College graduates in the U.S. often spend decades paying off their student loans. If that doesn’t sound appealing to you, don’t worry—there are plenty of lucrative career paths in the U.S. that don’t require a degree. Here’s a curated list of 15 jobs in the U.S. that can earn you $100K or more annually, ranked from highest to lowest earning potential. Some require hard work and perseverance, but the rewards are worth it!
- Actor/Actress
Role: Perform in films, TV shows, on stage, or in commercials.
Earnings: Top actors can make $20M+ per film (rare). Broadway stars earn $100K+ per year. TV commercial actors average $73K annually.
Education: Acting classes or theater training, but no degree is required. - Social Media Influencer
Role: Create entertaining or informative content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram.
Earnings: Elite influencers earn $10M+ annually. YouTubers with 1M+ followers make around $60K per year.
Education: None, though content creation skills are helpful. - Real Estate Agent
Role: Help clients buy and sell properties.
Earnings: Top 10% earn over $176K. Median earnings are $48K.
Education: Complete real estate courses and pass a state licensing exam. - Advertising and Promotions Manager
Role: Oversee marketing campaigns across various platforms.
Earnings: Average salary is $163K annually.
Education: Learn marketing basics online and work your way up through entry-level positions. - Technology Sales Manager
Role: Lead teams to attract and retain clients in the tech sector.
Earnings: Average salary is $162K per year.
Education: Strong sales and leadership skills; no formal degree required. - First-Line Police Supervisor
Role: Guide detectives and officers while managing investigations.
Earnings: Top earners make over $159K. Average salary is $99K.
Education: Police academy training and field experience. - Data Scientist Manager
Role: Help businesses analyze data to improve decisions.
Earnings: Average salary is $145K annually.
Education: Self-taught skills through online courses and hands-on experience. - Software Architect
Role: Design software applications and systems.
Earnings: Average salary is $135K per year.
Education: Master programming skills; a degree is optional. - Makeup Artist (Theatrical/Performance)
Role: Apply specialized makeup for actors and performers.
Earnings: Average salary is $134K annually.
Education: Training at beauty schools is helpful but not mandatory. - Commercial Pilot
Role: Safely transport passengers and cargo by air.
Earnings: Median pay is $135K per year.
Education: Complete flight school and earn a commercial pilot’s license. - Software Developer
Role: Create and improve software applications.
Earnings: Average salary is $130K annually.
Education: Develop coding skills through practice or bootcamps. - Computer Network Architect
Role: Design and maintain communication networks like internet systems.
Earnings: Median pay is $121K per year.
Education: Certifications and experience can often replace formal degrees. - Business Owner
Role: Launch and manage a product or service-based business.
Earnings: Average income is $105K annually.
Education: No formal training, but research and mentorship are key. - Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Role: Manage controls at nuclear power plants to adjust electricity output.
Earnings: Average salary is $104K annually.
Education: Vocational certification is typically required. - Sales Professional
Role: Sell products or services in various industries.
Earnings: Top salespeople make $100K+; median salaries are around $55-$65K.
Education: Deep product knowledge is essential; no degree required.
FAQ: High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree
- What’s the highest-paying job on this list?
Acting can offer unmatched earnings, but jobs like advertising managers also pay over $160K annually on average. - What skills can help me earn six figures?
Sales, software development, and marketing are top skills for $100K+ jobs. - Can I make $500K without a degree?
Yes, though rare, top performers in sales, real estate, or social media can achieve this. - What about jobs requiring minimal experience?
Real estate, sales, and social media roles often let you start earning quickly with no prior experience.
This list proves you can build a successful career and earn six figures—without a degree!