College isn't for everyone and right now there's a huge need for tradespeople and careers that don't require a college degree. According to Stacker via The Oregonian, the Top 10 paying right now in Portland are:
10. Insulation workers, mechanical: Annual mean salary, $89,330
9. Transportation inspectors: Annual mean salary, $92,870
8. Electrical power-line installers and repairers: Annual mean salary, $96,700
7. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers: Annual mean salary, $99,010
6. Power plant operators: Annual mean salary, $99,720
5. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers: Annual mean salary, $100,380
4. Detectives and criminal investigators: Annual mean salary, $101,120
3. First-line supervisors of correctional officers: Annual mean salary, $105,640
2. First-line supervisors of police and detectives: Annual mean salary, $121,960
1. Power distributors and dispatchers: Annual mean salary, $129,570