5 In-Demand Jobs That Pay Over $100,000 and Don’t Require a Bachelor’s Degree – NBC New York

If you’re looking for a career that pays well, doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree, and offers strong job security, you may want to consider working in the skilled trades.

The U.S. faces “record high pressure” on workers as workers age or retire and fewer young people enter fields such as construction, plumbing and transportation, according to a recent McKinsey & Co study.

Labor shortages, exacerbated by disruptions in staffing and material availability during the Covid-19 pandemic, have increased competition for talent, causing wages for skilled jobs to rise more than 20% since 2020, McKinsey & Co reports.

About a third (35%) of the fastest growing jobs in the United States are in skilled trades: more than 1.5 million. New jobs are expected between now and 2032, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Jobs in manufacturing, aviation and energy are not only in high demand, but also offer salaries that rival those of many white-collar professions, Nathan Soto, career expert at Resume Genius, told CNBC Make It in an email.

“As people continue to seek higher-paying jobs with low barriers to entry, there has been renewed interest in blue-collar jobs, especially among Generation Z,” he added.

While many jobs do not require a four-year degree, most positions require certification, licensing and, in some cases, extensive on-the-job training.

Here are five in-demand skilled trades jobs that pay more than $100,000 and don’t require a bachelor’s degree, according to Resume Genius and the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Elevator technician

These workers install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, walkways, chairlifts, and other lifts.

To become an elevator technician, you will need a high school diploma and complete an apprenticeship program sponsored by a union, industry association or individual contractor. Most states require the technician to be licensed and undergo additional on-the-job training.

Average annual salary: US$102,420

Power plant operators

These workers operate boilers, turbines, generators and other systems in a plant that produces and distributes electricity.

Power plant operators typically only require a high school diploma, although the position also requires extensive on-the-job training. You will also need a Nuclear Regulatory Commission license.

Average annual salary: US$100,890

Air traffic controller

Air traffic controllers control aircraft on the ground and in the air, controlling all ground traffic on runways and taxiways and providing landing and takeoff instructions to pilots.

To become an air traffic controller, you will need at least an associate’s degree from the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative and complete training at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) academy and other on-the-job training.

Average annual salary: US$137,380

Nuclear technician

Nuclear technicians work alongside physicists, engineers, and other scientists to produce nuclear power and operate and maintain nuclear testing equipment. Another aspect of the work may be testing air, water and soil samples for radioactive contamination.

To become a nuclear technician, you will need an associate’s degree in nuclear science or nuclear technology. In-depth on-the-job training is also required.

Average annual salary: US$101,740

First line police and detective leaders

First-line police and detective supervisors supervise the work of police officers, manage schedules, train personnel, and coordinate investigations. Leaders often act as liaisons between officers and higher-ranking officials, maintaining order and communication.

To become a supervisor, you will need at least a high school diploma and previous experience in the field, such as working as a police officer or detective. Some employers may require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Average annual salary: US$101,750

Do you want to earn more money at work? Take CNBC’s New Online Course How to negotiate a higher salary. Experienced instructors will teach you the skills you need to earn more money, including how to prepare and build your confidence, what to do and say, and how to write a counteroffer. Register now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD to receive an introductory 50% discount until November 26, 2024.

Plus register CNBC Make It Newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life.