Making a six-figure salary without a college degree is possible for some people. However, it often requires hard work, perseverance, skills development, networking, and finding the right opportunities. Many high paying jobs do require a bachelor’s degree or higher as a minimum qualification. But there are well-paying careers where demonstrated skills, experience and drive can still open doors. Here we’ll explore paths to potentially making 100k without a degree.
Is it realistic to make 100k without a degree?
While many high paying professional jobs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or higher, there are still possibilities to reach a six-figure income without a degree if you have the right mix of skills, experience and opportunities. Some key factors that improve your chances:
- Developing expertise in high demand skills like software engineering, IT, sales, or trades
- Gaining years of hands-on experience and building a strong portfolio
- Earning key certifications and licenses related to your field
- Networking effectively and learning to market yourself
- Working for commission or running your own business
- Pursuing promotions into management or executive roles over time
It’s realistic for some to reach 100k without a degree, but often requires focused effort to build up your skills, experience and professional reputation. The path tends to get easier the further you progress in your career.
Top jobs to earn six figures without a degree
While most high paying executive and professional roles do require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, there are still some well-paying careers accessible to those without a college education if you have the right mix of skills, experience and hustle.
Sales
Sales roles provide excellent income potential without necessarily needing a college degree. The most lucrative high paying sales jobs include:
- Pharmaceutical sales
- Medical device sales
- Tech sales (Software, IT, Cybersecurity)
- Financial sales (Insurance, Real Estate, Mortgages)
- Automotive sales
Sales pros can commonly earn six figures including base salary and commissions. Developing tech-related sales skills is very lucrative right now. Being willing to travel for sales roles also ups your income potential. Sales careers allow driven pros to determine their own success.
Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents help clients buy, sell and rent properties while earning commission. No degree is required, but you do need to take real estate courses, pass an exam and get licensed in your state. The median pay for real estate agents is around $50,000, but the top 10% make over $112,000. Real estate agents with strong sales skills and their own customer base can definitely clear six figures.
Software Developer
Software developers create applications, programs and operating systems for computers and mobile devices. You can break into this field without a computer science degree if you have strong technical aptitude. Many aspiring developers participate in coding bootcamps and build up an impressive portfolio of work through freelancing and open source contributions. The average software developer earns over $100,000 once you have some experience under your belt.
IT Manager
IT managers plan, coordinate and direct computer-related activities for organizations. Starting out in IT support roles and working your way up to management provides a path to six figures without needing a tech degree, although certifications like the Project Management Professional (PMP) or Cisco certs will be very helpful. IT managers earn a median salary above $140,000.
Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft to maintain safety. This career has strict educational requirements, but a bachelor’s degree isn’t mandatory. You need to complete an FAA-approved air traffic control program, pass exams and complete on-the-job training. The median salary for air traffic controllers exceeds $120,000.
Transportation Manager
Transportation managers plan, direct and coordinate activities related to transportation logistics for businesses. Most positions require a high school diploma or associate’s degree plus on-the-job experience. The median pay for transportation managers is around $98,000, with top earners cresting $150,000.
Associate Degree Nursing
While you need an Associate’s in Nursing (ADN) degree to become a registered nurse, it’s a relatively quick and affordable path that leads to median pay of around $75,000 and potential earnings over $100,000. There is extremely high demand for nursing skills right now. You can also continue your education while working by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Examples of high income jobs requiring just on-the-job training
Beyond sales and tech, there are a variety of trades and services jobs accessible with just a high school diploma and on-the-job training. These roles can potentially lead to six-figure incomes for those who are especially successful.
Plumbers
Plumbers install and repair water systems, waste disposal systems, drainage systems and plumbing fixtures. Most plumbers learn through a 4-5 year paid apprenticeship. Experienced master plumbers can make $80,000 – $100,000 or more.
Elevator Installers and Repairers
Elevator installers and repairers assemble, install and fix elevators, escalators, chairlifts and other equipment. They complete apprenticeship programs then become licensed. The top 10% of elevator mechanics earn over $89,000.
Electricians
Electricians install wiring and other electrical components in homes and buildings. Most electricians complete apprenticeships then become licensed through on-the-job training. The average salary is $55,000, but experienced electricians can earn up to $90,000.
Hair Stylist
Hair stylists provide hair care services like cuts, coloring and styling. A high school diploma and license are required. Building up clients and skills over time as a stylist can lead to six-figure incomes. The top 10% of hair stylists make over $95,000.
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists provide therapeutic massages and body treatments. While no degree is required, you’ll need to complete a postsecondary training program and pass an exam to get certified. The median pay is around $43,000, but experienced massage therapists in busy spas or private practice can earn up to $100,000.
Commercial Pilots
Pilots fly and navigate airplanes or helicopters. You need a high school diploma plus flight training to obtain a commercial pilot’s license. The median income for pilots is around $86,000. Pilots with extensive experience at major airlines can earn over $200,000.
Self-employment and passive income potential
Starting your own business or developing income streams through passive revenue channels is another route to making over $100k without a degree. Successful entrepreneurs have built lucrative careers in areas like:
- Consulting
- Freelance services
- Selling products online
- Affiliate marketing
- Creating digital products
- Building mobile or web apps
- Domain name investing
- Dropshipping
- Owning rental properties
With business ownership, your income potential is uncapped. Successful entrepreneurs can far surpass a six-figure salary.
Steps to start earning more without a degree
If your goal is to reach a six-figure income without a college degree, here are some key steps that can help you work towards that goal:
- Identify high income skills that are in demand and appeal to you, then start developing knowledge in those areas. Tech skills are very lucrative right now.
- Get any licenses, certifications or specialized training needed to qualify for related roles.
- As you gain skills, get experience through internships, freelancing, collaborating on open source projects or taking entry-level jobs to build up your resume.
- Market yourself effectively – build a strong professional brand through networking, social media, writing and speaking opportunities.
- Consider entrepreneurial opportunities like starting a service business or building digital products.
- Stay persistent and flexible. Progress to higher earning roles over time by consistently gaining new skills.
With the right mix of in-demand skills, hustle and opportunism, you can absolutely reach a six-figure income without a college degree. Define your goals and work towards them.
How long does it take to reach 100k without a degree?
The timeline to a six-figure income without a degree depends heavily on these factors:
- Industry – Some fields like tech and sales provide faster trajectories to high pay than others.
- Experience level – Entry-level roles pay much less than manager or executive positions.
- Skills and certifications – Highly skilled candidates progress faster.
- Company size – Large firms tend to pay more than small businesses.
- Geographic location – Pros in expensive metro areas earn higher salaries.
- Initiative – Ambitious go-getters advance quicker than those content to stay put.
While possible earlier, it typically takes 5-10 years of experience in fields like tech, sales, trades or running your own business to clear $100K without a degree. However, if you choose an in-demand career path, continuously build skills, and pursue promotions or larger clients, you can shorten that timeline.
Should I pursue a degree to earn more?
While six-figure incomes are possible without a degree, studying to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree can provide advantages:
- A degree opens up more job opportunities, including higher level professional roles.
- College graduates earn about 66% more over their careers than high school graduates according to Georgetown University research.
- Pursuing higher education demonstrates commitment and determination to employers.
- Additional skills and knowledge gained through college can boost creativity and innovation.
- Access to internships and expanded professional networking.
- After a few years of work experience, college graduates can also pursue a masters degree to qualify for executive roles.
So while it is possible to earn six-figures without a degree, there are certainly advantages to having one if your goal is to maximize your income potential and opportunities over the course of your career.
Conclusion
Reaching a $100,000 annual income is certainly possible without having a college degree if you leverage in-demand skills,experience and strong professional opportunities. While it may take 5-10 years to reach six figures through careers in sales, tech, trade skills or entrepreneurship, the potential is there. Weigh the benefits of more formal education vs focusing your efforts on self-directed learning and skill building as alternative paths to high earnings. With drive and persistence, you can achieve a great income even without a degree.