With the economy becoming more complex by the day, it can be difficult to find and enter a stable career that will stay in demand and be able to cover the ever-increasing cost of living. College is a significant investment of time and money that is not guaranteed to pay off soon after employment, if at all. Trade schools and the careers they train students for have much lower and cheaper barriers to entry and, in the right fields, comparable or better returns on investment. Below, we’ve compiled a list of trade careers that do not require degrees but still pay comparably to or better than careers that require degrees. We hope to be able to help you find success and fulfillment in whatever career you choose.
In these descriptions, we have gathered information on typical income levels for these fields from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and compared it to median incomes by education level according to Indeed. For reference, Indeed’s findings are that those with only a high school diploma earn a median income of $38,972 and that those with a Bachelor’s Degree earn a median income of $64,896.
1. Airline Pilots
Income: Airline pilots make a median income of $126,470, with the middle 50% of incomes ranging from $100,110 to $202,180, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This field outearns the median high school graduate without a college education by $87,678 and outearns bachelor’s degree holders by $61,574, according to Indeed.
Function: Airline pilots ensure that their assigned aircraft is in good working order prior to the flight and keep passengers informed of changes in arrival and other relevant safety factors such as expected turbulence and weather. Airline pilots also work with their copilots to keep their flights on the correct path and ensure that upon arrival all holding patterns and air traffic control instructions are followed to ensure the safety of their own passengers as well as those on other flights.
Education: Airline pilots only need a high school diploma and to complete a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-certified licensing program. This requires that they complete a set number of guided flight hours.
2. Construction Managers
Income: Construction managers make a median income of $98,890, with the middle 50% of incomes ranging from $76,960 to $127,110, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This field outearns the median high school graduate without a college education by $60,098 and outearns bachelor’s degree holders by $33,994, according to Indeed.
Function: As leaders and planners over teams, making plans for job sites, managing project budgets, and overseeing progress are among the primary duties of a construction manager. They ensure that all projects are completed by their deadline and tackle problems within client budgets.
Education: While many existing companies will require degrees or more formal training, it is relatively simple to start one’s own construction business with no education requirements, and degrees are not explicitly required for this line of work. It would certainly be best to have experience in construction and budgeting, so most people starting construction companies have extensive hands-on experience.
3. Elevator and Escalator Technicians
Income: Elevator and escalator technicians make a median income of $97,860, with the middle 50% of incomes ranging from $62,190 to $117,350, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This field outearns the median high school graduate without a college education by $59,068 and outearns bachelor’s degree holders by $32,964, according to Indeed.
Function: An elevator and/or escalator technician’s duties include installations, repairs, and maintenance for escalators, elevators, and other cables- or belt-based transportation equipment to keep them up and running. Additionally, these professionals assemble mechanical goods and machines for manufacturing and factories, which often use conveyor belts and related devices.
Education: Elevator and escalator technicians do not need any college experience to enter the field, but they will need to complete trade courses and/or an apprenticeship to find employment as technicians. Most state or local unions offer trade schooling and/or apprenticeship programs to help train new members to help expand and perpetuate the line of work.
4. Electrical Line Installers and Repairers
Income: Electrical line installers and repairers make a median income of $78,310, with the middle 50% of incomes ranging from $60,480 to $99,000, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This field outearns the median high school graduate without a college education by $39,518 and outearns bachelor’s degree holders by $13,414, according to Indeed.
Function: Installing, repairing, and maintaining the integrity of electrical equipment all fall within the skillset and functions of power line installers and repairers. These workers must climb utility poles and dig underground to access and install or repair high-voltage wires to keep lights on and data moving for the general public. These laborers can sometimes get significant overtime pay in blackouts and weather damage situations where power must be restored quickly overnight.
Education: Powerline technicians only need to complete high school or equivalent education and an apprenticeship that can take as little as 8 weeks, depending on location. Some colleges and trade schools offer programs equivalent to or preparatory to this apprenticeship.
5. Dental Hygienists
Income: Dental hygienists make a median income of $77,810, with the middle 50% of incomes ranging from $73,540 to $98,260, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This field outearns the median high school graduate without a college education by $39,518 and outearns bachelor’s degree holders by $12,914, according to Indeed.
Function: Dental hygienists provide vital assistance to dentists and their nurses by ensuring patient comfort and enjoyment, taking x-rays and other vital imaging, and ensuring facility efficiency. Because these positions are always in dental offices, most, if not all, dental hygienists get some form of dental coverage as part of their employment.
Education: Dental hygienists need at minimum an Associate’s Degree in dental hygiene from a school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation to join a dental practice. Aspiring hygienists can also increase their skill marketability by getting a four-year Bachelor’s Degree
6. Aircraft Mechanics
Income: Aircraft mechanics make a median income of $65,380, with the middle 50% of incomes ranging from $50,330 to $79,540, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This field outearns the median high school graduate without a college education by $26,588 and outearns bachelor’s degree holders by $484, according to Indeed.
Function: In accordance with Federal Aviation Administration requirements, aircraft mechanics maintain planes to keep them in excellent working order and safe for passengers. Their duties also include keeping inventory records and performing routine repairs and checkups.
Education: A minimum of eighteen months of training from a program recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration is required to become an airplane mechanic. Some college classes and programs can also count toward this requirement.
7. Boilermakers
Income: Boilermakers make a median income of $64,920, with the middle 50% of incomes ranging from $56,430 to $79,320, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This field outearns the median high school graduate without a college education by $26,128 and outearns bachelor’s degree holders by $24, according to Indeed.
Function: Boilers and other large containers that carry gases and liquids, such as oil, are built, maintained, and placed by a boilermaker. They also ensure quality and functionality by checking blueprints, manufacturing parts, repairing or replacing systems, and assembling pieces together through methods like welding, bolting, and riveting.
Education: Boilermakers need only have a high school diploma or equivalent to complete an apprenticeship with a working and experienced boilermaker. This allows the apprentice to become familiar with the methods and standards of the industry.
8. Computer Support Specialists
Income: Computer support specialists make a median income of $62,760, with the middle 50% of incomes ranging from $48,900 to $80,220, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This field outearns the median high school graduate without a college education by $23,968 but earns less than bachelor’s degree holders by $2,136, according to Indeed.
Function: Computer support specialists recognize issues with and keep track of information technology systems. They help clients or coworkers identify and tackle computer hardware and software problems and install applications. An IT technician’s other duties include training users on how to use software and planning and carrying out computer maintenance and repairs.
Education: Computer support technicians are often required to have completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to be granted employment. The relevant degree programs will typically involve becoming familiar with various coding languages such as C++ and Python.
9. Millwrights
Income: Millwrights make a median income of $60,330, with the middle 50% of incomes ranging from $47,540 to $76,110, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This field outearns the median high school graduate without a college education by $21,538 but earns less than bachelor’s degree holders by $4,566, according to Indeed.
Function: Millwrights work with manufacturing equipment to keep all necessary hardware for production available and operational. They procure, assemble, and install machinery and equipment for mills and plants. These workers frequently operate in close tandem with their clients and machinery manufacturers to ensure the quality of builds and assembly.
Education: According to CareerExplorer, the majority of millwrights have only high school degrees and on-the-job training under their belts. Others will have relevant certificates and associate’s degrees as well, making it easier to find higher-paying positions.
10. Electricians
Income: Electricians make a median income of $60,040, with the middle 50% of incomes ranging from $46,900 to $77,350, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This field outearns the median high school graduate without a college education by $23,968, but earns less than bachelor’s degree holders by $2,136, according to Indeed.
Function: Electricians maintain telephone lines, control systems, and electrical circuits in residences and businesses. The expertise and particularity of electricians ensure their clients are safe and comfortable. Preventive maintenance and careful repairs are imperative for electricians to keep systems working and safe.
Education: No education above a high school diploma or its equivalent is needed to be an electrician, but on-the-job training and a strong grasp of basic math are imperative for success in this field. Some electricians can make more money by attending trade schools and colleges to earn certificates and degrees.