Massachusetts · BLS, May 2025 wages

$30-an-hour jobs without a degree in Massachusetts

Name: $30-an-hour jobs without a degree in Massachusetts, 2025
Creator: Degreeless Jobs
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

163 occupations in Massachusetts pay a median of $30 an hour or more and typically need less than a bachelor’s degree to enter. The highest is elevator and escalator installers and repairers at $66.55 an hour.

By the Degreeless Jobs research deskUpdated Sep 7, 2026Sources: BLS

All 163, sorted by hourly median

State medians for employed workers. The 25th to 75th range is annual. Occupations reported on an annual basis only are not included.

Occupations in Massachusetts with a median of $30 an hour or more that typically require less than a bachelor's degree
Occupation	Hourly median	Annual median	25th to 75th	Employed	Typical entry education
Elevator and escalator installers and repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$66.55	$138,420	$83,020 to $153,760	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Signal and track switch repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$60.79	$126,440	$96,600 to $126,440	160	High school diploma or equivalent
Air traffic controllersAssociate's degree	$60.13	$125,060	$89,890 to $171,010	120	Associate's degree
Transportation, storage, and distribution managersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$59.53	$123,830	$94,990 to $169,740	4,310	High school diploma or equivalent
Ship engineersPostsecondary nondegree award	$59.00	$122,720	$102,020 to $150,800	150	Postsecondary nondegree award
Power distributors and dispatchersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$58.18	$121,010	$102,330 to $133,710	390	High school diploma or equivalent
Pile driver operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$58.16	$120,980	$114,150 to $124,640	130	High school diploma or equivalent
Structural iron and steel workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$58.10	$120,840	$110,910 to $124,040	2,050	High school diploma or equivalent
Plant and system operators, all otherHigh school diploma or equivalent	$58.01	$120,660	$96,890 to $121,220	40	High school diploma or equivalent
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relayPostsecondary nondegree award	$57.43	$119,460	$100,200 to $123,370	430	Postsecondary nondegree award
Nuclear medicine technologistsAssociate's degree	$56.85	$118,250	$105,490 to $131,800	380	Associate's degree
First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$55.36	$115,150	$84,500 to $147,950	5,490	High school diploma or equivalent
Nuclear techniciansAssociate's degree	$54.51	$113,390	$83,750 to $113,400	50	Associate's degree
Magnetic resonance imaging technologistsAssociate's degree	$53.17	$110,600	$99,320 to $132,870	1,490	Associate's degree
Electrical power-line installers and repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$52.99	$110,210	$94,370 to $126,040	2,350	High school diploma or equivalent
Detectives and criminal investigatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$52.96	$110,150	$92,020 to $146,230	1,300	High school diploma or equivalent
Locomotive engineersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$52.31	$108,790	$108,790 to $119,030	640	High school diploma or equivalent
Rail car repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$52.25	$108,680	$81,900 to $108,680	770	High school diploma or equivalent
Diagnostic medical sonographersAssociate's degree	$51.67	$107,480	$102,170 to $127,650	2,190	Associate's degree
Radiation therapistsAssociate's degree	$51.10	$106,300	$97,550 to $126,790	330	Associate's degree
First-line supervisors of correctional officersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$50.93	$105,930	$95,500 to $115,300	460	High school diploma or equivalent
Cardiovascular technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$50.76	$105,580	$63,270 to $127,300	1,110	Associate's degree
First-line supervisors of police and detectivesHigh school diploma or equivalent	$50.15	$104,320	$91,570 to $128,370	5,540	High school diploma or equivalent
Gas plant operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$49.92	$103,830	$98,880 to $111,010	340	High school diploma or equivalent
Radiologic technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$49.82	$103,620	$83,200 to $122,900	5,500	Associate's degree
Property, real estate, and community association managersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$49.72	$103,410	$77,190 to $130,000	7,320	High school diploma or equivalent
Telecommunications line installers and repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$49.72	$103,410	$78,800 to $106,610	2,230	High school diploma or equivalent
Respiratory therapistsAssociate's degree	$49.12	$102,170	$86,120 to $107,930	2,220	Associate's degree
GlaziersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$48.47	$100,810	$74,390 to $109,550	1,080	High school diploma or equivalent
Dental hygienistsAssociate's degree	$48.39	$100,640	$98,150 to $106,220	6,850	Associate's degree
Gambling managersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$48.30	$100,460	$100,460 to $103,850	40	High school diploma or equivalent
Power plant operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$48.14	$100,140	$79,690 to $121,580	880	High school diploma or equivalent
Crane and tower operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$47.19	$98,150	$76,610 to $129,790	680	High school diploma or equivalent
First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$47.04	$97,850	$79,960 to $120,330	18,330	High school diploma or equivalent
Lodging managersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$46.81	$97,350	$75,350 to $125,180	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Postmasters and mail superintendentsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$46.57	$96,870	$91,500 to $103,750	330	High school diploma or equivalent
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workersPostsecondary nondegree award	$46.44	$96,600	$82,470 to $117,830	3,370	Postsecondary nondegree award
Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical doorHigh school diploma or equivalent	$45.93	$95,520	$75,780 to $100,250	1,320	High school diploma or equivalent
Brickmasons and blockmasonsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$45.65	$94,950	$76,280 to $133,490	1,570	High school diploma or equivalent
Artists and related workers, all otherNo formal educational credential	$45.62	$94,890	$60,840 to $120,430	50	No formal educational credential
Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$45.35	$94,330	$68,180 to $101,350	570	High school diploma or equivalent
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfittersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$45.14	$93,880	$61,860 to $108,430	13,460	High school diploma or equivalent
Aircraft mechanics and service techniciansPostsecondary nondegree award	$44.73	$93,040	$82,930 to $99,290	1,410	Postsecondary nondegree award
First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$44.35	$92,250	$73,630 to $110,800	12,140	High school diploma or equivalent
Food service managersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$44.35	$92,240	$73,430 to $102,920	4,310	High school diploma or equivalent
Avionics techniciansPostsecondary nondegree award	$42.95	$89,340	$82,930 to $89,640	40	Postsecondary nondegree award
Computer network support specialistsAssociate's degree	$42.62	$88,650	$76,900 to $109,730	1,980	Associate's degree
Electrical and electronics draftersAssociate's degree	$41.97	$87,290	$60,280 to $104,430	470	Associate's degree
BailiffsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$41.70	$86,730	$62,210 to $105,580	930	High school diploma or equivalent
Correctional officers and jailersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$41.49	$86,310	$71,280 to $91,980	6,360	High school diploma or equivalent
Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travelHigh school diploma or equivalent	$40.27	$83,760	$62,610 to $124,380	32,300	High school diploma or equivalent
Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$40.26	$83,740	$72,690 to $103,520	5,070	High school diploma or equivalent
Chemical plant and system operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$40.25	$83,710	$82,040 to $92,880	570	High school diploma or equivalent
Construction and building inspectorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$40.00	$83,200	$65,730 to $104,030	4,290	High school diploma or equivalent
Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistantsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$39.73	$82,650	$69,560 to $100,170	14,820	High school diploma or equivalent
Sheet metal workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$39.47	$82,100	$52,760 to $92,630	2,890	High school diploma or equivalent
Computer numerically controlled tool programmersPostsecondary nondegree award	$39.27	$81,670	$67,970 to $94,090	680	Postsecondary nondegree award
Health information technologists and medical registrarsAssociate's degree	$39.15	$81,420	$70,740 to $103,600	880	Associate's degree
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipmentPostsecondary nondegree award	$39.14	$81,420	$80,800 to $104,230	90	Postsecondary nondegree award
Tile and stone settersNo formal educational credential	$39.02	$81,150	$59,190 to $95,940	410	No formal educational credential
Fire inspectors and investigatorsPostsecondary nondegree award	$39.01	$81,140	$71,820 to $97,510	200	Postsecondary nondegree award
Musicians and singersNo formal educational credential	$38.92	—	—	680	No formal educational credential
Surgical technologistsPostsecondary nondegree award	$38.88	$80,870	$68,830 to $98,300	2,220	Postsecondary nondegree award
Stationary engineers and boiler operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$38.85	$80,800	$71,140 to $91,140	530	High school diploma or equivalent
Funeral home managersAssociate's degree	$38.84	$80,790	$79,320 to $106,360	280	Associate's degree
Advertising sales agentsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$38.70	$80,500	$61,770 to $126,390	1,480	High school diploma or equivalent
Healthcare practitioners and technical workers, all otherPostsecondary nondegree award	$38.58	$80,240	$53,210 to $121,140	310	Postsecondary nondegree award
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nursesPostsecondary nondegree award	$38.57	$80,220	$72,610 to $84,570	13,210	Postsecondary nondegree award
Court reporters and simultaneous captionersPostsecondary nondegree award	$38.44	$79,940	$46,120 to $90,640	50	Postsecondary nondegree award
Insurance appraisers, auto damagePostsecondary nondegree award	$38.43	$79,930	$64,940 to $94,380	680	Postsecondary nondegree award
First-line supervisors of production and operating workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$38.42	$79,920	$64,090 to $98,940	12,390	High school diploma or equivalent
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific productsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$38.37	$79,810	$63,550 to $108,200	22,700	High school diploma or equivalent
Transportation inspectorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$38.29	$79,650	$41,420 to $105,870	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Physical therapist assistantsAssociate's degree	$38.20	$79,460	$67,060 to $81,640	2,640	Associate's degree
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$38.18	$79,420	$72,890 to $83,930	30	Associate's degree
ElectriciansHigh school diploma or equivalent	$38.18	$79,420	$57,860 to $100,480	17,810	High school diploma or equivalent
Insurance sales agentsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$38.12	$79,300	$72,850 to $109,390	9,940	High school diploma or equivalent
Floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tilesNo formal educational credential	$38.12	$79,280	$65,610 to $109,460	1,060	No formal educational credential
Police and sheriff's patrol officersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$37.95	$78,940	$71,970 to $97,390	17,040	High school diploma or equivalent
Security and fire alarm systems installersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$37.76	$78,530	$60,720 to $97,800	1,690	High school diploma or equivalent
Medical equipment repairersAssociate's degree	$37.61	$78,230	$62,930 to $92,510	2,200	Associate's degree
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vesselsPostsecondary nondegree award	$37.47	$77,950	$62,160 to $101,940	650	Postsecondary nondegree award
Legal support workers, all otherAssociate's degree	$37.42	$77,830	$62,320 to $111,420	—	Associate's degree
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plasticHigh school diploma or equivalent	$37.39	$77,780	$58,460 to $80,710	60	High school diploma or equivalent
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$37.36	$77,710	$61,910 to $96,630	4,030	Associate's degree
Paralegals and legal assistantsAssociate's degree	$37.33	$77,640	$62,580 to $96,820	7,800	Associate's degree
Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipmentPostsecondary nondegree award	$37.29	$77,570	$65,800 to $93,300	920	Postsecondary nondegree award
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersPostsecondary nondegree award	$37.16	$77,300	$61,070 to $95,070	8,200	Postsecondary nondegree award
Architectural and civil draftersAssociate's degree	$37.02	$76,990	$64,270 to $82,460	2,660	Associate's degree
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$36.93	$76,820	$62,370 to $107,550	9,680	High school diploma or equivalent
First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$36.91	$76,770	$62,200 to $94,900	34,520	High school diploma or equivalent
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installersPostsecondary nondegree award	$36.78	$76,500	$60,920 to $93,190	2,890	Postsecondary nondegree award
First-line supervisors of protective service workers, all otherHigh school diploma or equivalent	$36.67	$76,280	$63,470 to $99,630	370	High school diploma or equivalent
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface miningHigh school diploma or equivalent	$36.57	$76,070	$62,910 to $80,220	280	High school diploma or equivalent
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except enginesHigh school diploma or equivalent	$36.57	$76,070	$64,880 to $92,450	1,620	High school diploma or equivalent
Calibration technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$36.30	$75,500	$58,090 to $84,810	380	Associate's degree
Mechanical draftersAssociate's degree	$36.29	$75,490	$61,990 to $96,570	620	Associate's degree
Hearing aid specialistsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$36.21	$75,310	$66,700 to $80,010	—	High school diploma or equivalent
CarpentersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$36.16	$75,200	$60,770 to $97,520	18,540	High school diploma or equivalent
Computer user support specialistsSome college, no degree	$36.09	$75,070	$60,540 to $91,020	17,570	Some college, no degree
Occupational therapy assistantsAssociate's degree	$36.08	$75,040	$58,870 to $79,510	1,410	Associate's degree
Motorboat mechanics and service techniciansHigh school diploma or equivalent	$35.66	$74,160	$60,190 to $78,710	890	High school diploma or equivalent
Hydrologic techniciansAssociate's degree	$35.49	$73,820	$60,910 to $92,490	60	Associate's degree
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$35.40	$73,630	$60,240 to $85,770	920	Associate's degree
Transportation security screenersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$35.34	$73,510	$62,030 to $78,670	1,380	High school diploma or equivalent
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialistsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$35.23	$73,270	$59,920 to $84,410	4,870	High school diploma or equivalent
Industrial machinery mechanicsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$35.02	$72,840	$58,220 to $84,690	6,130	High school diploma or equivalent
FirefightersPostsecondary nondegree award	$35.00	$72,800	$61,800 to $80,070	11,940	Postsecondary nondegree award
Dental laboratory techniciansHigh school diploma or equivalent	$35.00	$72,800	$60,960 to $79,110	440	High school diploma or equivalent
PipelayersNo formal educational credential	$34.99	$72,770	$63,020 to $86,550	—	No formal educational credential
RoofersNo formal educational credential	$34.98	$72,750	$59,870 to $83,100	1,950	No formal educational credential
Grounds maintenance workers, all otherNo formal educational credential	$34.88	$72,550	$60,610 to $80,080	—	No formal educational credential
Drafters, all otherAssociate's degree	$34.66	$72,100	$62,590 to $79,980	170	Associate's degree
Industrial engineering technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$34.53	$71,830	$59,400 to $79,950	2,070	Associate's degree
Tank car, truck, and ship loadersNo formal educational credential	$34.49	$71,750	$59,440 to $77,010	140	No formal educational credential
Civil engineering technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$34.30	$71,350	$60,790 to $86,030	680	Associate's degree
Home appliance repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$34.02	$70,750	$60,390 to $86,400	550	High school diploma or equivalent
Miscellaneous construction and related workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$33.91	$70,540	$59,280 to $81,070	960	High school diploma or equivalent
StonemasonsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$33.47	$69,610	$60,140 to $83,200	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Cooks, all otherNo formal educational credential	$33.45	$69,570	$65,540 to $69,580	—	No formal educational credential
Chefs and head cooksHigh school diploma or equivalent	$33.43	$69,540	$54,120 to $83,050	6,000	High school diploma or equivalent
Drywall and ceiling tile installersNo formal educational credential	$33.42	$69,500	$61,390 to $80,280	590	No formal educational credential
Title examiners, abstractors, and searchersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$33.22	$69,100	$53,080 to $95,680	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Occupational health and safety techniciansHigh school diploma or equivalent	$33.04	$68,730	$55,160 to $89,920	290	High school diploma or equivalent
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$32.96	$68,550	$60,120 to $79,050	2,510	High school diploma or equivalent
Model makers, metal and plasticHigh school diploma or equivalent	$32.61	$67,830	$59,410 to $94,770	100	High school diploma or equivalent
Chemical techniciansAssociate's degree	$32.48	$67,570	$59,010 to $81,880	1,780	Associate's degree
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all otherAssociate's degree	$32.43	$67,450	$51,040 to $83,090	990	Associate's degree
MachinistsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$32.34	$67,270	$57,690 to $78,640	7,080	High school diploma or equivalent
Tool and die makersPostsecondary nondegree award	$32.32	$67,230	$55,430 to $79,900	850	Postsecondary nondegree award
Opticians, dispensingHigh school diploma or equivalent	$32.31	$67,210	$54,290 to $79,670	1,360	High school diploma or equivalent
Environmental engineering technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$32.14	$66,860	$53,810 to $81,940	320	Associate's degree
ParamedicsPostsecondary nondegree award	$31.89	$66,340	$63,770 to $77,330	1,860	Postsecondary nondegree award
Rock splitters, quarryNo formal educational credential	$31.73	$66,000	$48,280 to $70,940	90	No formal educational credential
First-line supervisors of transportation and material moving workers, except aircraft cargo handling supervisorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$31.52	$65,570	$54,600 to $81,580	10,660	High school diploma or equivalent
Bus drivers, transit and intercityHigh school diploma or equivalent	$31.47	$65,460	$58,650 to $93,500	3,970	High school diploma or equivalent
MillwrightsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$31.36	$65,220	$62,200 to $74,530	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Patternmakers, metal and plasticHigh school diploma or equivalent	$31.35	$65,210	$64,890 to $66,440	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Bus drivers, schoolHigh school diploma or equivalent	$31.33	$65,170	$54,780 to $69,320	9,330	High school diploma or equivalent
TapersNo formal educational credential	$31.28	$65,060	$40,990 to $107,100	510	No formal educational credential
Eligibility interviewers, government programsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$31.13	$64,750	$50,660 to $73,440	1,700	High school diploma or equivalent
Insulation workers, mechanicalHigh school diploma or equivalent	$31.11	$64,710	$60,850 to $78,350	560	High school diploma or equivalent
Exercise trainers and group fitness instructorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$31.07	$64,620	$50,760 to $96,140	9,200	High school diploma or equivalent
Earth drillers, except oil and gasHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.86	$64,180	$54,510 to $74,770	130	High school diploma or equivalent
Media and communication workers, all otherHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.74	$63,940	$50,920 to $74,710	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Layout workers, metal and plasticHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.71	$63,880	$47,090 to $78,870	90	High school diploma or equivalent
Cement masons and concrete finishersNo formal educational credential	$30.69	$63,840	$55,880 to $78,210	1,590	No formal educational credential
Life, physical, and social science technicians, all otherAssociate's degree	$30.68	$63,820	$55,090 to $71,280	1,140	Associate's degree
Traffic techniciansHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.66	$63,780	$45,220 to $89,840	90	High school diploma or equivalent
First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.65	$63,750	$59,000 to $79,290	2,510	High school diploma or equivalent
Payroll and timekeeping clerksHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.61	$63,670	$54,890 to $77,960	3,280	High school diploma or equivalent
Brokerage clerksHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.60	$63,640	$60,640 to $77,020	890	High school diploma or equivalent
Massage therapistsPostsecondary nondegree award	$30.48	$63,390	$50,090 to $103,000	2,830	Postsecondary nondegree award
Construction laborersNo formal educational credential	$30.48	$63,390	$52,330 to $88,330	16,210	No formal educational credential
Sound engineering techniciansPostsecondary nondegree award	$30.41	$63,250	$51,190 to $113,710	200	Postsecondary nondegree award
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck driversPostsecondary nondegree award	$30.30	$63,030	$56,320 to $72,150	30,890	Postsecondary nondegree award
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetationHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.28	$62,980	$51,850 to $63,320	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Pourers and casters, metalHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.20	$62,820	$49,550 to $72,850	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Electric motor, power tool, and related repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.15	$62,710	$53,940 to $86,650	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Postal service clerksNo formal educational credential	$30.10	$62,610	$57,820 to $71,180	1,950	No formal educational credential
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.08	$62,570	$53,680 to $74,050	2,830	High school diploma or equivalent
Tree trimmers and prunersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.07	$62,550	$53,620 to $79,320	2,090	High school diploma or equivalent
Mechanical engineering technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$30.00	$62,390	$61,530 to $82,970	1,310	Associate's degree

Sources and method

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Typical entry education from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 (Table 1.2). An occupation is listed when its typical entry education is below a bachelor’s degree and its Massachusetts median hourly wage is $30.00 or more. Medians include experienced workers; entry pay is lower. Read the full method.

All 163, sorted by hourly median

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Sources and method