31 Jobs That Pay $100k a Year (No Advanced Degree Needed)

By Chris Gaglardi
| Last Updated November 20, 2025

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Jobs that pay $100k a year used to be the exclusive territory of doctors, lawyers, and CEOs. That is no longer the case. In 2025, the job market has shifted. Skilled tradespeople, tech experts, and specialized operators are hitting the six-figure mark faster than ever—often without the burden of student loans from a four-year degree.

If you want to make $100k a year without spending a decade in a classroom, you need a strategic plan. Many of these **jobs pay $100k a year with no advanced degree**, and some do not require a bachelor's at all—just focused technical training, licensing, or an apprenticeship. Industries like aviation, energy, construction, and technology are facing massive labor shortages, driving wages up for those with the right skills.

Top 5 "Fastest to $100k" Careers at a Glance

Check out these 31 career paths to earning $100k a year with optimized training timelines.

🚀 The "Fast Track": Jobs That Pay $100k with 2 Years or Less of Training

These roles offer the highest Return on Investment (ROI). Many of these are jobs that pay $100k a year with 1 to 2 years of training or less, often through a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.

1. Air Traffic Controller

Consistently one of the highest-paying jobs without a bachelor's degree. The work is high-pressure, but the financial rewards are unmatched. You manage the safety of thousands of passengers by directing aircraft movements.

• Top Pay: $200,990+
• Median Pay: $137,380
• Education: Associate degree or specialized FAA training.

2. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

If you can handle responsibility and complex systems, this is a hidden gem. Operators control the systems that generate nuclear energy. It requires rigorous on-the-job training and licensing, but rarely a four-year degree.

• Top Pay: $122,000+
• Education: High school diploma + extensive on-the-job training/licensing.

3. Commercial Pilot

You don't need a degree to fly; you need hours and a license. Commercial pilots fly cargo, charter flights, and firefighting aircraft. With the pilot shortage, wages are soaring.

• Top Pay: $239,200+
• Median Pay: $113,080
• Education: Flight training and FAA licensure.

4. Elevator Mechanic

This is widely considered the "king of the trades" for salary. Elevator installers and repairers work with complex machinery and hydraulics. It is almost exclusively a unionized field with incredible benefits.

• Top Pay: $138,910+
• Median Pay: $102,420
• Education: Apprenticeship (usually 4 years, paid).

5. Radiation Therapist

Work directly in cancer treatment, administering radiation to patients. It’s a high-impact healthcare role that pays significantly better than many nursing positions with similar schooling.

• Top Pay: $136,910+
• Median Pay: $98,300
• Education: Associate degree in radiation therapy.

6. Web Developer / Software Engineer

Tech remains the great equalizer. If you have a strong portfolio and can pass a coding interview, no one cares about your degree. Specialized contractors in AI or backend systems can bill massive rates.

• Top Pay: $176,490+ (Web Dev) / $208,620+ (Software Dev)
• Education: Coding bootcamp, self-study, or associate degree.

7. Power Plant Operator / Distributor

Responsible for distributing electricity across the grid. As our power grid becomes more complex and green energy grows, these skilled operators are in high demand.

• Top Pay: $107,000+
• Education: Vocational training + on-the-job training.

⚡ Trade Jobs That Pay $100k (With Experience & Overtime)

While the starting salary might be $60k, experienced tradespeople—especially business owners and union members—regularly cross the six-figure threshold.

8. Construction Manager

You can work your way up from the hammer to the clipboard. Managers oversee million-dollar projects, coordinate crews, and handle budgets. It’s high stress, high reward.

• Top Pay: $172,040+
• Median Pay: $104,900
• Path: Experience + Construction Management Certificate.

9. Electrical Lineworker

Not for the faint of heart. You work at heights to install and repair high-voltage power lines. Hazard pay and overtime often push total compensation well over $100k.

• Top Pay: $100,000+ (with overtime)
• Path: Lineman school or apprenticeship.

10. Master Electrician

Once you move past journeyman status and get your master license, you can run your own jobs, bid on contracts, or work in specialized industrial settings which pay premium rates.

• Top Pay: $100,000+
• Path: Apprenticeship + Experience + Licensure.

11. Aircraft Mechanic (A&P)

Ensuring planes are safe to fly is a serious responsibility. Mechanics with their Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) ratings, especially those working for major airlines or cargo carriers, earn top tier wages.

• Top Pay: $100,000+
• Path: FAA-approved maintenance school.

💼 Performance-Based Careers: $100k is Just the Start

In these fields, your income is tied to your results, not your degree. If you can sell or manage, the ceiling is unlimited.

12. Real Estate Broker

Agents sell homes; brokers own the business. If you are a top producer or run a team, six figures is the baseline. It requires hustle, networking, and sales skill.

• Potential Pay: $100,000 - Unlimited
• Requirement: Real estate license + broker license (varies by state) training.

13. Sales Manager

If you can lead a team to crush quotas, companies will pay you handsomely. This role is about people skills, strategy, and closing deals.

• Median Pay: $135,160
• Requirement: Proven sales track record + business training.

14. Purchasing Manager

Companies spend millions on materials; purchasing managers ensure they don't waste a dime. Negotiating contracts and managing supply chains is a high-value skill.

• Median Pay: $136,380
• Requirement: Experience in procurement + business education.

Quick List: 17 More High-Paying Careers

Looking for more options? These roles also offer six-figure potential for top performers, often with specialized training rather than extensive degrees.

• 15. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

  Median: $84k Top 10%: $116k+

  Specialized imaging techs in cardiac or vascular fields can earn over $100k. (Assoc. Degree) Find Programs

• 16. Locomotive Engineer

  Median: $75k Top 10%: $93k+ (w/ OT)

  Driving trains is a unionized, high-responsibility role with massive earning potential. (OJT)

• 17. Dental Hygienist

  Median: $81k Top 10%: $104k+

  High hourly rates mean experienced hygienists in metro areas clear six figures. (Assoc. Degree) Find Programs

• 18. Fire Chief / Supervisor

  Median: $86k Top 10%: $135k+

  Years of service and leadership in fire safety lead to top-tier municipal salaries. (Exp + Training) Find Programs

• 19. Detective / Investigator

  Median: $91k Top 10%: $154k+

  Senior law enforcement roles with overtime and rank often exceed $100k. (Academy + Exp) Find Programs

• 20. Computer Network Architect

  Median: $130k Top 10%: $195k+

  Designing communication networks for big business. (Bachelor's Degree) Find Programs

• 21. Medical or Health Services Manager

  Median: $110k Top 10%: $216k+

  Coordinating medical facilities and staff. High demand role. (Bachelor's Degree) Find Programs

• 22. Info Security Analyst

  Median: $120k Top 10%: $182k+

  Cybersecurity is booming, and companies pay a premium for protection. (Bachelor's Degree)

• 23. Marketing Manager

  Median: $157k Top 10%: $208k+

  Driving brand strategy and revenue growth. (Bachelor's Degree) Find Programs

• 24. HR Manager

  Median: $136k Top 10%: $239k+

  Managing talent, benefits, and corporate culture. (Bachelor's Degree) Find Programs

• 25. Art Director

  Median: $106k Top 10%: $209k+

  Leading visual creative teams for brands or media. (Bachelor's Degree) Find Programs

• 26. Fashion Designer

  Median: $79k Top 10%: $160k+

  Top designers and creative directors command high salaries for their vision. (Portfolio/Degree) Find Programs

• 27. Property Manager

  Median: $63k Top 10%: $136k+

  Managing large commercial or luxury residential complexes pays well. (License + Exp) Find Programs

• 28. Executive Chef

  Median: $61k Top 10%: $96k+

  Running a high-end kitchen comes with a salary to match the pressure. (Culinary Arts + Exp) Find Programs

• 29. Logistics Manager

  Median: $99k Top 10%: $175k+

  Coordinating global supply chains is a critical, high-value skill. (Associate/Bachelor's) Find Programs

• 30. Postmaster

  Median: $89k Top 10%: $105k+

  Managing local post office operations and logistics. (Exp + Federal Training)

• 31. Captain / Ship Pilot

  Median: $89k Top 10%: $161k+

  Navigating water vessels for cargo or transport is highly specialized. (Licensure + Exp) Find Programs

All salary data comes from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Medians show what a typical full-time worker earns, and "top 10 percent" reflects experienced high earners. Bureau of Labor Statistics

How to Start Earning $100k a Year

The path to a six-figure income is shorter than you think, but it requires action. Whether you choose a trade, a tech bootcamp, or a specialized certification, the key is to start building a skill that is in high demand.

Don't wait for a degree to validate your worth. Explore training programs near you and start your pivot today.