Unlocking Six-Figure Earnings: The Fastest-Growing Skilled Trades Without a Four-Year Degree

The misconception that earning substantial income requires a college diploma is increasingly outdated. With tuition at public universities averaging $11,610 annually, many career seekers are reconsidering whether university enrollment justifies its cost. Recent research from Pew Research reveals that only 25% of Americans believe a traditional degree is essential for securing a lucrative career.

A comprehensive analysis by Resume Genius identifies ten skilled trades offering both impressive compensation and strong job market expansion through 2034. These positions demand varying educational backgrounds—from high school diplomas to specialized certifications—yet deliver competitive salaries with top performers earning six figures.

The Highest-Compensated Technical Roles

Elevator and Escalator Technician leads the compensation rankings. Professionals in this field earn a median annual salary of $106,580, with hourly rates at $51.24. The top 10% command $149,250 annually. With 24,200 positions available and modest 5% projected growth through 2034, this role requires only a high school diploma or equivalent.

Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer positions offer median annual earnings of $92,560 ($44.50/hour). These specialists maintain critical infrastructure with 127,400 existing jobs and anticipated 7% expansion. Entry-level requirements remain minimal—a high school diploma suffices.

Aircraft Avionics Equipment Mechanic and Technician roles appeal to those interested in aviation technology. This instrument technician salary range includes a $79,140 median annual wage and $38.05 hourly compensation. The 160,800 available positions represent a specialty sector with consistent 5% growth. These positions require FAA-approved postsecondary certification rather than a traditional degree.

Railroad Worker positions deliver $75,680 median annual compensation with $36.38 hourly rates. The top 10% earn $100,130 yearly. Though 77,900 jobs exist with modest 1% growth projections, this career offers stable income with minimal educational prerequisites.

Stationary Engineer and Boiler Operator specialists maintain industrial systems for $75,190 annually ($36.15/hour). Among 33,300 practitioners, 2% job growth is anticipated. The role requires high school completion plus on-the-job training.

Rapidly Expanding Opportunities with Significant Growth Potential

Wind Turbine Technician positions represent the fastest-expanding sector, with explosive 50% anticipated job growth through 2034. Despite smaller current employment figures (13,600 roles), median salaries of $62,580 ($30.09/hour) continue upward momentum. Postsecondary certification, not a degree, qualifies candidates for these renewable energy positions.

Solar Photovoltaic Installer roles showcase 42% projected growth—the second-highest expansion rate. These renewable energy specialists earn $51,860 median annual salary across 28,600 positions. Entry barriers remain low with high school diploma requirements.

Electrician careers combine substantial employment scale with solid growth. Among 818,700 current positions, 9% expansion is projected. Median compensation reaches $62,350 annually ($29.98/hour), with top earners exceeding $106,030. High school completion opens these pathways.

Industrial Machinery Mechanic roles offer 13% job growth—higher than average—with 538,300 practitioners nationally. Median salaries of $63,510 ($30.53/hour) support this expanding field. High school diploma requirements make entry accessible.

Plumber, Pipefitter and Steamfitter specialists maintain essential infrastructure across 504,500 positions with 4% anticipated growth. These trades provide $62,970 median annual earnings ($30.27/hour). Top performers reach $105,150 yearly—demonstrating significant earning potential within skilled trades.

The Case for Skilled Trade Careers

Nathan Soto, Career Expert at Resume Genius, emphasizes the paradigm shift: “A four-year degree isn’t the only path to a high-paying and stable career. We’re seeing a surge in demand for skilled blue-collar professionals, and our data shows employers are willing to pay a premium for their expertise: for nine jobs on our list, the top 10% of earners make six figures a year.”

The data substantiates this reality. Multiple positions—from instrument technician salary ranges to specialized trade roles—demonstrate that expertise in skilled sectors commands competitive compensation. Many positions require only high school completion, with all ten occupations projecting positive job growth through 2034.

For prospective workers weighing educational pathways, apprenticeship programs and technical training represent viable alternatives to four-year universities. These accelerated routes develop specialized competencies while generating income during training, positioning graduates for accelerated career advancement and substantial lifetime earnings.