Are you seeking a high-paying job but don’t want to invest in a four-year or graduate degree? You don’t need to have a college degree to get a good job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (BLS) there are many jobs in the United States that don’t require a college degree. The BLS has released a list of the best jobs that don’t require a college degree for 2021.
The number one job on the list is an elementary school teacher. Teachers are needed in every state in the country, and most states require no more than a bachelor’s degree in education to become certified. The median annual wage for elementary school teachers is $60,320. Many high-paying jobs don’t require education and work experience.
Number two on the list is a registered nurse. RNs are needed in hospitals and clinics nationwide, and many employers prefer nurses with at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing. In addition, the median annual wage for registered nurses is $70,000, according to US News 10 Best Jobs ranking, which recently published their Best Jobs For 2022.
Best Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree 2021
10. Nail Technician
- Median salary: $25,770
- Unemployment rate: 2%
- Expected new job openings by 2029: 29,900
A nail technician could be a great option. Nail technicians are in high demand, and the job doesn’t require much training. You can become a nail technician by completing a short training program or apprenticeship in most cases.
Nail technicians can earn good wages, and the job is relatively easy to find. There are many different nail technician jobs, so you can find one that fits your interests and skills. If you’re looking for a flexible job that doesn’t require a lot of training, then a career as a nail technician may be right for you.
9. Physical Therapy Aide
- Median salary: $27,000
- Unemployment rate: 1.3%
- Expected new job openings by 2029: 10,800
Physical therapy aide is one of them. It’s an excellent job for people who want to help others and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Physical therapy aides help physical therapists with the rehabilitation of patients. They may help patients exercise, stretch, or do other therapists’ exercises. They may also measure and record patients’ progress.
Physical therapy aides usually have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may require certification from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). A certificate is available through the APTA’s National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). A physical therapy aide can earn an average wage of $11.06 per hour, or $23,010 per year.
8. Flight Attendant
- Median salary: $56,640
- Unemployment rate: 0.4%
- Expected new job openings by 2029: 21,100
Flight attendants enjoy one of the best jobs that don’t require a college degree. Their pay is good, they work in various locations, and they often receive benefits. The job also offers opportunities for growth and advancement. However, it can be challenging to become a flight attendant, as many applicants are vying for limited positions. So what are the critical steps to becoming a flight attendant?
First and foremost, you need to have excellent customer service skills. Flight attendants must provide excellent customer service to passengers who may be stressed or anxious about their travel plans. They must also be able to handle difficult situations calmly and effectively.
Second, you need to have a strong work ethic. Flight attendants often work long hours, including overnight shifts and weekends. They also may be required to work during holidays or other peak travel times.
7. Medical Assistant
- Median salary: $34,800
- Unemployment rate: 1.9%
- Expected new job openings by 2029: 139,200
Medical assistants are in high demand, and their skills are essential to the medical field. The best jobs that don’t require a college degree are in the medical area. Many medical assistant positions don’t need a college degree.
The average salary for a medical assistant is $32,000. Medical assistants have many opportunities for advancement. Some medical assistants become nurse practitioners or physician assistants.
The job outlook for medical assistants is very good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for medical assistants will grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026. This is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Medical assistants are a vital part of the healthcare team. They perform many essential tasks, such as taking vital signs, recording patient information, and preparing patients for examination.
6. Landscaper and Groundskeeper
- Median salary: $30,440
- Unemployment rate: 2.7%
- Expected new job openings by 2029: 119,900
Landscaper and groundskeeper are two jobs that don’t require a college degree, according to the best jobs list for 2021. Jobs in this category include farming, forestry, and fishing. However, these positions may require on-the-job training or an apprenticeship.
Landscapers create and maintain outdoor spaces for homes, businesses, and public areas. They may specialize in designing gardens, installing irrigation systems, or caring for lawns. Groundskeepers are responsible for the upkeep of these spaces, including mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and planting flowers.
Both of these positions offer growth opportunities. For example, landscapers can become landscape architects, while groundskeepers can move to supervisory roles or specialized functions such as horticulturists or arborists.
5. Massage Therapist
- Median salary: $42,820
- Unemployment rate: 2.1%
- Expected new job openings by 2029: 34,400
Massage therapists don’t need to have a college degree to find work. Massage therapy is one of the best jobs that don’t require a college degree. Many massage therapy schools offer certification programs. These programs can be completed in as little as six months.
There are many benefits to becoming a massage therapist. Not only is the work fulfilling, but it is also lucrative. Massage therapists can earn an average salary of $45,000 per year. Additionally, the job market for massage therapists is growing rapidly. By 2021, the job market for massage therapists is expected to grow by 18%.
If you are looking for a fulfilling career that doesn’t require a college degree, becoming a massage therapist may be the perfect option.
4. Phlebotomist
- Median salary: $35,510
- Unemployment rate: 0.4%
- Expected new job openings by 2029: 22,800
Phlebotomists are in high demand, and the job outlook for this career is excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 27 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing use of medical tests, which phlebotomists must perform.
There are several reasons why a career as a phlebotomist is an excellent option if you don’t have a college degree. First, becoming a phlebotomist only takes about 12 weeks, making it a relatively quick and affordable way to enter the workforce. Second, phlebotomists typically earn a good wage; the median salary for this profession was $34,810 in 2016.
3. Wind Turbine Technician
- Median salary: $52,910
- Unemployment rate: 4%
- Expected new job openings by 2029: 4,300
If you’re looking for a job that doesn’t require a college degree, becoming a wind turbine technician may be the perfect fit. According to U.S. News & World Report, this is one of the best jobs that don’t require a college degree in 2021. Wind turbine technicians are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining wind turbines. They typically have an associate’s degree or some form of certification.
Wind turbine technician is a great career choice for someone who is mechanically inclined and enjoys working outdoors. Job growth for this career is expected to be around 24% from 2020 to 2026. This means that there will be plenty of job opportunities available for qualified candidates. Salaries for wind turbine technicians vary depending on experience and location. However, the average salary is around $53,000 per year.
2. Personal Care Aide
- Median salary: $25,280
- Unemployment rate: 4.4%
- Expected new job openings by 2029: 1,159,500
Personal care aide. Personal care aides provide assistance with activities of daily living for people who are unable to do so themselves. For example, they may help seniors with bathing, dressing, and grooming; they may also help people with disabilities or chronic illnesses by using the bathroom, eating, and taking medication.
Many personal care aides do not require a college degree, making this a great career option for those who don’t have the time or money to invest in higher education. In addition to being relatively low-cost and low-time commitment, personal care aide positions are also in high demand; the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that this occupation will grow by 20% from 2016 to 2026.
1. Home Health Aide
- Median salary: $25,280
- Unemployment rate: 4.1%
- Expected new job openings by 2029: 1,159,500
Home health aides don’t even need that. They only need to be certified in first aid and CPR. Home health aides are in high demand because the population is aging, and more people live longer. In addition, home health aides help people with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
They also provide primary care like changing bed sheets and helping patients take their medication. The best part about being a home health aide is working from home. You can choose your hours and set your schedule. You also get to spend time with your patients, which can be very rewarding.
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