A college degree isn’t always the ticket to a lucrative career. For those with a high school diploma and the right experience, several management roles offer impressive salaries and growth potential. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we’ve identified eight manager positions that typically require only a high school education or an associate degree, with median annual pay ranging from $65,000 to over $100,000—well above the national median of $49,500. Here’s a look at these roles, their requirements, and what they pay.
Why Experience Matters More Than a Degree
While a high school diploma can open the door to these management jobs, employers often prioritize relevant experience. Whether it’s supervising a team, managing operations, or working in a specific industry, hands-on expertise is key. For example, the BLS notes that food service managers often start as cooks or servers before moving into leadership, while warehouse managers may begin as material movers. These career paths reward dedication and skill-building over formal education.
Top Manager Jobs Without a Bachelor’s Degree
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
- Median Pay: $102,080
- What They Do: Oversee logistics operations, such as shipping, warehousing, and inventory management, ensuring goods move efficiently.
- Requirements: A high school diploma and several years of experience in warehousing or logistics. Progression often starts with roles like first-line supervisor.
- Why It Pays: High demand in e-commerce and global supply chains drives competitive salaries.
- Food Service Managers
- Median Pay: $65,580
- What They Do: Run restaurants or catering services, managing staff, budgets, and customer satisfaction.
- Requirements: A high school diploma plus experience in food service, often as a cook, server, or shift leader.
- Why It’s Accessible: The hospitality industry’s fast-paced environment allows quick advancement for those with leadership skills.
- Lodging Managers
- Median Pay: $61,190
- What They Do: Manage hotels or resorts, handling guest services, staffing, and operations.
- Requirements: A high school diploma and experience in hospitality, such as front desk or housekeeping roles. Hospitality management courses can help.
- Why It’s Growing: Tourism and travel continue to fuel demand for skilled managers.
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Agricultural Managers
- Median Pay: $83,790
- What They Do: Operate farms or ranches, overseeing crop production, livestock, or agricultural operations.
- Requirements: A high school diploma and extensive experience as an agricultural worker, often gained on family farms or through apprenticeships.
- Why It Pays: Specialized knowledge and the critical role of food production command strong earnings.
- Construction Managers
- Median Pay: $104,900
- What They Do: Coordinate construction projects, manage budgets, schedules, and crews.
- Requirements: A high school diploma with significant experience in construction trades. Some roles may prefer an associate's degree.
- Why It’s Lucrative: The construction boom, driven by infrastructure and housing needs, boosts demand.
- Funeral Home Managers
- Median Pay: $75,960
- What They Do: Oversee funeral services, manage staff, facilities, and client relations.
- Requirements: Typically, an associate degree in mortuary science, but some roles accept a high school diploma with experience in funeral services.
- Why It’s Stable: Consistent demand for end-of-life services ensures job security.
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
- Median Pay: $62,850
- What They Do: Manage residential or commercial properties, handling maintenance, tenants, and budgets.
- Requirements: A high school diploma and experience in real estate or property maintenance. Certifications can enhance prospects.
- Why It’s Viable: Urban growth and housing demand keep this field active.
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
- Median Pay: $85,110
- What They Do: Lead sales teams in industries like insurance or wholesale, setting goals and monitoring performance.
- Requirements: A high school diploma and experience in sales roles, often starting as a sales representative.
- Why It Pays: Commission-based structures and high-value sales drive earnings.
How to Break Into These Roles
Landing these jobs requires more than a diploma—it takes strategic career-building. Here are tips to get started:
- Gain Relevant Experience: Start in entry-level roles in your target industry, like serving in restaurants or working in warehouses, to build skills and credibility.
- Develop Leadership Skills: Take on supervisory tasks or volunteer for team-leader roles to demonstrate management potential.
- Pursue Certifications: Short courses or certifications, like those in logistics or hospitality, can set you apart.
- Network: Connect with industry professionals through job fairs or platforms like LinkedIn to uncover opportunities.
The Big Picture
These management roles prove that a bachelor’s degree isn’t the only path to a rewarding career. With median salaries outpacing the national average, they offer financial stability and growth potential for high school graduates willing to invest in experience. As industries like logistics, hospitality, and construction continue to expand, opportunities for skilled managers will only grow. Start building your expertise today, and a high-paying management role could be within reach.