6 Construction Jobs That Pay Up To $100,000+ Without A Degree In 2024

Looking for your ticket into financial and career success in 2024, without having to fork out the expenses of pursing a four-year bachelor’s degree or postgraduate education?

One of your best options is the construction industry. This $2 trillion-dollar industry is one of the fastest growing in the United States, having added an extra 27,000 jobs in June 2024 alone according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, up from its usual monthly gain of 20,000 open roles.

Construction companies are amping up their recruitment this year, with two-thirds of them actively hiring according to the Associated General Contractors of America.

And what’s more, many of these roles within construction companies are very lucrative, even if you have no bachelor’s degree. The nature of the construction industry is of such that you can enter through attending vocational school and gaining hands-on practical qualifications such as an associate degree, work your way up the ladder, and continue to obtain specific skill-related certifications and licences along the way.

Many construction companies will gladly sponsor you to obtain extra training and qualifications to be effective in your role or pursue another career of interest within the industry, and construction companies also tend to provide on-the-job training as well, especially at the entry-level.

Some examples of jobs that pay up to $100,000 within this booming industry include (salaries from Salary.com):

1. Electrician

In the United States, you can become an electrician by first completing your high school diploma or GED, then entering a vocational trade program.

Many electricians launch their careers through gaining hands-on experience and training within an apprenticeship, which combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. You will also need to fulfill state requirements such as passing an exam and completing a minimum number of hours of training, so you can receive your licence or certificate.

As long as electric is in use, electricians are needed, therefore this job offers real career stability and security, due to the nature of the work.

Average salary: Between $49,290 and $84,940

2. Plumber

Similarly to the electrician profession, many plumbers enter the industry with their high school diploma, trade school, and an apprenticeship or associate degree in plumbing technology, which is a more affordable, two-year degree option. Plumbers are indispensable workers, which gives this role a solid financial and career footing.

Of course, your exact salary range will be influenced based on demand in your specific geographical area, the companies you decide to work for, and what certifications and years of experience you have. Being a freelancer or working for a company can also make a difference in positively impacting your earnings, depending on your unique circumstances.

Average salary range: Between $48,119 to $81,626

3. Construction Project Manager

Construction project managers may not be as involved in the physical aspects of the work, but that does not make them any less hands-on or render their role less necessary.

A construction project manager is there to ensure that construction contracts run smoothly, as planned, and according to schedule, and they coordinate all the various contractors working on the building project, as well as liaising with numerous stakeholders including planning authorities and regulators.

You can become a construction project manager through gaining entry-level experience within the construction industry—for example as a foreman or other laborer—and obtaining project management certifications such as those offered by PMI (the Project Management Institute) or Google’s project management career certificate.

Average salary range: $92,184 and $156,272

A few other roles that pay exceptionally well within the construction industry and have high earning potential as you progress up the ladder include:

1. HVAC technician (average salary range between $57,133 and $72,192)
2. Carpenter (average salary range between $54,984 and $73,674, although self-employed contractors can earn significantly more)
3. Heavy equipment operator (average salary range between $66,011 and $90,159)

The construction industry has enormous potential for career growth and increased salaries, including many entry routes as a freelancer, opening you up to even more opportunities. Take advantage of the numerous routes this industry has to offer you, and learn new skills every day so you can maximize your future earnings.