The Highest-Paying Tech Jobs Without a Degree

While a bachelor’s degree is useful in many contexts and an overall investment in anyone’s future, they are time-consuming and expensive to earn.

Even degrees from in-state public colleges, which typically have the lowest tuition, cost an average of more than $40,000 per year. 

For many tech jobs, hiring managers used to require college degrees, but that’s changing, largely because:

• Tech worker demand is still growing.
• Technical training opportunities outside of college programs have blossomed.
• Not everyone has access to higher education (and that shouldn’t mean they’re shut out of an entire field).

According to U.S. Census data, more than 60% of adults over age 25 do not have a bachelor's or higher degree. That represents a huge pool of people who’ve been overlooked for roles that could help companies push their technology forward. 

So, Should You Get a Degree or Not? 

Some technology careers still require a degree. Data scientists and computer research scientists, for example, are often required to have at least a bachelor’s degree and many need a master’s or even a doctorate depending on the role and responsibilities. 

But the overall tech hiring landscape is shifting. According to Dice, the “constant demand for tech talent means that many employers are willing to set aside their degree and certification requirements if the candidate can demonstrate…necessary skills.” 

In other words, if you can do the work, you can get the job, regardless of your college credentials. 

Big tech companies like Apple, Google, and IBM have dropped degree requirements for certain jobs, and many other companies are following suit to diversify teams and meet tech worker demand. Instead of looking at where someone went to school and what degree they have, they’re now hiring based on skills, motivation, and other experience that can translate into tech. 

This Shift in Degree Requirements Helps Everyone – Employers and Employees

Employers who hire workers using skills-based hiring practices are 60% more likely to make a successful hire than those who don’t. In turn, 66% of employees say they’ve gained access to new employment opportunities through skills-based assessments. Because there is not equal access to college education, skills-based hiring is an important piece of bridging the still-too-large diversity gap in the tech industry. 

While it takes more than loosening or eliminating degree requirements to solve inequalities in tech, this is an important step toward an industry filled with diverse people who have valuable skills, perspectives, and exciting ideas about the future. 

What are the Highest-Paying Tech Jobs without a Degree?

With all of that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the highest-paying tech jobs without a degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Software Developer

Median salary: $132,270

It’s entirely possible to work in this profession without a college degree. Because of an ongoing need for skilled tech professionals, many organizations are willing to hire software developers who have completed a certificate, training, or coding bootcamp. Those who can demonstrate the necessary tech and soft skills are in the running for these positions. 

Computer Systems Administrators

Median salary: $95,360

These professionals design and install an organization’s computer network. While some may require a degree, employers often hire those with certificates or other needed training. This makes it one of the highest-paying tech jobs without a degree.

Web Developer 

Median salary: $92,750

According to the BLS, the “educational requirements for web developers and digital designers range from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree.” In other words, you don’t need a degree to become a web developer; you can train in other ways and enter the field ready to work. 

Technical Writer 

Median salary: $80,050

Another high-paying technology career, this position also “typically” needs a bachelor’s degree according to the BLS. However, this is not a hard requirement and many companies hire these software professionals with strong communication and writing skills regardless of how they attained those skills.

Even More Tech Careers That Don’t Require a College Degree

There are other options, as well. Here’s a small sample of a few more tech careers that do not require degrees: 

• Electronics repairer: $67,220
• Telecommunications installer: $62,350
• Lighting technicians: $62,240
• Tool programmer: $63,440

No matter the tech career you’re aiming for, now is a great time to get started. Opportunities are growing, along with ways into the field. Explore your educational and training options to launch your new career in tech.