The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook offers insight into hundreds of careers. Many of the highest paying and most secure require years of education and training—but not all. We compiled a list of the top jobs where a four-year college degree is not required. Some of the jobs may require an associate’s degree, certification, or training, but they are jobs that pay a decent wage and have good earning potential. With others, you may be able to get on-the-job training or even be self-taught. In some cases, you may be able to get hired by meeting the experience requirements even if you don’t have a degree. Explore these leading jobs and consider them as you investigate your career options. There are great options available for everyone, and you don’t necessarily need to start by going down the traditional college route. Radiation therapists do more than just operate the machine that provides radiation treatment. They educate patients about their treatment plans and monitor patients for adverse reactions, as well as keep treatment records. Most states require these medical professionals to be licensed and/or certified, and most therapists have at least an associate’s degree.
Salary and Job Outlook
Median Annual Salary: $85,560 (2019)Job Outlook: Growing faster than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 9% increase in jobs between 2018 and 2028.
You’ll do well in this job if you have mechanical aptitude, a high tolerance for small spaces and heights, and respect for safety requirements and regulations. There’s a high risk of injury in this job from falls and electric shocks, among other hazards, and elevator installers and repairers must be physically strong to lift equipment.
Salary and Job Outlook
Median Annual Salary: $84,990 (2019)Job Outlook: Growing faster than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 10% increase in jobs between 2018 and 2028.
Dental hygienists don’t need a four-year college degree, but they do typically need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Given the nature of the job, hygienists should have strong communication skills and be willing to work very closely with all types of people (and teeth). An attention to detail and a caring touch is also important because many patients fear dental work.
Salary and Job Outlook
Median Annual Salary: $76,220 (2019)Job Outlook: Growing much faster than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects an 11% increase in jobs between 2018 and 2028.
This is a good career choice for individuals who are both technical and creative and if one of those is not your strong suit, you can concentrate on the other. Web developers are needed for various projects and many become specialists in specific skills. Web developers typically need an associate’s degree in web design or a related field such as programming or graphic design.
Salary and Job Outlook
Median Annual Salary: $73,760 (2019)Job Outlook: Growing much faster than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 13% increase in jobs between 2018 and 2028.
Most diagnostic medical sonographers work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, labs, and outpatient care centers. This is an ideal job for someone with patience, technical aptitude, and physical strength.
Salary and Job Outlook
Median Annual Salary: $68,750 (2019)Job Outlook: Growing much faster than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 14% increase in jobs between 2018 and 2028.
Most MRI technologists work in hospitals or diagnostic laboratories. Some may work in doctor’s offices or outpatient centers.
Salary and Job Outlook
Median Annual Salary: $62,280 (2019)Job Outlook: Growing much faster than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 9% increase in jobs between 2018 and 2028.
Respiratory therapists work in hospitals—from the ER to pediatrics—as well as nursing homes and some also make home visits. It is a job that requires technical knowledge, a caring touch, and compassion. Training and certification are required for respiratory therapists, and an associate’s degree is often part of those requirements. Though it involves minimal training in comparison to other careers in the health industry, it can be just as rewarding.
Salary and Job Outlook
Median Annual Salary: $61,330 (2019)Job Outlook: Growing much faster than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 21% increase in jobs between 2018 and 2028.
Electricians can be employed in jobs that are indoors or outdoors, or both. They may also be asked to cover emergency situations and be on call regularly. As well as training programs offered at vocational schools, electricians typically have an on-the-job apprenticeship. Attention to detail, a steady hand, and the ability to troubleshoot problems are good skills to bring to this job.
Salary and Job Outlook
Median Annual Salary: $56,180 (2019)Job Outlook: Growing faster than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 10% increase in jobs between 2018 and 2028.
Computer support specialists need to have a strong technical know-how, patience, and excellent communication skills. An ability to figure out a problem quickly and efficiently is also good to have. These jobs can have traditional 9-to-5 hours or require working late nights, early mornings, and weekends.
Salary and Job Outlook
Median Salary: $54,760 (2019)Job Outlook: Above average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 10% increase in jobs between 2018 and 2028.
An associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies is typically required for entry-level candidates. If you have excellent communication skills, are detail-oriented, and enjoy an ever-changing and always-challenging work environment, a paralegal career may be a good choice.
Salary and Job Outlook
Median Annual Salary: $51,740 (2019)Job Outlook: Growing much faster than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 12% increase in jobs between 2018 and 2028.
