10 Highest Paying Jobs in the World Without a Degree

In this article, we take a look at the 10 highest paying jobs in the world without a degree. For more such jobs, go to 25 Highest Paying Jobs in the World without a Degree.

10. Sales Representative (Cars, Pharma, Technical: North America)

Average Salary: $100,000

Sales representatives in North America can easily make six figures on average. Different industries can have different margins, but sales reps’ averages are usually helped by jobs in the cars, pharma and technical industries, where college education helps, but is not necessary.

9. Electrician

Average Salary: $102,300

An electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems for residential, commercial, and industrial structures. In addition to installing wiring and electrical components and testing electrical systems to ensure they operate correctly, they also read blueprints. 

They also identify and fix electrical problems like bad wiring and power disruptions. An electrician is responsible for ensuring electrical systems are reliable, secure, and adhere to building codes. Due to the high demand of their skillset, electricians earn higher than the market average.

8. Train Conductor

Average Salary: $110,000

Train conductors ensure safe and efficient operation of the passenger and freight trains. Some of their duties include checking the brakes, lights, and other safety features; assigning tasks and communicating instructions to the train crew. 

Other duties involve ensuring that passengers board and disembark the train safely and efficiently; checking tickets and verifying passenger information; and communicating with the engineer and other members of the train crew to ensure that the train is running smoothly and safely. Train conductors, on average, make $110,000 a year. However, the hours can get tough to manage.

7. Tow Boat Captain

Average Salary: $120,000

Tow Boat Captains earn, on average, $120,000, on small boats especially in countries like the US. Companies like SEA TOW pay their captains $144,000 a year, as per Indeed. 

A tow boat captain is responsible for piloting a towboat and its cargo through waterways. They are typically employed by shipping and logistics companies.

The captain’s responsibilities include overseeing the loading and unloading of cargo, maintaining the vessel’s mechanical systems, and navigating the boat through changing water conditions. They also work closely with other crew members, such as deckhands and engineers, to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.

6. Web Developer

Average Salary: $120,991

A web developer creates and builds web pages for customers or businesses. They use a range of programming languages to develop a website’s design, functionality, and interactivity, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. 

Another thing they guarantee is a responsive website optimized for different platforms and devices. A web developer aims to produce a user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and functional website which satisfies the customer’s or business’s requirements.

5. Locomotive Engineer

Average Salary: $125,000

The train’s operation is overseen by locomotive engineers. They are in charge of driving the train, knowing the track speed, which has to be changed numerous times, activating the bell and blowing the horn at intersections, paying attention to and following the signals, among a plethora of other duties. Locomotive engineers do both short and long hauls, with the latter taking typically 10 hours or more.

4. Air-Traffic Controller (US)

Average Salary: $129,750

The median salary for air traffic controllers in the US is $129,750, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, making it one of the highest-paying jobs without a degree. Speaking of which, you typically don’t need a degree to be considered by the FAA if you have a general work experience of three years. Other conditions include being the age of 30 or under. In the US, air-traffic control is one of the few jobs without degrees that pay six figures.

3. Reactor Operator

Average Salary: $130,000

Reactor Operators work in nuclear power plants and their job is to ensure safe and efficient operation of a nuclear reactor. Their main duties include monitoring and controlling the reactor’s parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and power level, to ensure that it operates within safe limits. 

They also monitor the status of safety systems and take corrective actions if necessary.Reactor operators are highly trained professionals who must be able to respond quickly and effectively to any emergency situations that may arise.

2. Private Military Contractor (PMC)

Average Salary: $173,000

If you have a military, law enforcement and/or a logistics work background, but don’t have a college education, private military contracts are one gig to consider. Their annual salary figure has been averaged out based on the monthly salaries for static security, personal security and roving security, which are $15,493, $14,405 and $13,403, respectively, on Indeed. 

Private military contractors (PMCs) are companies that provide military services to governments, international organizations, and private clients. They may offer a range of services, including security, intelligence, and training.

1. Commercial Pilot

Average Salary: $202,180

It is the duty of a commercial pilot to fly an airplane safely and effectively. They carry out pre-flight inspections, control the plane’s systems, interact with air traffic controllers, and navigate the aircraft while it is in the air. They also keep an eye on the weather and modify their flying plans as necessary. A commercial pilot’s mission is to timely and safely deliver passengers or cargo to their location. The median salary of a commercial airline pilot, as per ATP Flight School, is $202,180.

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