Earning 80000 dollars annually without a traditional four year degree is attainable through skilled trades, technical certifications, and high demand healthcare roles. Many of these careers require focused training often under one year and industry recognized credentials that Certilyst helps candidates prepare for efficiently and affordably.
Below are proven pathways to reach or exceed 80000 per year without a college degree:
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- While this advanced role requires a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia, it begins with becoming a Registered Nurse—often via an associate degree. However, for those seeking truly degree free paths, consider entry points below that lead to high earnings with certifications alone.
2. Elevator Installer and Repairer
- Average annual salary: 90000 to 100000
- Requires a 4 to 5 year paid apprenticeship (no degree)
- High technical skill with strong union support and job stability
3. Commercial Pilot (with FAA certifications)
- Average salary: 80000 to 120000+
- Requires FAA Commercial Pilot License and instrument rating (training in 12 to 18 months)
- No college degree required, though flight hours are essential
4. Radiation Therapist (with certification)
- Average salary: 85000
- Requires an associate degree in radiation therapy or a certificate program (24 months) plus ARRT certification
- Note: Some programs accept certificate training without a full degree
5. Certified Tech Roles in Healthcare or IT
- Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Technician): 75000 to 90000; 2 year program, but some accelerated tracks exist
- CompTIA Security+ or AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: IT roles like cybersecurity analyst or cloud support can exceed 80000 with certifications alone
- Certilyst currently supports healthcare certification paths such as Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Medical Coder (CBCS), and CNA, which can serve as stepping stones to higher earning roles
6. Skilled Trade Supervisors
- Electricians, plumbers, or HVAC technicians with 5+ years of experience and state licensure often earn 80000 to 120000, especially in urban or unionized markets
- Advancement comes through apprenticeship, not college
For those starting from scratch, the fastest route often involves:
- Completing a short term certification (e.g., CPhT or CBCS via Certilyst prep)
- Gaining 1 to 2 years of experience
- Moving into specialized, higher paying roles or locations with demand
Certilyst accelerates this journey by offering targeted, exam focused preparation for entry level healthcare certifications that serve as gateways to stable, growing careers. Many users begin with a CNA or pharmacy technician role and advance quickly through employer sponsored training.
Explore high value certification paths at Certilyst Career Launch .
For verified salary and occupation data, refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at bls.gov/ooh .