, journeyman, and master levels. Companies are also increasingly dropping degree requirements for jobs and focusing on skills-based hiring, providing opportunities for individuals to land high-paying trade jobs without a college degree.

According to ZipRecruiter, there has been a surge in demand for construction superintendents, fleet managers, and journeyman electricians in recent months. To learn more about landing a high-paying job in the trades or tips for success at work, individuals can enroll in CNBC’s online course How to Ace Your Job Interview and sign up for CNBC Make It’s newsletter. The skilled trade industry offers lucrative opportunities for individuals looking to enter the workforce without a traditional college education.