Top 10 Blue-Collar Careers in 2026: Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree

You don’t need a four-year college degree to land a lucrative, fast-growing career. In fact, a recent analysis by Resume Genius reveals that skilled trade professionals are commanding serious paychecks—and many top earners in these fields are pulling in six-figure incomes.

Why Skip College for a Trade?

College tuition keeps climbing, with the average public four-year in-state school now running around $11,610 annually. According to Pew Research, only one in four Americans believes a four-year degree is essential for securing a well-paying job. That’s a significant shift in thinking, and the data backs it up. Employers are increasingly willing to pay premium salaries for trained professionals who specialize in high-demand technical fields.

The sweet spot? Blue-collar roles that promise both immediate earning potential and solid job growth through 2034.

The Elite Earners: Six-Figure Territory

Elevator and Escalator Technicians lead the pack with a median annual salary of $106,580. The top 10% of earners in this field hit $149,250 annually. While job growth is modest at 5%, the 24,200 available positions and high earning ceiling make this an attractive option.

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers follow closely with $92,560 median salary, reaching up to $126,610 for top performers. This role boasts stronger job growth at 7%, with over 127,000 positions available and demand expected to remain steady through 2034.

Aircraft Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians earn a solid $79,140 median salary, with the top tier reaching $120,080. With 160,800 jobs in the market and 5% projected growth, this specialty offers both stability and decent upside.

Rising Stars: Strong Growth + Solid Pay

Two roles stand out for explosive projected growth, making them career bets for long-term stability:

Wind Turbine Technicians are experiencing a remarkable 50% job growth forecast (2024-2034)—by far the fastest-growing option on this list. The median salary sits at $62,580, with top earners making $88,090. Only 13,600 positions currently exist, meaning early adopters could have significant advantages.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installers aren’t far behind with 42% projected growth. At $51,860 median salary and 28,600 available jobs, this renewable energy field is becoming increasingly accessible. Top earners in this field reach $80,150.

The Backbone Trades: Most Jobs Available

Industrial Machinery Mechanics represent the largest opportunity by volume, with 538,300 jobs available and an impressive 13% growth rate. These professionals earn $63,510 on average, with top earners reaching $85,790.

Electricians offer even more positions—818,700 jobs—combined with 9% growth and a $62,350 median salary. The top 10% earn over $106,000, providing genuine long-term income potential.

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters work with over half a million positions (504,500 jobs) available. The median salary is $62,970, with premium earners hitting $105,150 annually.

Mid-Range Opportunities

Railroad Workers bring in $75,680 median salary despite slower 1% growth, making this a stable if not rapidly expanding field. Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators earn $75,190 with 2% projected growth and fewer positions (33,300), creating more specialized opportunities.

What You Actually Need

Most of these highest paying jobs only require a high school diploma or equivalent. A few specialty roles—like Aircraft Avionics Technicians and Wind Turbine Technicians—require postsecondary nondegree certifications (such as FAA-approved programs), but these are typically short-term training rather than expensive four-year commitments.

Employers who invest in employee development are fueling this trend. Companies increasingly offer upskilling opportunities, helping workers earn additional certifications and gain specialized expertise that directly boosts earning potential.

The Bottom Line

The traditional college pathway isn’t the only—or necessarily the best—route to a six-figure income and job security. Trade careers are offering unprecedented opportunities for growth, stability, and genuine earning power. Whether you’re drawn to renewable energy, infrastructure, aviation, or skilled trades, the fastest-growing and highest paying jobs are increasingly accessible through apprenticeships and technical training programs.

Starting an apprenticeship or enrollment in a trade program can put you on track for meaningful advancement and financial stability within just a few years. For many career-seekers, this path delivers faster returns and less debt than traditional higher education.