Jobs you can get with just a high school diploma

If you’re not looking to spend four years of your life (and a whole lot of money) on an undergraduate degree, know that there are plenty of well-paying jobs you can get with just a high school diploma.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average yearly salary in the US is $51,960 across all industries and positions. That’s less than $26/hour or $1,071 weekly.

However, the average earning we quoted above is for all professions and states; it doesn’t give a clear picture of what you could make in your home state let alone which job would be best suited for you. To draw a truer portrait, we’ve taken into consideration data from all states and outlined the common trends as well as the biggest outliers.

Below, you can see the average earnings by state in 2021.

Best-Paying States That Don’t Require a College Degree

If you don’t have a college education but still want to live in a pricey state like California or New York, you’ll be happy to learn that there are well-paid jobs in these areas that don’t require higher education.

However, regardless of your level of education, your future employer will always look at your experience first. This means that the more experience you gather in your line of work, the better chances you’ll have of scoring a top-earning position.

Here are the top five paying states where you generally won’t need a college degree to score one of the highest-income jobs.

5. Virginia

Average Salary: $58,430
Median Home Value: $298,800
Income Needed to Buy a Home: $48k (18.2x average wage)
Cost of Living Index: 103.4 (above the national average)
Property Tax: 5.86% (well above the nation’s 2.0%)
Income Tax Rate: 5.75% + local tax (maximal rate of 4%)

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Even though Virginia collects both an individual income tax and a corporate income tax, its progressive tax scale means lower earners are taxed at lower rates.

In Virginia, the state conforms to the federal tax laws, meaning they removed the $10,150 standard deduction for single filers (or $12,700 for those who are married and filing jointly). Instead, residents must use the federal adjusted gross income to calculate their taxes. However, the state does retain its own deductions, exemptions, and credits.

Virginia has a gross receipts tax called the B&O tax, short for business and occupation tax. All businesses are subject to this levy unless they’re specifically exempted.

The Commonwealth also levies a sales and use tax of 4.3%, which is added to the locality tax that ranges between 0% and 0.5%. In total, you can be taxed up to 5.3% on some of your purchases made within Virginia.

Some of the best-paying jobs in Virginia that don’t require a college degree are:

First Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives - $74,630
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators - $102,740
Power Plant Operators - $82,310
Elevator Installers and Repairers - $81,440
Radiation Therapists - $97,240

The most expensive city in Virginia is Alexandria with a median home value of $496,000, while the cheapest is Chesapeake priced at $211,300. The most populous urban area is Fairfax, home to 1,125,749 people, while the least populated city is Winchester, with “only” 27,756 residents.

4. Oregon

Average Salary: $58,950
Median Home Value: $417,300
Income Needed to Buy a Home: $46k (11.2x average wage)
Cost of Living Index: 111.3 (above the national average)
Property Tax: 1.11% (higher than the national median of 1.07%)
Income Tax Rate: 4.75% + several brackets (+5%, +9.6%, +11%)

Similar to Virginia, Oregon imposes both an income tax and a corporate income tax. Residents must pay a minimum tax of $150 regardless of their income if it falls below the federal tax threshold. Those who go on to file single should use the three-bracket system: 4.75%, 5.3%, and 9.9%; while those married and filing jointly will use a four-tiered structure: 4.75%, 5.3%, 9.9%, and 11%.

All personal income sources are taxable in Oregon except for retirement account distributions, annuities, pensions, social security, and certain types of retirement account contributions. Additionally, capital gains, dividends, and interest income are subject to the state’s income tax.

The state does offer several deductions and exemptions including a basic personal exemption ($4,020 in 2021), itemized deductions, medical expense deduction, senior citizen property tax deferral program, and veterans’ property tax waiver, among others.

There’s also a 0.5% payroll liability tax known as the Unemployment Insurance Tax that employers must pay to provide financial support to workers who lost their job through no fault of their own. Finally, Oregon charges a 0.1% Tax on Certain Services (TCS), which includes charging for tuition, legal services, admissions to exhibitions or shows, and more.

Buying a median-priced home in Portland – the most expensive city in Oregon – will cost you almost half a million dollars ($484,100), while the cheaper alternative is Grants Pass with $244,600. Meanwhile, the most populated city is Portland with 653,613 residents, while the least inhabited urban area is Joseph with only 435 people.

The best-paying jobs in Oregon that don’t require a four-year degree are:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists - $84,440
Nuclear Medicine Technicians - $82,350
Radiation Therapists - $90,080
Avionics Technicians - $79,930
Power Plant and System Operators, Including Furnace - $78,650

3. New Hampshire

Average Salary: $60,190
Median Home Value: $280,400
Income Needed to Buy a Home: $44k (11.3x average wage)
Cost of Living Index: 106.2 (above the national average)
Property Tax: 1.82% (higher than the national median of 1.07%)
Income Tax Rate: No general income/sales tax

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New Hampshire doesn’t impose a general income tax or a regular sales tax, making it an attractive place for businesses and employees alike.

However, the state does collect a number of other taxes such as the Business Enterprise Tax (a monthly or annual fee based on the gross receipts of the business); the Public Service Company Franchise Tax (an annual privilege tax paid by public utility companies operating in New Hampshire); the Real Estate Transfer Tax (paid by the buyer and calculated on a sliding scale depending on the property sale price); the Interest and Dividends Excise Tax (on all interest and dividend income of banks and trust companies); and the Meals and Rentals Tax, to name a few.

Visit our complete guide to learn about all the different taxes New Hampshire uses to generate revenue.

With a median home value of $280,400, Manchester is the place to buy a property in New Hampshire, while Nashua offers the more affordable option at $267,400. Concord is the largest city with 43,751 residents, while Lanpher is the smallest urban area with “just” 573 people.

Some of the best-paying jobs in New Hampshire that don’t require a bachelor’s diploma are:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists - $87,160
Nuclear Medicine Technicians - $83,110
Avionics Technicians - $79,820
Power Plant and System Operators, Including Furnaces - $76,360
Radiation Therapists - $86,330

2. Washington

Average Salary: $63,290
Median Home Value: $447,100
Income Needed to Buy a Home: $46k (10.6x average wage)
Cost of Living Index: 119.4 (significantly above the national average)
Property Tax: 1.01% (slightly higher than the national median)
Income Tax Rate: A flat 9% rate

Washington State has a single-rate income tax set at 9.9% without any deductions or exemptions. Residents and nonresidents are required to pay this tax regardless of the amount earned. There’s also a number of other state-level taxes including the Business & Occupation Tax (imposed on virtually every business transacting business in the state); real estate excise tax (paid by the seller and calculated as a percentage of the selling price); motor vehicle sales and use tax (paid by the buyer if no excise tax was charged when purchasing the car); and fuel venture margin tax, to list the most important ones.

Additionally, the state imposes a number of miscellaneous taxes like the Carbon Emissions Allowance, Cigarette Tax, Beer and Malt Liquor Tax, Wine and Distilled spirits Tax, etc. Local governments can also levy their own taxes such as municipalities and transit sales tax, charter county fire prevention and suppression district property tax, and so on.

If you’d like to learn more about them, check our comprehensive guide on Washington taxes.

The most expensive city in Washington to buy a house in is Seattle with a median home value of $493,800, while the cheaper alternative is Pasco priced at $275,800. On the other hand, the most populous urban area is Seattle with 754,955 residents, while the least populated city is Pateros with 1,034 people.

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Some of the best-paying jobs in Washington that don’t require a bachelor’s degree are:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists - $91,050
Radiation Therapists - $90,350
Nuclear Medicine Technicians - $86,330
Avionics Technicians - $82,150
Power Plant and System Operators, Including Furnaces - $78,970

1. District of Columbia

Average Salary: $66,710
Median Home Value: $604,100
Income Needed to Buy a Home: $50k (101.5x average wage)
Cost of Living Index: 131.3 (much higher than the national average)
Property Tax: 0.71% (well below the national median of 1.07%)
Income Tax Rate: 6% for incomes over $1,060 (single filers) or $2,120 (married couples) + a additional 4% DC income tax

DC imposes both an income tax and an unemployment insurance tax (0.6% – 6.2% depending on the year the wages were earned). There’s also a Net Income Tax on nonresident individuals who earn income in DC.

What’s more, the district charges a number of other taxes including the Bankhead Hughes Airport Transportation Facilities Use Fee, Building Alterations and Rehabilitation Tax, Communications Central Switching Facility Fee, Communications Local Exchange Carrier Surcharge, Communications Local Number Portability Fee, Communications Monthly Recurring Charge, Communications Monthly User Fee, Communications Non-Domestic Public Switched Telephone Network Access Fee, Communications Special Event Fee, Communications Telecommunications Relay Service Fee, Communications Utility Users Tax, Construction Excise Tax, Energy Conservation Construction Code Violation Fee, Hotel Lodging Fee, Intangible Personal Property Tax (for certain intangibles), Motor Vehicle Rental Fee, Motor Vehicle Title Advalorem Fee, Motor Vehicle Title Fee, Parking Tax, Personal Property Tax, Plastic Bag Fee, Recordation Mortgage Tax, Retailers’ Admissions and Amusement Fee, Retailers’ Groceries Fee, Retailers’ Laundry and Drycleaning Fee, Retailers’ Lottery Tickets Fee, Retailers’ Motor Vehicle Fuel Fee, Retailers’ Restaurant Fee, Reporting Fee, Sales and Use Taxes, Solid Waste Disposal Fee, Telecommunications Relay Service Funding Fee, Telephone Excise Tax, Transient Payroll Tax, Trip Fee, Use Fee, Vehicles and Mechanical Equipment Rental Fee, Water Entry Fee, and more!

As you can see, DC has more than 50 different taxes, but why? Well, the US Constitution denies DC representation in Congress, so the city can’t use taxes to fund the programs it’s been granted authority over. As a result, the city has to get creative and find other ways to raise the necessary funds.

Luckily, buying a median-priced property in Washington, DC, isn’t as painful as some of the other options on this list. With $604,100, you should be able to find a nice home for yourself. On the other hand, if you wanted to live in Hyattsville – the most affordable option at $317,300. The most populous city in Washington, DC, is Washington with 705,838 residents, while the least populated is Brentwood with 7,430 people.

When it comes to the highest-paying jobs in Washington, DC, that don’t require a four-year degree, these include:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists - $101,030
Radiation Therapists - $96,370
Nuclear Medicine Technician - $93,820
Avionics Technicians - $84,910
Power Plant and System Operators, Including Furnaces - $81,410

15 Top-Earning Jobs That Don’t Require a Bachelor’s Degree

Although the five highest-paying states tend to require higher salaries due to the cost of living, there are some high-income jobs across the country that don’t necessitate a university degree. Below, you can see 15 of the best-paying jobs that allow you to make six figures annually without spending four years of your life in an educational facility.

Radiation Therapist – $96,130 | Unlike radiologic technologists who specialize in imaging, radiation therapists use linear accelerators, teletherapy units, and other machines to deliver high doses of radiation to malignant tumors while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue and organs. These pros work under the supervision of a radiological physicist, medical physicist, or radiation oncologist. They assess each patient’s condition; operate machines to deliver radiation; and keep records of treatments delivered. Depending on the state, radiation therapists may need to be licensed. According to BLS projections, radiation therapy jobs will grow by 7% through 2029 – 2% more than the national average for all professions. Most radiation therapists hold an associate degree in radiation therapy or a related field; however, some states require you to have a license to practice.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist – $80,380 | These healthcare workers are responsible for helping physicians diagnose medical problems by using magnetic fields, computers, and radio waves to create images of the human body. Their tasks include preparing patients for exams; following strict safety protocols; adjusting equipment settings; and working closely with physicians and other radiology professionals. Like radiation therapists, some states require MRIs to obtain a license before they start practicing. Although many MRI techs hold an associate degree, a two-year certificate or a bachelor’s degree in a related field may be needed. The demand for MRI technologists is expected to increase by 7% through 2029.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist – $79,620 | These medical professionals play a major role in diagnosis, monitoring treatment, and evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic drugs. They work closely with nurses, doctors, and other nuclear medicine technologists to perform procedures that involve administering radioactive material (also known as radiotracers) to patients either by injection, inhalation, or ingestion. Next, they operate cameras to produce images of the human body; process and analyze data; and provide patient care. Some states require them to obtain licensure before practicing. Many nuclear medicine technicians hold an associate degree in nuclear medicine technology, but a certificate or a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for entry-level positions. The BLS projects that employment for nuclear medicine technologists will rise by 7% through 2029, which is slightly faster than the national average for all professions.
Avionics Technician – $78,100 | Also known as avionics maintenance technicians, avionics systems specialists, electronic systems specialist, or instrument mechanic, these pros install, maintain, test, and repair avionics systems and instruments used in fixed-wing civil aviation and rotary-wing aircraft. Specifically, they service global positioning systems (GPS), weather radar, air data computers, voice cockpit communications, and navigation devices. They follow manufacturer instructions and aviation regulations to ensure safe flights. Depending on where they work, they may also assist pilots during preflight inspections and help perform calculations relating to takeoff weight and balance. Avionics technicians typically hold an associate degree in avionics technology or a related field.
Power Plant and System Operator, Including Furnaces – $77,740 | These professionals operate or watch over various types of equipment to generate electricity. For example, they may control boardsto monitor and direct the flow of volts, amperes, and watts; operate drills and shovels to remove minerals; or use computers to regulate the speed of turbines. It’s crucial for power plant operators to maintain a stable electrical grid while ensuring efficient operation. System operators often communicate with other utilities to balance demand with available supplies. Both power plant and system operators typically hold an associate degree in a related field. Employment for power plant operators is projected to decline 10% by 2029. On the flip side, the BLS expects the number of line installers and system operators to rise by 6% – on par with the national average.
First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives – $71,730 | Also referred to as patrol sergeants, police sergeants, shift supervisors, watch sergeants, and patrol managers, these law enforcement officials direct and supervise police officers. Specifically, they prepare work schedules; review and approve reports; hire, train, and discipline staff; and ensure that patrol duties are carried out effectively. They may also mediate disputes, maintain order at public events, and perform investigations. Becoming a first-line supervisor usually requires at least an associate degree in criminal justice or a related field. The BLS projects that employment for first-line supervisors of police and detectives will drop by 5% through 2029.
Elevator Installer and Repairer – $81,190 | Elevator installers and repairers – also known as mechanical device installers and repairers – build, alter, test, debug, repair, replace, and modify elevators, escalators, moving walkways, lifts, and mechanically operated components. They frequently work with computerized hydraulic or electric systems. Before beginning work, these pros study blueprints and consult with clients to determine project specifications. They fasten beams to walls or ceilings; connect wires to circuit breakers; replace or fix motors, switches, cables, and signals; and replace or adjust parts such as bearings, gears, and loops. Most elevator installers and repairers hold an associate degree or a postsecondary certificate. The number of elevator installers and repairers is projected to decrease by 9% through 2029.
Air Traffic Controller – $126,440 | Air traffic controllers ensure the safe transportation of people and cargo by visually observing and directing aircraft on the ground and in the air. They use radar screens, scanners, and other sensitive devices to track airplanes; issue instructions via telephone or radio; and maintain constant communication with airport towers and other air traffic facilities. Controllers may also manage flight patterns to avoid inclement weather, restricted airspace, and collisions. To enter this profession, you must pass rigorous training at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy and on the job. Additional security clearances and medical requirements may apply. The BLS doesn’t project employment for air traffic controllers separately from air traffic technicians; instead, the agency estimates that both roles will decline by 10% through 2029.
Detective and Criminal Investigator – $86,940 | Private detectives and investigators – sometimes called private eyes, private detectives, private investigators, or PI – investigate possible wrongdoing to uncover facts about legal, financial, and personal matters. They interview people; collect information; and give preliminary and final reports to their clients. They may specialize in areas such as worker’s compensation claims, background searches, surveillance, cybercrime, or intellectual property infringement. Most states don’t mandate licensure for private eyes; however, certification may enhance your credibility. You can enter this profession with an associate or a bachelor’s degree. The demand for private detectives and investigators is expected to remain stagnant through 2029.
Construction Manager – $97,180 | Also known as construction superintendents, construction supervisors, construction foremen, building project managers, construction managers, and construction site managers, these pros plan, coordinate, budget, and control construction projects from start to finish. They direct activities such as procurement, contract administration, quality control, scheduling, risk management, and communication between stakeholders. Many construction managers hold a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, or a related field. The number of construction managers is estimated to grow by 1% through 2029 – essentially zero growth.
Surveying and Mapping Technician – $66,630 | Surveying and mapping technicians – also called surveying technicians, draftspersons, map analysts, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and land surveyors – assist surveying and mapping professionals by performing tasks such as measuring land to create maps; calculating dimensions and areas; setting up surveillance equipment; and helping prepare reports. They may use geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning system (GPS) receivers, and total stations. Associate degrees are often required for this role. The demand for surveying and mapping technicians is anticipated to fall by 4% through 2029.
Gaming Manager – $96,750 | Gaming managers – also called casino managers, casino managers, gaming supervisors, and poker room managers – oversee daily operations at casinos and cardrooms to provide guests with enjoyable experiences. They hire and train employees; develop game rules and promotions; maintain financial records; resolve guest issues; and ensure compliance with legal regulations. Most gaming managers hold a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business administration, or a similar major. The number of gaming managers is estimated to drop by 4% through 2029.
Computer Network Support Specialist – $66,840 | Computer network support specialists – also known as help desk technicians, IT support specialists, network support specialists, technical support specialists, desktop support specialists, computer support specialists, IT support specialists, network administrators, network engineers, and network architects – provide technical assistance to computer users and organizations. They install, configure, operate, and optimize local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and infrastructure software; respond to user help requests; and troubleshoot hardware and software issues. They may perform regular backups, institute security measures, and train staff on how to use computer systems. Most network support specialists hold a postsecondary certificate or an associate degree in a related field. The demand for computer network support specialists is predicted to rise by 5% through 2029.
Fire Inspector and Investigator – $61,080 | Fire inspectors and investigators – also called code officials, fire marshals, fire preventers, fire prevention officers, fire protection engineers, fire safety engineers, and safety engineers – examine properties to identify fire hazards and violations of fire codes. They also investigate the causes of fires and explosions. Based on their findings, these pros develop plans to prevent future incidents. They may visit commercial, industrial, residential, and public buildings; conduct interviews; and analyze evidence. Many fire inspectors and investigators hold an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in fire science, safety science, or a related field. The number of fire inspectors and investigators is anticipated to hold steady through 2029.
Business Operations Manager – $101,290 | Business operations managers – also called administrative services managers, administration managers, operations directors, and facility managers – oversee support services such as human resources, building operations, security, food services, copy centers, and mail distribution. They develop policies and procedures; prepare budgets; collaborate with cross-functional teams; and ensure regulatory compliance. Many business operations managers hold a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field. The demand for business operations managers is estimated to grow by 7% through 2029.

How Much Do Jobs That Require No College Make per Year?

Of the 15 highest-paying jobs that don’t necessitate a bachelor’s degree, seven exceed $70,000 annually. Notably, the top three jobs on this list are in the medical field.

While many people assume that a college degree is required for well-paying jobs, the truth is that you can earn a comfortable living without spending four years and tens of thousands of dollars on higher education. Of course, certain careers will always require advanced academic work such as becoming a doctor, lawyer, or professor. But opportunities abound in the modern economy for people who possess strong practical skills and enjoy working with their hands or using sophisticated machinery and technology.

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We hope this information helps you chart a rewarding career path that aligns with your strengths, interests, and lifestyle goals. If you need further advice, please consider chatting with a knowledgeable casino industry professional like myself. I wish you all the best as you navigate your future.

*Salary data provided by BLS.gov as of April 2022.