Story perspectives

High School Graduates Cash In: Top Jobs Without Degrees

7/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 2023, 38.6% of high school graduates chose not to pursue college, an increase from 33.8% in 2019.
To combat labor shortages, many companies are eliminating degree requirements, resulting in higher wages for high school graduates.
The median wage for high school graduates is now $40,000, with some earning six-figure salaries without college debt.
Stacker identified the 40 highest-paying jobs that don’t require a degree, with electrical power-line installers earning the highest at $102,970 annually.

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Story summary

In 2023, 38.6% of high school graduates chose not to pursue college, an increase from 33.8% in 2019.
To combat labor shortages, many companies are eliminating degree requirements, resulting in higher wages for high school graduates.
The median wage for high school graduates is now $40,000, with some earning six-figure salaries without college debt.
Stacker identified the 40 highest-paying jobs that don’t require a degree, with electrical power-line installers earning the highest at $102,970 annually.