Top 20 High-Paying Jobs in 2025: Six Figures, No Degree Needed

At GLHR Investing, we’re diving into the job market of 2025 to uncover the top 20 careers offering six-figure salaries without requiring a college degree. As college tuition soars and student debt averages $37,000, high-paying “new-collar” and skilled trade jobs are gaining traction, fueled by labor shortages and economic shifts. With the S&P 500 (SPY) up 3.94% over the past month to ~6,243 points but down 15.6% YTD as of May 23, 2025, and amid Trump’s tariffs, 3.2% CPI inflation, and a 30% recession risk (per EY), these careers offer financial stability. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of the highest-paying jobs requiring only a high school diploma, certifications, or on-the-job training, along with strategies to leverage these opportunities in 2025’s volatile economy.

2025 Economic and Job Market Context:
- Economic Indicators:
  - Unemployment fell to 4.1% in June (147,000 jobs added, above 115,000 estimates), but consumer spending contracted 0.14% in May, with sentiment at 60.7, per web data.
  - Inflation at 3.2% CPI in June, projected to hit 4–4.5% (or 5–6% with oil spikes to ~$80/barrel from Iran-Israel conflict), per web data.
  - Q1 GDP contracted -0.3%, Q2 estimated at 1.5–1.9%, below 2024’s 2.7%, due to tariffs and 13% retail spending cuts, per web data.
- Trump’s Policy Impacts:
  - OBBBA Tax Cuts (July 4): $3.7T package boosts disposable income ($1,700–$7,200 for median families), supporting consumer-driven roles (e.g., real estate, sales), but adds $3.1–$3.8T deficits, per web data.
  - Tariffs: 125% on China, 25% on Canada/Mexico (paused until August 1), and 50% steel tariffs (June 4) raise costs 5–10%, impacting construction and tech, per web data.
  - Deregulation: Relaxed Basel III rules and pro-crypto policies (e.g., Bitcoin reserve) enhance tech and financial job demand, per web data.
- Job Market Trends:
  - Skilled trades (e.g., manufacturing, energy) grew 20% in wages since 2020, with 1.5M new jobs expected by 2032, per web data.
  - Tech roles (e.g., web development, cybersecurity) see rising demand, with 22% of software engineers lacking degrees, per web data.
  - Nearly one in five non-degree holders outearns the average college graduate ($80,610 median household income), with 2M Americans earning $100,000+ without degrees, per web data.
- Critical Assessment:
  - Labor shortages and deregulation fuel demand for non-degree roles, but tariff-driven costs and recession risks (30% per EY) may impact job stability, per web data.
  - Certifications and experience are key, with bootcamps and apprenticeships replacing traditional degrees, per web data.
Top 20 High-Paying Jobs (Over $100,000, No Degree Required):
- Selection Criteria: Jobs with median or top salaries exceeding $100,000, requiring only a high school diploma, certifications, or on-the-job training, based on 2025 BLS and industry data, per web data.
- 1. Air Traffic Controller:
  - Salary: $130,000–$257,000 (median $179,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, FAA training program, and on-the-job training (3–5 years), per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Critical aviation safety role with high demand, per web data.
  - Growth: 1% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 2. Commercial Pilot:
  - Salary: $100,000–$150,000 (median $121,430), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, commercial pilot’s license, and FAA certifications, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: High responsibility for charter and cargo flights, per web data.
  - Growth: 4% (2022–2032), per web data.
- 3. Senior Real Estate Manager:
  - Salary: $100,000–$196,000 (median $133,871), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, experience in property management, and state license, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Housing shortage (4.5M homes) and inventory growth (2.06M homes) drive demand, per web data.
  - Growth: 5% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 4. Technology Sales Manager:
  - Salary: $100,000–$161,920 (median $161,920), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, sales experience, and tech certifications (e.g., cloud computing), per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Tech sector growth ($200B cybersecurity market), per web data.
  - Growth: 7% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 5. Computer and Information Systems Manager:
  - Salary: $100,000–$159,010 (median $159,010), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, 5–10 years IT experience, and certifications (e.g., CompTIA), per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Demand for IT infrastructure management, per web data.
  - Growth: 15% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 6. Elevator/Escalator Installer and Repairer:
  - Salary: $100,000–$120,000 (median $99,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, 4-year apprenticeship, and state license, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Urbanization and infrastructure growth, per web data.
  - Growth: 0% (stable, 2,100 openings/year), per web data.
- 7. Construction Manager:
  - Salary: $100,000–$154,000 (median $118,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, construction experience, and certifications, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Tariff-driven construction (50% steel tariffs) and housing shortage, per web data.
  - Growth: 5% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 8. Web Developer:
  - Salary: $100,000–$130,000 (median $98,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, coding bootcamp, or self-study (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: E-commerce and tech growth, per web data.
  - Growth: 16% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 9. Digital Marketing Manager:
  - Salary: $100,000–$130,000 (median $100,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, online courses, and portfolio (SEO, social media), per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: OBBBA-driven consumer spending boosts marketing, per web data.
  - Growth: 10% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 10. Court Reporter/Stenographer:
  - Salary: $100,000–$120,000 (median $104,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, associate’s degree or certification, and on-the-job training, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Demand for legal and broadcast transcription, per web data.
  - Growth: 14% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 11. Professional Sports Referee:
  - Salary: $100,000–$210,000 (median $100,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma and sport-specific referee certification, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: High-stakes sports industry ($600B), per web data.
  - Growth: 5% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 12. Power Plant Operator:
  - Salary: $100,000–$120,000 (median $100,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma and extensive on-the-job training, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Energy sector boom (oil $80/barrel), per web data.
  - Growth: 2% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 13. Commercial Diver:
  - Salary: $100,000–$150,000 (median $100,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, diving certification, and training, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: High-risk underwater infrastructure work, per web data.
  - Growth: 4% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 14. Master Plumber:
  - Salary: $100,000–$102,000 (median $100,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, 4-year apprenticeship, and state license, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Infrastructure and housing demand, per web data.
  - Growth: 26% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 15. Boilermaker (Oil and Gas):
  - Salary: $100,000–$108,000 (median $100,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, 3-year apprenticeship, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Energy sector demand (oil $80/barrel), per web data.
  - Growth: 1% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 16. Technical Program Manager:
  - Salary: $100,000–$133,848 (median $133,848), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, tech experience, and project management certifications, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Tech product development growth, per web data.
  - Growth: 10% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 17. Fire Chief:
  - Salary: $100,000–$120,000 (median $100,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, firefighting experience, and certifications, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Public safety demand, per web data.
  - Growth: 4% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 18. Police Detective (First-Line Supervisor):
  - Salary: $100,000–$120,000 (median $100,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, police experience, and training, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Rising crime and public safety needs, per web data.
  - Growth: 3% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 19. Executive Pastry Chef:
  - Salary: $100,000–$102,000 (median $100,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, culinary training, and 5 years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Hospitality sector growth, per web data.
  - Growth: 5% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 20. Security Director:
  - Salary: $100,000–$120,000 (median $100,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: High school diploma, security experience, and certifications, per web data.
  - Why High-Paying: Rising cybersecurity and corporate safety needs, per web data.
  - Growth: 4% (2023–2033), per web data.
Investment Strategies for Job Seekers and Investors:
- Career Strategies:
  - Upskilling: Pursue certifications (e.g., FAA for pilots, CompTIA for IT) or bootcamps (e.g., coding, digital marketing) to access high-paying roles, per web data.
  - Experience-Based Roles: Start in entry-level positions (e.g., real estate agent, police officer) to build experience for senior roles, per web data.
  - Flexibility: Focus on remote or flexible roles (e.g., web developer, digital marketing) to leverage OBBBA-driven spending, per web data.
- Stock Market Opportunities:
  - Tech Stocks: Invest in tech firms like Broadcom (AVGO, +44% YTD, P/E 60) for web developer and IT demand, per web data.
  - Energy Stocks: Buy Chevron (CVX, +8% YTD, P/E 14) and Warrior Met Coal (HCC, +15% YTD, P/E 8) for boilermaker and power plant operator demand, per web data.
  - REITs: Invest in Mid-America Apartment Communities (MAA, -1.56% YTD, 4.2% yield) for real estate manager exposure, per web data.
- Portfolio Allocation:
  - Allocate 10–15% to growth stocks (AVGO, CVX, MAA), 40% to defensives (JNJ, PG), and 30% to bonds (Treasuries) for stability, per prior analyses.
  - Hedge with 3–5% in gold (GLD, +3%) or utilities (XLU, +1%) to counter inflation (3.2%) and tariff risks, per web data.
- ETFs for Diversification:
  - Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK): ~$220, 0.7% yield, buy near $210, target $240, per web data.
  - Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE): ~$90, 3% yield, up ~10% YTD, buy near $85, target $100, per web data.
  - Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ): ~$80, 3.5% yield, buy near $75, target $90, per web data.
- Timing:
  - Buy on SPY dips near $6,000 or stock pullbacks (e.g., CVX <$150), per web data.
  - Dollar-cost average ($500–$1,000/month) to manage VIX (~20–25), per web data.
- Key Catalysts to Monitor:
  - August 1 Tariff Deadline: Reinstatement of 125% China tariffs could hit tech and construction jobs, per web data.
  - July 30 FOMC Meeting: Rate cuts (20% chance in July) could boost REITs and consumer spending, per web data.
  - Q2 Earnings (July): Confirm tech and energy sector strength, per web data.
  - Iran-Israel Conflict: Oil at $80/barrel risks inflation (5–6%), per web data.
- Risks:
  - Recession Risk: 30% probability (EY) could reduce job openings, per web data.
  - Tariff Costs: 5–10% cost hikes for tech and construction, per web data.
  - Inflation Surge: CPI at 3.2%, potentially 5–6% with oil spikes, per web data.
  - Skill Barriers: Certifications and experience requirements limit entry, per web data.
Conclusion: Seizing Six-Figure Opportunities:
- In 2025, jobs like air traffic controllers ($179,000 median), commercial pilots ($121,430), and senior real estate managers ($133,871) offer six-figure salaries without a college degree, driven by labor shortages, tech growth, and housing demand (2.06M homes). The OBBBA’s tax cuts and deregulation boost these roles, but tariffs and a 30% recession risk pose challenges. Job seekers should pursue certifications and experience, while investors can buy tech (AVGO), energy (CVX), and REITs (MAA) on dips, diversify with XLK and XLE, and hedge with GLD to capitalize on these trends.
Why It Matters: In a volatile 2025 economy (SPY -15.6% YTD, CPI 3.2%), high-paying non-degree jobs offer financial stability, with 2M Americans earning $100,000+ without degrees. Investors can leverage related sectors (tech, energy, real estate) for growth. GLHR Investing guides you to navigate these opportunities, building wealth in a dynamic market.