In today’s job market, securing one of the best hourly jobs in the USA without a degree is more achievable than ever. With rising education costs and a shift toward skills-based hiring, many high-paying roles value hands-on experience, certifications, or apprenticeships over formal college credentials. According to recent data, about 60 percent of new jobs through 2030 will be in occupations that do not require a bachelor’s degree. This guide explores the best hourly jobs in the USA without a degree, drawing from 2025 sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and career sites. We focus on roles offering median hourly wages of $20 or more, often with growth potential. Whether you are starting fresh or switching careers, these positions provide stability, competitive pay, and pathways to advancement without student debt.
Why Pursue the Best Hourly Jobs in the USA Without a Degree?
Opting for the best hourly jobs in the USA without a degree makes sense for many reasons. These roles often come with flexible schedules, overtime opportunities, and benefits like health insurance. In 2025, industries such as transportation, construction, and healthcare face labor shortages, driving up wages for skilled workers. Entry typically requires a high school diploma, on-the-job training, or short certifications that take months, not years. For instance, trades like plumbing or electrical work offer apprenticeships where you earn while learning. BLS projections show strong growth in these areas, with some occupations expanding faster than average. Plus, remote or hybrid options are emerging, even in non-tech fields, broadening access for diverse candidates.
Top Best Hourly Jobs in the USA Without a Degree
Here are some of the best hourly jobs in the USA without a degree, based on 2025 median wages and job outlooks. Wages are hourly medians from BLS and other reports, assuming full-time work. We prioritized verifiable data from sources like Indeed and Coursera.
- Commercial Pilots: Earning a median of about $58 per hour, commercial pilots top the list for high pay without a degree. Requirements include FAA certification and flight hours, often obtained through flight schools. No bachelor’s is needed, and jobs involve flying cargo or passengers for airlines. Growth is projected at 4 percent through 2034, with shortages in regional flying.
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers: These specialists earn around $48 per hour. Entry comes via apprenticeships lasting four years, focusing on mechanical skills. Urban development drives demand, with 6 percent growth expected. No degree required, just a high school education and physical fitness.
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers: With medians at $47 per hour, these managers oversee logistics without needing a degree. Experience in warehousing or shipping leads to promotions. E-commerce booms fuel 8 percent growth, making this a solid choice for organizers.
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers: Earning about $46 per hour, these workers monitor electrical grids. Training is on-the-job, with no degree but requiring technical aptitude. Renewable energy shifts support steady demand.
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: Median pay hits $34 per hour. FAA-approved programs last 18-24 months, leading to certification. Aviation growth projects 6 percent increase in jobs.
- Electricians: At $30 per hour median, electricians install and repair wiring. Apprenticeships provide paid training over four years. Infrastructure investments boost 6 percent growth.
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Earning $30 per hour, these tradespeople handle piping systems. Similar to electricians, apprenticeships are key, with 2 percent growth amid construction needs.
- Locomotive Engineers: With wages around $35 per hour, engineers operate trains. Federal certification and on-the-job training suffice, no degree needed.
- Flight Attendants: Median $30 per hour, focusing on passenger safety. Airline training programs last weeks, with travel perks.
- Real Estate Brokers: Earning commissions averaging $30 per hour equivalent, brokers need state licenses but no degree. Courses take months, ideal for sales-oriented individuals.
Other strong options include patrol officers at $32 per hour, executive assistants at $30, and wind turbine technicians at $28, growing rapidly at 45 percent. Remote roles like virtual bookkeepers or email marketing specialists offer $25-30 per hour with certifications.
How to Land the Best Hourly Jobs in the USA Without a Degree
To secure these best hourly jobs in the USA without a degree, start with self-assessment. Identify your strengths, like mechanical aptitude for trades or communication for sales. Pursue relevant certifications; for example, CDL for truck driving or CompTIA for IT support roles paying $25+ per hour. Use job boards like Indeed to filter for “no degree required” postings. Network via LinkedIn or trade unions. Apprenticeships through the Department of Labor offer paid entry points. Build a resume highlighting skills and any experience. For remote options, platforms like FlexJobs list pharmacy techs or administrative roles at $20-25 per hour. Stay updated with BLS resources for local wage variations; states like California often pay more.
In conclusion, the best hourly jobs in the USA without a degree prove that success does not hinge on college. From commercial pilots to electricians, these roles offer earnings from $25 to $58 per hour, growth, and fulfillment. With dedication to training and job searching, you can thrive in 2025’s evolving economy. Explore these opportunities today for a rewarding career path.
