How To Make Money In The Service With A Trades Career

32 Jobs That Pay $100K Without an Advanced Degree

Past Publisher
| Concluding Updated May 5, 2022

Jobs that pay $100K a year typically require a available'southward degree or higher. For example, co-ordinate to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) plan, physicians, surgeons, master executives, lawyers, pharmacists, and dentists in the U.S. all earn more than $100,000 per year, on average. So do some types of engineers and scientists, including astronomers and physicists.

But what if you lot want to brand $100K a yr without spending any longer than four years in college?

For some high-paying careers, yous may only demand 2 years or less of post-secondary training to put yourself on the path to earning over half-dozen figures. According to the U.Due south. Demography Agency, in 2018, roughly 9.8 percent of Americans 15 and older earned $100,000 or more. That equals nearly 26 1000000 people. With short preparation, you can exist one of them.

Check out these 32 career-driven ideas for how to brand $100K a year without earning an advanced degree.

Salary data in this commodity is based on 2020 data from the U.Due south. Agency of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. Rather than including average salaries over 100K, we have focused on median wages and what the top 10 percent and lowest 10 percent earn. Median wages reflect the corporeality where half the people in that career make less than that corporeality and half earn more than, and then it is a more accurate representation than boilerplate wages.

Jobs That Pay $100K a Year Without a Degree (Based on Top Earners)

Popular artists, musicians, actors, dancers, choreographers, and other entertainers can develop careers that pay $100K a twelvemonth or more with very lilliputian education. Quite a few other options be, and they ofttimes provide better opportunities for reaching your income goals. In fact, number one on the list below is a skilled trade; no advanced degree is required.

Depending on your interests, you lot may only need a career diploma or certificate to get started in a field that offers high salary potential. And that generally takes only a twelvemonth or less of training. And so, after enough feel, you lot might qualify for the half-dozen-figure positions y'all're aiming for.

Salaries in this category reflect national averages for the top ten percent of earners in each occupation.

Jobs that Pay 100K With 1 Year of Training

ane. Commercial Pilots

You don't demand a degree to fly shipping for purposes such equally aerial firefighting, search and rescue, aeriform photography, or charter flights. All you lot demand is flight grooming to earn a commercial airplane pilot'southward license, instrument rating, and certifications required by employers or the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) for particular types of piece of work. Notation that the loftier earning potential is significantly higher than $100,000.00 a year.

Salary Info:

Median (50th Percentile): $93,300
High earning potential (90th percentile): $200,920
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $47,570

2. Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers

For professionals who build or modify websites, the best promotion tools for finding loftier-paying clients or employers tend to exist strong portfolios and skillful references based on past work. Although a degree isn't necessary to earn high wages in this field, spider web design and development training can assist yous accomplish skilful pay more quickly.

Salary Info:

Median (50th Percentile): $77,200
Loftier earning potential (90th percentile): $146,430
Entry/Low Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $twoscore,750

iii. Estimator Programmer

Although many programmers have higher degrees, it'due south non uncommon for people to start succeeding in this field later on taking shorter computer programming courses. That's because employers oft care most nigh the skills you can demonstrate in specific programming languages. And many programmers work on a freelance footing and get to choose their clients, rates of pay, and projects.

Salary Info:

Median (50th Percentile): $89,190
High earning potential (90th percentile): $146,050
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $51,440

four. Animator or Multimedia Artist

Although many great caste programs exist for this artistic field, some animators and digital artists have attained success after completing a short diploma or document animation plan. Either way, a quality portfolio or demo reel tends to exist the nigh of import marketing tool for finding peak-paying opportunities in the film, gaming, and visual effects industries.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $65,800
High earning potential (90th percentile): $116,350
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $27,860

v. Detective or Criminal Investigator

Investigating crimes through observation, evidence drove, witness interviews, and other procedures doesn't typically require a caste. While criminal investigator grooming programs be, in about cases, the training to become a criminal investigator happens at a police university. Merely completing some college-level courses in criminal justice or police force enforcement before applying to a constabulary academy can help you stand out from other candidates.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $86,940
High earning potential (90th percentile): $146,000
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $46,020

6. Writer or Editor

Even in today's digital age, written advice is a ascendant mode of conveying and exchanging information and stories with each other. But not everybody does it well. Equally a result, many organizations will pay top dollar for excellent writers and editors. And numerous avenues exist for building a writing career that pays well (regardless of whether your interest lies in creative, technical, informational, or marketing-oriented writing). Plus, successful writers and editors vary significantly in their educational backgrounds. Online writing programs can easily be taken anywhere.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $67,730
High earning potential (90th percentile): $125,880
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $36,380

7. Sound Engineering Technician

Music recordings aren't the only projects fabricated possible past the skills of sound technology pros. Y'all'll besides notice professionals in this field making pregnant contributions to film and goggle box productions, video games, sporting events, theater productions, and live concerts. That'southward why some of them savor a $100K salary at the top of their careers. Sound engineering training is widely available.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $53,520
High earning potential (90th percentile): $119,720
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $27,650

8. Sales Representative

Selling products or services is a unique fine art that can be learned in many different ways. But getting a business concern education is a adept way to heave your chances for success if you lot want to good money through sales jobs that offer high commissions.

Bacon Info:

Median (50th percentile): $58,770
High earning potential (90th percentile): $128,820
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $29,110

9. Existent Estate Agent

Helping people purchase and sell residential or commercial backdrop can be very lucrative. Real manor agents earn virtually of their income from commissions on the auction of land, homes and office buildings that are often worth hundreds of thousands (or fifty-fifty millions) of dollars.

Bacon Info:

Median (50th percentile): $49,040
High earning potential (90th percentile): $112,410
Entry/Depression Earning Potential (10th percentile): $25,100

10. Computer Network Support Specialist

Nigh organizations rely heavily on computers, Net access, and internal digital information networks. Skilled network support professionals who troubleshoot problems with those systems and find timely solutions are often well-compensated, regardless of whether or non they have a estimator networking caste.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $65,450
High earning potential (90th percentile): $110,450
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $40,620

Jobs Paying Over $100K, With Only 2 to 4 Years of College

By earning a career-focused acquaintance or bachelor'southward caste, you lot may be able to unlock even more $100K opportunities. And many of the occupations in this category are known to take median salaries in the six figures (i.east., not just at the summit end of the pay scale).

The annual wages for the following 8 jobs that pay over 100K are based on the nationwide median wages for each occupation.

Jobs that Pay 100K With 4 Years of School

11. Estimator and Information Systems Director

It'southward possible to go on the path to management-level roles overseeing an organization'southward computer systems and related activities with a bachelor's caste in computer science or information applied science (Information technology).

Bacon Info:

Median (50th percentile): $151,150
High earning potential (90th percentile): Information not available
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $90,430

12. Marketing Manager

Having the skills to identify new markets, predict demand, and create effective pricing strategies for an organization's products or services can be incredibly valuable. Later all, they tin produce results such equally larger profits, greater market share, and better customer or client satisfaction. That's why some marketing managers are compensated and so well. Marketing degree programs are widely available online or on campus.

Bacon Info:

Median (50th percentile): $142,170
High earning potential (90th percentile): Information not available
Entry/Low Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $74,620

13. Sales Manager

With a bachelor's degree in business organisation and real-world sales feel, yous tin can pursue sales management positions that involve directing and setting goals for unabridged sales teams.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $132,290
High earning potential (90th percentile): Information not available
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $63,170

fourteen. Human being Resource Director

Jobs That Pay $100K Large and medium-sized organizations often have a human being resources department with staff who coordinate recruitment and hiring. They also oftentimes handle employee benefits, disciplinary deportment, and communications betwixt executives and staff. So the managers who oversee all of those responsibilities tend to earn high salaries. They mostly accept a bachelor's degree (or higher) in man resources or business administration.

Bacon Info:

Median (50th percentile): $121,220
High earning potential (90th percentile): Information not available
Entry/Depression Earning Potential (10th percentile): $71,180

xv. Purchasing Manager

Many companies have special teams of professionals who handle the ownership of the products they sell to customers or utilize in their operations. That'due south because evaluating potential suppliers, reviewing the quality of their products, and negotiating contracts are all essential tasks that can impact a company's lesser line. With a business-related education and some feel every bit a buyer or purchasing agent, it's possible to reach a management-level part in this field that pays six figures.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $125,940
High earning potential (90th percentile): $197,630
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $74,570

16. Air Traffic Controller

Keeping aircraft at safe distances from 1 another while in the sky is one of the well-nigh crucial jobs in our modernistic world. That's why the people who coordinate air traffic are paid very well for their efforts. Many aspiring air traffic controllers earn a specialized ii- or 4-yr degree in aviation that helps them authorize for the Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (AT-Saturday). If they pass, they will accept a take a chance at being accepted for preparation at the FAA University.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $130,420
Loftier earning potential (90th percentile): $184,780
Entry/Depression Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $72,760

17. Medical or Health Services Manager

From hospital departments to group medical practices, every kind of healthcare facility requires authoritative professionals to coordinate and direct staff, schedules, budgets, tape keeping, and other aspects related to providing effective and timely services to patients. A degree in health care direction can help you progress to this position.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $104,280
Loftier earning potential (90th percentile): $195,630
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $59,580

18. Calculator Network Architect

With a degree in computer networking technology and enough experience in network or database administration roles, you tin can pursue jobs that pay over 100K in this surface area of It.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $116,780
Loftier earning potential (90th percentile): $175,570
Entry/Depression Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $67,190

Jobs Paying $100K With 2 to 4 Years of Higher (Based on Elevation Earners)

Jobs That Pay $100K Similar the previous viii occupations, you tin ofttimes pursue the career options below with a available'due south degree. And for some of them, an associate caste may exist all yous need to put yourself on the path to jobs that pay over $100K.

In this category, the annual wages being cited are based on countrywide estimates of the highest 10 percent of earners in each vocation.

19. Art Director

This type of leading creative professional person gets to oversee the development of designs, layouts, style guidelines, and other visual elements of publications, film productions, production packages, or other fun projects. It's a role where you tin can earn good money while working alongside talented artists, writers, designers, and photographers. And many fine art directors first began their careers in a field like graphic design that allowed them to proceeds feel and motion upwardly into higher-paying positions relatively rapidly.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $97,270
High earning potential (90th percentile): $199,250
Entry/Depression Earning Potential (10th percentile): $54,530

20. Movie or Video Editor

Accept you ever thought about collaborating with other flick enthusiasts to create movies, television receiver shows, documentaries, or music videos? Taking a manager'south raw footage and organizing it into a sequence that fulfills their vision is a skill that is frequently rewarded with high pay.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $67,250
High earning potential (90th percentile): $152,720
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $34,870

21. Administrative Services and Facilities Managers

Many large organizations utilize staff members capable of overseeing the many support services that go along the organization running smoothly. Education in business management and administration can provide not bad qualifications for high-paying jobs.

Bacon Info:

Median (50th percentile): $98,890
High earning potential (90th percentile): $169,930
Entry/Low Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $56,080

22. Structure Manager

Most construction projects require professionals skilled at preparing budgets, coordinating schedules, collaborating with tradespeople, engineers, and architects, and supervising all other aspects from beginning to cease. Completing a post-secondary program in construction direction can aid you succeed in this career.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $97,180
High earning potential (90th percentile): $169,070
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $56,880

23. Software Programmer

Before computer programmers can brainstorm writing lawmaking, they need instructions based on detailed plans for what the applications they build are supposed to do. As a software developer, y'all could make a loftier income by designing computer programs or mobile apps and overseeing their testing and development. Mobile app developers, in detail, are known to experience good career satisfaction. According to CNN Money, software programmer ranked equally one of the best jobs in America. Bachelor'southward degrees in software development are most common. However, associate degree programs are also available.

Bacon Info:

Median (50th percentile): $105,310
High earning potential (90th percentile): $167,460
Entry/Depression Earning Potential (10th percentile): $59,060

24. Funeral Home Manager

Helping grieving families award and mourn their recently deceased loved ones will always exist an important and necessary job. Managing staff, budget, marketing, and various funeral habitation or mortuary activities can exist a reliable way to earn a high income.

Bacon Info:

Median (50th percentile): $74,200
Loftier earning potential (90th percentile): $156,940
Entry/Depression Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $42,990

25. Information Security Analyst

The importance of computer security is increasing every bit more and more hackers target organizations' and institutions' networks and information systems. Equally a result, specialists in this expanse of IT are in big need. They can brand keen money by helping to protect such systems from cyber-attacks and other threats.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $103,590
High earning potential (90th percentile): $163,300
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $60,060

26. Fashion Designer

New styles and manner trends continue to exist created by visionary designers who are able to anticipate what will appeal to buyers and manufacturers of habiliment, footwear, and accessories.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $75,810
High earning potential (90th percentile): $146,300
Entry/Low Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $38,570

27. Network Administrator

Installing and looking afterwards the daily needs of an system's computer networks is an essential chore, peculiarly when problems arise. With the skills to brand networks operate faster or more reliably, you may exist able to earn a half-dozen-effigy salary.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $84,810
High earning potential (90th percentile): $134,970
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $52,830

28. Holding Manager

Many property owners rent out their residential or commercial spaces to earn a good financial render from those avails. But they often don't accept the fourth dimension or ability to look after their holding investments' daily needs, including aspects like finding tenants, collecting rent, and arranging for maintenance. Because property managers help preserve the resale value of their clients' or employers' assets, they are frequently in a position to earn excellent bounty.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $59,660
High earning potential (90th percentile): $134,570
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $31,330

29. Auditor

Every organization needs to maintain accurate financial records. Plus, many individuals crave assistance with tasks like preparing income tax returns. Merely accountants can contribute to the success of people, businesses, and institutions in many other ways, which is why they often make good incomes. You lot can earn advanced credentials, take on a broad range of positions, and much more after earning a caste in accounting.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $73,560
High earning potential (90th percentile): $128,680
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $45,220

30. Market Enquiry Analyst

Jobs That Pay 100k Many companies volition pay high salaries to marketing professionals who are able to accurately forecast what item demographics of consumers will buy and how much they'll pay for specific products or services.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $65,810
High earning potential (90th percentile): $127,410
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $35,380

31. Public Relations Specialist

Whether or not an system succeeds can depend on how the public perceives it. The same is true for many entertainers and contained entrepreneurs. As a upshot, communications specialists who aid build awareness and positive public perception for their clients or employers can oft command loftier salaries.

Salary Info:

Median (50th percentile): $62,810
High earning potential (90th percentile): $118,210
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $35,350

32. Social or Community Services Manager

Every day, all kinds of community service organizations throughout America provide aid to people similar disadvantaged youth, driveling women, the homeless, the elderly, veterans, and individuals with physical or mental disabilities or illnesses. And they all demand managers and administrators with an understanding of the social sciences to atomic number 82 their staff and volunteers and to coordinate and oversee their various operations.

Bacon Info:

Median (50th percentile): $69,600
High earning potential (90th percentile): $115,800
Entry/Low Earning Potential (10th percentile): $42,230

Training for High-Paying Careers

Getting jobs that pay $100K or more usually requires mail-secondary schooling. Just you don't always need an advanced degree to earn that much money. The right undergraduate degree, diploma, or short training program can assistance y'all become the skills you need to succeed in the high-paying job you most desire.