When College is Not in the Plan: Occupations Not Requiring a Degree
Wednesday, February 09, 2022 | By: Kathy Griswold Fine, PhD
As the Class of 2022 finalizes college decisions and the Class of 2023 tees up the college application process, it is important to remember that college is not the right path for everyone. While some students aren’t ready for the demands of college right out of high school, others do not want to spend four more years in school: they feel ready to enter the workforce. Regardless, there are quality options for students who wish to pursue a different path.
Compiled from data in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and from too many hours browsing programs offered at various community colleges, below is a list of occupations that do not require a four-year degree. While this list is not exhaustive, I hope it provides helpful information for students, families, counselors, and others whose mission it is to help young people live their best lives.
High School Diploma or Equivalent |
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Occupation |
2020 Median Pay |
Education Required |
Job Outlook 2020-2030 |
|
$44,190 per year $21.24 per hour |
High school diploma or equivalent |
6% (As fast as average) |
|
|
$53,380 per year $25.66 per hour |
High school diploma or equivalent |
25% (Much faster than average) |
|
|
Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians |
$38,620 per year $18.57 per hour |
High school diploma or equivalent |
12% (Faster than average) |
|
$50,200 per year $24.13 per hour |
High school diploma or equivalent |
8% (As fast as average) |
|
|
$56,900 per year $27.36 per hour |
High school diploma or equivalent |
9% (As fast as average) |
|
|
$88,540 per year $42.57 per hour |
High school diploma or equivalent |
6% (As fast as average) |
|
|
$78,560 per year $37.77 per hour |
High school diploma |
Not Available |
|
|
|
$27,050 per year $13.01 per hour |
High school diploma or equivalent |
24% (Much faster than average) |
|
$32,220 per year $15.49 per hour |
High school diploma or equivalent |
8% (As fast as average) |
|
|
$68,030 per year $32.71 per hour |
High school diploma or equivalent |
0% (Little or no change) |
|
|
$35,100 per year $16.87 per hour |
High school diploma or equivalent |
4% (Slower than average) |
|
|
$56,330 per year $27.08 per hour |
High school diploma or equivalent |
5% (Slower than average) |
|
|
|
$67,290 per year $32.35 per hour |
High school diploma |
7% (As fast as average) |
|
$75,990 per year $36.53 per hour |
High school diploma |
Not Available |
|
|
$44,190 per year $21.25 per hour |
High school diploma or equivalent |
8% (As fast as average) |
|
Postsecondary Nondegree Award |
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Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians
|
$66,680 per year $32.06 per hour |
Postsecondary nondegree award |
11% (Faster than average) |
|
$44,050 per year $21.18 per hour |
Postsecondary nondegree award |
0% (Little or no change) |
|
|
$27,630 per year $13.28 per hour |
Postsecondary nondegree award |
19% (Much faster than average) |
|
|
$36,650 per year $17.62 per hour |
Postsecondary nondegree award |
11% (Faster than average) |
|
|
$52,500 per year $25.24 per hour |
Postsecondary nondegree award |
8% (As fast as average) |
|
|
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers |
$50,590 per year $24.32 per hour |
Postsecondary nondegree award |
5% (Slower than average) |
|
|
$35,850 per year $17.23 per hour |
Postsecondary nondegree award |
18% (Much faster than average) |
|
Medical Records and Health Information Specialists
|
$45,240 per year $21.75 per hour |
Postsecondary nondegree award |
9% (As fast as average) |
|
$49,710 per year $23.90 per hour |
Postsecondary nondegree award |
9% (As fast as average) |
|
Associate's Degree |
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$77,090 per year $37.06 per hour |
Associate's degree |
11% (Faster than average) |
|
|
$51,610 per year $24.81 per hour |
Associate's degree |
7% (As fast as average) |
|
|
Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians |
$70,380 per year $33.84 per hour |
Associate's degree |
14% (Faster than average) |
|
$79,590 per year $38.27 per hour |
Associate's degree |
8% (As fast as average) |
|
|
$60,950 per year $29.30 per hour |
Associate's degree |
34% (Much faster than average) |
|
|
$52,920 per year $25.44 per hour |
Associate's degree |
12% (Faster than average) |
|
|
$49,970 per year $24.02 per hour |
Associate's degree |
32% (Much faster than average) |
|
|
$31,930 per year $15.35 per hour |
Associate's degree |
18% (Much faster than average) |
|
|
$63,710 per year $30.63 per hour |
Associate's degree |
9% (As fast as average) |
|
|
$62,810 per year $30.20 per hour |
Associate's degree |
23% (Much faster than average) |
|
|
$36,260 per year $17.43 per hour |
Associate's degree |
15% (Faster than average) |
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In addition to the occupations above, enlisting in the U.S. Armed Forces is an option. Click HERE to learn about requirements and compensation.
Regardless of college intentions, learning about good-fit careers is important. A good start is understanding Myers Briggs personality types (click HERE to take the free test) and by clicking HERE to take a free Holland Code Career Test.
To truly understand the real-world implications of personality and career data, investing time and energy into basic career analyses is a worthy use of time and resources. Hint: consider education required, salary, career outlook, and informal shadowing opportunities.
For those interested in a more comprehensive and strategic career exploration process, working with a professional who has expertise and access to tools only available to counselors is recommended. I prefer the research supported, evidence-based GS120™ to help my clients understand how abilities, interests, values, and personality intersect to find the best career matches. Although not the cheapest option, by helping people choose the right path, it can save time and money.
For more information about careers—with and without a degree—and holistic career counseling, please contact me at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com
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