5 Jobs That Pay Six Figures and Don't Require a College Degree

I think we've all heard someone say "You have to go to college if you want a good job" at least half a dozen times in our lives. And while there's no denying that a college education opens the door to many higher-paying positions, there are still quite a few jobs that offer great salaries to those who took a different path in life.

Here are five careers that pay upwards of six figures and are available to those with less than a bachelor's degree.

1. Air traffic controller

Air traffic controllers made about $129,750 on average in 2021. Though many in this field have bachelor's degrees, they're not required. It's possible to become an air traffic controller with an associate's degree from an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative Program. You'll also have to be a U.S. citizen and submit yourself for medical, background, and other pre-employment tests. Once you're hired, you'll undergo more than 12 months of on-the-job training.

All of this is necessary because you'll literally have thousands of people's lives in your hands every day. But if you can handle that responsibility, you should be able to put quite a bit into your savings account each year.

2. Commercial pilot

Sticking with the air travel theme, you can also make great money as a commercial pilot. The median salary in 2021 was $134,630, and some pilots earn much more than this.

You don't need a bachelor's degree to become a commercial pilot, though some employers may prefer it. But you will need to attend a flight school and put in a lot of hours up in the sky. This isn't always cheap because you'll need to pay to rent or buy a plane and pay for its fuel.

3. Elevator installer

Elevator installers and repair people had a median salary of $97,860 in 2021, and there are plenty who earn six figures as well. This is a great option for those who are mechanically inclined, especially those who live in urban areas where elevators are a common fixture.

You don't need any sort of advanced degree to be an elevator installer, though most states require you to be licensed. In order to obtain that license, you'll have to apprentice yourself to a practicing elevator installer to learn the ropes.

4. Nuclear technician

Nuclear technicians work in the offices of nuclear power plants to monitor the reactors and make sure everything is running smoothly. The median salary for this position in 2021 was $99,340, and you only need an associate's degree to enter this field.

The high pay makes sense when you consider there's a chance you'll be exposed to nuclear radiation working in a power plant. You could also have to work nights, weekends, or even holidays.

5. Software developer

Software developers are in high demand right now, with the median salary in 2021 sitting at $109,020. Many people in this field have at least a bachelor's degree, and there are some employers who will only hire candidates with a college education. But this isn't always the case.

Some companies are willing to hire software developers without a degree as long as they can demonstrate that they actually know how to do the work. You may need to show them some projects you've done in the past or outline the extent of your self-education if you learned software development through online courses.

These are just a few examples of the kinds of well-paying opportunities available to those without college degrees. In pretty much all cases, you still have to be willing to put in the time and money to obtain some sort of education, whether that's an associate's degree or on-the-job training. But don't let that discourage you. Decide on your long-term goal and then break it down into smaller steps. It might take some time, but it can make a huge difference to your long-term personal finances.