You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to break the $100,000 barrier—here’s the proof and what it means for your career prospects.
Americans worried about tuition costs have good news: the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data show dozens of occupations where experience, short‑term training, or a two‑year program can still lead to eye‑popping wages. In fact, almost a dozen roles now clear six figures, and several others hover just below that threshold.
First, the headline numbers: air traffic controllers top the list at a median $144,580, while commercial pilots, nuclear reactor operators, and power distributors all earn well above $120,000. Even positions such as dental hygienist—often viewed as “just” an associate‑degree job—crack the mid‑$90,000s. Who wouldn’t want that without student‑loan stress?
Air traffic control and commercial flying lead the non‑degree six‑figure club
From the frenetic pace of the control tower to the cockpit of a regional jet, aviation offers enormous returns on relatively modest schooling. Trainees usually complete FAA‑approved programs or flight academies, log the required hours, and then climb pay ladders that outpace many four‑year‑degree careers. Thinking about swapping lecture halls for runways?
Managers and first‑line supervisors dominate the middle of the ranking. Whether you’re coordinating warehouse logistics, directing fire crews, or leading a detective unit, proven field expertise often outweighs diplomas. Consequently, leadership skills, safety certifications, and on‑the‑job hours become the real currency. Ready to turn hands‑on know‑how into a commanding salary?
Healthcare and technical specialties reward associate degrees with substantial salaries
Radiation therapists, nuclear medicine technologists, and dental hygienists—all requiring just two years of formal study—benefit from strong demand and tight licensing pipelines. The same pattern appears in the electrical repair and power‑line trades, where union apprenticeships replace college seminars yet still deliver near‑six‑figure pay. Below is a quick reference to every occupation in the 2024 ranking, along with median wages and the typical entry credential.
| Rank | Occupation | 2024 Median Pay | Usual Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air traffic controllers | $144,580 | Associate degree |
| 2 | Commercial pilots | $122,670 | Postsecondary award |
| 3 | Nuclear power reactor operators | $122,610 | High‑school diploma |
| 4 | Power distributors & dispatchers | $107,240 | High‑school diploma |
| 5 | Elevator & escalator installers | $106,580 | High‑school diploma |
| 6 | First‑line police supervisors | $105,980 | High‑school diploma |
| 7 | Nuclear technicians | $104,240 | Associate degree |
| 8 | Transportation, storage & distribution managers | $102,010 | High‑school diploma |
| 9 | Radiation therapists | $101,990 | Associate degree |
| 10 | Ship engineers | $101,320 | Postsecondary award |
| 11 | Electrical/electronics repairers, substation | $100,940 | Postsecondary award |
| 12 | Power plant operators | $99,670 | High‑school diploma |
| 13 | Petroleum pump system operators | $97,540 | High‑school diploma |
| 14 | Nuclear medicine technologists | $97,020 | Associate degree |
| 15 | Dental hygienists | $94,260 | Associate degree |
| 16 | Detectives & criminal investigators | $93,580 | High‑school diploma |
| 17 | Postmasters & mail superintendents | $92,730 | High‑school diploma |
| 18 | Electrical power‑line installers & repairers | $92,560 | High‑school diploma |
| 19 | Firefighting supervisors | $92,430 | Postsecondary award |
| 20 | Models | $89,990 | No credential |
So, what’s the takeaway? College remains a great path for many, yet it isn’t the only ticket to financial security. Candidates willing to embrace intensive training, technical rigor, or high‑pressure environments can still earn premium wages—no bachelor’s required.
Research the licensing rules, assess your risk tolerance, and map out a training timeline. Your future six‑figure job could be closer—and cheaper—than you thought.