10 Jobs That Pay at Least $85,000 a Year (No 4-Year Degree Needed)

The path to a new job can be a tough one. In an attempt to lower your financial stress, maybe you're on the hunt for a new career. But for many, they worry about their chances if they don't have a typical college education.

While you might expect lucrative career paths to require a four-year degree, did you know that several jobs pay quite well without the requirement of a time-consuming and costly education?

Here are 10 careers that pay a median salary of at least $85,000 a year.

Editor's note: All median salary figures are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Median annual salary: $87,290

Quality control is an essential part of transportation, and inspectors contribute vastly to the smooth operations of transportation and production companies. Depending on the industry, this expert's day-to-day responsibilities could include inspecting goods or equipment to ensure the highest function and quality.

Plus, this occupation requires minimal education. Typically, you just need a high school diploma.

Median annual salary: $92,560

This career is fairly self-explanatory: you'd be installing and repairing the electric power lines that keep the power flowing. This vital job requires an able body and some technical training.

The good news is that this lucrative career is also expected to see major expansion: the number of jobs available for electrical power-line installers and repairers is expected to grow by 8% through 2033.

Median annual salary: $94,260

To become a dental hygienist, you'll need an associate's degree in dental hygiene and a license to practice in your state. This career path could take you to new financial heights with little experience.

The job includes teeth cleanings and helping patients with dental education, and the need for this type of professional is also rising. This occupation is expected to grow by 9% over the next decade.

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Median annual salary: $97,020

Nuclear medicine technologists help doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions with nuclear technology and radioactive treatments. Think of PET scans, nuclear diagnostics, and nuclear medicine.

If this type of career sounds interesting to you, you could apply for an associate's degree program in nuclear medicine technology to get started.

Median annual salary: $101,990

With an associate's degree in radiation therapy (and a license if your state requires one), you could land a job as a radiation therapist.

This type of medical professional administers and monitors radiation therapy to patients who need it. Many of these employees work with patients with cancer, and this career is expected to grow at a rate of 3% through 2033.

Median annual salary: $102,010

With today's massive transportation needs, positions in operational support and quality control are projected to rise by a substantial amount. As a manager responsible for storage, transportation, or distribution, you'd be coordinating the movement of products (or people) at a high level.

To become a manager, you'd need to start with a lower-level position, but these positions aren't typically required to have any education beyond a high school diploma.

Median annual salary: $103,600

With all the electrical suppliers and the massive amounts of power used across the country, experts must monitor the flow of this power. Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers meet this need.

They are usually trained long-term on the job and aren't typically required to have more than a high school degree. As you can imagine, this can be a high-pressure role, but it pays off with a competitive salary.

Median annual salary: $105,980

With the extensive roles and responsibilities within the police force, operational experts are also needed in this space. First-line supervisors coordinate the schedules and logistics for these law enforcement experts, and they typically get into the field with just a high school diploma.

Median annual salary: $106,580

Another viable option for those with limited education is a job as an elevator and escalator installer or repairer. These mechanics install and repair elevators and escalators, with only a high school diploma required.

Landing an apprenticeship with an expert installer is one way to kickstart this career, and it is expected to steadily rise in demand through 2033 at 6%.

Median annual salary: $144,580

Air traffic controllers keep the skies safe by coordinating flight paths. It's an intense job that requires a relevant associate's degree, extensive on-the-job training, and a high level of concentration.

But if that sounds like a breeze to you, the payoff could certainly be worth it. Demand for this job is supposed to grow at a steady 3% through 2033.

Getting ahead financially isn't a matter of one simple move. It requires strategic planning, searching out your skills and interests, and lots of self-discipline. These 10 career paths could help alleviate some of your frustration as you seek a realistic career by eliminating the stress of committing to a lengthy educational program.

Non-degree programs (educational programs that aren't equivalent to a four-year degree) have also been on the rise lately, and looking into this type of further education could save you even more time and money.