17 Legit High-Paying Jobs That Do Not Require Secondary Education

    Knowing your options is the first step to exploring all your options.

    Angela Andaloro
    by Angela Andaloro

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    Growing up, many people are told that higher education is the only route toward financial security, but this couldn't be further from the truth.

    Happy Madison Productions / Via tenor.com

    Our country is filled with people who have found different routes to success, many of which don't involve a secondary education (which is becoming more difficult to afford by the year).

    Hellthy Junk Food/Tenor / Via tenor.com

    Here are just some jobs where you can earn a good living without needing a higher education degree.

    1. Ironworkers

    Confident young metalworker taking steel sheet from rack in mechanical metalworking shop, preparing for cutting or shaping
    Jackf / Getty Images

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ironworkers earn, on average, $27.48 per hour, or $57,160 per year.

    2. Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

    Mobile phone communication internet signal cell tower against blue sky and white clouds
    David Gn Photography / Getty Images

    In May 2021, installers made $60,360 on average, with a projected industry growth rate of 6%.

    3. Food Service Managers

    food service manageron ipad
    Worawee Meepian / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Food service workers catch a lot of flack, but getting to the management level can make a big difference and often only requires on-the-job training. Annually, they make an average of $59,440 per year or $28.58 per hour.

    4. Rotary Drill Operators

    An industrial rotary drill used to create holes for footings and pilings
    Instock / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Rotary drill operators use machinery to remove oil and gas underground and make an average of $56,380 annually.

    5. Farm Labor Contractors

    Employed worker carries bundles of bamboo sticks to work in the field
    Jackf / Getty Images

    Being the person who recruits and handles the hiring of seasonal or temporary agriculture laborers can come with some unique responsibilities, but on average, it will bring in about $47,770 annually.

    6. Oil and Gas Service Operators

    engineer and colleague discuss work
    Vithun Khamsong / Getty Images

    Working in oil and gas service operating machinery brings in an average annual salary of $48,410.

    7. Floor Layers

    Hammer for sealing the pavement on the newly laid pavement. process of laying paving stones.
    Todaydesign / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Installing flooring, including tile and stone, can be an easy career to get into and make an average of  $47,310 per year.  

    8. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

    Black plumber in uniform fixing kitchen sink she is sitting on the floor in kitchen and fixing pipe
    Phynart Studio / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters work in residential and commercial spaces to install and maintain pipes and related systems. The downside is hours that can be all over the place, but you can make an average of $59,880 annually.

    9. Flight Attendants

    Smiling flight attendants looking at camera during disembarking
    Anchiy / Getty Images

    Flight attendants have some unique perks and pits to their jobs, but if you think it's a lifestyle that can suit you, it's worth considering. On average nationally, they bring in  $61,640 per year.

    10. Surgical Assistants and Technologists

    surgical assistant laying out instruments
    Pramote Polyamate / Getty Images

    Be the person who helps prep a room for different medical procedures. Across the country, surgical assistants are making an average of $48,510 per year.

    11. Makeup Artists for Theatrical/Live Performances

    woman painting another woman's face for a theater production
    Nastasic / Getty Images

    If you have a flair for makeup, it can take you far in the theater and live performance world. On average, theater makeup artists across the country are bringing in $134,750 annually.

    12. Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers

    man working on machinery
    Energyy / Getty Images

    Though these jobs are becoming more scarce as different energy sources are explored, managing and maintaining these power systems can bring in an average of $94,790 per year.

    13. Elevator Installers and Repairers

    escalator being repaired
    Xinzheng / Getty Images

    For many, an apprenticeship period is all that stands in the way of installing, maintaining, and fixing elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lift systems. Those in the profession are making an average of $97,860 annually.

    14. Subway Operator

    The control panel of the old tram
    Andrey Nikitin / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    If there's a subway or other train in your area, on-the-job training may be available to become an operator or conductor. The average income for these positions is $81,180 per year.

    15. Postmasters and Mail Superintendents

    U.S. mail bags seen in a mail train car
    Sergeyatunin / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Taking on the work of operational, administrative, management, and support services of a US post office can earn you an average of $80,250 annually.

    16. Boilermakers

    man checking different valves
    Nimis69 / Getty Images

    Installing and maintaining large containers full of hot liquids and gasses can be hard work, but it can also earn you approximately $64,290 per year on average nationwide.

    17. Police and Detectives

    police officers standing together
    Darrin Klimek / Getty Images

    A difficult line of work to enter but a lucrative one, police and detectives make a national average of $99,330 annually. Depending on your area, secondary education may not be a requirement.

    Do you know any other jobs that fit the bill? Share in the comments.