The average cost to earn a four-year college degree is more than $150,000 these days. That’s a lot of money, making the traditional college experience flat-out impossible for many people. Others leave high school ready to get into the workforce as soon as possible, rather than spending more years in a classroom. Fortunately, there are plenty of well-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree.
To assemble this list, we looked at average salaries and the projected job growth over the next 10 years. Some of the jobs listed here do involve some additional training, like vocational courses, training schools, or apprenticeships. Others require licensing exams or certificates. But in every case, the required education or training is substantially shorter and less expensive than a traditional college degree.
Share this list with high school students as they consider their future careers, and assure them that they don’t necessarily need a four-year degree to make a good living.
*Note: All salary information is from Indeed.com and represents the average salary for each job in October 2026 in the United States. Job growth projections are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Jump to:
- How to Help Students Consider Their Career Options
- Mechanical Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
- Medical & Healthcare Jobs Without a 4-Year Degree
- Sales and Service Jobs That Don’t Need College Degrees
How to Help Students Consider Their Career Options
With more and more of today’s jobs automatically requiring some type of bachelor’s degree, students can feel like they have no other option than to take on a lot of debt in order to start a career. But that’s not true! While traditional college is a terrific option for those who have the interest and resources, it’s not the only path to a well-paying job. Here are some ways to help kids consider all the possibilities in front of them after they leave high school.
Learn more: Guide to Career Planning for High School Students
Evaluate interests and abilities
Spend time helping students determine what they’re good at, and the kinds of activities they find fulfilling. This will help them narrow down the kinds of careers where they’re likely to succeed and remain engaged long-term. You’ll find a variety of career skills assessments available to guide kids in the right direction.
Career Exploration Worksheet Bundle
This set of free printables helps high school students discover how possible careers match their interests, abilities, and needs.
Explore the facts about various careers
Teach students the types of factors they should consider when choosing their future careers—it’s not just about enjoying what they do or even how much money they’ll make. It’s also important to look into the type of degrees or certifications they may need, and what it takes to earn those requirements. They should find out the costs involved in preparing for their chosen career, as well as the time it takes on average. Help them research earnings potential, work-life balance, job stability and prospects, and other key factors they may not even have thought of.
Learn more: Wheel of Careers Interactive Activity for Teens
Host a career day or job fair
These events give students the chance to talk to real workers in the careers that interest them, and help introduce them to new jobs they might never have considered. Career days can be tailored for kids of any age, pre-K to high school. Check out our complete guide for more details!
Learn more: Career Day Ideas, Tips, and Activities for All Ages
Offer job-shadowing opportunities
Many younger kids get the chance to see what their parents do during “Take Your Child to Word Day.” As students get older, it’s important to offer them occasions to choose the careers they’d like to see in action. Partner with local businesses to provide students the chance to shadow workers for a day, or even work as interns a few hours a week.
Learn more:
- Best STEM Careers for the Future
- Music Careers for Students to Explore
- Best Writing Careers to Discover
- Exciting Careers for Art Lovers
- Technology Careers Worth Exploring
- Best Healthcare Careers for the Future
- Science Careers That Students Should Consider
- Careers for Students Who Love Math
With all that in mind, take a look at the best jobs for the future that don’t require students to earn a four-year college degree first!
Best Mechanical Jobs Without a College Degree
Jobs in the skilled trades provide excellent salaries and strong job security. Many provide on-the-job training at lower pay rates, which increase once you earn your certification.
1. Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. They’re trained to help keep people and property safe, while ensuring power access to all.
- Average Salary: $74,500
- Education/Training: Apprenticeship, trade school
- Projected Job Growth: 9%
How to Become an Electrician Poster
Hang this free poster to encourage students to explore a career as an electrician!
2. Plumber
Plumbers work with pipes, fixtures, and systems that handle water and wastewater. They install new plumbing and maintain existing systems to avoid leaks and costly damage.
- Average Salary: $89,700
- Education/Training: Apprenticeship, trade school
- Projected Job Growth: 7%
How to Become a Plumber Poster
Engage the next generation of skilled plumbers with this free printable poster for schools!
3. HVAC Technician
Technicians in this field work with the systems that control heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. They install and repair these systems in homes and businesses.
- Average Salary: $82,400
- Education/Training: Apprenticeship, trade school
- Projected Job Growth: 11%
4. Welder
Welders use specialized equipment to join metal pieces together, creating strong and safe structures. They often work in construction or maintenance.
- Average Salary: $61,300
- Education/Training: Apprenticeship, trade school
- Projected Job Growth: 2%
5. Automotive Technician
Also known as mechanics, auto technicians repair motor vehicles. They perform inspections, diagnose issues, and perform routine maintenance as needed.
- Average Salary: $82,200
- Education/Training: Apprenticeship, trade school
- Projected Job Growth: 5%
6. Heavy Equipment Operator
These operators handle equipment like bulldozers, excavators, and cranes. They’re often found on construction sites as well as places like factories and mines.
- Average Salary: $53,400
- Education/Training: Apprenticeship, trade school
- Projected Job Growth: 4%
7. Construction Worker
Construction workers assemble all types of buildings, from sheds to skyscrapers. This is an ideal job for people who love working with their hands, often outdoors.
- Average Salary: $50,000
- Education/Training: High school diploma
- Projected Job Growth: 6%
8. Commercial (Truck) Driver
Truck drivers may take on long-haul assignments across the country’s highways or work locally to make deliveries and pickups.
- Average Salary: $75,200
- Education/Training: CDL training program
- Projected Job Growth: 4%
9. Elevator Technician
There are more than 1 million elevators in the United States alone! Someone has to fix them when they break down, making this one of the best jobs you can get without a four-year college degree.
- Average Salary: $75,250
- Education/Training: Apprenticeship
- Projected Job Growth: 6%
10. Wind Turbine Technician
Wind power is becoming more common as we explore alternative sources of energy. Turbine technicians help install, maintain, and repair the necessary equipment.
- Average Salary: $66,200
- Education/Training: Post-secondary certificate
- Projected Job Growth: 30%
11. Aircraft Technician
Aircraft maintenance is essential to ensure safety in the air and on the ground. Technicians in this field help to maintain and repair aircraft, from small planes to jumbo jets and everything in between.
- Average Salary: $78,500
- Education/Training: Post-secondary certificate
- Projected Job Growth: 6%
Best Medical & Healthcare Jobs Without a College Degree
The medical field is always growing, and many of its jobs are well paid even without a four-year degree. The best jobs usually require at least some post-secondary training, often in courses that take 18 months or less.
12. Radiology Technologist
The technicians who use equipment like X-rays, CAT scanners, MRIs, and mammography machines generally spend a couple of years post–high school in training courses. But the return on investment is high, with strong salaries that make these some of the very best jobs you can do without a four-year college degree.
- Average Salary: $78,900
- Education/Training: Post-secondary certificate
- Projected Job Growth: 5%
13. Dental Hygienist
This is another medical position that requires a couple of years of training courses, but also boasts a high salary payoff in the long run. Hygienists clean teeth, take X-rays, and assist dentists during procedures.
- Average Salary: $86,500
- Education/Training: Post-secondary certificate
- Projected Job Growth: 8%
14. Pharmacy Technician
This isn’t one of the highest-paying jobs on the list, but it’s an excellent way to gain experience in the field if you’d like to work toward becoming a pharmacist. Many future pharmacists pay their way through school with jobs like these.
- Average Salary: $49,000
- Education/Training: Post-secondary certificate
- Projected Job Growth: 6%
15. Medical Coder/Biller
The American medical industry is incredibly complex. In order for doctors and hospitals to receive payments from insurance companies, they must correctly submit bills using the proper codes. This job requires people who are quick at data entry, with a high attention to detail.
- Average Salary: $66,000
- Education/Training: Certification courses and exam
- Projected Job Growth: 8%
16. Emergency Medical Technician
This is one of the more rewarding jobs on our list, offering the chance to help save lives! These emergency medical workers respond to calls and help patients on-site, then transport them to hospitals if needed.
- Average Salary: $53,000
- Education/Training: Licensing courses and exam
- Projected Job Growth: 6%
17. Massage Therapist
Massage therapy is a respected part of the healthcare industry, improving quality of life for many people. A therapist takes training courses to learn the best ways to manipulate muscles and soft tissues, relieving pain and increasing circulation.
- Average Salary: $55,000
- Education/Training: Licensing courses and exam
- Projected Job Growth: 15%
Best Sales & Service Jobs Without a College Degree
Those who enjoy working with other people will find plenty of excellent jobs available to them. Some require training courses or licensing exams, but the up-front costs involved are much lower than a four-year degree.
18. Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents help people buy and sell personal and commercial property. If they join the National Association of Realtors and adhere to their code of ethics, they may be known as a Realtor.
- Average Salary: $101,400
- Education/Training: Licensing courses and exam
- Projected Job Growth: 2%
19. Insurance Sales Agent
Insurance agents help clients choose insurance policies that protect them against loss from fire, theft, personal injury, and more. They process policy applications and help clients understand their rights and protections.
- Average Salary: $80,000
- Education/Training: Licensing courses and exam
- Projected Job Growth: 3%
20. Retail Store Manager
Store managers oversee staffing needs and handle personnel at a given retail location. They may also process and maintain inventory, implement marketing strategy, and work to hit sales goals.
- Average Salary: $58,400
- Education/Training: High school diploma
- Projected Job Growth: 4%
21. Flight Attendant
This is another one of those jobs that may not pay especially well, but it offers the amazing chance to travel the globe! Most flight attendants start on more local routes, working their way up to cross-country and transcontinental flights over the years.
- Average Salary: $74,300
- Education/Training: High school diploma
- Projected Job Growth: 9%
22. Police Officer
A police officer’s motto is “To serve and protect.” They’re tasked with keeping communities safe by ensuring everyone follows the law, and helping the community during emergencies.
- Average Salary: $71,900
- Education/Training: High school diploma
- Projected Job Growth: 3%
23. Firefighter
It takes a brave person to run toward a fire while others run away. But trained firefighters know how to use the equipment at their disposal to safely contain and extinguish fires in a variety of conditions.
- Average Salary: $59,100
- Education/Training: Fire academy training program
- Projected Job Growth: 4%
24. Cosmetologist / Barber
Hairstylists, barbers, manicurists, and makeup artists use their creative talents to help others look their best. They may work in salons or barbershops, as personal stylists, or in places like theaters or television and movie studios.
- Average Salary: $52,400
- Education/Training: Cosmetology school and licensing exam
- Projected Job Growth: 7%
25. Chef / Head Cook
Chefs design menus, devise recipes, and prepare foods of all kinds. Though they often work in restaurants, they may also work for private families or public institutions.
- Average Salary: $73,400
- Education/Training: Culinary school
- Projected Job Growth: 7%
26. Videographer
Help people remember the special times in their lives by taking videos of the most important moments. In addition to capturing the moment, videographers must know how to process images and videos afterwards to provide the best possible final product.
- Average Salary: $59,300
- Education/Training: None required
- Projected Job Growth: 3%
27. Fitness Trainer
Exercise and fitness regimens can be difficult to maintain on your own. That’s why personal fitness trainers have some of the best jobs that don’t require a college degree. They assist their clients with diet, exercise, and health advice and support, working in gyms, fitness studios, hospitals, and privately.
- Average Salary: $61,900
- Education/Training: Certification program and exam
- Projected Job Growth: 7%
28. Solar Installer
As solar power gains popularity and support, more technicians will be needed to install and maintain it. This job is perfect for people who like working with new technology in a hands-on, outdoor environment.
- Average Salary: $64,400
- Education/Training: Trade school or specialized training programs
- Projected Job Growth: 37%
29. Hearing Aid Specialist
Help people hear well at any age by training to become a hearing aid specialist. These workers test hearing, take molds or physical impressions of people’s ears, educate patients, and more.
- Average Salary: $77,400
- Education/Training: Specialized training program and licensing exams
- Projected Job Growth: 19%
30. Cybersecurity Specialist
Keeping people and their private data safe is a difficult job, and one that pays extremely well. Some jobs will train you as you learn, while others recommend you attend a cybersecurity training course first. Either way, the future for this career is growing every day.
- Average Salary: $115,400
- Education/Training: High school diploma
- Projected Job Growth: 21%
Don’t forget to grab your free career exploration lesson plans!
