Think you need a four-year degree to break into engineering? Not always. There are plenty of well-paying jobs in fields like mechanical, industrial, aerospace, and electrical engineering that typically only require an associate degree—or even just a high school diploma.
Business Insider took a look at data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find engineering and architecture-related roles that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. The list below ranks 12 such jobs based on their median annual salaries, using the most recent wage data from 2024. While none of these roles hit the six-figure mark, many still offer solid pay, with salaries ranging from around $52,000 to nearly $80,000 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 12 jobs:
12. Surveying and Mapping Technicians
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Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
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Employment: 56,720
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Median Annual Wage: $51,940
These workers help gather data for construction, maps, and boundaries. It’s a great entry point into the field without a college degree.
11. Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
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Education Required: Associate degree
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Employment: 12,500
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Median Annual Wage: $58,890
They help implement solutions to environmental problems, often working with engineers to test air, water, and soil.
10. Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
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Education Required: Associate degree
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Employment: 62,130
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Median Annual Wage: $64,200
These professionals support civil engineers in designing infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and water systems.
9. Architectural and Civil Drafters
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Education Required: Associate degree
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Employment: 109,550
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Median Annual Wage: $64,280
Drafters use software to convert designs into technical drawings used for building and construction.
8. Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
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Education Required: Associate degree
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Employment: 73,410
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Median Annual Wage: $64,790
They help improve efficiency in manufacturing and production by analyzing operations and systems.
7. Calibration Technologists and Technicians
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Education Required: Associate degree
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Employment: 15,320
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Median Annual Wage: $65,040
These workers ensure equipment is working correctly by testing and calibrating it for precision.
6. Mechanical Drafters
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Education Required: Associate degree
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Employment: 39,900
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Median Annual Wage: $68,510
Mechanical drafters prepare detailed drawings that show how machines and mechanical devices should be built.
5. Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
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Education Required: Associate degree
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Employment: 37,450
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Median Annual Wage: $68,730
They assist mechanical engineers in developing, testing, and manufacturing machinery.
4. Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
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Education Required: Associate degree
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Employment: 14,680
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Median Annual Wage: $70,760
This role blends mechanical and electrical skills, working with robotics, automated systems, and high-tech equipment.
3. Electrical and Electronics Drafters
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Education Required: Associate degree
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Employment: 20,020
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Median Annual Wage: $73,720
They create technical drawings and layouts for electrical systems, from wiring plans to circuit board designs.
2. Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
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Education Required: Associate degree
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Employment: 92,710
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Median Annual Wage: $77,180
These professionals help engineers design and build electronic systems, such as navigation tools, medical devices, or communications gear.
1. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
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Education Required: Associate degree
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Employment: 9,060
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Median Annual Wage: $79,830
At the top of the list, these technicians work on aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems, helping to test and maintain them.
If you're interested in engineering but not keen on a four-year degree, there's a surprising number of high-paying paths you can take. With the right skills and an associate degree—or in some cases, just a high school diploma—you can still build a rewarding career in engineering and technology.