LA’s Top Jobs for Grads: High Pay Without the Degree
Skilled Trades and Technical Roles Offer Six-Figure Salaries
Young Americans are increasingly bypassing college for lucrative careers. In Los Angeles, a growing number of high-paying jobs don’t require a four-year degree, a trend fueled by labor shortages and a shift in hiring practices.
The College Bypass Trend
Nearly 40% of recent high school graduates opted out of college in 2023, a significant rise from previous years. This movement aligns with a national trend where companies are dropping bachelor’s degree requirements for many positions to attract talent. The demand for skilled workers is so high that median wages for those with only a high school diploma have reached their highest point since 1990.
While college graduates still earn more on average, a substantial portion of those without degrees are achieving six-figure incomes without the burden of student debt, which now averages over $39,000. This has led a growing percentage of Americans to question the value of a college education.
High-Demand, High-Pay Roles in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles job market offers a wealth of opportunities for individuals with technical skills and hands-on experience. Stacker analyzed Bureau of Labor Statistics data to identify the highest-paying jobs in the region that do not mandate a college degree.
Skilled Trades and Technical Occupations Lead the Pack
Several trades and technical roles command impressive salaries. For instance, elevator and escalator installers and repairers earn a median annual wage of $136,920. Commercial pilots top the list with a median annual wage of $177,300, though hourly wage data is not available.
Other well-compensated professions include first-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers ($171,390 median annual wage) and first-line supervisors of police and detectives ($169,590 median annual wage). Makeup artists for theatrical and performance roles can also earn a substantial $132,900 annually.
The data also highlights strong earning potential in fields such as electrical power-line installation and repair ($127,810), and detectives and criminal investigators ($127,980). Gas plant operators and first-line supervisors of correctional officers also feature prominently, with median annual wages exceeding $120,000.
Further down the list, jobs like construction and building inspectors ($103,480), transportation, storage, and distribution managers ($104,600), and wind turbine service technicians ($105,370) demonstrate the broad spectrum of well-paying careers accessible without a bachelor’s degree. Even roles such as costume attendants in the entertainment industry can yield an annual median wage of $101,860.
This analysis, which included jobs requiring a high school diploma, postsecondary nondegree awards, or no formal education requirements, underscores a significant shift in the labor market. It emphasizes that practical skills and experience are increasingly valued, offering a viable and financially rewarding alternative to traditional higher education.
