You don’t need a four-year degree to make $75,000 a year. In fact, more people are hitting that number - and even surpassing it - by skipping college entirely and going straight into high-demand fields that value skills over diplomas. The old rule that "you need a degree to earn well" is breaking down fast. Right now, in 2026, there are clear, proven paths to $75k+ without stepping foot on a campus. And the tools to get there? They’re all online.

Why $75,000 Is Realistic Without a Degree

$75,000 isn’t a fantasy. It’s the median salary for skilled trades, tech roles, and certified professionals who never went to college. In Australia, the average full-time worker earns around $70,000. That means $75k is not just possible - it’s average for people who picked the right skills.

Think about it: electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians in Sydney regularly earn $80k-$110k after just 3-4 years of apprenticeships. No tuition debt. No student loans. Just hands-on training and certifications you can start today.

And it’s not just trades. Software developers, cybersecurity analysts, and data analysts with bootcamp training and portfolios are landing $80k+ roles at startups and mid-sized companies. The hiring managers don’t care if you went to uni. They care if you can fix their server, write clean code, or spot a security flaw.

Path 1: Skilled Trades With Online Learning

Trades are the quiet giants of high-income, no-degree careers. You don’t need a degree to become a licensed electrician, plumber, or welder. You need apprenticeships, certifications, and hands-on experience.

Here’s how it works:

• Start with an online prep course in electrical fundamentals or plumbing codes (like those from TradeSkills4U an Australian online platform offering certified trade prep courses).
• Apply for an apprenticeship through your state’s trade board. In NSW, you can start as a trainee at 16.
• Get paid while you learn - typically $15-$25/hour, rising with each year.
• After 3-4 years, you’ll be a licensed tradesperson. Median salary? $85,000 in Sydney.

Some trades even let you skip the apprenticeship if you have enough certification. For example, Solar Installation a rapidly growing field requiring certification but not a degree is booming in Australia. With a 6-month online course and a few hands-on projects, you can start working for solar companies earning $75k+ by year two.

Path 2: Tech Without a Degree

Forget the CS degree. The tech industry doesn’t require it anymore. Companies like Atlassian, Canva, and countless startups hire based on skills, not transcripts.

Here’s the roadmap:

1. Choose a high-demand role: Frontend developer, cybersecurity analyst, cloud support engineer, or data analyst.
2. Complete a structured online bootcamp. freeCodeCamp a free, nonprofit platform offering full-stack web development certifications is one of the most respected. It’s 100% free, takes 6-12 months, and includes real projects.
3. Build a public portfolio. GitHub for coders. Notion or Google Sites for analysts. Show your work - don’t just say you can do it.
4. Apply for junior roles. Many companies now use skills tests instead of degree filters. You’ll compete with bootcamp grads, not Harvard grads.

According to a 2025 report from Tech Industry Council Australia a national body tracking tech hiring trends, 43% of new hires in software roles had no bachelor’s degree. The average starting salary? $78,000.

Path 3: Certifications That Pay

Some certifications are worth more than a degree. Here are three that open doors to $75k+:

These aren’t fluff certificates. They’re industry standards. Companies like Telstra, KPMG, and the Australian Taxation Office actively recruit people with these credentials. You can study them all online - for under $500 total.

Path 4: Digital Skills That Scale

There’s a whole world of remote, freelance, and entrepreneurial work that doesn’t need a degree - just a laptop and discipline.

Examples:

• SEO Specialist: Learn keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building through Ahrefs Academy a free, comprehensive SEO training platform. Top freelancers earn $80k/year working for 10-15 clients.
• Content Strategist: Build a personal brand on LinkedIn or YouTube. Show you can turn ideas into traffic. Companies pay $70k-$90k for people who can grow their audience.
• Virtual Assistant for Executives: Specialize in calendar management, travel coordination, and CRM systems. High-end VAs charge $50/hour. Work 30 hours a week? That’s $78k/year.

These aren’t side gigs. They’re careers. The key? Specialize. Don’t be a general VA. Be the VA who handles Salesforce setups for fintech CEOs. That’s your niche.

What You Need to Succeed

It’s not magic. It’s method. Here’s what actually works:

• Start with one skill. Don’t jump between coding, design, and digital marketing. Pick one. Master it.
• Learn by doing. Build a real project. Fix a website. Install a smart home system. Document it.
• Network locally. Attend trade fairs, tech meetups in Melbourne or Brisbane. Talk to people who already do the job you want.
• Track your progress. Use free tools like Notion or Google Sheets. Record every course, project, and job application.

The biggest mistake people make? Waiting to feel "ready." You don’t need to know everything. You just need to know enough to land your first job - then learn the rest on the job.

Real Stories From Australia

Emma, 24, from Perth, didn’t go to uni. She took a 6-month online course in HVAC installation through TAFE NSW Online a government-run platform offering certified trade courses. She did her apprenticeship while working part-time. At 26, she’s a licensed technician earning $89,000.

James, 29, from Adelaide, taught himself Python through freeCodeCamp. He built a dashboard for his local gym to track membership trends. He posted it on GitHub. A startup hired him as a junior data analyst. Two years later, he’s at $82,000.

These aren’t outliers. They’re becoming the norm.

What Doesn’t Work

Don’t waste time on:

• Getting a "general studies" degree - it won’t get you there.
• Buying expensive "get rich quick" courses - they’re scams.
• Waiting for perfect conditions - start now with what you have.
• Comparing yourself to college grads - your path is different, not worse.

The goal isn’t to be like them. It’s to be better than them - with less debt and more freedom.

Where to Start Today

Here’s your 7-day action plan:

1. Day 1: Pick one path - trade, tech, or digital skill.
2. Day 2: Find the top free or low-cost certification or course for that path.
3. Day 3: Enroll. Set a study schedule - 1 hour a day, 5 days a week.
4. Day 4: Build your first small project. Even if it’s simple.
5. Day 5: Join one online community (Reddit, Discord, Facebook group).
6. Day 6: Reach out to one person doing the job you want. Ask one question.
7. Day 7: Write down your goal: "I will make $75k in 3 years without college."

You don’t need permission. You don’t need a degree. You just need to start.