For many people, college isn’t an option, whether it’s because of the high cost of tuition, family obligations, or other reasons.
But the good news is that there are plenty of high-paying jobs in California that don’t require a degree.
These jobs are in industries like healthcare, technology, construction, and many more.
In this post, we’ll be discussing the 18 highest-paying jobs in California that don’t require a degree.
Table of Contents
Top 18 Highest Paying Jobs in California Without a Degree
Here are the 18 highest-paying jobs in California that don’t require a degree:
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller | $127,805 |
| Real Estate Broker | $98,509 |
| Commercial Pilot | $97,573 |
| Construction Manager | $95,474 |
| Dental Hygienist | $88,212 |
| Radiation Therapist | $87,453 |
| Web Developer | $81,586 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $80,315 |
| Fashion Designer | $79,802 |
| Sales Manager | $76,968 |
| Police Officer | $76,750 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer | $75,920 |
| Gaming Manager | $75,635 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager | $75,136 |
| Detective and Criminal Investigator | $73,683 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Manager | $73,234 |
| First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives | $71,705 |
| Elevator Installer and Repairer | $69,954 |
Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers are responsible for keeping planes in the air and on the ground safe.
They manage air traffic by issuing takeoff and landing instructions to pilots, monitoring planes using radar and other technologies, and coordinating with other air traffic controllers.
The median annual salary for air traffic controllers in California is $127,805.
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Real Estate Broker
Real estate brokers help people buy and sell properties.
They assist clients in finding the right property, negotiating the sale, and completing the paperwork.
The median annual salary for real estate brokers in California is $98,509.
Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots fly planes for airlines, private companies, and other organizations.
They are responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo and navigating planes through sometimes difficult weather conditions.
The median annual salary for commercial pilots in California is $97,573.
Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee construction projects from start to finish.
They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of clients.
The median annual salary for construction managers in California is $95,474.
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Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases and provide other preventative dental care.
They work under the supervision of dentists and may also take X-rays and administer local anesthesia.
The median annual salary for dental hygienists in California is $88,212.
Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists administer radiation treatments to patients with cancer and other diseases.
They work closely with oncologists and other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans and monitor patients’ progress.
The median annual salary for radiation therapists in California is $87,453.
Web Developer
Web developers create and maintain websites.
They are responsible for designing the layout of websites, writing code, and testing websites to ensure they function properly.
The median annual salary for web developers in California is $81,586.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists help patients with breathing problems, such as asthma or emphysema.
They may work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, and may administer oxygen or other treatments to improve patients’ breathing.
The median annual salary for respiratory therapists in California is $80,315.
Fashion Designer
Fashion designers create clothing, accessories, and other items.
They may work for fashion houses or design their clothing lines. Fashion designers are responsible for creating sketches and patterns, choosing fabrics and colors, and overseeing the production of their designs.
The median annual salary for fashion designers in California is $79,802. While a degree in fashion design or a related field can be helpful, it is not always necessary.
Many successful fashion designers have made it in the industry without a formal education, and instead, built their skills through hands-on experience or apprenticeships.
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Sales Manager
Sales managers are responsible for leading a team of salespeople to achieve their sales targets.
They develop sales strategies, set sales goals, and motivate their team to achieve their objectives.
Sales managers also analyze sales data and trends to make informed decisions about future sales activities. The median annual salary for sales managers in California is $76,968.
While a degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field can be helpful, it is not always required.
Many successful sales managers have worked their way up from sales positions and developed their leadership skills through on-the-job experience.
Police Officer
Police officers are responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining public safety.
They patrol assigned areas, respond to emergency calls, and investigate crimes.
Police officers also testify in court and may be called upon to assist during disasters or other emergencies.
The median annual salary for police officers in California is $76,750.
While a degree in criminal justice or a related field can be helpful, it is not always required. Many police officers have completed police academy training and gained experience through on-the-job training.
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Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer
Electrical power-line installers and repairers are responsible for installing and maintaining the electrical power grid.
They work with high-voltage power lines and equipment and must follow strict safety protocols.
The median annual salary for electrical power-line installers and repairers in California is $75,920.
While a degree in electrical engineering or a related field can be helpful, it is not always necessary.
Many electrical power-line installers and repairers have completed apprenticeships or on-the-job training.
Gaming Manager
Gaming managers are responsible for overseeing casino operations, ensuring that all activities comply with gaming regulations and laws.
They also manage employees, handle customer complaints, and monitor gaming activities to identify potential cheating or other irregularities.
The median annual salary for gaming managers in California is $75,635.
While a degree in hospitality management or a related field can be helpful, it is not always necessary.
Many gaming managers have worked their way up through the casino industry and gained experience in various positions.
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers are responsible for overseeing the movement of goods and products from one location to another.
They manage logistics and supply chain operations, including transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and distribution.
The median annual salary for transportation, storage, and distribution managers in California is $75,179.
While a degree in business administration, logistics, or a related field can be helpful, it is not always required.
Many transportation, storage, and distribution managers have worked their way up from entry-level positions and gained experience in various areas of the supply chain.
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Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound equipment to create images of the inside of the body.
These images are used by physicians to diagnose medical conditions and plan treatments. The median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in California is $74,666.
While a degree in diagnostic medical sonography or a related field can be helpful, it is not always necessary. Many diagnostic medical sonographers have completed vocational or on-the-job training.
Power Plant Operator
Power plant operators are responsible for operating and maintaining power generation equipment, such as turbines, generators, and boilers.
They monitor equipment performance, diagnose problems, and perform routine maintenance and repairs.
The median annual salary for power plant operators in California is $74,568.
While a degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field can help obtain this job, many power plant operators only have a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training.
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Computer Network Support Specialist
Computer network support specialists provide technical assistance to computer users and organizations.
They may help users troubleshoot computer and network problems, install and configure hardware and software, and maintain computer networks.
The median annual salary for computer network support specialists in California is $72,865.
A degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field can be helpful, but many computer network support specialists only have a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training.
Multimedia Artist and Animator
Multimedia artists and animators create visual effects and animations for various media, such as movies, television, video games, and websites.
They may use computer programs to create 2D or 3D models and animations.
The median annual salary for multimedia artists and animators in California is $72,542.
While a degree in computer graphics, art, or a related field can be helpful, many multimedia artists and animators only have a high school diploma or equivalent and develop their skills through self-study and on-the-job training.
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Final Thoughts
There are many high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree.
From air traffic controllers to multimedia artists and animators, there are many different career paths available to those who are willing to work hard and gain experience on the job.
While a degree can certainly be helpful in some fields, many employers are willing to provide on-the-job training to those who show potential and dedication.
If you are considering a career change or are just starting in the workforce, be sure to consider these 18 highest-paying jobs in California without a degree.
With hard work and dedication, you can achieve success in any of these fields.
Meet Emma Oluwatobi, the career advisor who knows how to level up your job search game without breaking a sweat. With years of experience in the job/career advisory niche, Emma has helped countless job seekers land their dream jobs. While he’s not writing his next helpful piece, he’s sure busy playing video games.