A four-year college degree can open doors. But it isn’t the only key that works.

For years, students have been told that the safest path to a good income is simple: go to college, get a degree, find a professional job, and work your way up.

That path still makes sense for many people.

But it’s not the only path anymore.

There are careers where employers care more about what you can do, what you’ve learned, and whether you can get the job done than whether you spent four years in a university classroom.

Some of these careers require technical training. Some require an apprenticeship. Some require a license or certification. Others are careers where you can start at an entry-level position and work your way up.

And yes, some can eventually reach $70,000 or more per year.

But there’s an important catch.

You probably won’t walk into your first day on the job making $70K.

That’s not how most careers work.

The $70K figure is better thought of as a potential earning level after gaining experience, developing your skills, moving into a specialized position, working overtime, earning commissions, or taking on more responsibility.

For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that elevator and escalator installers and repairers had a median annual wage of $106,580 in May 2024, while power-line installers and repairers had a median wage of $92,560. Neither occupation typically requires a traditional four-year college degree for entry. (bls.gov)

So if you’re not planning to spend four years getting a degree—or you’ve already decided that college isn’t for you—there are still plenty of options worth exploring.

Here are 15 careers that can offer a path to $70K+ without requiring a traditional bachelor’s degree.

1. Electrician

Electricians are one of the clearest examples of a career where a traditional university degree isn’t necessarily required.

Every building needs electricity.

Homes need electrical systems. Businesses need them. Factories need them. Hospitals need them. Construction projects need them.

And someone has to install, repair and maintain all of it.

Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship, where they combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training.

The work can involve:

• Installing wiring
• Reading electrical diagrams
• Repairing electrical systems
• Installing lighting
• Maintaining equipment
• Troubleshooting electrical problems
• Working on construction projects

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that electricians had a 2024 median annual wage of $62,350, with the highest 10% earning more than $106,030. Employment is projected to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034. (bls.gov)

So while $70K isn’t guaranteed, experienced electricians can move beyond that level, particularly depending on location, specialization, overtime and whether they eventually run their own business.

Why consider it?

You learn a practical skill that people will continue to need.

And unlike many desk jobs, it’s difficult to outsource someone’s electrical work in a building to another country.

2. Plumber

Plumbing isn’t glamorous.

But that’s exactly why it’s worth paying attention to.

When someone’s pipes burst at 2 a.m., they aren’t looking for an online tutorial.

They need a professional who can fix the problem.

Plumbers install and repair systems that carry water, gas and waste through residential and commercial buildings.

The work can include:

• Installing pipes
• Repairing leaks
• Installing fixtures
• Maintaining water systems
• Working on heating systems
• Reading building plans
• Diagnosing plumbing problems

Like electricians, plumbers commonly enter the trade through apprenticeships and on-the-job training.

The BLS reports a 2024 median annual wage of $62,970 for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, with the highest 10% earning more than $105,150. (bls.gov)

And experienced professionals can earn more through overtime, specialized work or eventually running their own plumbing company.

The bigger opportunity

There’s another reason this career is interesting.

An employee earns a wage.

A business owner can earn from the work of an entire team.

That’s one reason experienced tradespeople sometimes move from doing the work themselves into running a local service business.

3. Elevator and Escalator Installer or Repairer

This is one of the lesser-known careers on the list.

Most people don’t think about elevator technicians until an elevator stops working.

Then suddenly, they’re very important.

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, maintain and repair elevators, escalators and similar equipment.

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for this occupation was $106,580 in 2024, and the highest 10% earned more than $149,250. The typical entry-level education is a high school diploma or equivalent, with workers generally learning through an apprenticeship. (bls.gov)

That’s well above the $70K target.

Why does it pay so well?

Part of the reason is that the work is specialized.

It’s technical.

It’s physical.

And mistakes aren’t something you can casually ignore.

You’ll need training and often licensing or certification requirements depending on where you live.

But if you’re comfortable working with machinery and don’t mind heights or confined spaces, it’s an unusual career worth researching.

4. Aircraft Mechanic

If you like airplanes but don’t want to become a pilot, there’s another option.

Aircraft maintenance.

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians inspect, maintain and repair airplanes and other aircraft.

The job can involve:

• Checking engines
• Inspecting aircraft systems
• Repairing mechanical problems
• Maintaining electrical systems
• Following safety procedures
• Keeping detailed maintenance records

The BLS reports a 2024 median annual wage of $78,680 for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians. The typical entry-level education is a postsecondary nondegree award rather than a bachelor’s degree. (bls.gov)

That’s already above the $70K mark.

Of course, this isn’t a casual career.

Aircraft maintenance requires serious technical knowledge and attention to detail.

When you’re working on something carrying hundreds of passengers through the sky, “close enough” isn’t good enough.

Best suited for

Someone who likes mechanical work, technology, precision and structured procedures.

5. Commercial Driver

If you’re comfortable spending a lot of time on the road, commercial driving can offer a relatively direct path into the workforce.

Long-haul truck drivers transport goods across cities, states and countries.

And the modern economy depends heavily on them.

Food needs to move.

Cars need to move.

Building materials need to move.

Online orders need to move.

The BLS reports a 2024 median annual wage of $57,440 for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers. The highest 10% earned more than $78,800. (bls.gov)

So $70K isn’t automatic.

But experienced drivers, specialized drivers, owner-operators and workers in certain segments can potentially earn considerably more.

The downside

This lifestyle isn’t for everyone.

Long hours away from home, irregular schedules and extended periods of driving can be difficult.

So don’t choose trucking just because you’ve heard someone can make $80K.

Choose it if the actual lifestyle works for you.

6. Real Estate Agent

Real estate is one of the few careers where your income isn’t necessarily tied to a fixed salary.

You help people buy, sell or rent property, and your income can come through commissions.

That creates a very different earning structure.

A beginner may earn very little while building a client base.

Someone who develops a strong network and consistently closes deals can potentially earn much more.

The BLS reports a 2024 median annual wage of $56,320 for real estate sales agents, while the highest 10% earned more than $125,140. Real estate brokers had a median annual wage of $72,280. (bls.gov)

What makes this interesting?

You don’t necessarily need a four-year degree.

You generally need the required licensing and training for your location.

But your income can depend heavily on:

• Your network
• Local housing conditions
• Sales ability
• Reputation
• Number of transactions
• Property values

If you’re naturally good with people and comfortable with sales, this could be worth exploring.

7. Web Developer

Not every technology career requires a computer science degree.

Web development is one example.

A web developer builds and maintains websites and web applications.

You can start learning with:

HTML → CSS → JavaScript

Then move into frameworks, databases and more advanced development.

The BLS reports a 2024 median annual wage of $90,930 for web developers and digital interface designers, although educational requirements vary by employer and role. Some employers may prefer a bachelor’s degree, while others may accept demonstrated skills and experience. (bls.gov)

This is an important distinction.

You don’t necessarily need a degree.

But you do need to prove that you can build things.

Your portfolio matters

Instead of saying:

“I know JavaScript.”

Show:

• A website you built
• An interactive application
• A small business website
• A useful web tool
• A personal project

In technology, your work can sometimes speak louder than your educational background.

8. IT Support Specialist

Here’s a realistic starting point for people who like technology but don’t want to spend years learning advanced programming.

IT support specialists help people and companies solve computer-related problems.

That might mean:

• Setting up computers
• Troubleshooting software
• Managing user accounts
• Fixing connectivity issues
• Installing applications
• Supporting employees
• Maintaining systems

Entry-level IT support jobs don’t always pay $70K.

But IT can be a career ladder.

You might start in help desk support and later move into:

System administration → Cloud → Networking → Cybersecurity → IT management

The BLS reports that computer user support specialists had a 2024 median annual wage of $60,340, while computer network support specialists had a median of $73,340. (bls.gov)

The important thing is not necessarily your first salary.

It’s where the skill can take you.

9. Sales Representative

If you’re comfortable talking to people, asking questions and handling rejection, sales can become a surprisingly lucrative career.

And you don’t need a four-year degree for many sales positions.

Companies sell everything from software and advertising to medical equipment, construction products and industrial machinery.

The more valuable the product and the more complex the sale, the more specialized the salesperson often needs to be.

Some sales jobs also include commissions, meaning your total income can rise substantially when you perform well.

The BLS reports that sales occupations cover a wide range of jobs and compensation structures, so earnings vary significantly by industry and position. (bls.gov)

The skill isn’t just talking

Good salespeople know how to:

• Listen
• Ask questions
• Understand customer problems
• Explain value
• Negotiate
• Follow up
• Build relationships

And here’s the interesting thing:

Sales is useful even if you eventually start your own business.

Every business needs customers.

10. Insurance Sales Agent

Insurance isn’t usually the first career young people dream about.

But financially, it can be interesting.

Insurance sales agents help customers choose policies such as:

• Life insurance
• Health insurance
• Auto insurance
• Property insurance
• Business insurance

The BLS reports a 2024 median annual wage of $60,370, with the highest 10% earning more than $135,660. Insurance sales agents generally need a high school diploma or equivalent plus a state license. (bls.gov)

Again, the $70K figure isn’t guaranteed.

But commissions can make a significant difference.

And experienced agents can build long-term client relationships that continue generating business.

Who might enjoy it?

People who are:

• Comfortable speaking with strangers
• Persistent
• Organized
• Good at explaining complicated information
• Comfortable with performance-based income

11. Solar Energy Technician or Installer

Solar energy has created an entirely new category of hands-on work.

Solar photovoltaic installers assemble and maintain solar systems on homes, businesses and other structures.

The job combines electrical knowledge, construction skills and technology.

And according to the BLS, solar photovoltaic installers are projected to be one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. from 2024 to 2034, with projected employment growth of 42.1%. (bls.gov)

The median wage isn’t $70K, so this is another example where the headline needs some context.

The opportunity comes from gaining experience, specializing, moving into supervision or project management, or building a business around solar installation.

Why pay attention to it?

Because energy infrastructure is changing.

And whenever an industry expands quickly, it needs people who can actually install and maintain the equipment.

12. Wind Turbine Technician

If you don’t mind heights, this could be one of the most interesting trades to investigate.

Wind turbine technicians maintain and repair wind turbines.

That means working with mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems—sometimes hundreds of feet above the ground.

The BLS projects 49.9% employment growth for wind turbine service technicians between 2024 and 2034, making it the fastest-growing occupation in its current projections. (bls.gov)

The job typically requires technical training rather than a traditional four-year degree.

But here’s the catch

This isn’t an easy job.

You need to be comfortable with:

• Heights
• Physical work
• Outdoor conditions
• Safety procedures
• Mechanical equipment

If you are, however, it’s a career connected to a growing energy sector.

13. Power-Line Installer and Repairer

Electricity is one of those things people don’t think about until it stops working.

Power-line workers install, maintain and repair the electrical systems that keep communities running.

The BLS reports a 2024 median annual wage of $92,560 for electrical power-line installers and repairers. The highest 10% earned more than $126,610. (bls.gov)

A four-year college degree isn’t the typical route into this occupation.

Instead, workers commonly learn through technical instruction and on-the-job training.

Why does it pay well?

It’s dangerous, technical and physically demanding work.

Workers may deal with extreme weather, heights and high-voltage electrical systems.

This is not a career to enter casually.

But for someone who wants a hands-on technical career, it can offer strong earning potential.

14. Dental Hygienist

Healthcare offers several careers that don’t require becoming a doctor.

Dental hygiene is one of them.

Dental hygienists work directly with patients, performing preventive dental care and educating people about oral health.

The BLS reports a 2024 median annual wage of $94,260 for dental hygienists. Entry typically requires an associate degree from an accredited dental hygiene program and state licensure. (bls.gov)

So this is an important example of what “without a degree” really means.

No bachelor’s degree doesn’t mean no education.

You still need professional training.

But instead of spending four or more years pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to enter the profession through a shorter specialized program.

For someone looking for a stable healthcare career, that’s worth considering.

15. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Here’s another healthcare career that doesn’t typically require a four-year bachelor’s degree.

Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound equipment to create images that help doctors evaluate patients.

It’s a technical job, but there’s also a human side because you’re working directly with patients.

The BLS reports a 2024 median annual wage of $89,340, and employment is projected to grow 13% from 2024 to 2034. (bls.gov)

You’ll generally need specialized postsecondary education and, depending on the employer and location, professional certification.

But once again, you’re looking at a career path that doesn’t require a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree.

What About Jobs That Don’t Pay $70K Right Away?

This is where people often misunderstand articles like this.

If you search for a job today and see a starting salary of $45K, you might think:

“That doesn’t meet the $70K requirement.”

But careers aren’t static.

Consider an electrician.

You might start as an apprentice.

Then become a licensed electrician.

Then become a senior electrician.

Then become a supervisor.

Then perhaps start your own company.

The same thing can happen in IT, sales, real estate, construction and other industries.

Your first paycheck isn’t necessarily your career ceiling.

That’s why it’s better to look at the entire career path rather than only the starting salary.

A $70K Salary Doesn’t Mean the Same Thing Everywhere

There’s another detail people often overlook.

$70,000 in one city isn’t necessarily equivalent to $70,000 somewhere else.

Housing costs.

Taxes.

Transportation.

Healthcare.

Food.

Childcare.

All of these affect how far your income goes.

So don’t choose a career purely because an article says the salary can exceed $70K.

Ask:

What is the typical starting pay?

How long does it take to reach higher earnings?

What training is required?

What does the work actually feel like?

Are jobs available where I live?

Can the career grow over time?

Those questions will tell you much more than a salary headline.

The Hidden Advantage of Skilled Trades

One reason trades deserve more attention is that many young people are still pushed toward university as if it’s the only respectable route to a good career.

That’s outdated thinking.

Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, lineworkers and technicians perform work that society genuinely needs.

And many skilled trades can’t simply be moved overseas or automated completely.

Someone has to physically repair the building.

Someone has to maintain the electrical system.

Someone has to install the equipment.

Someone has to fix the elevator.

Someone has to maintain the aircraft.

Someone has to build the infrastructure.

That physical reality gives certain skilled careers a level of durability that isn’t always obvious when you’re sitting in a classroom choosing a major.

Technology Careers Have a Different Advantage

The other side of the list is technology.

Web development.

IT.

Cybersecurity.

Data.

AI.

These careers can sometimes be started through self-learning, certifications, bootcamps, community college or practical projects rather than a traditional four-year path.

But technology has a catch:

You have to keep learning.

The tools that are popular today may not be the tools companies use five years from now.

That’s why the best technology workers don’t simply learn software.

They learn how to solve problems.

If you’re interested in technology, build things.

Don’t spend six months watching tutorials without creating anything.

The Best Option Depends on What Kind of Person You Are

There’s no single “best” career on this list.

It depends on you.

If you like working with your hands:

Consider:

Electrician, plumber, elevator technician, lineworker or wind technician.

If you like technology:

Consider:

Web development or IT.

If you’re good with people:

Consider:

Sales, insurance or real estate.

If you want healthcare:

Consider:

Dental hygiene or diagnostic medical sonography.

If you enjoy machines:

Consider:

Aircraft maintenance or elevator repair.

The right career isn’t necessarily the one with the highest salary.

It’s the one where your abilities and the work actually match.

How to Start Without a Bachelor’s Degree

If you’ve decided college isn’t the right path for you, don’t just sit around waiting for a job to appear.

Make a plan.

Step 1: Pick one career

Don’t try to train for five different careers at once.

Choose one.

Research it properly.

Step 2: Find out the actual requirements

Does it require:

• A license?
• Apprenticeship?
• Certification?
• Associate degree?
• Technical school?
• On-the-job training?

Don’t rely on social media videos telling you that “anyone can make $100K.”

Check the actual requirements.

Step 3: Find the cheapest legitimate training path

Look at:

• Apprenticeships
• Community colleges
• Trade schools
• Employer training
• Industry certifications
• Government programs

You may be surprised by how many options exist.

Step 4: Get real experience

Experience changes everything.

Even an entry-level position can teach you more than months of watching videos.

Step 5: Keep moving up

Don’t become comfortable too early.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, look for the next level.

More responsibility.

A specialization.

A better employer.

A license.

A management position.

Or eventually, your own business.

Don’t Fall for the “$100K With No Degree” Trap

This deserves its own section.

You’ll see plenty of videos and articles promising things like:

“10 jobs where you can make $100K with no experience!”

Be careful.

A career can have a six-figure salary at the experienced level without being a six-figure entry-level job.

Those are completely different things.

If someone promises that you can make $100K immediately with no skills, no experience and no training, ask yourself:

What’s the catch?

Usually, there’s one.

A legitimate career should be able to explain:

• How you enter
• What training you need
• What beginners typically earn
• What experienced workers earn
• How you progress
• What the job is actually like

That’s much more useful than a flashy salary number.

Final Thoughts

A college degree can still be incredibly valuable.

But it isn’t the only way to build a successful career.

The modern job market has room for people who work with computers, people who work with machines, people who work with customers and people who work with their hands.

Some of the strongest opportunities are in areas where there is a genuine shortage of skilled workers.

And that’s the key word:

Skilled.

Not “no degree.”

Not “easy money.”

Not “get rich quick.”

Skilled.

If you become genuinely good at something people need, your lack of a bachelor’s degree doesn’t automatically define your earning potential.

Maybe you’re better suited to electrical work than sitting behind a desk.

Maybe you’re fascinated by aircraft.

Maybe you enjoy fixing computers.

Maybe you’re great at sales.

Maybe healthcare interests you.

Maybe you want to build a business around a trade.

There’s no single correct path.

The important thing is to choose deliberately.

Don’t ask, “What job can I get without a degree?”

Ask:

“What valuable skill am I willing to become really good at?”

That question can lead you somewhere much more interesting.

Quick Look: 15 Degree-Free Career Paths

Career	Typical Entry Path	$70K+ Potential?
Electrician	Apprenticeship	Yes, with experience
Plumber	Apprenticeship	Yes, with experience
Elevator Technician	Apprenticeship	Yes
Aircraft Mechanic	Technical training	Yes
Commercial Driver	CDL/training	Possible
Real Estate Agent	License	Possible
Web Developer	Skills/portfolio	Possible
IT Support	Training/certifications	Possible with progression
Sales Representative	Employer training	Possible
Insurance Agent	License	Possible
Solar Installer	Technical/OJT	Possible with progression
Wind Technician	Technical training	Growing opportunity
Power-Line Worker	Apprenticeship/OJT	Yes
Dental Hygienist	Associate degree + license	Yes
Diagnostic Sonographer	Specialized program	Yes

One last thing: salaries and requirements vary significantly by country, state, employer and experience. The figures above are primarily U.S. data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, so readers outside the U.S. should check local requirements and wages before choosing a career.