Introduction
Many job seekers assume that earning $60,000 to $70,000 per year requires a bachelor’s degree. In reality, employers across the United States and United Kingdom are hiring skilled workers for $60k to $70k jobs in USA and UK through apprenticeships, vocational training, licences, and industry certifications. If you want to avoid student debt while building a stable, well-paid career, this guide highlights 20 high-paying roles that do not require a traditional college degree. Salaries vary by location and experience, and UK pay is shown in pounds sterling as an illustrative local range rather than a direct currency conversion.
Why Choose $60k–$70k Jobs Without a Degree?
These careers offer strong earning potential without four-year university costs. Many are in skilled trades, technology, transportation, and protective services, where employers value practical ability and certifications. Apprenticeships and bootcamps allow you to earn while you learn. With experience, several roles can lead to supervisory positions or salaries above $70,000.
Top 20 Jobs Paying $60,000–$70,000 Without a College Degree
1. Commercial Pilot
USA: $65,000–$75,000+ | UK: £45,000–£70,000+
Airlines need licensed pilots, not university graduates. Train through flight school and earn an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate in the USA or a UK CAA licence. Pay rises with flight hours and aircraft ratings. Medical fitness and English proficiency are also required.
2. Air Traffic Controller
USA: $60,000–$70,000+ | UK: £40,000–£60,000+
Controllers direct aircraft and ensure safety. FAA training in the USA or NATS training in the UK can qualify you without a degree. Strong focus, English, and decision-making skills are essential. Shift work is common but well paid.
3. Elevator Installer and Repairer
USA: $60,000–$70,000+ | UK: £35,000–£50,000
Install and repair lifts and escalators. A paid apprenticeship and recognised qualification are required instead of a degree. Overtime and union roles can raise pay, and demand remains steady. This trade offers strong job security.
4. Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer
USA: $60,000–$75,000 | UK: £35,000–£50,000
Lineworkers maintain electrical grids. Apprenticeships combine classroom learning with paid on-the-job training. The work is demanding, but overtime and storm response can increase earnings significantly. Safety training is critical.
5. Electrician
USA: $60,000–$70,000+ | UK: £35,000–£45,000
Electricians wire buildings and maintain power systems. You can qualify through an apprenticeship and a journeyman or master licence. Self-employment and overtime can further increase annual income. Work is needed in homes, factories, and offices.
6. Plumber / Pipefitter
USA: $60,000–$70,000 | UK: £35,000–£45,000
Plumbers install water, heating, and gas systems. City & Guilds, NVQs, or apprenticeships provide entry without a bachelor’s degree. Experienced plumbers often start their own businesses. Emergency call-out work boosts pay.
7. HVAC Technician
USA: $60,000–$70,000 | UK: £32,000–£45,000
HVAC specialists install and repair climate-control systems. Certification and apprenticeships are required instead of a degree. Demand stays strong in homes, schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings. Seasonal overtime is common.
8. Wind Turbine Technician
USA: $60,000–$70,000 | UK: £30,000–£45,000
Wind techs maintain turbines at wind farms. A technical certificate or trade experience can qualify you. This growing green-energy role often includes overtime, travel, and strong job prospects. Physical fitness and safety awareness are important.
9. Aircraft and Avionics Mechanic
USA: $60,000–$75,000 | UK: £35,000–£50,000
Mechanics service aircraft engines, instruments, and electrical systems. You need FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification in the USA or a UK Part-66 licence. Attention to detail and safety are critical. Overtime is often available.
10. Boilermaker
USA: $60,000–$70,000+ | UK: £35,000–£45,000
Boilermakers assemble and repair tanks, vats, and boilers. Apprenticeships and welding certifications are typical entry routes. Energy, manufacturing, and shipbuilding employers offer competitive pay and overtime. The work can be physically demanding.
11. Web Developer
USA: $60,000–$70,000 | UK: £32,000–£50,000
Web developers build websites and applications. Coding bootcamps, portfolios, and certifications can replace a computer science degree. Skills in JavaScript, React, and cloud hosting support well-paid remote work. Freelancing can also increase income.
12. IT Support Specialist / Help Desk Manager
USA: $60,000–$70,000 | UK: £30,000–£45,000
IT support professionals troubleshoot networks, hardware, and software. CompTIA A+, Network+, and Microsoft certifications can help you qualify without a degree. Advancement into systems administration increases pay. Remote help-desk roles are increasingly common.
13. Cybersecurity Analyst
USA: $65,000–$75,000 | UK: £38,000–£55,000
Cybersecurity analysts protect networks from attacks. Employers may hire candidates with Security+, CEH, or CISSP certifications and hands-on lab experience instead of a degree. Demand is high across all industries. Salaries rise with cloud security skills.
14. Digital Marketing Specialist / SEO Manager
USA: $60,000–$70,000 | UK: £32,000–£50,000
These marketers manage SEO, paid ads, email, and social campaigns. Google and Meta certifications plus proven campaign results often matter more than a degree. Strong portfolios support remote roles. Analytics and conversion skills boost earnings.
15. Technical Writer
USA: $60,000–$70,000 | UK: £30,000–£45,000
Technical writers create manuals, guides, and API documentation. Strong writing skills and tools like Confluence or Markdown are more important than a degree. Software and engineering firms offer remote jobs. Experience in a technical field is a plus.
16. Insurance Claims Adjuster
USA: $60,000–$70,000 | UK: £30,000–£45,000
Claims adjusters investigate insurance claims and approve payouts. Licensing varies by state or country, but a bachelor’s degree is usually not required. Analytical thinking and customer service support career growth. Storm and catastrophe claims can raise pay.
17. Real Estate Broker
USA: $60,000–$70,000+ (commission) | UK: £30,000–£50,000+ (commission)
Brokers help clients buy, sell, or rent property. A licence and local market knowledge are required instead of a degree. Income depends heavily on commission, networking, and housing market conditions. Top performers earn substantial bonuses.
18. Construction Manager
USA: $65,000–$75,000 | UK: £40,000–£55,000
Construction managers oversee projects, budgets, and site teams. Many start as tradespeople and advance through experience rather than a degree. Safety or project management certifications improve job prospects. Large infrastructure projects often pay the most.
19. Sales Representative (Technical/Software/Medical)
USA: $60,000–$80,000 with commission | UK: £30,000–£50,000 base + commission
Sales professionals sell software, medical devices, or industrial products. Employers prioritise proven results and communication skills over formal degrees. Commissions and bonuses can significantly boost total earnings. Technical sales roles usually pay the highest.
20. Truck Driver / HGV Driver (Specialized Freight)
USA: $60,000–$70,000 | UK: £35,000–£45,000
Drivers with a CDL in the USA or HGV/CPC licence in the UK can earn strong pay in specialised freight. Owner-operators may earn more but carry higher costs. Long-haul and hazardous loads often pay premium rates.
Apprenticeships, Certifications, and Degree Alternatives
“Without a college degree” means you do not need a bachelor’s degree, but most of these careers require apprenticeships, licences, or certifications. In the USA, look for Department of Labor apprenticeships, trade schools, and community college certificates. In the UK, explore T-levels, NVQs, City & Guilds, and Higher Apprenticeships. These pathways let you earn while you learn and avoid large student loans.
Remote Work and Visa Sponsorship
Several technology roles on this list, such as web development, IT support, digital marketing, and technical writing, may offer remote or hybrid work. However, employers may restrict international remote work due to tax and employment laws. Skilled trades usually require local licences. Some US employers sponsor H-1B or other work visas, while UK companies may offer Skilled Worker sponsorship for eligible shortage occupations. Always verify visa rules before applying.
How to Apply and Increase Your Earnings
Research salaries on BLS.gov and ONS.gov.uk. Earn recognised certifications and build a portfolio or apprenticeship record. Tailor your resume or CV to highlight practical skills, licences, and measurable achievements. Apply through LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Reed, Totaljobs, USAJOBS, and the UK government’s Find a Job service. Negotiate using local salary data, and consider overtime, shift premiums, or self-employment to increase income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really earn $60,000 without a degree?
Yes. Skilled trades, technology certifications, aviation licences, and commission-based sales can help you reach this salary range without a bachelor’s degree. Experience, location, and employer strongly affect pay.
Are UK salaries the same as US salaries?
No. UK employers pay in pounds, and local salary scales differ from US markets. Use the GBP figures as illustrative examples and check current exchange rates and UK job adverts.
Which no-degree jobs are easiest to start?
Apprenticeships in electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, and IT support often allow you to start quickly while earning a wage. Entry requirements vary by country and employer.
Do these jobs offer career advancement?
Yes. Many professionals move into supervisory, inspection, or business-ownership roles, which can push earnings well beyond $70,000 or the UK equivalent over time.
Conclusion
You do not always need a college degree to secure $60k to $70k jobs in USA and UK. By pursuing apprenticeships, licences, and industry certifications, you can build a rewarding career in aviation, skilled trades, technology, sales, or protective services. Research training providers, compare employer benefits, and apply strategically. With practical skills and persistence, you can achieve financial stability and long-term career growth in 2026 and beyond.