More high school graduates are choosing to bypass college — and still securing well-paying careers. In 2023, nearly 39% opted out of higher education, up from about 34% in 2019. As more baby boomers retire and companies ease degree requirements, the need for skilled workers continues to grow.
Today, some high school grads are earning six-figure salaries — without the burden of student loans. Using recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Stacker identified the 50 best-paying jobs in Chicago that don’t require a four-year degree, spanning industries from trades to tech.
High-paying Detroit jobs without a degree
10. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation and relay
- Median annual wage: $108,650
- Median hourly wage: $52.24
- Total employment: 410 people (0.09 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
9. Police and sheriff’s patrol officers
- Median annual wage: $108,890
- Median hourly wage: $52.35
- Total employment: 23,340 people (5.22 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
8. Tapers
- Median annual wage: $109,870
- Median hourly wage: $52.82
- Total employment: 320 people (0.07 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
7. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
- Median annual wage: $112,230
- Median hourly wage: $53.96
- Total employment: 1,170 people (0.26 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
6. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
- Median annual wage: $114,030
- Median hourly wage: $54.82
- Total employment: 2,140 people (0.48 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
5. Hoist and winch operators
- Median annual wage: $116,120
- Median hourly wage: $55.83
- Total employment: 290 people (0.07 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
4. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
- Median annual wage: $129,360
- Median hourly wage: $62.19
- Total employment: 1,470 people (0.33 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
3. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
- Median annual wage: $136,440
- Median hourly wage: $65.60
- Total employment: 4,190 people (0.94 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
2. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
- Median annual wage: $141,380
- Median hourly wage: $67.97
- Total employment: 720 people (0.16 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
1. Commercial pilots
– Median annual wage: $160,780
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Total employment: 640 people (0.14 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jill Jaracz, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 364 metros.
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