Are you tired of earning less just because you don’t have a degree? You’re not alone—and the good news is, your academic background doesn’t have to hold you back.
In 2025, there are high-paying jobs for men without a degree, many of which require little to no experience.
These are not get-rich-quick scams or Ponzi schemes—these are legitimate career paths that offer real income potential.
Whether you’re switching careers, starting over, or just looking for better pay, this guide covers some of the best jobs for men without a degree in 2025—including average salaries, key responsibilities, required skills, and expert job search tips.
10 Best-Paying Jobs for Men Without a Degree in 2025
1. Elevator and Escalator Installer/Repairer
Average Salary (USA): $71,967/year
Top Earners: Over $98,500/year
Responsibilities:
- Install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and lifts
- Read blueprints and wiring diagrams
- Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues
Required Skills:
- Mechanical & electrical knowledge
- Physical stamina
- Precision and attention to detail
This job is in high demand in construction and real estate sectors.
2. Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline, Charter, or Cargo)
Average Salary: $150,000 – $300,000/year (depending on experience)
Responsibilities:
- Operate aircraft safely for charter or freight services
- Conduct pre-flight inspections and file flight plans
- Communicate with Air Traffic Control and manage emergencies
Required Skills:
- FAA-certified flight training
- Excellent hand-eye coordination
- High situational awareness
No college degree needed—just training and certification.
3. Air Traffic Controller
Average Salary: $144,580/year
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate air traffic movement in controlled airspace
- Communicate instructions clearly to pilots
- Monitor radar and ensure aircraft safety
Required Skills:
- Strong focus under pressure
- Clear verbal communication
- Decision-making skills
⚠️ Requires specialized FAA training but no formal degree.
4. Nuclear Technician
Average Salary: $82,006/year
Top Earners: Over $118,000/year
Responsibilities:
- Monitor nuclear reactor performance
- Handle and measure radiation levels
- Maintain safety systems and emergency responses
Required Skills:
- Attention to detail
- Basic physics & chemistry
- Problem-solving under pressure
🔧 Often requires a technical diploma or on-the-job training.
5. Transportation, Storage & Distribution Manager
Average Salary: $76,301/year
Top Earners: $116,500+/year
Responsibilities:
- Manage logistics and supply chain operations
- Supervise staff, inventory, and deliveries
- Optimize transportation budgets and timelines
Required Skills:
- Organization
- Leadership
- Analytical thinking
📦 Common in warehousing, e-commerce, and manufacturing sectors.
6. Electrical Power-Line Installer & Repairer
Average Salary: $49,733/year
Journeymen Earn: Significantly more depending on experience
Responsibilities:
- Install and repair overhead and underground power lines
- Respond to outages and perform routine inspections
- Operate heavy electrical equipment
Required Skills:
- Tolerance for heights
- Safety awareness
- Physical strength
⚡ One of the most physically demanding but rewarding jobs.
7. Plumber, Pipefitter & Steamfitter
Average Salary: $66,414/year ($31.93/hour)
Responsibilities:
- Install and maintain piping systems
- Read blueprints for layout plans
- Test pipes for leaks and efficiency
Required Skills:
- Dexterity
- Diagnostic thinking
- Blueprint interpretation
🛠️ Plumbing is recession-proof and always in demand.
8. Aircraft Mechanic and Avionics Technician
Average Salary: $76,260/year
Top Earners: Over $100,000/year
Responsibilities:
- Maintain aircraft systems and structures
- Diagnose technical issues
- Replace faulty parts and ensure flight readiness
Required Skills:
- FAA A&P certification (no degree)
- Mechanical aptitude
- Safety-first mindset
✈️ Vital for the aviation industry’s growing maintenance needs.
9. HVAC Technician
Average Salary: $49,535/year
Experienced Technicians: $61,000+/year
Responsibilities:
- Install and repair air conditioning and heating systems
- Troubleshoot refrigeration and ventilation systems
- Advise clients on system maintenance
Required Skills:
- Technical troubleshooting
- EPA-certified refrigerant handling
- Basic customer service
🌬️ HVAC is booming with climate shifts and new construction demands.
10. Web Developer
Average Salary (USA): $70,000 – $120,000+
Nigeria Entry-Level: ₦156,000/month (~$130)
Experienced: Significantly more
Responsibilities:
- Build websites and apps
- Write and debug HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Ensure mobile responsiveness and browser compatibility
Required Skills:
- Frontend/backend coding
- Git/version control
- UI/UX principles
💻 No degree needed—just a strong portfolio and certifications.
Pro Tips to Land High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree in 2025
1. Start With Skilled Trades
- Explore fields like plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, or aircraft maintenance
- Look into union apprenticeships and certification programs
2. Break Into Tech Without a Degree
- Attend coding bootcamps or take online courses (Udemy, Coursera, etc.)
- Build a portfolio of real-world projects
- Focus on in-demand skills like JavaScript, Python, WordPress, or cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)
3. Get Certified
Many jobs require certifications, not degrees:
- FAA Certification (Aviation)
- CompTIA A+ / Google IT Support (Tech)
- EPA Certification (HVAC)
- CDL License (Transportation)
4. Leverage Online Platforms
Explore job boards like:
- Indeed (USA/Nigeria)
- Newbalancejobs
- Trade-specific boards (e.g., union sites, GitHub Jobs, Stack Overflow)
5. Improve Soft Skills
Employers value:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Critical thinking
These help you rise faster in your role, even without a degree.
6. Be Willing to Start Small
Entry-level or apprentice roles may not pay much at first, but they open the door to bigger paydays after 1–2 years of experience.
7. Target Companies That Train
Look for large logistics, utility, or construction firms offering paid training programs or in-house apprenticeships.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, you don’t need a university degree to land a high-paying job. Whether you’re looking to become a commercial pilot, web developer, aircraft mechanic, or HVAC technician, there are numerous opportunities out there that reward skills, certifications, and on-the-job learning.
Many of these roles offer strong job security, excellent pay, and the chance to grow into leadership positions or even launch your own business.
