Careers That Pay Well with Little Schooling: Top Picks for 2025

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Are you looking for high-paying jobs that require little schooling? If you're not interested in getting a college degree, you might decide to seek a job with your high school diploma or pursue only an associate degree. You will notice there are numerous jobs available to you across different fields, and many of them pay really well, according to labor statistics.

Depending on your skills, experience, and preferences, you will find plenty of interesting options in our list of jobs with little schooling. In this article, we'll talk about the type of education and experience these high-paying jobs require, the median annual wage, and the predicted job growth rate. This can help you make a more informed decision about a job outlook.

Short Summary

Many careers that require little schooling typically need only a high school diploma, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree.
Salaries for these roles can vary widely depending on the industry, level of responsibility, and years of experience.
Fields like IT, healthcare, and aviation offer some of the best opportunities for well-paying jobs with minimal educational requirements.

High-Paying Jobs

Before we discuss the best high-paying jobs, let's consider the difference between having and not having a college degree. When discussing college degree options, students can decide which programs to pursue and whether to seek advanced education after earning their bachelor's degree. This decision will depend on their choice of career and the actual situation in the job market.

College Degree Path

If you choose to pursue the path of getting a college degree, it might take you anywhere from three to five years, depending on the program. With certain careers, you will need to have a degree. For instance, you can't practice medicine or law without a college degree. Depending on the career requirements, you might need a bachelor's degree, which lasts three to four years, or a master's degree, which lasts between one and two years.

Associate Degree Path

Associate degree programs typically last two years and are considered a step before the bachelor's degree. An associate degree can also be used as a vocational qualification and is offered across different colleges, junior colleges, and technical schools.

No Degree Path

If you opt for a no-degree path, that means that after obtaining your high school diploma, you will want to start seeking a job instead of advancing your education. Luckily, there are various jobs available for people with no degree, so finding one shouldn't be complicated. However, if you plan to apply for jobs that accept applications from people with a college degree, keep in mind that this will be their competitive advantage, and it might require you to have extensive work experience to be considered for that job.

Jobs with Little Schooling Required

We've gathered a list of jobs you can apply for without the need to go to college. You can start applying right after finishing high school or later on in your life. Our job list is organized in industries and sectors to help you find available options based on your preferences. Use this job list as an inspiration when switching careers. The jobs we've included in our list allow you to earn good money, offer a decent percentage of employment opportunities, and provide an interesting career path. Make sure you also take a look at the median pay of your desired careers before you start pursuing them.

Healthcare Careers

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You can pursue many healthcare careers with only a high school or associate's degree diploma. Depending on the nature of the job, you will work in hospitals or other healthcare settings. You might also need to receive job training before you start working.

Some healthcare careers require closer communication with other employees and patient care, while others require it at a minimal level. Some will offer on-the-job training, while others will require no such training. A job outlook in the healthcare industry can often be very competitive. However, your job outlook and career path will differ depending on whether you choose to become a registered nurse or a diagnostic medical sonographer.

Dental Hygienists

A dental hygienist is a certified oral healthcare specialist who collaborates with dentists to deliver preventive dental services. Their role is crucial in promoting good dental hygiene and preventing oral diseases. Some of the key responsibilities of dental hygienists include:

Cleaning patients' teeth (removing plaque, tartar, and stains)
Conducting oral health assessments and documenting findings
Applying preventive materials like sealants and fluoride
Educating patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques

To become a dental hygienist, you will need an associate's degree in dental hygiene and state licensure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for dental hygienists is $87,530.

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care. They also educate patients about health conditions and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in nursing facilities such as hospitals and clinics, but they can also work in nursing homes.

Key responsibilities of registered nurses include:

Administering medications and treatments
Monitoring patient health and vital signs
Collaborating with doctors and healthcare teams

The median annual wage for registered nurses in the US is around $86,000, making it a very lucrative salary in the healthcare industry. To become a registered nurse, you will need to obtain an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).

Surgical Technologist

Surgical technologists provide support in surgical operations by preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment, and helping doctors during surgeries.

Some of the key responsibilities of surgical techs include:

Preparing surgical instruments and sterile environments
Passing tools to surgeons during procedures
Ensuring all surgical equipment is sterile and functioning
Maintaining a sterile field

To become a surgical technologist, you will need to complete an accredited certificate or associate degree program in surgical technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, once you complete the degree program and get a job, you can expect a median annual wage of $56,000.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

A diagnostic medical sonographer uses ultrasound equipment to capture images of internal body structures to assist physicians in diagnosing medical conditions.

Some of their key responsibilities include:

Operating ultrasound machines and interpreting preliminary results
Communicating findings to physicians
Preparing patients and explaining procedures

To become a diagnostic medical sonographer, you will need either an associate's or a bachelor's degree. The median pay for this career is around $84,000 per year, but the exact salary will depend on several factors.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

An occupational therapy assistant works under licensed occupational therapists to help patients recover or improve skills needed for daily living and working. They may also handle clerical duties like scheduling appointments and ordering supplies.

Their key responsibilities include:

Implementing treatment plans designed by occupational therapists
Assisting patients with therapeutic exercises
Monitoring and recording patient progress

To become an OTA, you will need to complete an associate degree from an accredited program. Once you get a job as an OTA, you can expect a median pay of around $63,000 per year.

Respiratory Therapist

A respiratory therapist evaluates and treats patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They work collaboratively with physicians and nurses to provide care for patients with conditions like asthma, COPD, and other respiratory issues.

A respiratory therapist will be responsible for:

Administering oxygen, ventilators, and other respiratory treatments
Monitoring patient's respiratory function
Performing diagnostic tests like pulmonary function tests

The median pay for this career is around $72,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear medicine technologists use small amounts of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. Nuclear medicine technology is one of the sectors that offers great job satisfaction and an increasing job growth rate, making this career very lucrative.

Key responsibilities of a nuclear medicine technologist:

Preparing and administering radiopharmaceuticals to patients
Operating imaging equipment such as gamma cameras and PET scanners
Monitoring patient reactions and safety

These technicians work in hospitals and clinics after finishing their associate or bachelor's degree in nuclear medicine technology or a related field. Their median pay is around $85,300 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists administer targeted radiation treatments to cancer patients, as prescribed by radiation oncologists. They collaborate with oncologists, nurses, and medical physicists in their daily work to ensure safe and effective radiation therapy.

Their key responsibilities include:

Operating linear accelerators and other radiation therapy machines
Positioning patients accurately for treatment
Monitoring patients for adverse reactions

To become a radiation therapist, you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree or an associate degree in radiation therapy. The median pay for radiation therapists is $89,530 per year.

Cardiovascular Techs

Cardiovascular technicians work in hospitals and clinics, and they assist with diagnosing and treating heart conditions and blood vessels using imaging and testing equipment.

Key responsibilities of cardiovascular techs include:

Conducting diagnostic tests like EKGs, stress tests, or echocardiograms
Assisting in catheterizations or stent placements (in invasive roles)
Monitoring patient vitals during procedures

The median pay for this job is $65,490 per year, and you only need an associate's degree in cardiovascular technology or a related health program.

Aviation Careers

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One of the highest-paying jobs that requires little schooling is definitely in the aviation industry. The median pay of such careers is among the highest, regardless of having only a high school diploma or additional education. These high-paying jobs are becoming increasingly popular among women and men across the world, and for some of them, you will only need a high school diploma.

Commercial Pilot

A commercial pilot flies aircraft for purposes such as charter flights, firefighting, aerial photography, or crop dusting. This excludes airline pilots. A commercial pilot can also work as a flight instructor.

Their key responsibilities include:

Operating aircraft safely during takeoff, flight, and landing
Monitoring instruments and weather conditions
Preparing flight plans and performing pre-flight checks

The median pay for commercial pilots will vary depending on many factors, but you can expect an annual salary of around $117,030. As a pilot, you will receive on-the-job training and need to obtain a certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Aircraft Mechanic

Aircraft mechanics inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft to ensure they meet safety and performance standards. They often specialize in airframe or powerplant systems.

Key responsibilities of aircraft mechanics include:

Performing routine maintenance and repairs on aircraft
Inspecting mechanical, hydraulic, and structural systems
Replacing or repairing damaged parts

Median salary for this career path is $75,820 per year. Although your high school diploma will be enough, you will need to pass the Aviation Maintenance Technician School OR military training, which is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, and get the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification.

Air Traffic Controllers

Air traffic controllers coordinate the safe and orderly flow of air traffic, guiding aircraft during takeoff, landing, and en-route travel to avoid collisions and delays.

The key responsibilities of air traffic controllers include:

Monitoring and directing aircraft movement via radar and radio
Providing takeoff and landing instructions
Communicating weather updates and flight path changes

The median pay for this career path is around $132,250 per year. No degree is required to join other air traffic controllers, but you will need to receive training and meet other requirements.

Aerospace Engineering Technician

Aerospace engineering technicians assist engineers in designing, building, and testing aircraft, spacecraft, and missile systems. They work primarily in labs, factories, or offices.

Key responsibilities of an aerospace engineering technician include:

Setting up and operating testing equipment
Assisting in building prototypes or components
Recording data and reporting on system performance

IT Careers

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Another industry that offers a high median pay across the entire field is IT. It's a common misconception that degrees from universities or community colleges are required to become a professional in this industry. In most cases, these are the jobs with little schooling and a pretty high job growth rate. It's also an industry with the highest rate of job satisfaction.

Software Developer

Software development is one of the careers with the highest job growth rate across all industries. Software developers design, create, and maintain computer applications and systems software. They may work on mobile apps, desktop software, cloud platforms, or embedded systems.

Their key responsibilities include:

Analyzing user needs and designing software solutions
Writing, testing, and debugging code in various programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C#)
Collaborating with other developers, designers, and stakeholders
Maintaining and improving existing systems

The median pay for software developers is $127,260 per year.

Network Administrator

Network administrators manage and maintain the daily operations of computer networks in an organization, ensuring secure and efficient connectivity.

Their key responsibilities include:

Installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network hardware and software
Monitoring network performance and security
Setting up user accounts and permissions.

The median pay for this job is around $90,520 per year. All you need to become a network administrator is an associate's or bachelor's degree in information technology, computer networking, or a related field.

Web Developer

Web developers build and maintain websites and web applications. A web developer works on both the technical and creative aspects. This will depend on the role of the web developer, being front-end, back-end, or full-stack.

The key responsibilities of a web developer include:

Creating and styling web pages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Developing interactive features and ensuring mobile responsiveness
Connecting websites to back-end systems and databases

You need a high school diploma to become a real estate broker.

Median Pay

Real estate brokers earn around $62,190/year.

Conclusion

Although most high-paying jobs require either on-the-job training or an associate's degree, there are plenty of options for those with high school diplomas. Median pay will differ depending on the industry and your experience.

Before pursuing a specific career path, check the job growth rate, job satisfaction percentage, and average salary. High-paying jobs with little schooling can help you earn money right after high school. Inform yourself well about the desired job and start polishing your curriculum. Once you meet all the requirements, start looking for the job of your dreams!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Jobs with Little Schooling Required?

Many jobs with little schooling can be interesting to pursue. Some will require a degree, while others will receive on-the-job training. Depending on the nature of the job, you will have certain responsibilities and, with time, be able to move forward in your career.

What Is the Job Outlook for Careers Without Degrees?

The job growth rate is constantly growing for jobs that don't require a lot of schooling. Healthcare, IT, and aviation are three industries that are hiring without the need for years and years of education. Some will require on-the-job training, depending on the job's requirements.

What Are the Typical Requirements for Jobs with Little Schooling?

If you're interested in jobs with little schooling, you will still need to meet a few requirements. Most of the time, a high school diploma or a bachelor's degree will be needed. Some careers will require you to go through extensive on-the-job training or receive certification from a relevant institution. You might also need a few years of experience if the job comes with high-level responsibilities.