Well-paying jobs in the United States are no longer limited to those with college degrees, as new data shows several blue-collar roles now offer six-figure salaries.
According to the 2025 Highest Paying Blue-Collar Jobs Report by Resume Genius, which draws from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these occupations are not only lucrative but are also projected to see steady growth over the next decade.
The BLS projects that between 2020 and 2030, about 60% of new jobs in the U.S. will be positions that don’t require a four-year degree, yet some will yield salaries above $100,000 annually.
The report focused on jobs with median annual salaries above the national average of $48,060, requiring only a high school diploma or equivalent, and expected to expand between 2024 and 2034.
It also outlined each job’s salary ranges for top earners, median annual and hourly wages, total available positions, growth forecasts, and the educational pathways needed to enter the field.
Here are the top 10 high-paying US jobs that don’t require a college degree
Industrial machinery mechanics install, maintain, and repair the machines that make manufacturing possible, from assembly lines to packaging systems.
When a breakdown happens, these mechanics troubleshoot the issue quickly, often reading blueprints and using diagnostic tools to locate faults in mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic systems. Many start with an apprenticeship or technical degree in industrial maintenance to build their expertise..
- Median annual salary: $63,510
- Median hourly wage: $30.53
- Top 10% of earners: $85,970
- Number of jobs: 538,300
- Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 13%
- Education: High school diploma and apprenticeship
