UPS Driver Salary Surprises Viewers and Goes Viral on TikTok: Is It Worth Becoming a Degreed Professional?

A UPS delivery driver in Oregon sparked a debate that thousands of people have been having for years: Is it essential to earn a college degree to make a good salary?

The conversation took off after he shared on TikTok a weekly salary of more than $2,000 before taxes, a figure that surprised many users and generated thousands of comments.

• Why it matters: The high cost of higher education and the growing demand for skilled technical workers are leading more Americans to consider careers that do not require a traditional bachelor’s degree but still offer competitive income and job stability.

UPS Driver Salary Surprises: A Weekly Paycheck That Drew Attention on Social Media

Skyler Stutzman, a UPS driver living in Oregon, posted a video showing how much he had earned during one workweek. The post quickly went viral and sparked curiosity among people who did not know how much an experienced delivery driver could earn.

@skylerleestutzman UPS Driver Paystub Breakdown; End Of Year Edition. #upsdriver #ups #teamster ♬ original sound – Skyler Stutzman

However, the worker himself later clarified that reaching that salary level does not happen overnight.

• As he explained in other videos, it took him several years to secure a permanent driver position and then go through a period of progressive pay increases before reaching his current income.
• His experience served as a reminder that some well-paid trades require years of preparation and hands-on experience, though not necessarily a four-year college degree.

The discussion also coincided with a moment when many workers are evaluating career alternatives due to rising college tuition and student debt.

The Labor Market Increasingly Values Technical Skills

For decades, college education was considered the safest path toward high salaries and economic stability.

However, the labor landscape has changed significantly.

• Today, many employers prioritize technical skills, specific certifications, and practical experience instead of a traditional bachelor’s degree.
• Apprenticeship programs, trade schools, and specialized training allow many workers to enter the labor market faster and begin earning income without taking on the costs associated with a university degree.

For some young people, this route represents an opportunity to build a solid career while avoiding years of education-related debt.

4 Well-Paid Jobs That Do Not Require a College Degree

1. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
They are among the best-paid trades in the country. Earnings can reach $106,580 per year.

Generally, the job requires a high school diploma and completion of a specialized apprenticeship program.

2. Air Traffic Controllers
This is one of the best-paid jobs that does not require a traditional college degree. The median annual salary is around $144,580.

To access the position, applicants must be U.S. citizens, pass medical evaluations, and complete specialized training at the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, Academy.

3. Electricians and Electrical Technicians
This profession continues to see strong demand across the United States. The average annual salary is around $62,350, although experienced workers can earn more than $100,000 per year.

Training is usually completed through technical programs and supervised apprenticeship systems.

4. Long-Haul Truck Drivers
Freight transportation remains an essential activity for the U.S. economy. Long-haul drivers earn an average of nearly $70,000 per year.

The main requirement is obtaining a commercial driver’s license, or CDL, and completing practical training.

Salary No Longer Depends Only on a Diploma

The UPS driver’s experience shows that there are different paths toward high income.

That does not mean college has lost its value, but it does reflect an increasingly visible reality: some specialized trades and technical professions offer economic opportunities comparable to many traditional careers.

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What’s Next

The shortage of specialized labor in technical sectors continues to drive demand for trained workers.

As companies seek to fill key positions, more people are likely to explore educational alternatives focused on practical skills and vocational training programs.