
The US Department of Labor reported Friday that the economy added 467,000 jobs in January 2022, despite record levels of COVID-19 cases.
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)A six figure income is still possible in 2024 here in Tampa Bay without having that four year college degree. With housing prices higher than ever, that's good news. Stacker did a study of the jobs that are out there in the Tampa area but with the specific filter that employers don't require more than a high school diploma. Some may not even require that. Looking at this list, it's all about skill.
#10: Take the elevator to the top career floor...

You can make just shy of $80,000 to repair and install elevators and escalators. You'll make more money doing the same work in bigger cities like Boston though. The average pay there is up around $110,000 a year - but keep in mind, Boston is terribly expensive.
#9: Take charge of putting out that fire...

First-line firefighting supervisors can make about $79,000. Besides putting fires out, workers in the field spend just as much time preventing them.
#8: A powerful career...

Power distributors can earn around $83,000 in the Tampa area. You need a high school diploma for this one. That salary can almost double if you're willing to travel. The same jobs in the Sacramento, California area are paying around $141,000 a year!
#7: It's a bird, no it's a plane...

Pilots are pulling in about $84,000 around here. If you're willing to travel - and if you're a pilot, that's pretty necessary anyway, you can make almost twice that, about $154,000 a year, in Sioux City, Iowa. Although no college degree is necessary, obviously you do need to get that pilot certificate.
#6: Bust out that magnifying glass...

Big CSI fan? If you solve the crime before they do on TV, maybe there's a career in there for you. Detectives and investigators in the Tampa area make about $86,000 a year.
#5: Get moving...

Transportation and storage managers can make almost $90,000 in the Tampa area. This one is good for someone who pays attention to detail and is organized.
#4: Keep that cash register full...

Retail sales supervisors earn about $90,000. If you're skilled in setting budgets and work well with people, this one might be for you.
#3: Supervise those who came in at #6...

We mentioned investigators make about $86,000. Their bosses make a bit more. Police and detective supervisors earn around $92,000. But if you want to make the big bucks, take those skills to California. In the San Jose area, you could make over $200,000.
#2: Check's in the mail...

Postmasters in the Tampa area do especially well. In fact, the Tampa area has the second highest average income for those in the field nationwide. Lots of management and administrative work involved and like most of these in the top 10, a high school diploma is a must.
#1: Looks good to me...

Transportation inspectors are in high demand. They oversee the safe transport of both cargo and people. A rail transportation inspector can make over $100,000 a year in the Tampa area.