Nashville Real Estate Insights: Unlocking Opportunities for High-Earning Careers in Tennessee

If you’re considering relocating to Nashville, TN, you’re likely looking for a city that offers not only a vibrant lifestyle but also promising career opportunities. As a top real estate agent in Nashville, I’m here to help you find your dream home while exploring the potential for financial success in Tennessee’s booming job market—even with just a high school diploma.

High-Paying Careers in Tennessee Without a College Degree

Did you know that a high school diploma can open doors to some of Tennessee’s highest-paying jobs? According to the 2023 American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, 31% of Tennesseans aged 25 and older hold a high school diploma or equivalent. With college enrollment rates declining—dropping from 64.4% in 2015 to 56.7% in 2023—many are finding lucrative alternatives without a four-year degree.

A recent Pew Research Center survey revealed that only 25% of U.S. adults consider a college degree "extremely important" or "very important" for securing a well-paying job. In Tennessee, several industries offer competitive salaries for individuals who have completed high school, often supplemented by specialized training or experience.

Top 25 High-Earning Jobs for Tennesseans

Here’s a look at Tennessee’s top 25 highest-paying jobs available with a high school diploma, based on 2023 median annual incomes from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development:

1. Nuclear power reactor operators: $106,496

2. Power plant operators: $103,730

3. Power distributors and dispatchers: $99,894

4. Postmasters and mail superintendents: $91,790

5. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers: $91,378

6. Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters: $87,342

7. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers: $82,860

8. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers: $81,275

9. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers: $80,268

10. Electrical power-line installers and repairers: $79,078

11. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers: $77,652

12. Transportation inspectors: $76,227

13. Boilermakers: $76,146

14. Signal and track switch repairers: $75,902

15. Locomotive engineers: $72,342

16. Aircraft cargo handling supervisors: $70,693

17. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers: $69,992

18. First-line supervisors of police and detectives: $69,181

19. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers: $66,972

20. Detectives and criminal investigators: $64,700

21. Chemical plant and system operators: $64,693

22. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators: $64,526

23. First-line supervisors of correctional officers: $64,306

24. Gas plant operators: $63,526

25. First-line supervisors of protective service workers: $63,484

Why Nashville Is the Perfect Place to Live and Work

Nashville’s thriving economy, diverse job market, and affordable housing options make it a top choice for professionals seeking high-paying jobs without the need for a college degree. As a real estate expert, I can guide you through the process of finding a home that suits your lifestyle and budget, whether you’re a power plant operator or a transportation manager.

Let’s Make Nashville Your Home

Ready to take the next step? Whether you’re moving for a career opportunity or looking to invest in Nashville’s dynamic real estate market, I’m here to help. Contact me today to explore homes in Nashville and start your journey toward success in Tennessee!