Highest-paying jobs in Owensboro that don’t require a college degree

College isn’t for everyone—despite what today’s youth may hear from the adults in their lives.

From the moment they arrive freshman year, today’s high school students are inundated with messages about the importance of receiving a college education. They hear it from their guidance counselors, teachers, parents, family members, neighbors, and coaches.

While graduation from a four-year college can certainly work wonders for students’ future careers, it’s not necessary for all fields—something admissions officers and guidance counselors sometimes fail to mention.

The median wage for high school diploma recipients is about $809 a week—higher than those without a diploma ($626), but well below the median for bachelor’s degree holders ($1,334). But many jobs without college degree requirements still pay decent wages. Some even pay better than jobs reserved for degree earners.

Stacker used Bureau of Labor Statistics data to find the 50 highest-paying jobs in Owensboro that don’t require higher education. Professions that listed a high school diploma, some college education (without a degree conferred), postsecondary nondegree award, or no formal education requirements for entry-level positions were considered. Jobs are ranked by their annual median salaries as of May 2022.

Keep reading to discover the highest-paying jobs in Owensboro that don’t require a college degree.

This story features data reporting and writing by Paxtyn Merten and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 366 metros.

Canva

#49. Maintenance and repair workers, general (tie)

– Median annual wage: $46,050
– Median hourly wage: $22.14
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 560 people (11.14 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#49. Insurance sales agents (tie)

– Median annual wage: $46,050
– Median hourly wage: $22.14
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 130 people (2.54 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Canva

#48. Construction and building inspectors

– Median annual wage: $46,600
– Median hourly wage: $22.40
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 40 people (0.82 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Freedomz // Shutterstock

#47. Health technologists and technicians, all other

– Median annual wage: $46,800
– Median hourly wage: $22.50
– Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Total employment: 50 people (1.07 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock

#46. Property, real estate, and community association managers

– Median annual wage: $47,080
– Median hourly wage: $22.64
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 40 people (0.87 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock

#45. Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders

– Median annual wage: $47,090
– Median hourly wage: $22.64
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 40 people (0.83 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Vitpho // Shutterstock

#44. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

– Median annual wage: $47,310
– Median hourly wage: $22.75
– Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Total employment: 690 people (13.59 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training

Loveischiangrai // Shutterstock

#43. First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers

– Median annual wage: $47,780
– Median hourly wage: $22.97
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 50 people (0.9 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

Kot500 // Shutterstock

#42. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists

– Median annual wage: $48,120
– Median hourly wage: $23.14
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 90 people (1.82 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

Canva

#41. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel

– Median annual wage: $48,170
– Median hourly wage: $23.16
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 180 people (3.6 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

DuxX // Shutterstock

#40. Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders

– Median annual wage: $48,560
– Median hourly wage: $23.35
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 630 people (12.36 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Canva

#39. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators

– Median annual wage: $48,570
– Median hourly wage: $23.35
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 110 people (2.1 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#38. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses

– Median annual wage: $48,580
– Median hourly wage: $23.36
– Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Total employment: 260 people (5.13 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

Canva

#37. Carpenters

– Median annual wage: $49,070
– Median hourly wage: $23.59
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 230 people (4.62 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship

Erin Deleon // Shutterstock

#36. Postal service mail carriers

– Median annual wage: $49,750
– Median hourly wage: $23.92
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 160 people (3.12 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training

Gerain0812 // Shutterstock

#35. Surgical technologists

– Median annual wage: $49,760
– Median hourly wage: $23.92
– Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Total employment: 90 people (1.81 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

Canva

#34. Helpers–production workers

– Median annual wage: $49,780
– Median hourly wage: $23.93
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 110 people (2.13 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training

Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock

#33. Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers

– Median annual wage: $50,120
– Median hourly wage: $24.10
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 330 people (6.56 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

David Spates // Shutterstock

#32. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers

– Median annual wage: $50,140
– Median hourly wage: $24.11
– Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Total employment: 170 people (3.36 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

Alba_alioth // Shutterstock

#31. Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

– Median annual wage: $50,210
– Median hourly wage: $24.14
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 160 people (3.08 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#30. Miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators

– Median annual wage: $50,420
– Median hourly wage: $24.24
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 1,010 people (19.95 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Canva

#29. Food and tobacco roasting, baking, and drying machine operators and tenders

– Median annual wage: $50,590
– Median hourly wage: $24.32
– Education required: No formal educational credential
– Total employment: 110 people (2.18 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Canva

#28. Electricians

– Median annual wage: $50,950
– Median hourly wage: $24.49
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 240 people (4.82 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship

Avatar_023 // Shutterstock

#27. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators

– Median annual wage: $51,420
– Median hourly wage: $24.72
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 60 people (1.24 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#26. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants

– Median annual wage: $52,410
– Median hourly wage: $25.20
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 70 people (1.35 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

Canva

#25. Crane and tower operators

– Median annual wage: $53,270
– Median hourly wage: $25.61
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 50 people (0.93 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

ALPA PROD // Shutterstock

#24. First-line supervisors of transportation and material moving workers, except aircraft cargo handling supervisors

– Median annual wage: $53,420
– Median hourly wage: $25.68
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 240 people (4.67 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

welcomia // Shutterstock

#23. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines

– Median annual wage: $54,320
– Median hourly wage: $26.11
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 50 people (1.01 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

GaudiLab // Shutterstock

#22. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers

– Median annual wage: $55,270
– Median hourly wage: $26.57
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 410 people (8.13 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

manine99 // Shutterstock

#21. Maintenance workers, machinery

– Median annual wage: $55,560
– Median hourly wage: $26.71
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 120 people (2.28 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

Canva

#20. Tool and die makers

– Median annual wage: $55,700
– Median hourly wage: $26.78
– Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Total employment: 50 people (0.94 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock

#19. Chefs and head cooks

– Median annual wage: $55,900
– Median hourly wage: $26.88
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 30 people (0.63 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

Stock Rocket // Shutterstock

#18. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products

– Median annual wage: $56,560
– Median hourly wage: $27.19
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 370 people (7.36 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Akimov Igor // Shutterstock

#17. Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

– Median annual wage: $56,720
– Median hourly wage: $27.27
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 90 people (1.83 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Pixel B // Shutterstock

#16. Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

– Median annual wage: $58,830
– Median hourly wage: $28.28
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 60 people (1.21 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock

#15. Production, planning, and expediting clerks

– Median annual wage: $59,190
– Median hourly wage: $28.46
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 130 people (2.49 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock

#14. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door

– Median annual wage: $59,770
– Median hourly wage: $28.73
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 40 people (0.79 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Canva

#13. First-line supervisors of police and detectives

– Median annual wage: $62,160
– Median hourly wage: $29.89
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 40 people (0.78 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Paolo Bona // Shutterstock

#12. Food service managers

– Median annual wage: $62,690
– Median hourly wage: $30.14
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 40 people (0.78 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Short-term on-the-job training

Canva

#11. Machinists

– Median annual wage: $62,770
– Median hourly wage: $30.18
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 220 people (4.29 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock

#10. Chemical equipment operators and tenders

– Median annual wage: $63,060
– Median hourly wage: $30.32
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 100 people (2.0 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock

#9. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

– Median annual wage: $65,000
– Median hourly wage: $31.25
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 230 people (4.46 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Apprenticeship

SritanaN // Shutterstock

#8. Industrial machinery mechanics

– Median annual wage: $65,080
– Median hourly wage: $31.29
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 560 people (11.01 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

sculpies // Shutterstock

#7. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers

– Median annual wage: $66,390
– Median hourly wage: $31.92
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 170 people (3.43 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

Canva

#6. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment

– Median annual wage: $67,900
– Median hourly wage: $32.64
– Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Total employment: 40 people (0.86 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock

#5. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers

– Median annual wage: $76,850
– Median hourly wage: $36.95
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 560 people (11.04 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

g-stockstudio // Shutterstock

#4. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers

– Median annual wage: $78,320
– Median hourly wage: $37.65
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 40 people (0.87 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

4 PM production // Shutterstock

#3. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers

– Median annual wage: $78,490
– Median hourly wage: $37.74
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 220 people (4.39 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None

Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock

#2. Electrical power-line installers and repairers

– Median annual wage: $84,870
– Median hourly wage: $40.80
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 40 people (0.8 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: Long-term on-the-job training

goodluz // Shutterstock

#1. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

– Median annual wage: $97,910
– Median hourly wage: $47.07
– Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
– Total employment: 70 people (1.36 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
– Required on-the-job training to attain competency: None