Skilled Trades and Logistics Lead High-Paying, Non-Degree Career Growth

Key points

• Transportation storage and distribution managers are projected to see 5-6% job growth from 2025 to 2035, with a median pay of $100,000, making them the top non-degree career in this category.
• First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers follow, with median pay ranging from $75,000 to nearly $100,000, reflecting strong demand in the construction sector.
• Electrical power-line installers and repairers are expected to see employment growth of more than 7% over the next decade, with median pay also ranging from $75,000 to nearly $100,000.
• Elevator and escalator installers and repairers command median salaries of $100,000 or more, with employment projected to grow by 5-6%, though these roles require extensive training or apprenticeship.
• Nuclear power reactor operators and power plant operators earn median pay of $100,000 or more, but their employment is estimated to decline by 1% or more over the next decade, highlighting that high pay does not always equate to job growth.

Background

Recent coverage has highlighted a broader trend of high-paying careers, including healthcare and tech roles that often require degrees, as well as the impact of AI on job markets. This briefing focuses specifically on occupations that do not require a college degree, emphasizing the growing importance of skilled trades and logistics in the U.S. labor market.

Why it matters

As the U.S. faces an aging workforce and declining birth rates, the demand for skilled tradespeople is increasing. These roles offer high wages and strong job growth without the need for a college degree, providing viable career paths for individuals who may not pursue higher education. However, societal attitudes still favor college, and while non-degree jobs are growing, college graduates generally earn higher salaries and have lower unemployment rates.

What to watch

The Bureau of Labor Statistics will continue to monitor job growth and wage trends through its Occupational Outlook Handbook. Employers in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and logistics will likely continue to face challenges in filling roles, potentially driving further wage increases and demand for training programs.