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Top-paying jobs you can get without a college degree

Labor data and research from Advance Education show apprenticeships, licenses, certifications and on-the-job training can lead to strong-paying roles in trades, transportation and other skilled careers.

Published Sep 19, 2026, 5:30 AM EDT | LehighValleyLive

For decades, many Americans were told that earning a four-year college degree was the best path to a good paycheck. But new workforce data shows that some of the nation’s highest-paying jobs can be reached through apprenticeships, licenses, certifications or on-the-job training instead of a bachelor’s degree, according to Advance Education. New research highlights growing demand for skills-based careers as employers search for qualified workers.