You don’t need a college degree to land a fulfilling, high-paying job. According to new research, nearly one in five workers without a degree earns more than the average college graduate, and two million Americans without degrees make over $100,000 annually.
The report, co-authored by researchers at the American Student Assistance Organization (ASA) and the Burning Glass Institute, highlights that certain jobs are better suited for non-degree holders to achieve success. These roles referred to as “launchpad jobs,” provide young workers with opportunities for promotion, career advancement, strong earning potential, good benefits, and job security. In 2023, there were nearly 2 million entry-level openings in the U.S. for such positions.
Examples of launchpad jobs include roles like EMTs, electricians, and bank tellers, which often serve as stepping stones to managerial positions or six-figure salaries. Additionally, technical occupations in maintenance, manufacturing, and utility industries tend to have a higher proportion of these opportunities.
Here are five in-demand jobs that don’t require a degree, offer strong job security, and have the potential to earn six figures, based on the ASA and Burning Glass Institute’s research (salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics):
1. **Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians**
- Median salary: $75,020
- Top 10% earners: $114,750
2. **Power Line Installers**
- Median salary: $85,420
- Top 10% earners: $119,920
3. **Railroad Conductors**
- Median salary: $71,130
- Top 10% earners: $99,210
4. **Wind Turbine Service Technicians**
- Median salary: $61,770
- Top 10% earners: $90,300
5. **Chemical Plant and System Operators**
- Median salary: $80,030
- Top 10% earners: $108,470
Even some entry-level jobs with modest starting wages can lead to lucrative careers. For instance, bank tellers, who typically earn less than $29,000 annually, often transition into high-paying roles like loan officers, where the average salary is $192,339, within the first decade of their careers.
“Young people entering the workforce right after high school often base their decisions on starting wages alone,” says Jean Eddy, president and CEO of ASA. “But that’s just one factor to consider when making career decisions.”
For example, wind turbine technician is the fastest-growing job in the U.S., with employment expected to nearly double over the next decade. Despite this demand, the profession remains “underrated and overlooked,” according to Jessica Jackson, a wind turbine service technician at Vestas in Texas. This may be due to lower entry-level salaries (under $50,000) or the higher risk of injury associated with the job. However, Jackson emphasizes that the field is both challenging and rewarding, offering untapped potential for those seeking adventure and competitive pay.
While there is significant support and resources for students pursuing college, those entering the workforce directly after high school often lack similar guidance. Eddy stresses that these individuals need tailored job planning support, which differs from what their college-bound peers require.
As more Americans question the value of a college degree, Eddy believes such resources are “critical” for narrowing the earnings gap between bachelor’s degree holders and those with only a high school diploma. By focusing on launchpad jobs and career mobility, young workers can achieve financial stability and long-term success without a traditional four-year degree.