New Jersey · BLS, May 2025 wages

$30-an-hour jobs without a degree in New Jersey

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

167 occupations in New Jersey pay a median of $30 an hour or more and typically need less than a bachelor’s degree to enter. The highest is first-line supervisors of police and detectives at $68.75 an hour.

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

All 167, 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 New Jersey 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
First-line supervisors of police and detectivesHigh school diploma or equivalent	$68.75	$142,990	$126,670 to $161,570	7,650	High school diploma or equivalent
Elevator and escalator installers and repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$66.31	$137,920	$125,040 to $167,130	800	High school diploma or equivalent
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workersPostsecondary nondegree award	$64.04	$133,210	$128,090 to $160,720	2,210	Postsecondary nondegree award
Air traffic controllersAssociate's degree	$63.57	$132,230	$102,730 to $179,400	190	Associate's degree
Power plant operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$63.16	$131,370	$123,130 to $131,770	300	High school diploma or equivalent
Transportation, storage, and distribution managersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$62.79	$130,610	$105,080 to $169,390	9,120	High school diploma or equivalent
Radiation therapistsAssociate's degree	$62.24	$129,460	$119,960 to $137,960	600	Associate's degree
Power distributors and dispatchersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$61.65	$128,220	$111,460 to $135,440	330	High school diploma or equivalent
Nuclear medicine technologistsAssociate's degree	$59.75	$124,280	$108,180 to $129,170	540	Associate's degree
Electrical power-line installers and repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$58.45	$121,580	$99,860 to $123,740	1,310	High school diploma or equivalent
Ship engineersPostsecondary nondegree award	$56.88	$118,310	$90,920 to $119,540	170	Postsecondary nondegree award
First-line supervisors of correctional officersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$56.47	$117,450	$110,690 to $129,610	1,340	High school diploma or equivalent
Detectives and criminal investigatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$55.92	$116,300	$91,360 to $134,000	3,080	High school diploma or equivalent
Reinforcing iron and rebar workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$55.82	$116,110	$110,510 to $130,270	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Sound engineering techniciansPostsecondary nondegree award	$55.38	$115,190	$74,410 to $138,380	290	Postsecondary nondegree award
Carpet installersNo formal educational credential	$55.38	$115,180	$64,590 to $120,810	390	No formal educational credential
Structural iron and steel workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$54.43	$113,220	$104,410 to $124,640	1,060	High school diploma or equivalent
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relayPostsecondary nondegree award	$53.65	$111,600	$98,540 to $119,810	450	Postsecondary nondegree award
Real estate brokersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$53.55	$111,390	$100,500 to $111,390	1,290	High school diploma or equivalent
Gas plant operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$53.32	$110,900	$104,410 to $123,750	190	High school diploma or equivalent
Lodging managersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$51.79	$107,720	$75,680 to $120,860	450	High school diploma or equivalent
Insulation workers, mechanicalHigh school diploma or equivalent	$51.74	$107,610	$91,480 to $123,920	330	High school diploma or equivalent
MillwrightsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$51.70	$107,540	$73,840 to $126,320	340	High school diploma or equivalent
Dental hygienistsAssociate's degree	$51.46	$107,040	$101,270 to $115,470	7,230	Associate's degree
Transit and railroad policeHigh school diploma or equivalent	$51.10	$106,290	$86,300 to $121,830	340	High school diploma or equivalent
First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$50.73	$105,510	$79,970 to $131,710	16,230	High school diploma or equivalent
Aircraft mechanics and service techniciansPostsecondary nondegree award	$50.66	$105,370	$82,670 to $130,960	1,900	Postsecondary nondegree award
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$50.26	$104,540	$104,440 to $104,540	420	High school diploma or equivalent
Magnetic resonance imaging technologistsAssociate's degree	$49.96	$103,930	$95,120 to $115,750	1,250	Associate's degree
Diagnostic medical sonographersAssociate's degree	$49.59	$103,150	$92,670 to $116,830	3,370	Associate's degree
Telecommunications line installers and repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$49.08	$102,090	$95,400 to $103,650	2,540	High school diploma or equivalent
Funeral home managersAssociate's degree	$48.81	$101,520	$77,150 to $129,970	420	Associate's degree
Gambling managersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$48.79	$101,470	$83,230 to $124,930	130	High school diploma or equivalent
Postmasters and mail superintendentsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$48.61	$101,100	$94,810 to $107,640	440	High school diploma or equivalent
Respiratory therapistsAssociate's degree	$48.47	$100,810	$87,560 to $106,320	3,350	Associate's degree
Crane and tower operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$48.39	$100,640	$90,020 to $124,700	1,000	High school diploma or equivalent
Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blastersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$48.33	$100,520	$98,180 to $113,070	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Avionics techniciansPostsecondary nondegree award	$48.20	$100,250	$43,940 to $108,350	260	Postsecondary nondegree award
Real estate sales agentsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$48.07	$99,990	$63,000 to $111,990	—	High school diploma or equivalent
First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$47.61	$99,030	$81,170 to $132,980	10,370	High school diploma or equivalent
Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical doorHigh school diploma or equivalent	$46.40	$96,510	$77,350 to $104,270	1,000	High school diploma or equivalent
Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$46.01	$95,690	$76,170 to $107,450	9,650	High school diploma or equivalent
Radiologic technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$45.67	$95,000	$80,600 to $103,510	6,320	Associate's degree
Correctional officers and jailersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$45.56	$94,770	$72,420 to $106,570	7,570	High school diploma or equivalent
Insurance appraisers, auto damagePostsecondary nondegree award	$45.33	$94,280	$81,730 to $99,670	—	Postsecondary nondegree award
Sheet metal workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$44.64	$92,840	$58,390 to $119,870	2,790	High school diploma or equivalent
First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$44.56	$92,680	$74,340 to $114,160	14,930	High school diploma or equivalent
Police and sheriff's patrol officersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$44.53	$92,610	$67,070 to $117,800	21,780	High school diploma or equivalent
Surgical assistantsPostsecondary nondegree award	$43.61	$90,710	$64,140 to $143,490	—	Postsecondary nondegree award
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vesselsPostsecondary nondegree award	$43.42	$90,310	$59,860 to $130,130	510	Postsecondary nondegree award
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$43.11	$89,660	$64,100 to $126,330	5,980	High school diploma or equivalent
Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistantsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$43.04	$89,520	$74,840 to $103,290	11,690	High school diploma or equivalent
Legal support workers, all otherAssociate's degree	$42.41	$88,210	$65,020 to $128,090	660	Associate's degree
Lighting techniciansPostsecondary nondegree award	$42.09	$87,550	$86,190 to $102,980	340	Postsecondary nondegree award
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all otherAssociate's degree	$42.04	$87,450	$64,760 to $113,550	880	Associate's degree
Computer network support specialistsAssociate's degree	$42.04	$87,440	$66,710 to $108,610	3,370	Associate's degree
Commercial diversPostsecondary nondegree award	$41.79	$86,920	$66,860 to $89,130	—	Postsecondary nondegree award
Chemical plant and system operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$41.74	$86,820	$72,570 to $94,920	330	High school diploma or equivalent
ParamedicsPostsecondary nondegree award	$41.65	$86,630	$79,440 to $95,650	540	Postsecondary nondegree award
Locomotive engineersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$41.61	$86,550	$86,550 to $86,680	830	High school diploma or equivalent
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$41.53	$86,380	$73,440 to $112,520	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$41.11	$85,510	$72,580 to $103,480	2,250	Associate's degree
Artists and related workers, all otherNo formal educational credential	$41.10	$85,500	$50,810 to $98,460	—	No formal educational credential
FirefightersPostsecondary nondegree award	$40.45	$84,130	$61,340 to $106,330	7,500	Postsecondary nondegree award
Mechanical draftersAssociate's degree	$40.09	$83,380	$72,030 to $99,340	690	Associate's degree
Signal and track switch repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$39.90	$82,990	$82,990 to $101,680	260	High school diploma or equivalent
Property, real estate, and community association managersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$39.83	$82,850	$67,320 to $110,430	7,110	High school diploma or equivalent
Cardiovascular technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$39.76	$82,710	$56,330 to $101,000	2,440	Associate's degree
BoilermakersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$39.62	$82,410	$71,560 to $91,010	280	High school diploma or equivalent
RiggersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$39.49	$82,130	$58,560 to $103,880	200	High school diploma or equivalent
Construction and building inspectorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$39.31	$81,760	$63,520 to $104,690	5,950	High school diploma or equivalent
Insurance sales agentsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$39.25	$81,640	$60,060 to $124,460	11,370	High school diploma or equivalent
First-line supervisors of production and operating workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$38.99	$81,110	$62,740 to $100,190	15,040	High school diploma or equivalent
Precision instrument and equipment repairers, all otherHigh school diploma or equivalent	$38.91	$80,930	$60,540 to $92,590	300	High school diploma or equivalent
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface miningHigh school diploma or equivalent	$38.61	$80,310	$62,490 to $122,950	740	High school diploma or equivalent
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific productsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$38.18	$79,410	$59,950 to $123,920	34,360	High school diploma or equivalent
Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travelHigh school diploma or equivalent	$38.08	$79,200	$55,640 to $110,430	44,980	High school diploma or equivalent
Solar photovoltaic installersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$37.96	$78,950	$61,150 to $102,050	1,880	High school diploma or equivalent
PipelayersNo formal educational credential	$37.90	$78,830	$63,360 to $97,310	400	No formal educational credential
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$37.87	$78,760	$62,280 to $93,520	2,500	High school diploma or equivalent
Rail car repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$37.86	$78,750	$76,690 to $79,070	410	High school diploma or equivalent
Physical therapist assistantsAssociate's degree	$37.71	$78,440	$72,900 to $83,200	1,810	Associate's degree
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfittersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$37.61	$78,240	$61,810 to $106,830	8,750	High school diploma or equivalent
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except enginesHigh school diploma or equivalent	$37.59	$78,180	$63,560 to $92,980	3,520	High school diploma or equivalent
Food service managersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$37.51	$78,020	$62,810 to $101,070	6,360	High school diploma or equivalent
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installersPostsecondary nondegree award	$37.50	$78,000	$63,700 to $97,490	2,690	Postsecondary nondegree award
Earth drillers, except oil and gasHigh school diploma or equivalent	$37.48	$77,950	$64,600 to $94,490	400	High school diploma or equivalent
Drafters, all otherAssociate's degree	$37.42	$77,840	$62,550 to $96,050	350	Associate's degree
Electrical and electronics draftersAssociate's degree	$37.31	$77,600	$61,510 to $104,410	240	Associate's degree
Personal service managers, all otherHigh school diploma or equivalent	$37.19	$77,350	$55,240 to $118,350	170	High school diploma or equivalent
ElectriciansHigh school diploma or equivalent	$37.14	$77,250	$62,400 to $121,110	13,520	High school diploma or equivalent
Surgical technologistsPostsecondary nondegree award	$37.12	$77,200	$64,440 to $85,700	2,780	Postsecondary nondegree award
Calibration technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$37.04	$77,040	$65,490 to $96,200	390	Associate's degree
Brickmasons and blockmasonsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$37.03	$77,010	$61,550 to $103,700	520	High school diploma or equivalent
First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$36.85	$76,640	$61,220 to $96,890	55,210	High school diploma or equivalent
RoofersNo formal educational credential	$36.83	$76,600	$49,680 to $99,760	1,860	No formal educational credential
Healthcare practitioners and technical workers, all otherPostsecondary nondegree award	$36.81	$76,570	$51,990 to $105,750	720	Postsecondary nondegree award
Stationary engineers and boiler operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$36.81	$76,560	$63,070 to $87,190	1,400	High school diploma or equivalent
Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairersAssociate's degree	$36.51	$75,930	$64,490 to $101,290	590	Associate's degree
Hearing aid specialistsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$36.41	$75,720	$49,620 to $82,640	470	High school diploma or equivalent
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nursesPostsecondary nondegree award	$36.13	$75,160	$66,890 to $79,980	17,410	Postsecondary nondegree award
Drywall and ceiling tile installersNo formal educational credential	$36.09	$75,080	$53,680 to $115,270	1,340	No formal educational credential
Metal-refining furnace operators and tendersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$36.07	$75,020	$60,430 to $79,110	150	High school diploma or equivalent
Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipmentPostsecondary nondegree award	$36.05	$74,980	$58,710 to $94,770	1,290	Postsecondary nondegree award
Occupational therapy assistantsAssociate's degree	$36.04	$74,960	$74,930 to $79,930	1,080	Associate's degree
Brokerage clerksHigh school diploma or equivalent	$35.98	$74,830	$64,490 to $79,800	3,260	High school diploma or equivalent
Industrial machinery mechanicsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$35.94	$74,760	$60,590 to $86,180	8,380	High school diploma or equivalent
Sales and related workers, all otherHigh school diploma or equivalent	$35.83	$74,520	$54,120 to $90,380	4,190	High school diploma or equivalent
Tool and die makersPostsecondary nondegree award	$35.80	$74,460	$60,480 to $85,430	540	Postsecondary nondegree award
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersPostsecondary nondegree award	$35.79	$74,450	$56,700 to $96,910	10,330	Postsecondary nondegree award
Transportation security screenersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$35.77	$74,400	$72,010 to $79,210	1,200	High school diploma or equivalent
Chefs and head cooksHigh school diploma or equivalent	$35.71	$74,280	$59,860 to $82,200	9,100	High school diploma or equivalent
Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$35.65	$74,160	$63,710 to $78,500	70	High school diploma or equivalent
Industrial engineering technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$35.04	$72,890	$59,320 to $95,520	920	Associate's degree
Opticians, dispensingHigh school diploma or equivalent	$34.84	$72,460	$62,760 to $80,720	2,010	High school diploma or equivalent
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialistsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$34.78	$72,340	$59,740 to $79,850	8,160	High school diploma or equivalent
Model makers, metal and plasticHigh school diploma or equivalent	$34.78	$72,340	$44,500 to $89,330	70	High school diploma or equivalent
Tree trimmers and prunersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$34.59	$71,940	$61,700 to $80,310	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Motorboat mechanics and service techniciansHigh school diploma or equivalent	$34.56	$71,880	$54,720 to $79,030	250	High school diploma or equivalent
Sailors and marine oilersNo formal educational credential	$34.56	$71,880	$49,400 to $75,070	520	No formal educational credential
Grounds maintenance workers, all otherNo formal educational credential	$34.52	$71,800	$42,290 to $80,080	40	No formal educational credential
Paralegals and legal assistantsAssociate's degree	$34.38	$71,500	$60,040 to $80,920	12,010	Associate's degree
Audio and video techniciansPostsecondary nondegree award	$34.16	$71,040	$55,840 to $82,420	2,280	Postsecondary nondegree award
Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$34.15	$71,030	$53,890 to $102,220	130	High school diploma or equivalent
GlaziersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$34.08	$70,890	$57,510 to $96,430	820	High school diploma or equivalent
Civil engineering technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$33.97	$70,650	$49,950 to $81,270	760	Associate's degree
Computer numerically controlled tool programmersPostsecondary nondegree award	$33.88	$70,460	$60,660 to $79,680	520	Postsecondary nondegree award
Media and communication equipment workers, all otherHigh school diploma or equivalent	$33.79	$70,280	$55,260 to $87,920	490	High school diploma or equivalent
Plasterers and stucco masonsNo formal educational credential	$33.65	$69,990	$62,060 to $96,600	50	No formal educational credential
Plant and system operators, all otherHigh school diploma or equivalent	$33.64	$69,970	$51,640 to $84,700	290	High school diploma or equivalent
Advertising sales agentsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$33.47	$69,620	$48,930 to $95,020	2,110	High school diploma or equivalent
Transportation workers, all otherHigh school diploma or equivalent	$33.28	$69,220	$39,200 to $82,850	160	High school diploma or equivalent
Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangersAssociate's degree	$33.22	$69,110	$43,620 to $77,890	580	Associate's degree
Subway and streetcar operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$33.16	$68,970	$65,630 to $73,550	140	High school diploma or equivalent
First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$32.97	$68,580	$58,070 to $79,210	2,830	High school diploma or equivalent
Medical equipment repairersAssociate's degree	$32.91	$68,460	$59,240 to $80,960	2,400	Associate's degree
First-line supervisors of transportation and material moving workers, except aircraft cargo handling supervisorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$32.68	$67,980	$55,960 to $81,200	25,110	High school diploma or equivalent
Mechanical door repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$32.28	$67,150	$59,280 to $82,810	1,290	High school diploma or equivalent
Occupational health and safety techniciansHigh school diploma or equivalent	$32.18	$66,930	$55,600 to $85,680	270	High school diploma or equivalent
Media and communication workers, all otherHigh school diploma or equivalent	$32.13	$66,830	$34,610 to $85,060	480	High school diploma or equivalent
Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$31.99	$66,540	$61,250 to $82,520	230	High school diploma or equivalent
StonemasonsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$31.83	$66,210	$57,400 to $74,570	—	High school diploma or equivalent
Aircraft cargo handling supervisorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$31.54	$65,590	$52,920 to $78,950	60	High school diploma or equivalent
Miscellaneous construction and related workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$31.41	$65,330	$52,960 to $102,560	1,060	High school diploma or equivalent
Hydrologic techniciansAssociate's degree	$31.34	$65,190	$52,920 to $84,570	40	Associate's degree
Mechanical engineering technologists and techniciansAssociate's degree	$31.34	$65,180	$57,320 to $83,390	260	Associate's degree
Building cleaning workers, all otherNo formal educational credential	$31.32	$65,150	$40,360 to $83,310	—	No formal educational credential
Pump operators, except wellhead pumpersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$31.24	$64,990	$63,540 to $83,390	310	High school diploma or equivalent
Tank car, truck, and ship loadersNo formal educational credential	$31.20	$64,890	$58,370 to $67,370	120	No formal educational credential
Material moving workers, all otherNo formal educational credential	$31.19	$64,870	$51,670 to $83,420	390	No formal educational credential
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleanersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$31.08	$64,650	$58,870 to $78,330	220	High school diploma or equivalent
Computer user support specialistsSome college, no degree	$31.00	$64,470	$52,000 to $82,090	18,200	Some college, no degree
Postal service clerksNo formal educational credential	$30.91	$64,290	$57,820 to $75,030	2,230	No formal educational credential
Traffic techniciansHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.88	$64,240	$54,720 to $78,000	110	High school diploma or equivalent
First-line supervisors of gambling services workersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.87	$64,210	$64,210 to $66,400	1,120	High school diploma or equivalent
Construction laborersNo formal educational credential	$30.80	$64,060	$46,710 to $94,510	23,590	No formal educational credential
CarpentersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.77	$64,010	$51,220 to $80,430	14,230	High school diploma or equivalent
Dredge operatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.68	$63,810	$58,700 to $73,010	30	High school diploma or equivalent
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck driversPostsecondary nondegree award	$30.56	$63,570	$57,400 to $76,450	47,980	Postsecondary nondegree award
MachinistsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.38	$63,190	$51,110 to $79,330	3,210	High school diploma or equivalent
Security and fire alarm systems installersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.36	$63,140	$47,960 to $78,790	2,740	High school diploma or equivalent
Legal secretaries and administrative assistantsHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.33	$63,080	$48,910 to $76,100	4,160	High school diploma or equivalent
Meter readers, utilitiesHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.31	$63,030	$52,290 to $83,870	870	High school diploma or equivalent
Desktop publishersAssociate's degree	$30.30	$63,020	$58,700 to $63,020	100	Associate's degree
Architectural and civil draftersAssociate's degree	$30.27	$62,960	$56,880 to $78,000	2,280	Associate's degree
Production, planning, and expediting clerksHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.15	$62,710	$50,050 to $76,360	9,410	High school diploma or equivalent
Automotive body and related repairersHigh school diploma or equivalent	$30.00	$62,400	$52,450 to $77,940	3,720	High school diploma or equivalent

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 New Jersey median hourly wage is $30.00 or more. Medians include experienced workers; entry pay is lower. Read the full method.

All 167, sorted by hourly median

Other states

Sources and method