Find The Highest-Paying Jobs in Arkansas Without a Degree

The highest-paying jobs in Arkansas without a degree include commercial pilot, power plant operator, transportation manager, real estate broker, and elevator installer. Other well-paying roles include police supervisor, postal service worker, and construction manager. Many of these positions require certifications, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training.

Trade and Skilled Labor Jobs

Trade jobs offer some of the best salaries without requiring a college degree. These careers require specialized skills, which can be gained through apprenticeships, vocational programs, or certifications.

High-Paying Trade Jobs in Arkansas:

• Electrician – Installs and repairs electrical systems.
• Plumber – Maintains pipes, fixtures, and drainage systems.
• HVAC Technician – Installs and repairs heating and cooling systems.
• Wind Turbine Technician – Maintains wind energy equipment.
• Control and Valve Installers/Repairers – Repairs control systems and valves in industrial settings.

Salary Example:

• Control and Valve Installers/Repairers – $64,170/year

These careers provide job security, steady income, and growth opportunities. Certifications from organizations like NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) or OSHA help workers gain higher-paying positions.

Transportation and Logistics Careers

Arkansas has a large transportation industry, with truck drivers, transportation managers, and cargo supervisors earning high salaries without a degree.

Best-Paying Transportation Jobs:

• CDL Tanker Truck Driver – Hauls hazardous materials, earning up to $90,000/year.
• Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor – Manages airport cargo logistics, making $53,490–$87,170/year.
• Transportation Manager – Oversees fleet operations and earns $70,552/year.

Many companies cover the cost of CDL training for truck drivers. With experience, drivers can become owner-operators, increasing their earnings significantly.

Construction and Industrial Jobs

Construction jobs in Arkansas provide high wages without requiring a degree. Many companies offer paid apprenticeships to train workers in skilled positions.

Top Construction Jobs in Arkansas:

• Heavy Equipment Operator – Uses machinery for excavation and construction projects.
• Welder – Joins and repairs metal structures.
• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics – Oversees industrial repair teams, earning $61,440/year.

The demand for skilled construction workers is increasing as infrastructure projects expand in Arkansas.

Sales and Real Estate Jobs

Sales careers provide unlimited earning potential through commissions. Arkansas has profitable real estate and insurance industries, where agents can earn six figures.

Top Sales Jobs Without a Degree:

• Real Estate Broker – Sells and manages property transactions.
• Insurance Agent – Sells insurance policies to individuals and businesses.
• First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers – Manages sales teams and earns $68,360/year.

Arkansas requires licensing for real estate and insurance careers, but no college degree is needed. Training programs can be completed in weeks.

Manufacturing and Warehouse Jobs

Manufacturing and warehouse jobs provide competitive salaries and career stability. Many companies offer paid training and career advancement opportunities.

Highest-Paying Manufacturing Jobs:

• Telecommunications Technician – Installs and repairs communication systems, earning $52,556/year.
• First-Line Supervisors of Production Workers – Manages factory workers.
• Warehouse Supervisor – Oversees inventory and logistics.

Arkansas has growing industrial sectors, with many jobs requiring only a high school diploma and on-the-job training.

Emergency and Public Service Careers

Jobs in law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services offer stable salaries and good benefits.

Best Public Service Jobs in Arkansas:

• Police Supervisor – Manages law enforcement officers.
• Firefighter – Responds to fires and emergencies.
• Paramedic – Provides emergency medical care and earns $59,230/year.

Public service jobs often include pensions, healthcare, and overtime pay, making them some of the most reliable careers without a degree.

Summary Table of Highest-Paying Jobs

Here is a table summarizing some of the highest-paying jobs in Arkansas that do not require a college degree:

Job Title	Average/Median Salary	Education Required	Notes
Wind Turbine Technician	$49,651/year	High school diploma or equivalent	Maintains and repairs wind turbines.
Telecommunications Technician	$52,556/year	High school diploma or equivalent	Installs and repairs technical systems.
Transportation Manager	$70,552/year	High school diploma or equivalent	Oversees transportation operations.
Real Estate Broker	$57,980/year	High school diploma or equivalent	Requires training and certification.
Paramedic	$59,230/year	Postsecondary non-degree award	Provides emergency medical services.
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics	$61,440/year	High school diploma or equivalent	Supervises mechanics, installers, and repairers.
Control and Valve Installers/Repairers	$64,170/year	High school diploma or equivalent	Repairs control systems.
First-Line Supervisors of Sales Workers	$68,360/year	High school diploma or equivalent	Manages sales teams.
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor	$53,490–$87,170/year	High school diploma or equivalent	Coordinates cargo handling operations.
CDL Tanker Truck Driver	$48,000–$90,000/year	Commercial driver’s license (CDL)	Operates heavy trucks for transporting goods.

Popular Questions

Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.

Arkansas offers many high-paying jobs without requiring a college degree. Skilled trades, transportation, sales, and emergency services provide excellent career opportunities with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $90,000 per year. By gaining certifications and hands-on experience, workers can build successful and stable careers.