High-Paying Engineering and Architecture Jobs Skip College Degrees - Some Pay $80K+ Annually

Many good-paying jobs in engineering and architecture don't need a college degree anymore. Workers can earn between $45,000 and $80,000 per year with just training or certificates.

These jobs are growing because companies need skilled workers fast.

Average Salary recently showed that tech jobs in engineering and architecture pay well for those without four-year degrees. The report shows aerospace technicians can make almost $80,000 per year. Other jobs, like drafting technicians and engineering assistants, also pay well.

This news matters because college costs keep going up. Many people want good careers without student loans.

The key numbers tell an interesting story about these career paths.

Drafters earned a median annual wage of $65,380 in May 2024, according to government data. Architectural drafters can make around $70,400 per year, while drafting technicians average $68,404 annually. The highest-paying roles are aerospace technicians, who earn nearly $80,000 per year.

These salaries beat many jobs that require college degrees. Companies pay for people who can read blueprints, use design software, and assist engineers in building. Most of these jobs need some training, but not a four-year degree.

Companies are changing how they hire for technical roles.

Many businesses now care more about skills than degrees. They want workers who can use CAD software, understand building codes, and work with engineering teams. Some jobs need certificates from community colleges or trade schools. Others train workers on the job.

This shift helps both workers and companies. Workers skip college debt and start earning faster. Companies get practical skills without waiting for graduates. The change makes sense in today's economy.

These career paths do have some challenges to consider.

Overall employment of drafters is projected to decline by 1 percent from 2023 to 2033, which means slower job growth than in other fields. Some positions might be replaced by computer programs that can do basic drafting work. Workers need to keep learning new software and skills to stay valuable.

The jobs also require attention to detail and can involve long hours at computers. The future looks mixed but still promising for skilled workers.

Companies will always need people who can turn engineering ideas into real projects. New technology like 3D printing and building information modeling creates new job opportunities. Workers who learn these tools will have the best chances.

The key is to stay current with technology and get the right training.

"Engineering and architecture offer solid middle-class careers without college debt, with some positions paying $80,000+ annually through technical skills and on-the-job training."

---

NOTE: Average Salary Two-Takes shares chosen stories from around the web. We add our quick thoughts in a brief paragraph. Click the source to read the full original article.