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
Railroad workers keep freight and passenger trains running on time and safely across the country. Conductors handle scheduling, paperwork, and crew coordination, while yardmasters and switch operators manage train movements in rail yards, directing cars to the right tracks.
It’s a field job that requires flexibility, with shifts that often include nights, weekends, and holidays. New workers receive months of paid training covering safety, signaling, and operational standards before taking on full responsibilities.
- Median annual salary: $75,680
- Median hourly wage: $36.38
- Top 10% of earners: $100,130
- Number of jobs: 77,900
- Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 1%
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
