Reaching a six-figure salary is a significant milestone that brings financial security, freedom, and confidence in planning for the future. While many assume earning $100,000 a year requires a university degree or decades of experience, today’s job market tells a different story. Increasingly, skills, certifications, and hands-on experience can lead to high-paying careers across a variety of industries.

In regions like California, Texas, the UK, Canada, and Ireland, demand for skilled workers, technical professionals, and trained tradespeople has created numerous opportunities for individuals who may not have completed college but still aim for meaningful, rewarding, and well-compensated work.

This article explores What Jobs Make 100K a Year, detailing the careers that pay $100,000 or more, the qualifications needed, and the regions where earning potential is strongest, demonstrating that six-figure salaries are achievable without a traditional degree.

High-Paying Jobs by Region: $100K+ Careers Without a Traditional Degree

Region	Job Title	Requires a Degree?	Notes / Certifications	Potential Salary
California	Real Estate Agent / Broker	No	State license, sales skills, networking	$100K+
California	Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)	No	CDL, hazmat/tanker endorsements, flexible routes	$120K+
California	Construction Manager	No	Experience, apprenticeships	$100K+
California	Power Plant Operator	No	Technical training, safety compliance	$100K+
California	Software Engineer / Developer	Some schooling/certs	Bootcamps, portfolios, coding skills	$100K+
California	Registered Nurse (RN)	Some schooling/certs	Nursing license, specialization	$100K+
Texas	Oil & Gas Field Technician	No	Technical training, certifications	$150K+
Texas	Air Traffic Controller	No	FAA training, certifications	$100K+
Texas	Elevator Technician	No	Apprenticeship, trade training	$100K+
Texas	Sales Representative (B2B / Tech Sales)	No	Communication & sales skills	$100K–$300K+
Texas	Project Manager	Some schooling/certs	PMP or equivalent	$100K+
UK	Police Inspector	No	Training and experience	£78K+
UK	Offshore Oil Worker	No	Rotational shifts	£78K+
UK	Senior Sales Consultant	No	Commission-based	£78K+
UK	IT Manager / Cybersecurity Specialist	Some schooling/certs	CEH, CISSP certifications	£80K–£120K+
UK	Dentist	Some schooling/certs	Dental degree, license	£100K+
UK	Airline Pilot	Some schooling/certs	Aviation school, flight certifications	£100K+
Canada	Power Line Technician	No	Technical training	$100K+ CAD
Canada	Long-Haul Truck Driver	No	CDL, experience	$100K+ CAD
Canada	Mining & Quarrying Worker	No	Training, remote work	$100K+ CAD
Canada	Real Estate Agent	No	License, client network	$100K+ CAD
Canada	Registered Nurse / Nurse Practitioner	Some schooling/certs	NP license, experience	$100K+ CAD
Canada	Software Developer	Some schooling/certs	Bootcamps, programming skills	$100K–$150K+ CAD
Canada	Construction Manager	Some schooling/certs	Experience, certifications	$100K+ CAD
Ireland	Pharmaceutical Production Technician	No	Technical training	€92K+
Ireland	Sales Account Manager	No	Sales experience	€92K+
Ireland	Electrician / Senior Technician	No	Trade apprenticeship	€92K+
Ireland	Software Engineer / Data Scientist	Some schooling/certs	Degree or bootcamp, technical skills	€92K+
Ireland	Financial Analyst / Accountant	Some schooling/certs	Finance certifications	€92K+
Ireland	Chemical Engineer	Some schooling/certs	Engineering degree or equivalent	€92K+
Global	Commercial Pilot (Private/Charter)	No	Flight school certification	$100K+
Global	Electrician / Plumber / HVAC Technician	No	Trade skills, apprenticeship	$100K+
Global	SaaS / Tech Sales	No	Communication and sales skills	$100K+
Global	Cybersecurity Analyst	No	Short-term certifications	$100K+
Global	Entrepreneur / Small Business Owner	No	Business skills, initiative	Variable

Understanding What Jobs Make 100K a Year?

Before diving into specific jobs, it’s essential to understand how $100,000 USD translates into other currencies and economies. A six-figure salary holds different purchasing power depending on where you live.

In the United Kingdom, $100,000 is roughly equivalent to £78,000, which is considered a high middle-to-upper income, especially outside London. In Canada, $100K equals approximately $135,000 CAD, a competitive salary that comfortably supports a family in most provinces.

High-Paying Jobs in California That Make $100K a Year

California’s economy is massively larger than most countries and is driven by tech, entertainment, energy, agriculture, and global trade. This creates a wide range of six-figure jobs, even for those without traditional degrees. California rewards people who are skilled, adaptable, and willing to work in high-demand sectors.

Jobs That Pay 100K in California With No Degree

1. Real Estate Agent / Broker

• California’s real estate market is one of the most profitable globally.
• Average home prices often exceed $600K, resulting in high commission payouts.
• A motivated agent can close only a few deals per year and still surpass $100K+.
• Requirements include:
  • State-issued real estate license
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Sales ability and negotiation skills
  • Consistent networking and lead generation
• Income grows significantly with luxury listings and repeat clients.

2. Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)

• California’s ports are major hubs for international trade, creating nonstop demand for truck drivers.
• Drivers with specialized endorsements, hazmat, tanker, and oversized loads can earn $120K+.
• Many companies provide:
  • Signing bonuses
  • Overtime pay
  • Flexible route schedules
• The job does not require a college degree; only CDL training and certifications are required.
• Long-haul routes typically pay more, especially for experienced drivers.

3. Construction Manager

• Strong housing demand and ongoing infrastructure projects support high-paying construction roles.
• Many managers start as:
  • Laborers
  • Apprentices
  • Trade specialists (electrical, plumbing, carpentry)
• With experience, they advance into supervisory roles overseeing:
  • Construction crews
  • Budgets
  • Timelines
  • Safety compliance
• Construction managers commonly earn six-figure salaries, especially on large commercial projects.

4. Power Plant Operator

• Requires technical training but no four-year degree.
• Operators monitor and control machinery in power plants to ensure safe and efficient energy production.
• California’s renewable energy sectors, solar, wind, and hydro, have increased the demand for skilled operators.
• Key skills include:
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Mechanical and technical aptitude
  • Ability to follow strict safety procedures
• Experienced power plant operators often earn $100K+, particularly those working in union-based facilities.

Jobs in California That Require Some Schooling or Certifications

1. Software Engineer / Developer

California is home to Silicon Valley, where software jobs offer some of the highest salaries globally. Many developers today enter through coding bootcamps rather than four-year degrees. Experience, portfolios, and skill proficiency often outweigh academic credentials.

2. Registered Nurse (RN)

Nursing shortages remain a concern across the state, especially in large cities. RNs in California earn higher-than-average wages due to high demand and union representation. Opportunities for overtime and specialization further boost earnings.

3. Data Analyst / Data Scientist

With companies collecting more data than ever, skilled analysts are essential. Professionals who understand data visualization tools, machine learning basics, and statistical modeling are particularly sought after.

High-Paying Jobs in Texas That Make $100K a Year

Texas offers high incomes with a lower cost of living, a powerful combination for workers seeking financial growth. Its booming sectors include oil and gas, aerospace, technology, logistics, and healthcare. Many residents reach six figures without advanced degrees thanks to competitive industries.

A. Jobs in Texas That Make 100K Without a Degree

1. Oil & Gas Field Technician

• Texas is one of the world’s largest energy hubs, creating consistent demand for skilled field technicians.
• Salaries are high, often exceeding $150K with overtime.
• Work involves:
  • Long shifts
  • Remote or outdoor job sites
  • Physically demanding tasks
• No traditional college degree required, technical training and certifications are typically enough.
• Strong job stability due to ongoing oil and natural gas production.

2. Air Traffic Controller

• Responsible for coordinating the safe movement of aircraft in airports and airspace.
• Requires specialized FAA training, not a four-year degree.
• Known for being a high-pressure but high-reward career.
• Offers:
  • Excellent salary
  • Strong benefits
  • Federal job security
• Many controllers earn well over $100K once fully certified.

3. Elevator Technician

• Skilled trades are growing, and elevator mechanics are among the highest-paid.
• Job tasks include:
  • Installing elevators and escalators
  • Conducting maintenance
  • Performing repairs in commercial and residential buildings
• Does not require a college degree; apprenticeships and trade training are common entry paths.
• Strong demand in cities with growing infrastructures and high-rise buildings.
• Many technicians easily make six-figure incomes, especially with overtime.

4. Sales Representative (B2B or Tech Sales)

• Texas, especially Austin, has become a major tech and industrial hub.
• B2B and tech sales roles offer high earning potential through:
  • Base salary
  • Commissions
  • Bonuses
• High-paying niches include:
  • Software sales
  • Industrial equipment sales
  • Medical device sales
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential.
• Top performers commonly earn $100K–$300K+ annually.

B. Jobs in Texas That Require Some Schooling

1. Project Manager

Project managers oversee teams, budgets, and timelines in construction, IT, and manufacturing. Certifications like PMP are often more important than degrees.

2. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

These advanced nurses are among the highest-paid healthcare workers in the country. Demand across Texas ensures a stable, high-earning potential.

3. Mechanical Engineer

Texas is home to aerospace companies, automotive suppliers, and industrial manufacturers. Engineers with problem-solving skills and technical knowledge are consistently in demand.

What Jobs Make £78,000+ in the United Kingdom?

The UK offers competitive salaries, especially in finance, energy, technology, and public service. Many six-figure roles rely on experience rather than university degrees.

A. UK Jobs Without a Degree That Reach 100K Equivalent

1. Police Inspector

Promotions within the police force can lead to high salaries, especially in London or busy metropolitan areas. Training and experience are more important than academic credentials.

2. Offshore Oil Worker

Though demanding, offshore roles are compensated generously. Workers typically operate on a two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off rotation, resulting in high earnings and extended rest periods.

3. Senior Sales Consultant

Tech, real estate, and finance sales roles often include commission structures that allow experienced workers to exceed six figures with consistent performance.

B. UK Jobs Requiring Some Schooling

1. IT Manager / Cybersecurity Specialist

• Rising cyber threats across the UK have increased demand for skilled IT and security professionals.
• Roles include:
  • Managing IT infrastructure
  • Protecting networks and systems
  • Responding to cyberattacks
• High-paying certifications include:
  • CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
  • CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
• Cybersecurity roles often allow rapid career advancement.
• Many professionals earn £80K–£120K+, depending on experience and sector.

2. Dentist

• Dentistry, especially private practice and cosmetic dentistry, remains one of the most lucrative careers in the UK.
• Responsibilities include:
  • General oral care
  • Cosmetic procedures
  • Patient consultations
• There is high demand for dentists, especially in regions outside major cities where shortages are common.
• Earnings are often £100K+ annually, with even higher potential for specialists.

3. Airline Pilot

• Pilots in the UK earn competitive salaries, especially with major airlines and long-haul carriers.
• Career pathway involves:
  • Completing aviation school
  • Gaining flight hours
  • Earning commercial pilot certifications
• Job offers structure, travel opportunities, and long-term career growth.
• Senior pilots often cross the £100K per year mark.

High-Paying Jobs in Canada That Make $135,000 CAD

Canada’s industries are expanding, especially in healthcare, energy, mining, construction, and tech. Workers can reach six figures quickly with the right skills and certifications.

A. Canadian Jobs with Little Schooling

1. Power Line Technician

These workers maintain and repair electrical systems. The job requires physical stamina and technical training but pays exceptionally well due to risk and responsibility.

2. Long-Haul Truck Driver

Canada’s vast distances create ongoing demand for transport workers. Many provinces also use trucking routes as pathways for immigration, offering added stability.

3. Mining & Quarrying Worker

Mining workers operate machinery and help extract valuable resources. Remote locations often include housing, travel benefits, and overtime.

4. Real Estate Agent

Canadian real estate markets remain dynamic. Agents who build strong client networks often exceed six figures in income, regardless of whether they have a formal higher education.

B. Canadian Jobs Requiring Some Schooling

1. Registered Nurse / Nurse Practitioner

• Nurses are in high demand across Canada due to staffing needs and  in healthcare
• Roles include:
  • Providing patient care
  • Managing treatment plans
  • Coordinating with healthcare teams
• Advanced positions, such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), can earn $100K+ CAD annually.
• Opportunities exist nationwide, especially in provinces with shortages like Alberta and Ontario.

2. Software Developer

• Canada’s tech industry is growing rapidly in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
• Responsibilities include:
  • Writing and testing code
  • Developing applications and software solutions
  • Collaborating with product and design teams
• High-demand skills include AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
• Experienced developers often earn $100K–$150K CAD+, with room for bonuses and stock options.

3. Construction Manager

• Canada’s construction sector is expanding due to housing demand and infrastructure projects.
• Construction managers oversee:
  • Project budgets and timelines
  • Teams of workers and subcontractors
  • Safety and compliance standards
• Requires experience and certifications, but not necessarily a college degree.
• Six-figure salaries are typical, especially on large commercial or government projects.

Jobs That Make €92,000+ in Ireland

Ireland has become a European hub for technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, and engineering, leading to thousands of well-paying roles.

A. High-Paying Jobs in Ireland With Minimal Schooling

1. Pharmaceutical Production Technician

Ireland is home to many pharmaceutical companies, offering well-paid manufacturing and tech-focused jobs in quality control and production.

2. Sales Account Manager

Tech companies in Dublin rely heavily on skilled account managers who can nurture client relationships and drive revenue.

3. Electrician or Senior Technician

Ireland’s infrastructure and renewable energy development have sparked demand for skilled technicians capable of handling complex installations.

B. Irish Jobs Requiring Some Schooling

1. Software Engineer / Data Scientist

• Ireland’s growing tech ecosystem makes engineering roles highly competitive and well-paid.

2. Financial Analyst / Accountant

• Multinational companies and banks in Dublin hire financial specialists with strong analytical skills.

3. Chemical Engineer

• Biopharma and manufacturing sectors rely on chemical engineers to develop products, improve systems, and maintain high safety standards.

Global Jobs That Pay 100K With Little Schooling

Several high-paying careers today don’t require a traditional college degree but still offer the potential to earn six figures. Commercial pilots can secure well-paying positions through charter companies or private aviation firms with just a flight school certification.

Skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians are in global shortage, making them highly lucrative and stable long-term careers. In the tech sector, SaaS sales professionals can earn substantial commissions with strong communication and sales skills, while cybersecurity analysts can enter the booming industry through short-term certifications. 

Additionally, becoming an entrepreneur or small business owner offers unmatched flexibility and the potential for significant earnings, allowing individuals to build their income in line with their vision and effort.

How to Reach a $100K Salary Faster?

To reach six figures quicker, focus on:

Specialized Skills

• High-income industries reward niche abilities.

Certifications Over Degrees

• Short-term programs can fast-track your career into high-paying roles.

Location Flexibility

• Some regions simply pay more for the same work.

Commission Opportunities

• Sales roles can dramatically increase income.

Continuous Upskilling

• Technology and industries evolve quickly; staying current is key.

Final Thoughts

What jobs make 100K a year? Earning a six-figure salary is no longer limited to those with a college degree or decades of experience. Across California, Texas, the UK, Canada, and Ireland, opportunities abound for skilled workers, tradespeople, and professionals who invest in certifications, technical training, or specialized skills. 

From real estate and sales to healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, there are numerous paths to reach $100K or more, even with minimal schooling. The key is to focus on in-demand industries, continuously develop your expertise, and remain open to roles that align with your strengths and lifestyle. 

With determination, the right skills, and strategic choices, a six-figure career is achievable, proving that hard work, practical knowledge, and adaptability can pay off in today’s global job market.

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