The path to success can start with more than college. There are plenty of jobs out there that can provide a comfortable lifestyle without the hefty burden of college debt. Check out thirteen career options you can get into that can pay over six figures with some experience!
Are they easy jobs? Many are not. But they are jobs that AI cannot easily replace and have a lower risk of layoffs, which can help you feel more comfortable with your future. When we could we added some quotes from real people doing these jobs to give you an idea of what real workers think – and earn!
Pipe Fitter
Pipefitters install, maintain, and repair pipes on large industrial projects. This in-demand job requires some training and can pay over $100,000 annually. No matter where you live, there are trade schools near you that can help you start your career, or you can try to land an apprenticeship if you prefer.
Dunkin’ Donuts Tractor Trailer Driver
We knew long-haul truck drivers could earn over $100,000 annually, but we had no idea Dunkin Donuts came in that high. The worker noted, “I drive a tractor-trailer for Dunkin Donuts. Maybe the most sleeper job of all. I can see it on peoples faces when I tell them what I do.”
Another person commented on that thread and noted he was also “making bank” as a truck driver for a regional food distributor.
Corporate Pilot
A corporate pilot will usually work for a company and fly management where they need to go. Many responses included concerns about being away from home too much.
The pilot responded with, “I fly mostly day trips out and back same day. Only overnight a couple nights a month. But that’s the exception. Typical pilot job you are away from home more.”
IBEW Journeyman Lineman
Lineman is not a job everyone can do, and these guys deserve every penny they make. Helping us keep our lights on and computers running is a challenging feat. Lineman are out there when most of us are hunkered down at home through hurricanes and snowstorms.
One person chimed in and shared his salary on the thread. “Exactly I’m IBEW, I made 100k as an apprentice in my 5th year. I topped out about 3 years ago now and haven’t made under $100k. We make $104k on straight 40s plus the benefits are great.”
Doggie Daycare
Are you surprised? Me too! I know people love their dogs, but clearly, people really love their dogs. One person noted they were running a daycare out of their home and grossing over $100K.
Another redditor added, “Omg, i use to work as a teller and this guy owned a doggy daycare business out in WA. Was charging 50$ a dog with space for 50 dogs and he told me he was fully booked for the next 3 months. Plus he charged more to the shuttle the dogs to and fro – sometimes the employees driving the vans would get tips. Which is 75k a month in revenue. If I had the money to buy some land I would totally be doing thing.”
Swimming Pool Designer & Builder
Swimming pool design is one of the more fun and creative opportunities. Plenty of people want to add a pool to their homes, and redesigns can also be a part of the job. While some pool companies might want a degree, this Redditor noted he got his job from a family member who worked for the company.
“I transitioned from being a teacher without any prior sales experience, so they definitely took a chance on me because of the referral. It’s a very unique job that can be stressful at times, but the ceiling is quite high with high performers earning $200k+ after enough time to build up a referral base.”
Casino Dealer
FFrom Atlantic City to Las Vegas, casino dealers have plenty of opportunities. The higher-end casinos can see dealers making upwards of $100K with salaries and tips. Their work hours also affect earnings, with the overnight hours often being the highest.
Construction Manager
This guy actually stated, “HS Diploma – No degree *” when he stated he was a construction manager. This just drives home the fact there are opportunities to earn a lot of money with no degree.
He added the following when some asked about how he got this job, “When I interviewed for this position 2-1/2 years ago, all they seemed to care about was my customer service experience prior to my construction experience. I would say 80% of my job is customer service, and the other 20% is building.”
Oilfield Worker
One worker noted he moved to North Dakota to do oilfield work, which resulted in six-figure earnings in his early 20s.
When others responded with the work’s location and difficulty level, they responded, “I can take as much time off as I like. Many of the jobs out here are on a rotating schedule. You can make 100k out here working 2 weeks on 2 weeks off and have enough money to travel anywhere you like. I’ve been all over the country and out of the country several times.”
Merchant Marine
This Redditor noted that they work as merchant marines, keeping the lights on and the engines turning. He added, “I work four weeks on and then have four weeks off at home. I am paid $750 per day that I am onboard, which comes out to about $135k/yr. I am a member of Master Mates and Pilots, a mariner’s Union.”
He made it clear that education is unnecessary, but a certificate program in Maritime is helpful.
Guitar Building
One burnout musician found he was good at building guitars. He created a website and now earns over $100K annually, building custom guitars for other musicians. Becoming a luthier is a great way to immerse yourself in the music community while making a living.
Miner
These guys, as one Redditor put it, “turn big rocks into small rocks“. There are mines worldwide, and it is challenging work. But the pay can be good with a few years of experience.
One Redditor offered the following information, “I worked at an underground stop mine in Nevada US when i was 19 i started off making about 7k a month and by the time I left there a couple years later i was making 12k a month. I know a lot of tramp miners that make a ton of money in Alaska as well”
Court Reporter
Court reporters usually need some kind of certification and testing, but they can earn some pretty good wages. You can work as a freelancer, for a court, or for an agency. One bonus of this job is that it is typically a Monday through Friday job with 9-5 hours. If you work for the government, benefits will also be good.
One Redditor, a new court reporter, added, “I’m also a court reporter. I’m a newbie (1.5 years in), and I’m close to being able to break six figures this year.”
Elevator Mechanic
This person noted that an elevator mechanic, especially in the Union, should easily earn over 6-figures. While it is hard work, there is a lot of opportunity in the industry.
They added, “Currently modernizing (15) elevators across five buildings with two companies. Cutting the roof of the elevator machine room at one and lifting and lowering controllers and hoist machines about 14 stories up. Should be a fun week :)”, when someone asked what a day looks like in his work.
Blue Collar Side Hustles To Earn Extra Money
Whether you need extra money or want to consider a new career, these blue-collar opportunities fit the bill. Check out some of the most accessible gigs you can start.
View the list of side hustles
Blue Collar Jobs Introverts Won’t Dread
We are not all meant to work with people. For introverts who do not want to go to college, finding a job may seem overwhelming. We are here to tell you that you have options!
Check out the blue collar jobs for introverts
