Blue-Collar Careers Paying Six Figures: The Highest Paying Trade Jobs Without Requiring a Degree

Why Skipping College Doesn’t Mean Sacrificing Income

For years, the narrative has been clear: earn a degree or struggle financially. But the data tells a different story. Recent research reveals that skilled trade professionals are increasingly commanding impressive salaries—often without any college credentials. Many positions now offer median annual earnings exceeding $60,000, with top earners in select fields reaching six-figure incomes.

The investment case is compelling: while public university tuition averages $11,610 annually, trade professionals enter the workforce faster and with significantly lower debt. More importantly, only one in four Americans now believes a four-year degree is essential for securing a well-paying position. The labor market is shifting, and opportunities abound for those willing to develop specialized skills.

The Top 10 Highest Paying Trade Jobs Without a College Degree

1. Elevator and Escalator Technician

• Median annual salary: $106,580
• Hourly wage: $51.24
• Top earners (90th percentile): $149,250
• Active positions: 24,200
• Expected growth through 2034: 5%
• Entry requirement: High school diploma

2. Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer

• Median annual salary: $92,560
• Hourly wage: $44.50
• Top earners (90th percentile): $126,610
• Active positions: 127,400
• Expected growth through 2034: 7%
• Entry requirement: High school diploma

3. Aircraft Avionics Equipment Mechanic and Technician

• Median annual salary: $79,140
• Hourly wage: $38.05
• Top earners (90th percentile): $120,080
• Active positions: 160,800
• Expected growth through 2034: 5%
• Entry requirement: FAA-approved postsecondary certification

4. Railroad Worker

• Median annual salary: $75,680
• Hourly wage: $36.38
• Top earners (90th percentile): $100,130
• Active positions: 77,900
• Expected growth through 2034: 1%
• Entry requirement: High school diploma

5. Stationary Engineer and Boiler Operator

• Median annual salary: $75,190
• Hourly wage: $36.15
• Top earners (90th percentile): $121,200
• Active positions: 33,300
• Expected growth through 2034: 2%
• Entry requirement: High school diploma

6. Industrial Machinery Mechanic

• Median annual salary: $63,510
• Hourly wage: $30.53
• Top earners (90th percentile): $85,790
• Active positions: 538,300
• Expected growth through 2034: 13%
• Entry requirement: High school diploma

7. Plumber, Pipefitter and Steamfitter

• Median annual salary: $62,970
• Hourly wage: $30.27
• Top earners (90th percentile): $105,150
• Active positions: 504,500
• Expected growth through 2034: 4%
• Entry requirement: High school diploma

8. Wind Turbine Technician

• Median annual salary: $62,580
• Hourly wage: $30.09
• Top earners (90th percentile): $88,090
• Active positions: 13,600
• Expected growth through 2034: 50%
• Entry requirement: Postsecondary certification (no degree)

9. Electrician

• Median annual salary: $62,350
• Hourly wage: $29.98
• Top earners (90th percentile): $106,030
• Active positions: 818,700
• Expected growth through 2034: 9%
• Entry requirement: High school diploma

10. Solar Photovoltaic Installer

• Median annual salary: $51,860
• Hourly wage: $24.93
• Top earners (90th percentile): $80,150
• Active positions: 28,600
• Expected growth through 2034: 42%
• Entry requirement: High school diploma

The Fastest-Growing Opportunities

The renewable energy sector stands out distinctly. Wind turbine technicians face 50% projected growth, while solar installers will see a 42% surge in demand through 2034. These highest paying trade jobs represent some of the most dynamic career paths available, combining strong earning potential with substantial job security.

Industrial machinery mechanics also show promise with 13% projected growth and 538,300 active positions—the largest employment pool among technical trades. Electricians remain consistently in demand with 818,700 jobs and 9% anticipated expansion.

Earning Potential: From Entry-Level to Six Figures

Nine of these positions feature top-tier earners reaching six-figure annual compensation. Elevator and escalator technicians lead the pack, with the highest 10% earning $149,250 yearly. Aircraft avionics specialists, electrical power-line installers, and plumbers similarly reward expertise with $120,000+ annual packages.

This demonstrates that skilled trade professionals who advance can achieve financial outcomes typically associated with college-educated professionals—without the student debt burden.

The Practical Path Forward

Employers increasingly recognize the value of continuous skill development. Companies offering upskilling opportunities, advanced certifications, and specialized training programs report higher employee retention and productivity. Apprenticeships and trade schools provide structured pathways into these highest paying trade jobs without a degree, often while earning as you learn.

For those reconsidering the college route, trade careers offer tangible benefits: lower entry costs, faster employment, genuine advancement opportunities, and competitive compensation packages. The evidence suggests that career success depends less on educational credentials and more on specialized expertise and market demand.

The shift toward valuing trade skills over degrees has never been stronger—making now an ideal time to explore technical career options aligned with your strengths and interests.