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
Electrical power-line installers and repairers are responsible for maintaining the nation’s power grid. They install, repair, and service high-voltage lines and transformers that deliver electricity to homes and industries.
The job is one of the most hazardous, involving work at great heights and exposure to high voltage, often in difficult weather conditions.
- Median annual salary: $92,560
- Median hourly wage: $44.50
- Top 10% of earners: $126,610
- Number of jobs: 127,400
- Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 7%
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
