High paying jobs in Washington that need no experience
Every occupation here pays well in Washington, requires no bachelor's degree, and requires no prior experience in a related job. That second filter is what separates this from the no-degree list, which is topped by supervisor roles asking five years in the trade before they will look at you. Several of these do involve months of training — but the employer provides it, and pays you during it, which is a feature rather than a barrier. Entry requirements come from the BLS Employment Projections program and describe what is typical, not mandatory.
Cost of living: prices in Washington run 7.0% above the national average (2024), so a Washington salary is worth about 0.93× its face value in national terms. That scales every wage here by the same factor — it changes what the numbers mean, not their order. To see where a job pays a real premium, use jobs that pay more in Washington.
Wages: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Cost of living: BEA regional price parities, 2024
High school diploma or equivalent
$80,640 – $147,8102,340Associate's degree
$107,090 – $162,0506,330Associate's degree
$108,200 – $125,1601,590Associate's degree
$61,840 – $156,8602,190High school diploma or equivalent
$63,110 – $110,4704,280Postsecondary nondegree award
$58,560 – $116,8501,510High school diploma or equivalent
$54,590 – $116,6702,270Associate's degree
$66,570 – $132,0604,130High school diploma or equivalent
$79,120 – $132,2009,160Associate's degree
$62,600 – $171,3003,300High school diploma or equivalent
$52,510 – $183,7003,510Associate's degree
$76,080 – $127,5201,860Associate's degree
$60,450 – $129,4802,310Postsecondary nondegree award
$68,910 – $122,4401,660Postsecondary nondegree award
$58,450 – $117,7404,480High school diploma or equivalent
$57,650 – $149,2603,440High school diploma or equivalent
$52,170 – $133,95019,380Postsecondary nondegree award
$47,640 – $123,9807,560Associate's degree
$59,440 – $127,0202,540Postsecondary nondegree award
$67,540 – $116,9203,400Postsecondary nondegree award
$61,850 – $115,8003,740Postsecondary nondegree award
$64,230 – $100,9506,780High school diploma or equivalent
$57,200 – $125,49010,290High school diploma or equivalent
$49,490 – $141,86012,470High school diploma or equivalent
$57,720 – $106,2702,030High school diploma or equivalent
$50,080 – $122,8406,180- 27Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$79,920
High school diploma or equivalent
$45,840 – $149,99018,950 - 28Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$79,830
High school diploma or equivalent
$51,260 – $148,61027,340 Associate's degree
$54,000 – $102,9702,090High school diploma or equivalent
$64,460 – $95,4306,800Associate's degree
$50,470 – $116,7509,460Postsecondary nondegree award
$48,620 – $119,0402,200High school diploma or equivalent
$48,680 – $114,0905,150No formal educational credential
$50,650 – $103,8801,550High school diploma or equivalent
$56,920 – $96,1301,980High school diploma or equivalent
$53,250 – $110,1303,900High school diploma or equivalent
$54,720 – $102,8007,410Postsecondary nondegree award
$50,200 – $101,6303,210No formal educational credential
$49,710 – $125,7204,440Postsecondary nondegree award
$55,270 – $103,6902,510High school diploma or equivalent
$49,450 – $112,41010,710Associate's degree
$53,500 – $137,6901,690High school diploma or equivalent
$49,320 – $103,3601,510Postsecondary nondegree award
$48,810 – $120,3607,370Some college, no degree
$48,710 – $128,47021,860High school diploma or equivalent
$61,300 – $83,7501,150High school diploma or equivalent
$48,130 – $114,5902,840No formal educational credential
$54,070 – $88,9903,750High school diploma or equivalent
$52,330 – $119,92026,960No formal educational credential
$50,360 – $127,9702,670
Bars run from the 10th to the 90th percentile; the middle half is shaded darker, and the tick is the median.
| # | Occupation | MedianWashington | 10th–90th percentilemiddle half shaded darker | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and RepairersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $133,060 | $80,640 – $147,810 | 2,340 |
| 2 | Dental HygienistsAssociate's degree | $131,160 | $107,090 – $162,050 | 6,330 |
| 3 | Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and TechniciansAssociate's degree | $125,160 | $108,200 – $125,160 | 1,590 |
| 4 | Diagnostic Medical SonographersAssociate's degree | $121,340 | $61,840 – $156,860 | 2,190 |
| 5 | Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems AssemblersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $110,470 | $63,110 – $110,470 | 4,280 |
| 6 | Tool and Die MakersPostsecondary nondegree award | $109,390 | $58,560 – $116,850 | 1,510 |
| 7 | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool OperatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $107,920 | $54,590 – $116,670 | 2,270 |
| 8 | Radiologic Technologists and TechniciansAssociate's degree | $102,090 | $66,570 – $132,060 | 4,130 |
| 9 | Police and Sheriff's Patrol OfficersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $102,080 | $79,120 – $132,200 | 9,160 |
| 10 | Computer Network Support SpecialistsAssociate's degree | $101,750 | $62,600 – $171,300 | 3,300 |
| 11 | Advertising Sales AgentsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $101,320 | $52,510 – $183,700 | 3,510 |
| 12 | Respiratory TherapistsAssociate's degree | $101,130 | $76,080 – $127,520 | 1,860 |
| 13 | Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All OtherAssociate's degree | $99,720 | $60,450 – $129,480 | 2,310 |
| 14 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial EquipmentPostsecondary nondegree award | $99,200 | $68,910 – $122,440 | 1,660 |
| 15 | Aircraft Mechanics and Service TechniciansPostsecondary nondegree award | $98,980 | $58,450 – $117,740 | 4,480 |
| 16 | Sheet Metal WorkersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $98,550 | $57,650 – $149,260 | 3,440 |
| 17 | ElectriciansHigh school diploma or equivalent | $95,220 | $52,170 – $133,950 | 19,380 |
| 18 | FirefightersPostsecondary nondegree award | $94,520 | $47,640 – $123,980 | 7,560 |
| 19 | Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and TechniciansAssociate's degree | $93,930 | $59,440 – $127,020 | 2,540 |
| 20 | Avionics TechniciansPostsecondary nondegree award | $91,380 | $67,540 – $116,920 | 3,400 |
| 21 | Massage TherapistsPostsecondary nondegree award | $87,360 | $61,850 – $115,800 | 3,740 |
| 22 | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational NursesPostsecondary nondegree award | $83,150 | $64,230 – $100,950 | 6,780 |
| 23 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment OperatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $81,700 | $57,200 – $125,490 | 10,290 |
| 24 | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and SteamfittersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $81,030 | $49,490 – $141,860 | 12,470 |
| 25 | Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System OperatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $80,800 | $57,720 – $106,270 | 2,030 |
| 26 | Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and InvestigatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $80,700 | $50,080 – $122,840 | 6,180 |
| 27 | Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and TravelHigh school diploma or equivalent | $79,920 | $45,840 – $149,990 | 18,950 |
| 28 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific ProductsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $79,830 | $51,260 – $148,610 | 27,340 |
| 29 | Civil Engineering Technologists and TechniciansAssociate's degree | $79,580 | $54,000 – $102,970 | 2,090 |
| 30 | Correctional Officers and JailersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $79,460 | $64,460 – $95,430 | 6,800 |
| 31 | Paralegals and Legal AssistantsAssociate's degree | $79,400 | $50,470 – $116,750 | 9,460 |
| 32 | Skincare SpecialistsPostsecondary nondegree award | $79,320 | $48,620 – $119,040 | 2,200 |
| 33 | Real Estate Sales AgentsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $79,130 | $48,680 – $114,090 | 5,150 |
| 34 | TapersNo formal educational credential | $79,040 | $50,650 – $103,880 | 1,550 |
| 35 | Public Safety TelecommunicatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $78,850 | $56,920 – $96,130 | 1,980 |
| 36 | Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except EnginesHigh school diploma or equivalent | $78,620 | $53,250 – $110,130 | 3,900 |
| 37 | Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine SpecialistsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $77,900 | $54,720 – $102,800 | 7,410 |
| 38 | Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line InstallersPostsecondary nondegree award | $77,610 | $50,200 – $101,630 | 3,210 |
| 39 | Cement Masons and Concrete FinishersNo formal educational credential | $77,520 | $49,710 – $125,720 | 4,440 |
| 40 | Surgical TechnologistsPostsecondary nondegree award | $77,270 | $55,270 – $103,690 | 2,510 |
| 41 | Industrial Machinery MechanicsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $77,220 | $49,450 – $112,410 | 10,710 |
| 42 | Mechanical DraftersAssociate's degree | $76,820 | $53,500 – $137,690 | 1,690 |
| 43 | Telecommunications Line Installers and RepairersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $76,070 | $49,320 – $103,360 | 1,510 |
| 44 | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and InstallersPostsecondary nondegree award | $75,660 | $48,810 – $120,360 | 7,370 |
| 45 | Computer User Support SpecialistsSome college, no degree | $75,220 | $48,710 – $128,470 | 21,860 |
| 46 | Logging Equipment OperatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $75,140 | $61,300 – $83,750 | 1,150 |
| 47 | Sales and Related Workers, All OtherHigh school diploma or equivalent | $75,100 | $48,130 – $114,590 | 2,840 |
| 48 | Refuse and Recyclable Material CollectorsNo formal educational credential | $74,620 | $54,070 – $88,990 | 3,750 |
| 49 | CarpentersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $74,190 | $52,330 – $119,920 | 26,960 |
| 50 | Drywall and Ceiling Tile InstallersNo formal educational credential | $73,130 | $50,360 – $127,970 | 2,670 |
Ranked among the occupations common enough to employ roughly one in every three thousand workers in Washington. The rarer ones are real jobs — but a 1,190-person occupation at the top of a list answers a different question than the one most readers are asking.
More for Washington
- High paying jobs in Washington
- High paying jobs in Washington that need no degree
- High paying entry level jobs in Washington
- Fastest growing jobs in Washington, 2024–34
- Fastest declining jobs in Washington, 2024–34
- Jobs that actually got a raise in Washington
- Jobs that lost the most to inflation in Washington
- Jobs that pay the biggest premium in Washington
Metro areas in Washington
Pay varies more between metros than between states — the spread inside one state is often wider than the gap between two.
By field in Washington
- High paying management jobs in Washington
- High paying business and finance jobs in Washington
- High paying tech and IT jobs in Washington
- High paying engineering and architecture jobs in Washington
- High paying science jobs in Washington
- High paying social service jobs in Washington
- High paying teaching and library jobs in Washington
- High paying creative and media jobs in Washington
- High paying medical jobs in Washington
- High paying healthcare support jobs in Washington
- High paying security and protective service jobs in Washington
- High paying food service jobs in Washington
- High paying cleaning and grounds jobs in Washington
- High paying personal care jobs in Washington
- High paying sales jobs in Washington
- High paying office and admin jobs in Washington
- High paying construction jobs in Washington
- High paying repair and maintenance jobs in Washington
- High paying production jobs in Washington
- High paying transportation jobs in Washington
Without a degree
The same fields, narrowed to what you can enter without one. Fields missing here have too few such occupations in Washington to rank honestly.
- High paying engineering and architecture jobs in Washington with no degree
- High paying engineering and architecture jobs in Washington with no experience
- High paying medical jobs in Washington with no degree
- High paying medical jobs in Washington with no experience
- High paying healthcare support jobs in Washington with no degree
- High paying healthcare support jobs in Washington with no experience
- High paying security and protective service jobs in Washington with no degree
- High paying security and protective service jobs in Washington with no experience
- High paying food service jobs in Washington with no degree
- High paying food service jobs in Washington with no experience
- High paying cleaning and grounds jobs in Washington with no degree
- High paying personal care jobs in Washington with no degree
- High paying personal care jobs in Washington with no experience
- High paying sales jobs in Washington with no degree
- High paying sales jobs in Washington with no experience
- High paying office and admin jobs in Washington with no degree
- High paying office and admin jobs in Washington with no experience
- High paying construction jobs in Washington with no degree
- High paying construction jobs in Washington with no experience
- High paying repair and maintenance jobs in Washington with no degree
- High paying repair and maintenance jobs in Washington with no experience
- High paying production jobs in Washington with no degree
- High paying production jobs in Washington with no experience
- High paying transportation jobs in Washington with no degree
- High paying transportation jobs in Washington with no experience
High paying jobs in each state that need no experience
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Guam
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virgin Islands
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming