10 ‘New-Collar Careers’ Paying Six-Figure Annual Salaries in 2025

A new wave of job opportunities is reshaping how Americans think about career success. These are known as “new-collar careers” — a term that reflects roles requiring technical or specialized skills but not necessarily a traditional four-year college degree. With companies placing more value on hands-on experience and specific abilities, these positions are becoming some of the most sought-after and highest-paying in today’s job market.

What makes a new-collar job different? Unlike blue-collar jobs, these roles typically don’t involve manual labor. And unlike white-collar jobs, they often don’t demand a college diploma. Instead, they prioritize certifications, bootcamp training, apprenticeships, or simply demonstrable skill and work ethic.

A recent report from Accenture highlights how “degree inflation” — the increased demand for bachelor’s degrees in roles that previously didn’t require them — has held back qualified candidates and created inefficiencies in hiring. The report found that more than 60 percent of employers passed over skilled applicants solely because they lacked a degree.

That’s beginning to change.

More organizations are rewriting job descriptions and removing degree requirements in favor of practical skill assessments. Even some factory and technical jobs that once paid modest wages are now offering salaries of $80,000 or more. And the shift isn’t slowing down. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 60 percent of new jobs created between 2020 and 2030 are expected to fall into the new-collar category — with many offering six-figure potential.

This comes at a time when AI and automation are transforming entire industries, and economic uncertainty is prompting many to rethink the return on investment of a traditional college education.

“These jobs are skills-driven, where learning happens on the job and adaptability matters just as much as credentials,” says Eva Chan, a career expert at Resume Genius. “New-collar roles challenge the idea that a degree is the only path to success. By showcasing practical skills, a portfolio of work, or strong references, people can build meaningful, high-paying careers — without taking on student debt or spending years in school.”

As the job market evolves, so do the paths to success. New-collar careers are proving that ambition, curiosity, and hands-on experience can be just as powerful as a diploma.