There are a variety of jobs you can get without a college degree. You may need some experience or on-the-job training for many of these positions, but there are also opportunities for those just starting. Here are some examples of careers that don’t require a four-year degree.
While online colleges offer the convenience of studying from home, they also provide the same quality education as traditional colleges. In addition, many online colleges now offer courses that can be completed entirely or primarily online.
Career Builder recently released a report listing jobs that have high salaries and growth potential.
Here are the top 10 jobs you can get without a college degree that pays $20 or more an hour.
10. Self-Enrichment Education Teachers
- Average hourly earnings: $19.91
- Five-year job growth: 11%
Self-enrichment education teachers are professionals who instruct students in various subjects that aren’t typically taught in schools. These teachers can work with students of all ages, from pre-school to adult learners. They may teach one subject or various subjects, depending on their area of expertise.
There are many jobs you can get without a college degree, and a self-enrichment education teacher is one. This may be one of the best jobs you can get without a college degree because it allows you to use your knowledge and passions to help others learn. If you’re interested in becoming a self-enrichment education teacher, there are several things you need to know. First, you need to decide what subjects you want to teach.
9. Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
- Average Hourly Earnings: $19.96
- Five-year job growth: 7%
There are several jobs you can get without a college degree. One such job is that of medical records and health information technician. This job entails organizing and maintaining patient records and compiling information for insurance claims and doctor’s notes. It would help if you typically only had a high school diploma or equivalent to medical records and health information technician. However, some employers may prefer or require an associate’s degree in medical records or health information technology.
8. Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
- Average hourly earnings: $20.23
- Five-year job growth: 14%
There are many jobs you can get without a college degree. Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors are two such professions. Fitness trainers help people exercise, lose weight, and become more fit. Aerobics instructors teach people how to perform cardio exercises in a group setting. Both of these professions require certification but not necessarily a college degree.
7. Chefs and Head Cooks
- Average hourly earnings: $21.54
- Five-year job growth: 13%
Many jobs in the food industry do not require a college degree. For example, chefs and head cooks do not typically need a degree, although they may have attended culinary school. These positions involve creating menus and dishes, overseeing the kitchen staff, and ensuring that the kitchen runs smoothly.
Many other jobs in the food industry do not require a degree, such as servers, bussers, dishwashers, and cooks. While these jobs may not pay as much as jobs that require a college degree, they can still be rewarding and provide opportunities for career growth.
6. Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
- Average hourly earnings: $22.39
- Five-year job growth: 17%
Heating, air conditioning, refrigeration mechanics and installers are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing these systems. They often work on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in offices, schools, hospitals, and other large facilities. Many of these workers do not have a college degree but may have a certificate or an associate’s degree in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technology.
The job outlook for heating, air conditioning, refrigeration mechanics and installers is good. Employment is projected to grow 14 percent from 2012 to 2022. Job prospects should be best for those who have completed a formal training program at a technical school or community college.
5. Surgical Technologists
- Average hourly earnings: $22.68
- Five-year job growth: 9%
There are many jobs you can get without a college degree. For example, you could become a surgical technologist. Surgical technologists work in the operating room and assist the surgeon by preparing the patient and surgical instruments for surgery. They also help to keep the operating room sterile. To become a surgical technologist, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete an accredited program in surgical technology.
4. Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Average hourly earnings: $24.87
- Five-year job growth: 9%
Industrial machinery mechanics are responsible for the maintenance and repair of factory machines. They may work on various devices, including robots, conveyor belts, and packaging equipment. This is a skilled trade that does not require a college degree. However, industrial machinery mechanics must have strong mechanical skills and knowledge of how machines work.
They typically receive on-the-job training, although some employers may require formal certification. Industrial machinery mechanics are in high demand due to the increasing use of automation in factories. As a result, they can expect to earn a good salary and enjoy a steady job outlook.
3. Computer User Support Specialists
- Average hourly earnings: $25.50
- Five-year job growth: 10%
In the information age, computer user support specialists are in high demand. Many people think you need a college degree to get one of these jobs, but that’s not always the case. There are many computer user support specialist jobs you can get without a college degree.
One such job is a help desk technician. A help desk technician is responsible for answering customer phone calls and helping them solve their computer problems. They may also be responsible for fixing computers and printers in the office. Many companies prefer to hire help desk technicians with formal training, such as an associate’s degree or a certification from a technical school.
Another job that doesn’t require a college degree is a technical support specialist. A technical support specialist provides remote or on-site support to customers with problems with their computers or other technology products.
2. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- Average hourly earnings: $25.76
- Five-year job growth: 15%
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are in high demand across the United States. They can find work in various industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and utilities. Many of these positions do not require a college degree.
Plumbers install and repair water supply lines and drainage systems. Pipefitters assemble and install pipelines that carry water, chemicals, gas, oil, or other fluids. Steamfitters connect pipes carrying steam or hot water.
All three jobs are considered trade careers. This means that you will learn your skills rather than in a classroom. This can be an advantage for some people because they can start working sooner. However, it can also be a disadvantage because you may not have the same opportunities for advancement as someone with a college degree.
1. Electricians
- Average hourly earnings: $26.33
- Five-year job growth: 11%
An electrician is a job that you can get without a college degree. Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. In addition, some electricians may specialize in wiring certain types of equipment or machinery.
Many schools offer electrician training programs. However, the most common way to become an electrician is to complete an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs usually last four or five years. During this time, the apprentice will work under the supervision of a licensed electrician.
Some states require electricians to be licensed. To become licensed, an electrician must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of electrical theory and safety practices.
Source: | Career Builder
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