“New-collar jobs,” also known as “middle-skill jobs,” are those that require certain hard skills, but do not necessarily require a four-year college degree (or an extensive work history). Often, employees can get the skills they need for the job through vocational training, a certificate program, an apprenticeship, or a two-year degree program. Hospitals, state governments, schools, manufacturers, IT companies, and other organizations have begun to search for employees with the right skills, rather than the right degree. Some companies even offer paid training programs for job candidates, which are like apprenticeships.
10 High-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a Four-Year College Degree
While many computer programmers do have a bachelor’s degree, some only need an associate degree or extensive experience in coding. Programmers can also become certified in specific programming languages, so these certificates can also help a job candidate get hired. Another option is to get the skills you need to get hired by attending a bootcamp. Some employers want analysts with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, and sometimes they even want candidates with a master’s degree in information systems. However, some companies are emphasizing skills in computer science, programming, and IT security over a specific degree. Computer support specialists generally do not need a college degree. Instead, they need computer knowledge, as well as communication and people skills. Often, they need to have taken a couple of computer or IT courses or have an associate degree. Some companies require their computer support specialists to go through a certification program. While some database manager jobs require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in management information systems, some employers look for database managers who simply have strong knowledge of database languages, such as Structured Query Language (SQL). While some people have a bachelor’s degree in sonography, there are also associate degrees and one-year certificate programs. While some network and computer systems administrator jobs require a bachelor’s degree, more and more job openings require only a postsecondary certificate and strong computer skills. Because most pharmacy technicians learn through on-the-job training, a four-year degree is generally not required. Many vocational/technical schools offer programs in pharmacy technology, some of which award students with a certificate after a year or less. Most radiologic technicians have an associate degree in MRI or radiologic technology. These programs typically take 18 months to two years to complete. There are also certificate programs that take one to two years. Service delivery analyst jobs require experience in the industry, as well as knowledge of the service delivery software the company uses (this can sometimes be learned on the job). However, the job generally does not require a four-year degree. These workers can learn through apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, technical colleges, or on-the-job training. If the job involves computer-controlled machinery, a tool-and-die maker might need more IT coursework or IT experience.
New-Collar Healthcare Jobs
Cardiovascular TechnicianCardiovascular TechnologistDental HygienistDiagnostic Medical SonographerMedical Records and Health Information TechnicianOccupational Health/Safety SpecialistOccupational Therapy AidePharmacy TechnicianPhysical Therapy AideRadiologic TechnicianRadiologic TechnologistRespiratory TherapistSurgical Technologist
New-Collar IT Jobs
Business Intelligence AnalystCloud AdministratorComputer Network ArchitectComputer ProgrammerComputer Security AnalystComputer Support SpecialistComputer Systems EngineerCybersecurity ArchitectDatabase AdministratorInformation Security AnalystNetwork AdministratorNetwork SupportService Delivery AnalystServer TechnicianSoftware DeveloperSoftware EngineerSoftware Quality Assurance AnalystSoftware Quality Assurance TesterSystems SupportTechnical Sales Assistant
New-Collar Manufacturing Jobs
Blender/Mixer OperatorCAD DrafterChemical OperatorCNC OperatorCNC ProgrammerComputer-Controlled Machine Tool OperatorElectrical/Electronics RepairerElectromechanical and Industrial Engineering TechnicianGrinder/SharpenerMachinistManufacturing Machine OperatorManufacturing Production TechnicianMolding/Casting WorkerPlant OperatorPrinting Press OperatorProduction SupervisorQuality Control InspectorSecurity ManagerTool-and-Die MakerWarehouse SupervisorWater Treatment SpecialistManufacturing Machine OperatorManufacturing Production TechnicianPress Brake OperatorWater Treatment SpecialistWelder/Solderer
