The next big industry to make your career. No college degree needed for 100k yearly after 3/4 years in the industry.

Explore a Promising Career Without a College Degree

Looking for a career that can earn you $100k a year without the need for a college degree? The audio-visual (AV) industry might be your answer. Just consider this: graduating high school is a standard expectation for Americans—it’s not an achievement limited to a select few. From 2008 to 2012, my focus was solely on classroom work. I usually passed tests with A’s and B’s, but I never completed projects or homework. Despite graduating with a GPA below 1.0 and earning 12 college credits, I didn’t pursue higher education.

After battling substance addiction, I spent around $5,000 on technical training and certifications that ultimately didn’t play a role in my career. Today, I work as a freelance AV technician and A1, and I’m approaching my fourth year in the industry. Here’s what I’ve learned: in this field, experience outweighs formal education.

A four-year degree from a school like Full Sail University may not boost your starting salary beyond $20-$25 an hour—and often, you’ll find yourself stuck in entry-level jobs earning $15-$18 an hour. However, if you’re committed and show that you can handle the flexibility and irregular hours typical in this field, you can expect to earn a minimum of $35-$40 an hour as an AV technician in the Washington D.C. metro area by your third year. As an A1, my hourly rates start at $50 for walk-ins and go up to $65 for setup, strike, and mixing.

The industry also has great work policies: standard shifts are generally 10 hours, with a minimum of 5 hours for any job. If you’re working out of town, the company covers transportation, lodging, and a daily per diem. In 2023 and 2024, I worked with 6 to 10 companies on a W2 basis, as well as a similar number as a 1099 contractor, and I still received tax refunds despite not paying taxes on my 1099 income until tax season. Between February and Halloween, I averaged $2,000 to $2,500 weekly, and during the rest of the year, I made about $1,500 to $1,800 primarily in corporate AV, while still doing some work in the music sector.

I achieved this without a college degree and minimal certifications—my hands-on experience and my resume are what get me hired. Interestingly, most companies don’t negotiate my rates and typically agree to my initial asking price. I spend about half of each month working out of town at week-long conventions, bringing home paychecks ranging from $200 to $2,500, alongside a $300 per diem since clients often provide meals.

For me, this career is not just a job; it’s a passion. My love for the AV industry brings joy and fulfillment to my life. If you’ve never found a job that you genuinely enjoy, you might not fully understand how important that is to happiness.

Reflecting on my journey, it’s clear that a college degree isn’t necessary—it’s simply a measure of your reliability over a few years. If you’re burdened by student loans, consider whether that degree feels worth it. Union jobs or degrees don’t guarantee high-paying positions; they often lead to starting at the bottom, just like anyone else.

In 2024, I made around $110k. I celebrated turning 30 and welcomed my first daughter in August. The first two months of 2025 have already brought me over $10k each month. I’m also planning on spending $25k on an engagement ring for my girlfriend, aiming to pop the question this summer.

If you have questions or want to know more about breaking into this industry, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you’re in the DMV area, I might even pay you $150-$200 to help me set up