The U.S. labor market is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and with it, the pathways to high-paying jobs. Despite the fact that higher education has long been considered mandatory for a successful career, fresh data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that a number of specialties provide incomes of more than 100 thousand dollars a year without the need to have a bachelor's degree. About it write Dengi.ua with reference to infographic visualcapitalist.com.
It is noted that the rating includes both operators of nuclear reactors and managers of transportation processes. Air traffic controllers top the list with an annual income of $144,580, followed by commercial pilots ($122,670) and nuclear reactor operators ($122,610). Many other in-demand and management positions also exceed the $100,000 mark.
There is a growing demand for labor occupations
It has been reported that more Americans are reconsidering the need for expensive higher education, especially amidst rising tuition debts. Working professions are becoming not only more lucrative, but also increasingly attractive to Generation Z, who are looking to enter the labor market faster and avoid the credit burden.
At the same time, some of these professions require specialized training, internships or certifications rather than a diploma. For example, would-be air traffic controllers need intensive FAA training, but a college degree is not required. Commercial pilots flying charter or medical evacuation flights most often need a license, but not a bachelor's degree.
Dominance of skilled specialties
It is also noted that skilled labor occupations noticeably dominate the list. Among them:
- elevator and escalator installers ($106,580),
- power plant operators ($99,670),
- oil pump system operators ($97,540).
These fields offer a decent income, replacing academic learning with hands-on experience and vocational training programs.
In addition, one of the factors behind the growing interest in such specialties is considered to be their relative resilience to the impact of artificial intelligence. Unlike many office occupations that are subject to the risks of automation, blue-collar jobs involve physically demanding and varied tasks, making them less likely to be completely replaced by technology. For young professionals, the combination of stability and high pay becomes an important advantage.
Education and income
While the occupations described are notable exceptions, in general, higher levels of education continue to correlate with higher average earnings.
Top 20 occupations with the highest average annual salary:
- Air Traffic Controller $144,580.
- Commercial pilot (non-airline) $122,670.
- Nuclear power reactor operator $122,610.
- Elevator and escalator installer and repairer $106,580.
- Supervisor of police and first line detectives $105,980.
- Power plant distributor and dispatcher $103,600.
- Transportation, storage and distribution manager $102,010.
- Power plant operator $99,670.
- Petroleum pump operator, refinery operator and meter operator $97,540.
- Detective and criminal investigator $93,580.
- Postmaster and postal superintendent $92,730.
- Power line installer and repairer $92,560.
- Farmer, rancher and agricultural manager $87,980.
- Transportation inspector $85,750.
- Gambling manager at a casino or racetrack $85,580.
- Subway and streetcar operator $84,830.
- First-line supervisor of sales workers (non-retail) $84,130.
- Turnpike and signal repairman $83,600.
- Gas Plant Operator $83,400 (non-retail) $83,400 (non-retail).
- Transportation and railroad police 82,320 USD.
