Looking for a job that pays well without the need for a college degree? You’re in the right place.
Making $20 an hour is more achievable than you might think, even without a four-year degree.
Whether you’re starting fresh or looking for a career change, there are plenty of options that value skills and experience over formal education.
These jobs often provide flexibility, decent pay, and opportunities for growth.
Let’s dive into some real, accessible jobs that can help you earn a solid income without the student debt.
Ready to discover your next opportunity? Let’s get started!
Hands-On Skilled Trades
Skilled trades are in high demand and often pay well without requiring a college degree. These jobs involve practical skills, often learned through apprenticeships, vocational schools, or on-the-job training.
If you enjoy working with your hands and solving real-world problems, these roles can be both rewarding and lucrative. Plus, many trades offer clear paths to certification and career advancement.
1. Electrician – Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes and businesses. This job typically requires an apprenticeship and licensing but no college degree. Electricians earn excellent hourly wages and enjoy strong job security due to consistent demand.
2. Plumber – Plumbing involves installing and fixing water systems, drains, and pipes. It’s a hands-on role that requires technical training and apprenticeships but no formal degree. Plumbers often earn $20 or more per hour and benefit from steady work.
3. HVAC Technician – Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) techs install and maintain climate control systems. Many programs offer certificates or diplomas, and technicians are well-compensated for their specialized skills.
4. Carpenter – Carpenters build and repair structures made of wood and other materials. Starting as an apprentice, you can quickly gain skills and earn good pay. This career also offers opportunities in residential, commercial, or specialty carpentry.
5. Commercial Driver – Truck drivers and delivery drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) can earn over $20 an hour. This job often requires training but no degree, and it offers independence and good benefits.
These hands-on roles are perfect if you like tangible results and steady work. Now, let’s explore some customer-facing roles that pay well without a degree.
Customer Service & Sales Positions
Customer service and sales jobs often don’t require a college degree but demand strong communication and problem-solving skills. These roles can be found in retail, hospitality, telecommunications, and many other industries.
Many companies offer on-the-job training and bonuses or commissions, increasing your total income beyond the base pay. If you enjoy helping people or persuading others, these jobs can be both enjoyable and profitable.
6. Call Center Representative – Handling customer inquiries and support over the phone, call center reps need patience and good communication skills. Many companies pay $20 an hour or more, especially for technical support roles.
7. Real Estate Agent – While not requiring a degree, becoming a real estate agent involves passing a licensing exam. Agents can earn $20+ per hour through commissions by helping clients buy, sell, or rent properties.
8. Retail Supervisor – Supervisors in retail manage teams, handle inventory, and ensure smooth store operations. This position often pays above $20 an hour and offers leadership experience without the need for a degree.
9. Insurance Claims Adjuster – Adjusters investigate insurance claims to determine payouts. Most companies provide training, and pay rates often start at $20 an hour or higher, especially in specialized fields like auto or property.
10. Sales Consultant – Whether selling cars, electronics, or services, sales consultants earn commissions on top of hourly wages. Good interpersonal skills can quickly boost earnings well beyond $20 an hour.
Customer-facing jobs reward people skills and often provide flexible schedules. Let’s move on to some creative and tech-adjacent roles that also fit the bill.
Creative & Tech-Adjacent Roles
Not all tech roles require a degree; many focus on practical skills you can learn online or through bootcamps. Creativity also pays, especially in digital media and content creation.
If you’re tech-savvy or artistic, these jobs allow you to build a portfolio, work freelance, or join growing companies that value results over credentials.
11. Graphic Designer – Many graphic designers are self-taught or complete short courses. With solid skills in design software, you can earn $20+ an hour designing logos, marketing materials, or websites.
12. Web Developer (Front-End) – Entry-level front-end developers can build websites and interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Bootcamps and self-study can prepare you, and many employers pay $20+ an hour for these skills.
13. Social Media Manager – Managing social media accounts for businesses involves content creation, scheduling, and engagement. Many small businesses pay $20+ an hour for effective social media presence management.
14. Video Editor – Editing videos for YouTube, social media, or businesses requires skill with editing software. Freelance editors often start around $20 an hour, with potential for more as experience grows.
15. IT Support Specialist – Providing technical support for software and hardware issues is a vital role. Many companies offer training, and pay rates commonly start at $20 an hour for entry-level IT support.
Creative and tech roles offer flexibility and growth potential. Next, let’s check out some healthcare and wellness jobs that don’t require a degree but pay well.
Healthcare & Wellness Jobs
The healthcare industry offers many well-paying roles that don’t require a college degree but often need certification or training. These jobs are ideal if you want a meaningful career helping others.
From assisting patients to managing wellness programs, these positions provide stability and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
16. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – CNAs provide basic patient care and assist nurses in hospitals or nursing homes. Training programs are short, and pay typically starts around $20 an hour with experience.
17. Medical Billing and Coding Specialist – This role involves managing patient records and insurance billing. Certifications can be earned online, and specialists often make $20+ an hour working in hospitals or clinics.
18. Dental Assistant – Dental assistants support dentists during procedures and manage patient care. On-the-job training or short programs prepare you for this role, which pays well without a degree.
19. Pharmacy Technician – Pharmacy techs assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medication. Certification is usually required, and many positions start at or above $20 an hour.
20. Personal Trainer – Helping clients reach fitness goals can be rewarding and profitable. Certification courses are available online or in-person, and trainers commonly earn $20+ an hour, especially with a strong client base.
Healthcare and wellness jobs blend solid pay with meaningful work. Finally, let’s explore some roles in logistics and administrative work that pay well and don’t require a degree.
Logistics & Administrative Careers
Logistics and administrative roles keep businesses running smoothly and often pay well without requiring a college degree. These jobs emphasize organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Many of these positions offer stable hours and opportunities to advance into management or specialized fields with additional training.
21. Warehouse Supervisor – Overseeing warehouse operations, inventory, and staff, supervisors earn $20+ an hour managing logistics and ensuring efficiency. Experience in warehouse work often leads to this role.
22. Executive Assistant – Supporting executives with scheduling, communication, and administrative tasks, executive assistants earn strong hourly wages. Organizational skills and professionalism matter more than a degree.
23. Logistics Coordinator – Coordinators manage shipments, track inventory, and liaise with vendors. This role requires strong multitasking skills and often pays $20+ an hour, with room to grow.
24. Bookkeeper – Bookkeepers handle financial records for small businesses or nonprofits. Many learn through online courses or community college certificates and can earn $20+ an hour maintaining accurate accounts.
25. Data Entry Specialist – Accurate and fast typing skills qualify you for data entry jobs that pay well. While entry-level pay may vary, skilled data entry specialists can easily reach the $20 per hour mark.
These logistics and admin jobs offer solid income with room to develop valuable skills for the future.
There you have it—25 accessible jobs that pay $20 an hour or more without needing a college degree. Many of these roles offer training, growth, and the chance to build a rewarding career.
Focus on your strengths, pursue relevant certifications or training, and you can find a fulfilling job that fits your lifestyle and financial goals.
Ready to take the next step? Pick a career path that excites you and start exploring your options today!
