analytics WageAtlas Study
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
May 2025 release
Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Bachelor's Degree
You don't need a four-year degree to earn well. These 38 careers — each requiring a high-school diploma, certificate, or associate degree — are ranked by median annual pay from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Air Traffic Controllers top the list at $148,080 a year.
| # | Career | Typical entry education | Median / yr | Median / hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air Traffic Controller | Associate's degree | $148,080 | $71.19 |
| 2 | Dental Hygienist | Associate's degree | $98,100 | $47.16 |
| 3 | Ultrasound Technician | Associate's degree | $96,590 | $46.44 |
| 4 | MRI Technologist | Associate's degree | $95,480 | $45.91 |
| 5 | Respiratory Therapist | Associate's degree | $82,280 | $39.56 |
| 6 | Radiologic Technologist | Associate's degree | $80,110 | $38.52 |
| 7 | Aircraft Mechanic | Postsecondary certificate | $79,870 | $38.40 |
| 8 | Police Officer | High school diploma or equivalent | $76,210 | $36.64 |
| 9 | Physical Therapist Assistant | Associate's degree | $68,380 | $32.88 |
| 10 | Surgical Technologist | Postsecondary certificate | $64,650 | $31.08 |
| 11 | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Postsecondary certificate | $64,400 | $30.96 |
| 12 | Wind Turbine Technician | Postsecondary certificate | $64,120 | $30.83 |
| 13 | Plumber | High school diploma or equivalent | $63,800 | $30.67 |
| 14 | Flight Attendant | High school diploma or equivalent | $63,580 | — |
| 15 | Electrician | High school diploma or equivalent | $63,190 | $30.38 |
| 16 | Paralegal | Associate's degree | $62,890 | $30.24 |
| 17 | IT Support Specialist | Some college or certificate | $61,860 | $29.74 |
| 18 | Diesel Mechanic | Postsecondary certificate | $61,770 | $29.70 |
| 19 | HVAC Technician | Postsecondary certificate | $61,010 | $29.33 |
| 20 | Carpenter | High school diploma or equivalent | $60,580 | $29.12 |
| 21 | Heavy Equipment Operator | High school diploma or equivalent | $59,850 | $28.78 |
| 22 | Firefighter | Postsecondary certificate | $59,280 | $28.50 |
| 23 | Machinist | Postsecondary certificate | $58,750 | $28.24 |
| 24 | CDL Truck Driver | Postsecondary certificate | $58,640 | $28.19 |
| 25 | Massage Therapist | Postsecondary certificate | $58,450 | $28.10 |
| 26 | Welder | High school diploma or equivalent | $53,750 | $25.84 |
| 27 | Solar Installer | High school diploma or equivalent | $53,140 | $25.55 |
| 28 | Real Estate Agent | High school diploma or equivalent | $52,830 | $25.40 |
| 29 | Medical Coder | Postsecondary certificate | $51,140 | $24.59 |
| 30 | Auto Mechanic | Postsecondary certificate | $50,620 | $24.34 |
| 31 | Dental Assistant | Postsecondary certificate | $48,070 | $23.11 |
| 32 | Veterinary Technician | Associate's degree | $47,380 | $22.78 |
| 33 | Pharmacy Technician | High school diploma or equivalent | $45,750 | $22.00 |
| 34 | Medical Assistant | Postsecondary certificate | $45,690 | $21.97 |
| 35 | Phlebotomist | Postsecondary certificate | $45,230 | $21.75 |
| 36 | Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | Postsecondary certificate | $44,470 | $21.38 |
| 37 | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Postsecondary certificate | $42,260 | $20.32 |
| 38 | Preschool Teacher | Associate's degree | $38,140 | $18.34 |
Median wages from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) (May 2025 release); job-growth projections from BLS. Cite as “Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Bachelor's Degree, WageAtlas.”