6 trade careers that pay more than a 4-year degree in the US

The standard advice for boomers and millennials, when they were young, has been clear: Go to college, get a degree and you will secure financial stability but in today’s job market and as Gen Z enter the workforce, that old wisdom does not hold true.

With rising tuition costs and student debt soaring past $1.7 trillion in the US (as per an August 8, 2025 report by EducationData.org), many are questioning whether a four-year degree is worth the investment.Meanwhile, skilled trade careers that were once overlooked are proving to be not only stable but also highly lucrative in America. In fact, some trade jobs now pay more than many careers requiring a bachelor’s degree, all while demanding less time and money upfront.The myth that success only comes through a bachelor’s degree is fading. In reality, skilled trade careers are not only in demand but often pay more than traditional college pathways without the crushing debt. Here are six trade careers where skill, training and certification can earn you more than the average college graduate.

Commercial pilot (non-airline)

While airline pilots typically require a bachelor’s degree, many commercial pilots or those flying charter planes, air ambulances or crop dusters, do not. They need an FAA-issued commercial pilot’s license and training hours. The median annual wage for commercial pilots is $103,000, making it one of the highest-paying trades. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Occupational Outlook Handbook, airline pilots (typically requiring more training) earn even more (~$226,600) but commercial pilots also exceed many college-educated roles.

Web developer

Although some developers pursue four-year degrees, many enter the field with bootcamps, certifications or self-taught skills. Web developers build and maintain websites, earning a median salary of $78,000 and freelancers or specialists can earn even more, as per the BLS. With tech demand skyrocketing, this trade is a degree-optional path to a six-figure career.

Dental hygienist

Dental hygienists provide preventative oral care, working alongside dentists.

With just a two- or three-year associate degree, hygienists earn a median annual wage of $81,000 or so, suggest findings from the BLS. It is also a career with flexible scheduling, making it attractive for work-life balance.

Elevator installer and repairer

Elevator mechanics install and maintain elevators, escalators and moving walkways. The 2023 data by BLS revealed that their median annual wage is around $100,000, far above the average college graduate’s salary.

Training usually involves a paid apprenticeship and certification, not a four-year degree.

Radiation therapist

Working in healthcare, radiation therapists administer targeted radiation treatments to cancer patients. The median pay, BLS finds, is about $89,000 per year, with strong job security due to demand in oncology care. Most positions require a two-year associate degree or certification program in significantly less time and cost than a bachelor’s degree.

Power plant operator

Power plant operators manage systems that generate and distribute electricity. Most enter with a high school diploma and extensive on-the-job training, plus certification. The BLS listed their median annual wage at $94,000, proving this highly skilled trade can outpace many white-collar roles.

Bottom line

From healthcare to aviation and skilled mechanical work, these six careers prove that expertise, training and certifications can be just as valuable, if not more, than a diploma. This suggests that for today’s students and career changers, the smartest investment might not be four years in lecture halls but a focussed path into the trades.