Air traffic controllers earned a median annual wage of $148,080 in May 2025, making it the highest-paying job not requiring a bachelor's degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data, analyzed by Business Insider, shows that prospective controllers can qualify through an associate degree via an air traffic collegiate training initiative.
Nearly a dozen positions across industries like energy and healthcare now offer six-figure median salaries to workers without four-year degrees. Nuclear power reactor operators and diagnostic medical sonographers are among the other top earners, according to the report. This data underscores a growing recognition that high-paying careers are accessible through alternative educational pathways.
The rankings rely on median annual wages for roles that typically require an associate degree, a high school diploma, or a postsecondary nondegree award. Air traffic controllers earn $148,080 at the median, while other six-figure roles include radiation therapists and elevator installers. These figures come from the BLS's May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
For workers without bachelor's degrees, these findings highlight viable routes to financial stability in specialized technical fields. However, many of these positions involve high stress, shift work, or strong union representation, which can affect job satisfaction and career longevity.
The list does not account for geographic cost-of-living differences, which can significantly impact real earnings. Additionally, job growth projections and competition for these roles may vary by region.