What Are The Highest Paying Jobs In Illinois Without A Degree?

The highest-paying jobs in Illinois without a degree include roles in transportation, construction, and technology. Truck drivers can earn over $70,000 annually. Electricians and plumbers often exceed $60,000. Computer support specialists can earn $50,000 to $70,000. Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, and location.

Many people think a college degree is required for high paying jobs, but Illinois has many options for those without a degree, proving many high paying jobs don’t require a college degree. We look at the highest paying jobs in Illinois that don’t require a bachelor’s degree, along with their median annual salary and training. These jobs are in law enforcement, construction, transportation and logistics.

Table of Illinois’ Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree

Job TitleMedian Annual Wage
First-line supervisors of police and detectives$130,860
Commercial pilots$100,730
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers$101,710
Ship engineers$96,310
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels$96,260
Cement masons and concrete finishers$84,300
Postmasters and mail superintendents$84,280
Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders$78,090
Fire inspectors and investigators$77,860
Carpenters$71,77

No Degree Required

Illinois has many high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree. These jobs are in construction, manufacturing and transportation and offer many career paths. For example, construction and building inspectors make sure structures meet building codes and safety regulations. Electrical power-line installers install and maintain the power lines that keep our communities connected. Gas plant operators run the equipment that processes and distributes gas for utility companies.

These jobs show the many high paying jobs in Illinois that don’t require a college degree and are worth pursuing specialized training for.

Below you we look at each in more detail.

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

  • Median Annual Salary: $130,860
  • Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training.

Why It Pays

First-line supervisors manage law enforcement operations, detectives and investigations. Their leadership and decision making skills are key to public safety and effective policing.

Responsibilities

  • Supervise patrol officers and detectives.
  • Manage crime investigations and protocols.
  • Prepare and review case reports.

Transportation, Storage and Distribution Managers

  • Median Annual Salary: $101,710
  • Education Required: High school diploma and on-the-job experience.

Why It Pays

These managers coordinate logistics so goods are stored and delivered efficiently. Their decisions impact supply chains and company profits.

Responsibilities

  • Warehouse operations and inventory.
  • Delivery schedules and distribution teams.
  • Transportation safety regulations.

Commercial Pilots

  • Median Annual Salary: $100,730
  • Education Required: High school diploma, flight training, FAA commercial pilot license.

Why It Pays

Commercial pilots fly unscheduled flights, including charters and freight. Their training and expertise keep passengers and cargo safe.

Responsibilities

  • Fly and navigate aircraft for private or commercial use.
  • Inspect aircraft before flight.
  • Manage flight plans and flight logs.

Ship Engineers

  • Median Annual Salary: $96,310
  • Education Required: High school diploma and marine engineering certifications.

Why It Pays

Ship engineers keep ship engines and mechanical systems running so vessels can operate efficiently. Their technical knowledge of maritime operations is what drives their pay.

Responsibilities

  • Inspect and maintain propulsion systems.
  • Repair fuel and engine systems.
  • Monitor machinery for compliance.

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers

  • Median Annual Salary: $84,300
  • Education Required: High school diploma and apprenticeships.

Cement masons create surfaces for buildings and infrastructure, construction projects.

Why It Pays

Cement masons create surfaces for buildings and infrastructure, construction projects. Their skills are key in the trades.

Responsibilities

  • Pour and level concrete.
  • Smoothing and finishing surfaces.
  • Repairing concrete surfaces.

Postmasters and Mail Superintendents

  • Median Annual Salary: $84,280
  • Education Required: High school diploma and management training.

Why It Pays

Postmasters run postal facilities, manage staff and keep mail moving. Their leadership is key to keeping things running smoothly.

Responsibilities

  • Supervise postal workers and route delivery.
  • Handle customer complaints and delivery issues.
  • Manage postal budgets and operations.

Fire, Construction, and Building Inspectors and Investigators

  • Median Annual Salary: $77,860
  • Education Required: High school diploma and firefighting or investigative certifications.

Why It Pays

Fire inspectors make sure buildings meet safety standards, investigators determine the cause of fires. Their job saves lives and property.

Responsibilities

  • Inspect buildings for fire hazards.
  • Investigate fires.
  • Enforce fire codes.

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators

  • Median Annual Salary: $78,090. Industrial machinery mechanics also maintain and repair the equipment used in these processes.
  • Education Required: High school diploma and on-the-job training.

Why It Pays

These operators refine metals for manufacturing and construction, work with high temperature furnaces and heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

  • Run furnaces to refine metal materials.
  • Monitor temperatures and equipment.
  • Keep workers and equipment safe.

Carpenters

Median Annual Salary: $71,770

Education Required: High school diploma, on-the-job training, or apprenticeships. Non retail sales workers, especially first-line supervisors, also have high paying jobs without a college degree.

Why It Pays

Carpenters build and repair wooden structures for homes and commercial buildings. Their skills and versatility are in high demand in the construction industry.

Responsibilities

  • Build frameworks and furniture.
  • Install doors, windows and cabinets.
  • Repair or renovate wooden structures.

Job Requirements and Training

Training and Certifications

While a college degree may not be required for these high paying jobs, many of them do require specialized training and certifications. For example, construction and building inspectors need to complete a training program on building codes and inspection procedures to be able to assess the safety and compliance of structures.

Electrical power-line installers need to get certified in electrical work which may involve both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Many of these jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent as a basic education requirement. Investing in the right training and certifications can get you into high paying careers without a college degree.

Job Outlook and Salary

Job Outlook

The job outlook for high paying jobs in Illinois that don’t require a college degree is good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of construction and building inspectors is projected to grow 10% from 2020 to 2030 as construction projects require more safety and compliance. Employment of electrical power-line installers is expected to grow 9% during the same period as the demand for electrical infrastructure increases. Gas plant operators are also in demand, projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030 as the energy industry evolves.

In terms of salary, these jobs pay decent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for construction and building inspectors in Illinois was $36.65 in May 2022. Electrical power-line installers made $52.18 an hour, for the specialized skills required. Gas plant operators made $37.54 an hour, for the expertise in managing complex equipment. Overall, high paying jobs in Illinois that don’t require a college degree can get you a good income and job security if you invest in the right training and certifications.

Final Notes

Illinois has many high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree. While formal education isn’t necessary, these jobs often require specialized training, certifications or apprenticeships. Jobs in law enforcement, construction, logistics and aviation are great options for students to earn median annual wages above the national average, perfect for students who want financial stability without a bachelor’s degree.

Common Questions

Common questions we get asked about this topic.

Are there any high-paying jobs in Illinois for those with a high school diploma that involve working with advanced technology?

Yes, electrical and electronics repairers specializing in powerhouse, substation, and relay equipment can earn a median annual wage of $93,130 without a college degree. This job requires a postsecondary nondegree award and involves working with sophisticated electrical systems.

What opportunities exist in Illinois for high school graduates interested in the maritime industry?

Ship engineers and captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels are two high-paying options in Illinois that don’t require a college degree. Ship engineers earn a median annual wage of $96,310, while captains and mates earn $96,260. Both roles require a postsecondary nondegree award and offer opportunities to work on Illinois’ waterways.

Are there any six-figure jobs available in Illinois for those without a college degree in law enforcement?

Yes, first-line supervisors of police and detectives in Illinois can earn a median annual wage of $130,860 without a college degree. This is currently the highest-paying job in the Chicago area that doesn’t require a degree, though it likely requires significant experience in law enforcement.

What are some high-paying jobs in Illinois’ energy sector for those without a college degree?

Gas plant operators and power distributors and dispatchers are two options in the energy sector that pay well without requiring a degree. Gas plant operators earn a median annual wage of $81,870, while power distributors and dispatchers earn $92,450. Both roles typically require a high school diploma and on-the-job training.

Are there any high-paying sales jobs in Illinois that don’t require a college degree?

Yes, some construction and home improvement sales positions in Illinois offer potential earnings of $150,000 to $250,000 per year without requiring a college degree1. These roles often involve selling roofing or other home improvement services and typically provide on-the-job training.

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