If you don’t want to go to college but still want a respectable and high-paying job, there are now many opportunities that no longer require a degree. It also means you can head straight into employment without having to spend years studying. Here are 19 jobs that no longer require a degree.
Wind Turbine Service Technician
The role of a wind turbine service technician is expected to significantly grow between 2020 and 2030. This may have something to do with the salary, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us that the average salary of a wind turbine technician is $56,260.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Solar photovoltaic installers no longer require a degree. Now all you need is a high school diploma or equivalent, and then there will be moderate on-the-job training for the job. In 2021, the average salary for this position was $47,670.
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer
Alarm installer jobs only require a high school diploma, and extended study is no longer needed. If you apply to be a security and fire alarm system installer, then you’ll be given on-the-job training, meaning you can learn and earn money at the same time. The average pay for this role is $48,320.
Floor Layer
No formal educational credential is needed to be a floor layer, and instead, you’ll receive training on the job. The floor layer occupation is looking to have a huge growth of 12% between 2020 and 2030, making it a great job to get into. You can also expect to earn an average annual salary of $48,060.
Tile and Stone Setter
This job doesn’t require a degree, but there will be long-term job training to ensure you know exactly what you’re doing. It’s a great job to have, as there’s expected to be a large growth in the number of these jobs available up until 2030.
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
For this job, you usually need an extra year of education. However, you may be able to take on the job with just a high school diploma if you’re knowledgeable. For example, OwlGuru writes, “Employers of industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers generally require them to have at least a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.”
Commercial Driver
To become a commercial driver, you only need a postsecondary non-degree award, and there will be some training once you start this role. The job of a commercial driver is looking promising, with 17% job growth expected in the next few years. Commercial drivers also have a high average salary of $60,360.
Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technician
To begin a career in aircraft mechanics, you only need a postsecondary non-degree award. More and more jobs are being created in this industry, and it’s expected that there’ll be a growth of 12% in aircraft mechanics during 2020 and 2030. You can also expect a strong average salary of $60,000.
Automotive Technician
A degree is no longer needed to become an automotive technician. Instead, employers look for high amounts of knowledge in the role and will then provide on-the-job training. Becoming an automotive technician is a great opportunity if you want to specialize and earn more.
Dental Hygienist
CareerSidekick writes, “To get started in this job, you’ll just need an associate’s degree and the required licenses/certifications in dental hygiene, which are faster and cheaper to obtain than a four-year college degree.” Not only do you not need a degree, but you can also expect a high average salary of $95,000.
Respiratory Therapist
To become a respiratory therapist, you only need an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy. It’s a shorter and much less expensive career path compared to a four-year college degree. A respiratory therapist is considered to have a critical role in healthcare, and it’s a position that’s seen substantial growth.
Medical Records Technician
You don’t need to complete a four-year college degree to become a medical records technician. Instead, you only need to study for an associate’s degree and get the correct certifications to do this role. It’s still a high-paying career, even if you no longer need a degree.
Web Developer
While this job used to require a degree, now you can become a web developer through self-taught skills or a certification. The job is in high demand thanks to the evolving digital age, as websites always need to be developed. There are plenty of opportunities to either go freelance with this work or work full-time for a company.
Graphic Designer
Nowadays, a great portfolio is often more important than a degree when it comes to applying for a graphic designer position. A person just needs to prove that they have all the necessary technical skills and a flair for creativity. There are also many roles to go into, such as marketing, advertising, or web design.
Real Estate Agent
A degree is no longer needed to become a real estate agent. This is supported by Reed, which writes, “You don’t need a degree to become an estate agent, and there are a number of specific estate agent qualifications which will help you get started—many of which can be taken before you find the right role.”
Sales Representative
A high school diploma or equivalent is now enough to become a sales representative, as on-the-job training is often given. Employers will just require a person to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. There are opportunities across many industries to become a sales representative.
IT Support Specialist
Having certifications in IT and practical experience can substitute for a degree. An IT support specialist plays an essential role in helping to support companies and their IT infrastructure. There are opportunities available in so many different areas, as just about any company needs IT support.
Digital Marketing Specialist
MMC Learning writes, “It is certainly possible to develop the skills necessary to succeed in digital marketing without a formal degree.” To become a digital marketing specialist, most people just need proficiency in digital marketing techniques and tools. Usually, this is valued more than having a college degree.
Software Developer
It’s now much easier to become a software developer, as a degree isn’t needed. Instead, a person can go on coding boot camps, self-study, or take part in online courses. Employers prefer to see that a person has practical skills, can program languages, and has a great portfolio.
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