PlanexAI Research
The Best-Paying Careers You Can Get Without a Graduate Degree (2026)
Published 2026-07-20. Wage figures are May 2023; growth is projected 2022 to 2032 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Abstract
This brief ranks the 153 occupations in our catalog whose typical entry point is a bachelor’s degree or less, by national median annual wage, using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (wages May 2023)[1]. Entrepreneur / Business Founder ranks first, at a national median of $213,990, followed by Marketing Manager ($166,790) and Product Manager ($166,790). 51 of the 153 occupations report a median wage of $100,000 or more. Occupations whose typical entry requires a master’s or doctoral degree are excluded.
Key findings
- Entrepreneur / Business Founder ranks first, at a national median wage of $213,990, with a typical entry point of varies[1].
- 51 of the 153 occupations report a median wage of $100,000 or more without a graduate degree as the typical entry point.
- 4 of the ten highest-paying are in business & management; the remainder are largely business and management roles.
Data and methods
We include an occupation when its typical entry-level education, as reported by the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook[1], is a bachelor’s degree or less, and rank the set by national median annual wage. An occupation that lists a graduate degree as preferred for advancement is retained when a bachelor’s degree is sufficient to enter. The Handbook draws its wage estimates from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey[2] and its growth figures from the BLS Employment Projections program[3]. Median wage is the midpoint of the wage distribution for an occupation, so early-career workers typically earn below it.
Table 1. Occupations by median wage, bachelor’s degree or less
| # | Occupation | Median wage | Typical entry | Projected growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entrepreneur / Business Founder | $213,990 | Varies | About average |
| 2 | Marketing Manager | $166,790 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 3 | Product Manager | $166,790 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 4 | Financial Manager | $166,570 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 5 | Computer Hardware Engineer | $161,740 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 6 | Human Resources Manager | $149,280 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 7 | Sales Manager | $148,270 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 8 | Air Traffic Controller | $148,080 | FAA Academy training | Slower than average |
| 9 | Purchasing Manager | $148,080 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 10 | Public Relations Manager | $146,910 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 11 | Petroleum Engineer | $144,910 | Bachelor's degree | Slower than average |
| 12 | Database Architect | $139,500 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 13 | DevOps Engineer | $135,980 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 14 | Software Developer | $135,980 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 15 | Aerospace Engineer | $134,960 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 16 | Computer Network Architect | $134,050 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 17 | Nuclear Engineer | $133,970 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 18 | Actuary | $130,000 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 19 | Cybersecurity Analyst | $129,180 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 20 | Chemical Engineer | $125,040 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 21 | Commercial Pilot | $123,220 | Associate degree + flight training | Faster than average |
| 22 | Electrical Engineer | $120,630 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 23 | Business Intelligence Analyst | $120,230 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 24 | Data Scientist | $120,230 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 25 | IT Project Manager | $116,580 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 26 | Site Reliability Engineer | $116,580 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 27 | Construction Manager | $114,990 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 28 | Art Director | $114,850 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 29 | Administrative Services Manager | $114,130 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 30 | Materials Engineer | $112,860 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 31 | Biomedical Engineer | $109,370 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 32 | Supply Chain Manager | $107,230 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 33 | Environmental Engineer | $107,110 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 34 | Facilities Manager | $106,660 | Associate degree | About average |
| 35 | Computer Systems Analyst | $105,850 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 36 | Operations Manager | $105,770 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 37 | Radiation Therapist | $105,310 | Associate degree | Slower than average |
| 38 | Personal Financial Advisor | $105,070 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 39 | Database Administrator | $104,620 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 40 | Mechanical Engineer | $104,110 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 41 | UX Researcher / Designer | $104,000 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 42 | Video Game Designer | $104,000 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 43 | Financial Analyst | $102,740 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 44 | Industrial Engineer | $102,440 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 45 | Project Manager | $102,320 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 46 | Animator / Special Effects Artist | $102,030 | Bachelor's degree | Slower than average |
| 47 | Geologist | $101,920 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 48 | Management Consultant | $101,860 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 49 | Nuclear Medicine Technologist | $101,370 | Associate degree | About average |
| 50 | Civil Engineer | $100,840 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 51 | Computer Programmer | $100,390 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 52 | Architect | $99,280 | Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture | About average |
| 53 | Network Administrator | $99,130 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 54 | Meteorologist (Atmospheric Scientist) | $99,070 | Bachelor's degree | Slower than average |
| 55 | Agricultural Engineer | $98,590 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 56 | Dental Hygienist | $98,100 | Associate's degree | Much faster than average |
| 57 | Registered Nurse | $97,550 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 58 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $96,590 | Associate degree | Much faster than average |
| 59 | MRI Technologist | $95,480 | Associate degree | Much faster than average |
| 60 | Financial Examiner | $94,160 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 61 | Detective / Criminal Investigator | $93,790 | Associate degree | About average |
| 62 | Emergency Management Director | $93,330 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 63 | Web Developer | $92,650 | Associate's or Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 64 | Budget Analyst | $91,640 | Bachelor's degree | Slower than average |
| 65 | Chemist | $91,240 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 66 | Technical Writer | $90,390 | Bachelor's degree | Slower than average |
| 67 | Film / Video Producer | $90,360 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 68 | Food Scientist | $88,720 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 69 | Microbiologist | $87,990 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 70 | Industrial Designer | $83,910 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 71 | Accountant | $83,680 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 72 | Credit Analyst | $83,510 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 73 | Logistician | $82,320 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 74 | Respiratory Therapist | $82,280 | Associate's degree | Much faster than average |
| 75 | Environmental Scientist | $82,220 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 76 | Insurance Underwriter | $81,370 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 77 | Fashion Designer | $80,960 | Bachelor's degree | Slower than average |
| 78 | Compliance Officer | $80,730 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 79 | Community Services Manager | $80,390 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 80 | Radiologic Technologist | $80,110 | Associate's degree | About average |
| 81 | Aircraft Mechanic | $79,870 | Postsecondary certificate | About average |
| 82 | Landscape Architect | $79,870 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 83 | Market Research Analyst | $78,760 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 84 | Cost Estimator | $78,740 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 85 | Financial Services Sales Agent | $78,660 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 86 | Electrical Engineering Technician | $78,190 | Associate degree | Slower than average |
| 87 | Editor | $77,920 | Bachelor's degree | Slower than average |
| 88 | Writer / Author | $76,910 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 89 | Zoologist / Wildlife Biologist | $76,780 | Bachelor's degree | Slower than average |
| 90 | Loan Officer | $76,690 | Bachelor's degree | Slower than average |
| 91 | Network Support Specialist | $76,220 | Associate degree | Slower than average |
| 92 | Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement | $76,210 | Associate's or Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 93 | Human Resources Specialist | $75,940 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 94 | Surveyor | $75,440 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 95 | Film and Video Editor | $75,420 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 96 | Public Relations Specialist | $74,750 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 97 | Mechanical Engineering Technician | $74,510 | Associate degree | Slower than average |
| 98 | Cardiovascular Technologist | $74,310 | Associate degree | About average |
| 99 | Music Director / Composer | $73,710 | Bachelor's degree | Slower than average |
| 100 | Conservation Scientist | $73,010 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 101 | Fundraiser | $72,550 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 102 | Occupational Therapy Assistant | $72,300 | Associate degree | Much faster than average |
| 103 | Forensic Science Technician | $72,060 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 104 | Teacher (Secondary Education) | $72,040 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 105 | Food Service Manager | $69,390 | Associate degree | Faster than average |
| 106 | Training and Development Specialist | $69,280 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 107 | Hotel Manager (Lodging) | $69,250 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 108 | Physical Therapist Assistant | $68,380 | Associate's degree | Much faster than average |
| 109 | Health Information Technologist | $68,020 | Associate degree | Much faster than average |
| 110 | Interior Designer | $67,190 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 111 | Career and Technical Education Teacher | $66,270 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 112 | Probation Officer | $66,270 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 113 | Special Education Teacher | $65,120 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 114 | Civil Engineering Technician | $64,950 | Associate degree | Slower than average |
| 115 | Surgical Technologist | $64,650 | Associate degree | Faster than average |
| 116 | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $64,400 | Postsecondary certificate | About average |
| 117 | Middle School Teacher | $64,370 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 118 | Wind Turbine Technician | $64,120 | Postsecondary certificate | Much faster than average |
| 119 | Public Health Specialist | $64,070 | Bachelor's or Master's degree | Faster than average |
| 120 | Elementary School Teacher | $63,970 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 121 | Plumber | $63,800 | Apprenticeship / postsecondary certificate | Faster than average |
| 122 | Electrician | $63,190 | Apprenticeship / postsecondary certificate | Much faster than average |
| 123 | Graphic Designer | $62,960 | Bachelor's degree | Slower than average |
| 124 | Medical Laboratory Scientist | $62,930 | Bachelor's degree | Slower than average |
| 125 | Medical Laboratory Technician | $62,930 | Associate degree | Slower than average |
| 126 | Paralegal | $62,890 | Associate degree | Slower than average |
| 127 | Kindergarten Teacher | $62,680 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 128 | Insurance Sales Agent | $62,280 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 129 | Journalist / Reporter | $62,200 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 130 | IT Support Specialist | $61,860 | Associate degree | About average |
| 131 | Adult Education / ESL Instructor | $61,540 | Bachelor's degree | About average |
| 132 | Event Planner | $61,160 | Bachelor's degree | Faster than average |
| 133 | HVAC Technician | $61,010 | Postsecondary certificate | Much faster than average |
| 134 | Paramedic | $60,600 | Associate degree | Faster than average |
| 135 | Interpreter / Translator | $60,170 | Bachelor's degree | Slower than average |
| 136 | Exercise Physiologist | $59,460 | Bachelor's degree | Much faster than average |
| 137 | Firefighter | $59,280 | Postsecondary certificate | About average |
| 138 | Massage Therapist | $58,450 | Postsecondary certificate | Much faster than average |
| 139 | Audio / Video Technician | $58,100 | Associate degree | About average |
| 140 | Welder | $53,750 | Postsecondary certificate | Slower than average |
| 141 | Solar Installer | $53,140 | Postsecondary certificate | Much faster than average |
| 142 | Real Estate Agent | $52,830 | High school diploma | About average |
| 143 | Community Health Worker | $51,850 | Associate degree | Much faster than average |
| 144 | Automotive Service Technician | $50,620 | Postsecondary certificate | About average |
| 145 | Dental Assistant | $48,070 | Postsecondary certificate | Faster than average |
| 146 | Veterinary Technologist | $47,380 | Associate degree | Much faster than average |
| 147 | Optician | $47,260 | Associate degree | About average |
| 148 | Rehabilitation Counselor | $46,850 | Bachelor's degree | Slower than average |
| 149 | Human Services Assistant | $45,930 | Associate degree | Faster than average |
| 150 | Pharmacy Technician | $45,750 | Postsecondary certificate | Faster than average |
| 151 | Medical Assistant | $45,690 | Postsecondary certificate | Much faster than average |
| 152 | Photographer | $44,660 | Postsecondary certificate | Slower than average |
| 153 | Preschool Teacher | $38,140 | Associate degree | About average |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook; wages May 2023, growth projected 2022–2032[1].
Limitations
- Median wage is the midpoint for an occupation, not entry pay; new workers usually start below it[1].
- “Typical entry” education is the common path the BLS reports, not an absolute requirement; some workers enter with more or less.
- Figures are national medians; pay varies by state, metro area, and employer.
- The ranking covers the occupations in our catalog, not every occupation in the economy.
Common questions
What is the highest-paying job you can get without a graduate degree?
Entrepreneur / Business Founder, at a national median of $213,990 a year, with a typical entry point of varies (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, wages May 2023).
Can you make six figures without a master’s degree?
Yes. 51 of the 153 occupations in this ranking report a national median wage of $100,000 or more with a typical entry point of a bachelor’s degree or less, including Entrepreneur / Business Founder, Marketing Manager, and Product Manager (BLS).
What bachelor’s-degree jobs pay the most?
Entrepreneur / Business Founder, Marketing Manager, and Product Manager rank highest, at national median wages of $213,990, $166,790, and $166,790 (BLS).
How is this ranking built, and where does the data come from?
We include occupations whose typical entry point is a bachelor’s degree or less and rank them by national median wage, from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (wages May 2023). Occupations that list a graduate degree as preferred are retained when a bachelor’s is sufficient to enter. Full citations are in the References section.
References
- [1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Direct source of the median wage, typical-entry education, and growth figures used here (wages May 2023; projections 2022–2032). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
- [2] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). The survey underlying Occupational Outlook Handbook wage estimates. https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- [3] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program. The program underlying Occupational Outlook Handbook growth projections. https://www.bls.gov/emp/
About this report
Compiled by PlanexAI Research from public U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Methods and sources are stated above so the figures can be checked. Suggested citation: PlanexAI Research, “The Best-Paying Careers You Can Get Without a Graduate Degree (2026),” 2026-07-20.
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