Jobs that pay $150K a year without a degree include commercial pilots, air traffic controllers, real estate brokers, construction managers, and elevator installers. These roles often require certifications, apprenticeships, or extensive experience rather than formal college education.
You do not need a four-year degree to earn a six figure salary. Many high paying jobs rely on practical skills, certifications, or in demand experience—not a traditional educational path. In today’s economy, a growing number of high school graduates are bypassing college debt in favor of on the job training, trade apprenticeships, or coding bootcamps to enter top jobs that pay $150K+. We also have an article on how to make $100K without a degree.
Table: Jobs That Pay $150K Without a College Degree
| Job Title | Potential Salary Range | Key Requirements/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer/Engineer | $150,000+ | Strong coding skills, bootcamps, self-study, certifications |
| Data Scientist/Manager | $150,000+ | Advanced analytics, coding, experience; often through self-study or bootcamps |
| Senior Product Manager | $150,000+ | Experience, industry knowledge, leadership; tech companies may not require degree |
| Air Traffic Controller | $120,000–$257,000 | FAA training and certification; top earners clear $150k |
| Construction Manager | $100,000–$153,000 | On-the-job experience, certifications; top earners can exceed $150k |
| Technology Sales Manager | $100,000–$208,000 | Sales experience, industry certifications; top performers can clear $150k |
| Aircraft Dispatcher/Pilot | Varies (up to $150k+) | Aviation training, licenses; overtime and seniority can push earnings over $150k |
| Elevator/Escalator Installer | $100,000+ | Apprenticeship, technical skills; top earners can reach $150k |
Aviation Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
Commercial pilots and aircraft dispatchers often earn over $150,000 with a commercial pilot’s license and FAA certification—no degree needed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a set number of flight hours, medical clearances, and successful test completions to certify pilots.
Aircraft dispatchers coordinate flight plans and monitor weather, aircraft systems, and other tasks critical to flight safety. Commercial pilots flying charter routes or cargo planes, especially with overtime, can reach six figure jobs consistently.
Key facts:
- Commercial pilot median annual salary: $148,900 (BLS)
- Air traffic controller average salary: $130,840; top 10% earn over $250,000
- FAA training: Mandatory for both roles
Tech Careers Without a College Degree
Software developers, web developers, and data professionals regularly earn $150,000+ through self-study, coding bootcamps, and certifications, not a college degree. Companies like Google and IBM hire based on skills and experience, not degrees.
Tech giants and startups look for practical coding skills, project portfolios, and real-world results. Roles like machine learning engineer, data analyst, and web developer rank highly among high paying careers without formal degree requirements.
Key facts:
- Entry-level coding roles: $70,000–$90,000; grow to $150K+ within 5–7 years
- Languages in demand: Python, JavaScript, SQL
- Paths: Bootcamps, GitHub projects, open-source contributions
Skilled Trades & Construction Management
Construction managers, elevator installers, and HVAC supervisors earn high salaries with apprenticeships and years of experience. You don’t need a bachelor’s degree, just practical skills, OSHA training, and people management abilities.
Construction site management includes overseeing schedules, crews, and materials. Elevator technicians handle physically demanding tasks and work closely with teams in residential and healthcare facilities.
Key facts:
- Construction manager salary: $100K–$153K
- Elevator installer salary: $100K–$150K+
- Degree requirement: None; certification and experience needed
Transportation & Logistics Jobs
Owner-operator truck drivers and air traffic controllers earn six figure salaries with certifications and time on the road or in the tower. These high paying jobs require specific licenses and extensive experience, but no degree.
Air traffic controllers complete FAA Academy training and handle other duties like managing aircraft separation and emergencies. Truck drivers with a CDL and own business setup can earn over $150K by specializing in hazardous materials or long-haul freight.
Key facts:
- Air traffic controller training duration: Up to 2 years
- Owner-operator truck driver income: $100K–$250K
- Physically demanding: Yes, but very rewarding
Real Estate & Commission-Based Sales
Real estate brokers and tech sales managers often earn over $150K annually. These roles depend on performance and commissions, not academic degrees.
A real estate broker earns through property sales. Licensing requirements vary by state, but no college degree is needed. In tech sales, experience and relationship-building lead to six figure jobs as an engagement manager or sales director.
Key facts:
- Real estate agent salary: $45K–$250K+ (based on volume)
- Tech sales commissions: $100K+ with performance
- Degree needed: No; license and results matter more
Entrepreneurship & Freelancing
Starting your own business or working as a high-earning virtual assistant, consultant, or freelancer can lead to a six figure salary. There’s no degree requirement—just strong project management, niche expertise, and sales ability.
Examples:
- Digital marketing freelancers earning $120K+
- Ecommerce sellers on Amazon with $200K+ revenue
- Consultants in IT or real estate hitting $150K+
Freelancers often work remotely, enjoy flexibility, and grow based on client volume.
Certifications Over Degrees
Certifications can replace a college degree and fast-track your entry into high salary fields. In roles like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and project management, employers value credentials over college diplomas.
Examples of certifications leading to $150K+ roles:
- AWS Solutions Architect
- Certified Scrum Master
- CompTIA Security+
- Google IT Support Certificate
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
These offer direct routes into lucrative career paths in tech, security, and management.
Common Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
Can you really earn $150k without a degree in fields outside tech and sales?
Yes, but it’s uncommon. Roles like air traffic controller, construction manager, or commercial pilot reach this level with certifications and years of experience.
How long does it take to reach a $150k salary without a degree?
In tech, 5–8 years with focused skill-building. In trades, often 10+ years and leadership roles.
Are there any entry-level jobs that pay $150k without a degree?
No. All high-paying roles without a degree require experience, certifications, or demonstrated skills.
What are the most overlooked paths to $150k without a degree?
– Air traffic control (FAA-certified)
– Construction site management
– Aviation roles with overtime (e.g., dispatchers, charter pilots)
How important are certifications versus experience for these roles?
Certifications are essential in aviation and trades. In tech and sales, experience and results matter more.
Can you transition to a $150k job without a degree if you have unrelated work experience?
Yes. Transferable skills help e.g., learning coding, getting sales experience, or getting certified in a new field.
Conclusion: Skills Over Degrees
In today’s job market, a college degree isn’t always needed to earn high wages. Practical skills, experience, and certifications often matter more. If you’re ready to skip the traditional educational path and invest in on the job training or certifications, you can reach a high salary in less time and with less debt than many college graduates.
Key Takeaways:
- No bachelor’s degree needed for many six figure jobs
- Focus on in demand skills like coding, project management, or sales
- Use certifications to prove your ability
- Consider trades, tech, aviation, and sales
- Skip college debt and build a career through real-world performance
