Highest Paying Jobs with the Least Training

In today’s fast-paced world, many people are looking for jobs that offer substantial pay without the extensive training or formal education typically associated with high-paying careers. Whether you're making a career shift, seeking a new job due to time constraints, or just want to jump into a lucrative position quickly, you might be surprised by the number of opportunities that exist. While traditional paths like law or medicine require years of schooling and certifications, there are several fields where you can earn a significant income with minimal formal training.

To kick off this journey, imagine waking up, stepping into a high-paying job, and realizing you didn’t need to spend years in school or tens of thousands of dollars in student loans to get there. It sounds ideal, right? Below, we'll dive into several career options that can help you achieve financial success without sacrificing years of your life to study. You'll discover high-paying jobs that require little to no formal education or, in some cases, just a short period of training.

1. Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers are responsible for guiding planes safely in and out of airports, ensuring that air traffic flows smoothly. While the job comes with a high level of responsibility and can be stressful, it is well-compensated. The median annual wage for air traffic controllers in the U.S. is over $122,000.

Training Required: The FAA offers training programs for air traffic controllers, and while it is rigorous, it only takes about 2-4 years, which is significantly less than many other high-paying jobs. You can start this career with an associate's degree, and some positions require only on-the-job training.

Why It’s High-Paying: The job requires constant attention and quick decision-making, and because the position is critical to air safety, it comes with a high salary.

2. Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists are responsible for administering radiation treatments to patients, primarily for cancer treatment. They typically work in hospitals or cancer treatment centers.

Training Required: An associate’s degree in radiation therapy is usually enough to get started in this field. Certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is also recommended and sometimes required. The training typically takes around two years.

Median Salary: Radiation therapists earn around $85,560 annually, and the job outlook is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years.

Why It’s High-Paying: This job requires specialized skills in handling radiation equipment, and there's a high demand for qualified individuals due to the increase in cancer diagnoses and treatment technology advancements.

3. Elevator Installer/Repairer

Elevator installers and repairers are in charge of assembling, installing, and fixing elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other similar equipment. The job may not seem glamorous, but the pay definitely is.

Training Required: This is a job where you can start as an apprentice, and most training is done on the job. Apprenticeships typically last about 4 years, but there's no need for a traditional college degree.

Median Salary: $84,990 annually, with top earners making over $120,000.

Why It’s High-Paying: This job is physically demanding and requires mechanical knowledge, but it's compensated handsomely because it's a specialized trade and one with high demand, particularly in urban areas.

4. Commercial Pilot

Commercial pilots fly aircraft for purposes like cargo transportation, charter flights, crop dusting, or rescue operations. While airline pilots often require a college degree and extensive flight experience, becoming a commercial pilot has fewer barriers to entry.

Training Required: You’ll need a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which requires a combination of flight school, training hours, and passing a written test. However, you can start earning as a pilot within a year or two depending on how quickly you complete the required flight hours.

Median Salary: The median annual salary for commercial pilots is around $93,300, but top pilots can earn significantly more.

Why It’s High-Paying: The ability to fly planes is a specialized skill, and the high level of responsibility associated with transporting goods or passengers justifies the higher pay.

5. Computer Support Specialist

With the growing reliance on technology in every industry, computer support specialists are in demand more than ever. They help people and organizations solve their tech problems, from setting up hardware to troubleshooting software issues.

Training Required: Most employers require only a certification, such as a CompTIA A+ or similar, which you can obtain within months. Some employers might prefer an associate's degree, but many roles focus on skills rather than formal education.

Median Salary: $55,510 annually, with some top specialists earning closer to $82,000.

Why It’s High-Paying: While the job doesn't always require extensive education, having strong technical skills and problem-solving abilities is essential, especially as technology becomes more integral to business operations.

6. Web Developer

If you're tech-savvy and creative, becoming a web developer can be an excellent way to earn a substantial income without a formal degree. Web developers design and create websites, ensuring that they’re functional and visually appealing.

Training Required: You can become a web developer with just a high school diploma and self-taught skills or a short coding bootcamp (usually lasting a few months). Many developers start as freelancers or in small roles, but with experience, you can work your way up to high-paying positions.

Median Salary: The median salary for web developers is around $77,200 annually, though top-tier developers with specialized skills can earn well over $100,000.

Why It’s High-Paying: The demand for web developers continues to rise as more businesses need an online presence, making this a lucrative career, especially for those with a strong portfolio.

7. Real Estate Broker

Real estate brokers help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. While real estate agents work under brokers, brokers can own their firms and earn significantly more.

Training Required: Becoming a real estate broker typically requires taking a licensing exam and completing a certain number of hours in real estate courses, which can take a few months to a year, depending on your state’s requirements.

Median Salary: The median salary for real estate brokers is around $60,370, but successful brokers who sell high-end properties or work in competitive markets can make over $100,000 annually.

Why It’s High-Paying: Real estate is often commission-based, so the more properties you sell, the more you earn. With the right market and client base, real estate brokers can make substantial incomes.

8. Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists work closely with dentists to clean teeth, take X-rays, and educate patients about oral health. It's a well-compensated job, and the training is relatively short.

Training Required: Most dental hygienists have an associate's degree in dental hygiene, which typically takes around two years to complete. Licensure is required, which involves passing a written and clinical exam.

Median Salary: The median annual salary for dental hygienists is $77,810, with top earners making over $100,000.

Why It’s High-Paying: The job is in high demand, especially as oral health becomes more prioritized. Hygienists perform specialized tasks that require certification, which justifies the higher pay.

9. Power Plant Operator

Power plant operators control and maintain the machinery that generates electricity. While the job may sound complex, it’s surprisingly accessible with minimal training.

Training Required: Power plant operators usually need a high school diploma and undergo extensive on-the-job training. Some positions may require an associate’s degree, but this isn’t always necessary.

Median Salary: The median salary for power plant operators is around $89,090, with top earners making over $120,000.

Why It’s High-Paying: The specialized nature of the work, combined with the responsibility of ensuring that electricity is generated and distributed properly, results in higher wages.

10. Police Officer

While becoming a police officer is not for everyone, it’s a high-paying career that requires relatively little formal education. Police officers enforce the law, ensure public safety, and maintain order within communities.

Training Required: Most police departments require only a high school diploma or GED, and officers must complete training at a police academy, which typically lasts about six months.

Median Salary: The median salary for police officers is $67,290 annually, with opportunities for higher pay through promotions or specialized units.

Why It’s High-Paying: Law enforcement is a critical public service job that comes with risks, so officers are compensated accordingly, especially as they gain experience or move up the ranks.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are several career options that allow you to earn a high income without spending years in school or accumulating student debt. Many of these jobs require specific skills and training, but the time investment is much lower compared to traditional high-paying careers like medicine or law. Whether you're interested in technology, healthcare, law enforcement, or trades, there are plenty of opportunities to earn a substantial income with minimal training.