Published April 6, 2026 · Updated annually
Best Paying Trades Without a College Degree (2024)
You do not need a college degree to earn $77,916 or more per year. The top 20 apprenticeship-based trades pay between $67,268 and $116,702 nationally, with no tuition, no student debt, and earnings from day one.
Top 20 Highest-Paying No-Degree Trades
Every trade on this list can be entered through an apprenticeship program, no college degree, no tuition. You earn a wage from day one while learning the trade.
| Rank | Trade | Median Salary | Top 10% | Training | Grade | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elevator Mechanic | $116,702 | $164,020 | 4yr apprenticeship | B | +3% |
| 2 | Power Line Installer | $101,512 | $130,730 | 4yr apprenticeship | B | +7% |
| 3 | Electrical Power-Line Tech | $101,512 | $130,730 | 4yr apprenticeship | B | +7% |
| 4 | Boilermaker | $89,510 | $138,790 | 4yr apprenticeship | C | +-1% |
| 5 | Pile Driver Operator | $87,644 | $133,080 | 4yr apprenticeship | C | +4% |
| 6 | Aircraft Mechanic | $79,931 | $100,320 | 2yr apprenticeship | B | +6% |
| 7 | Crane Operator | $75,123 | $132,560 | 3yr apprenticeship | C | +4% |
| 8 | Millwright | $72,209 | $110,830 | 4yr apprenticeship | C | +6% |
| 9 | Wind Turbine Technician | $71,538 | $105,370 | 2yr apprenticeship | A | +45% |
| 10 | Electrician | $70,935 | $102,070 | 4yr apprenticeship | B | +11% |
| 11 | Ironworker | $70,146 | $117,110 | 4yr apprenticeship | C | +4% |
| 12 | Industrial Electrician | $69,958 | $106,960 | 4yr apprenticeship | B | +11% |
| 13 | Plumber | $69,782 | $100,110 | 4yr apprenticeship | C | +6% |
| 14 | Pipefitter | $69,782 | $100,110 | 5yr apprenticeship | C | +6% |
| 15 | Fire Sprinkler Fitter | $69,782 | $100,110 | 5yr apprenticeship | C | +6% |
| 16 | Steamfitter | $69,782 | $100,110 | 5yr apprenticeship | C | +6% |
| 17 | Mason (Bricklayer) | $68,974 | $101,120 | 3yr apprenticeship | D | +-2% |
| 18 | Heavy Equipment Operator | $68,475 | $117,350 | 3yr apprenticeship | C | +4% |
| 19 | Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $67,761 | $86,120 | 4yr apprenticeship | B | +14% |
| 20 | Tool and Die Maker | $67,268 | $103,200 | 4yr apprenticeship | D | +-3% |
Why Trades Beat Many College Degrees on Pay
The median starting salary for a bachelor's degree holder is approximately $55,000, but that comes after 4 years of lost earnings and an average of $37,000 in student debt. Compare that to a trade apprentice who:
- Earns $25,000-$40,000 in year one of apprenticeship
- Reaches full journeyman pay ($70,935+ for top trades) after 3-5 years
- Graduates with $0 in debt
- Has 4+ years of real work experience by age 22
When you run the numbers on cumulative lifetime earnings, many trades outperform the average 4-year degree. See our complete trade vs college comparison.
How to Start Without a Degree
The path into any of these trades follows a common pattern:
- Get a high school diploma or GED, This is the only education requirement for most apprenticeships
- Take relevant classes, Math, physics, and shop classes help. Some apprenticeship programs require basic algebra.
- Apply to apprenticeship programs, Both union and non-union programs are available. Union programs are more competitive but offer better pay and benefits. Search at Apprenticeship.gov.
- Consider a pre-apprenticeship program, Short (6-12 week) programs that prepare you for apprenticeship applications. Many are free. Great for career changers.
- Complete your apprenticeship, 4 years for most trades. You earn while you learn.
- Get licensed, Pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state
See our career guides for trade-specific steps, certifications, and salary details.
Trades That Pay Over $75,000 Without a Degree
These trades regularly put workers above $75,000 with no college required:
- Elevator Mechanic, $116,702 median, up to $164,020 in top-paying cities
- Power Line Installer, $101,512 median, up to $130,730 in top-paying cities
- Electrical Power-Line Tech, $101,512 median, up to $130,730 in top-paying cities
- Boilermaker, $89,510 median, up to $138,790 in top-paying cities
- Pile Driver Operator, $87,644 median, up to $133,080 in top-paying cities
- Aircraft Mechanic, $79,931 median, up to $100,320 in top-paying cities
- Crane Operator, $75,123 median, up to $132,560 in top-paying cities
The Six-Figure Path
Several trades regularly reach $100,000+ through a combination of experience, overtime, and location:
- Overtime, Construction workers averaging 45-50 hours/week earn 12-25% more than base salary
- Per diem, Traveling tradespeople earn tax-free per diem ($50-$100/day) on remote jobs
- Shift differential, Night and weekend shifts pay 10-20% more
- Specialization, Niche skills (underwater welding, turbine repair, cleanroom electrical) command premiums
- Location, High-cost metros like San Francisco, New York, and Boston pay 30-50% above national median
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest-paying trade without a degree is elevator mechanic at $116,702 median salary. This requires a 4-year apprenticeship but no college degree.
Yes. Several trades regularly earn $100,000+ in high-cost metro areas, especially with overtime. Elevator mechanics, construction managers, linemen, and experienced electricians and plumbers can all reach six figures.
Trades with shorter apprenticeships (2 years) like solar installer, auto mechanic, and roofer have lower barriers to entry. However, "easiest" also depends on physical demands and aptitude, some people find electrical work more intuitive than carpentry, or vice versa.
No. Many successful tradespeople start apprenticeships in their late 20s and 30s. Career changers bring maturity and work ethic that apprenticeship programs value. The structured pay increases mean you will be at journeyman wages within 3-5 years regardless of starting age.
/methodology