New research reveals that several high-paying jobs don't require a college degree, with some earning over $100,000.

A fulfilling, high-paying job can be found without a college degree.

A recent study shows that nearly one in five workers without a degree earns more than the average college graduate, and over two million Americans without degrees make over $100,000 annually.

A study by the American Student Assistance organization (ASA) and the Burning Glass Institute revealed that certain jobs are better suited for non-degree holders in terms of their ability to succeed.

These roles, referred to as "launchpad jobs" by ASA and Burning Glass Institute, provide young workers with opportunities for career advancement, strong earnings potential, good benefits, and job security. According to a 2023 report, there were nearly 2 million entry-level job openings in the U.S. for these types of positions.

Many jobs, such as EMTs, electricians, and bank tellers, are often used as stepping stones to higher-paying managerial positions.

Technical jobs are more common in industries such as maintenance, manufacturing, and utilities.

According to research by the ASA and Burning Glass Institute, five jobs that don't require a degree but offer strong job security and the potential to earn six figures are:

• The median salary for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is $75,020, with the top 10% earners making a median salary of $114,750.
• Top 10% of power line installers earn a median salary of $119,920, while the median salary for all power line installers is $85,420.
• Top 10% of railroad conductors earn a median salary of $99,210, while the median salary for all railroad conductors is $71,130.
• The median salary for wind turbine service technicians is $61,770, with the top 10% earners making a median salary of $90,300.
• Operators in chemical plants earn a median salary of $80,030, with the top 10% earning a median salary of $108,470.

Some entry-level jobs with low wages can lead to six-figure careers.

According to a report, bank tellers, despite having an average initial wage of less than $29,000 a year, often transition to high-paying jobs within the first decade of their career, such as loan officers, where the average salary is $192,339, as reported by Indeed.

"According to ASA president and CEO Jean Eddy, young people who enter the workforce straight out of high school are likely to base their career decisions solely on starting salary. However, this is only one aspect that should be considered when making a career choice."

The job of wind turbine technician is rapidly expanding in the U.S., with employment projected to nearly double in the upcoming decade.

Despite the high demand for wind turbine service technicians, the profession is often overlooked and undervalued, according to Jessica Jackson, a wind turbine service technician at Vestas in Bee County, Texas. This could be due to the fact that some entry-level technicians earn less than $50,000 a year or because wind turbine service technicians have one of the highest rates of injury and illness of all occupations.

According to Jackson, working in this field is challenging, but it's also rewarding. He emphasized that the profession presents an opportunity for job-seekers who desire adventure and a competitive salary.

Eddy states that while there are resources and support available for college-bound young people, those who plan to work full-time immediately after high school lack the same level of support. They require different job planning assistance compared to their degree-seeking peers.

Eddy argues that college degrees are "essential" for closing the income disparity between those with bachelor's degrees and high school diplomas.

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