There are a couple routes you could take if you want to work for the government. Without a degree, you're going to have a hard time because you will be competing against people that do. You're going to need a clearance, and someone has to look at what you have and say I'm willing to sponsor this individual, which takes a lot of time and a bit of money. For some of the 3 letters, you're going to need a slew of certs for a lot of their positions. After that, as long as you don't do anything dumb, the clearance will pay you for as long as you want it to. Understand, though, that locations are very limited. There's realistically maybe 5 states you could work in, and maybe one or two counties you could live in, unless you hate yourself and don't mind driving hours to and from work.

Now, there is always the option of going into the military specifically for these type of jobs. In the Army the MOS is 35Q, don't know about Air Force or Navy (don't even consider Marines). If you're willing to give up 4 years of your life, then you can walk away with a clearance, training, and connections you need to get this kind of work with no college. Understand though, it is going to cost a piece of your soul. I could wax poetic on the loss of personal freedoms and the crushing feeling of going home and finding out that you've grown but no one you knew grew with you, but lets just leave it at Experiences May Vary. What military service in a job slot that requires a clearance does do is give you a safety net. You maintain that clearance and you will never want for work. Whether you find any satisfaction in that lifestyle is up to you. If you choose this route, go Air Force or Navy. You'll be happier.

As for the pay, its possible to make $150k plus without a degree. Just depends on how much job satisfaction you're willing to sacrifice. A lot of people don't understand, as well, that the contracting world doesn't reward loyalty. If you're not getting paid what you think you deserve, or aren't seeing the progression you think you should, leave. Another company out that will pay you. I'll caveat this by saying, burn no bridges, even with a place that you hate. It's a small community, people will remember you, and being shitty could cost you a job you want later on down the road.