Are you looking for a well-paid job but don’t want to invest in a four-year or higher degree? You don’t need to be academically prowess or have a university-awarded degree to be offered a good job. There is a new type of work that focuses on educational skills and work experience. In this guide, we will list jobs that do not require a college degree and other new-collar jobs that will help you redefine your career without a degree.
New Collar Jobs and Jobs that don’t require a college Degree
The “New Collar Jobs,” also called “jobs with medium qualifications,” require certain difficult skilled-based qualifications but do not necessarily require a four-year university degree (or a long track record). Job seekers can acquire the skills they need for a job position through vocational training, a certification program, training, or two-year curriculum-based degree programs.
These competency- and skilled-based jobs can be found in a variety of industries. They are particularly common in services, healthcare, information technology (IT), and manufacturing. Hospitals, state governments, schools, manufacturers, computer companies, and other organizations have started looking for people with the right skills, not the right degree. Some companies even offer paid training programs for job seekers that are similar to apprenticeships.
Jobs that don’t require a college degree
Here is a list of 10 of the best new-collar jobs that do not require a four-year college degree, offer good wages, and are in high demand. Read the job descriptions for each job and find out which new collar job is right for you.
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers create, write, and test codes that work with computer programs and applications. You generally need to master a wide variety of computer languages, including Java and C ++. Among other things, you could work for a computer system design company, software manufacturers, or financial companies.
This is one of the jobs that don’t require a college degree. While many computer programmers have a bachelor’s degree, some only require an associate’s degree or extensive programming experience. Programmers can also be certified in certain programming languages, so these certificates can also help recruit a candidate. Another option is to acquire the skills you need to participate in a training camp.
The average salary for a computer programmer is $99,700 (2023) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Computer Security Analyst
An IT or computer security analyst (also known as an information security analyst) helps protect a company’s computer systems and networks.
A good number of employers want computer analysts with an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field, and sometimes they would even want applicants with a master’s degree. However, some companies place special emphasis on computer skills, programming, and computer security. Therefore you can get this job even if you do not have a college degree as most other jobs would require..
This job is growing much faster than the average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an IT or computer security analyst earns an average of USD 103,800 (2023).
Computer Support Specialist
A computer IT support specialist helps clients and companies with their devices and/or software. You can help IT staff within a company or non-IT users to solve their IT problems.
IT support specialists generally do not need a university degree. Instead, they need computer skills as well as communication and relationship skills. They often need to have taken a few computer courses or have an associate degree. Some companies require their IT support specialists to complete a certification program.
This job is growing faster than the average. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a computer or IT support specialist earns an average of USD 53,470 per year.
Database Manager
A database administrator or manager is someone who stores and organizes data using special software. A database manager’s job is to ensure that data is secure and available to those who need to access it. Database administrators can work in almost any industry but generally work for businesses designing and supporting computer systems.
While a few database manager job positions require a college undergraduate or a master’s degree in management information systems or related fields, some employers have looked for database managers who only have the skill and a good understanding of the necessary database languages, such as Structures Query Language (SQL).
This job is growing faster than the average, with an average salary of $ 90,070 (2018) a year, according to the professional perspective guide.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
A diagnostic medical sonograph, also known as an ultrasound technician, works under the guidance of a doctor to create ultrasound images for patients. Medical sonographers work in hospitals, medical centers, and laboratories.
While some people have a bachelor’s degree in ultrasound, there are also related degrees and one-year certificate programs.
This job has a much faster than average job growth. According to the Occupational Outlook Manual, medical sonographers earn an average of USD 77,740 (2021) per year.
Tool-and-Die Maker
Tool and Die makers are a type of machinist who set up and operate a variety of machine-controlled and electrical tools that are used to manufacture the tools required for the manufacturing process.
Tool and Die makers can learn through apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, colleges, or on-the-job training. If the job involves computer-controlled machines, a tool, and mold maker may need more computer training or experience.
Tool and die-making are among the highest-paid manufacturing orders. The average salary for this position is $61,490 (2023) a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
IT/Computer and network system administrators install and operate corporate computer systems. Since almost all industries have computer networks and systems, these administrators work in all areas, from IT to financing and education.
While some jobs as administrators of network and computer systems require a bachelor’s degree, more job vacancies only require a post-secondary certificate and extensive computer skills.
The average salary for this position is $ 95,360 (2023) per year, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics.
Pharmacy Technician
A pharmacy technician helps pharmacists dispense medication to customers and/or health professionals. Most of them work in pharmacies and pharmacies, others in hospitals or private offices.
Since most pharmacy technicians learn through on-the-job training, a four-year degree is usually not required. Many vocational/technical schools offer pharmaceutical technology programs, some of which give students a certificate after a year or less.
This job is growing faster than the average, with an average salary of $ 32,700 (2018) a year, according to the Career Perspectives guide.
Radiologic Technician
Radiology technicians, also known as X-rays, take X-rays and other diagnostic images on patients. They work with doctors, take pictures requested by doctors, and help evaluate the pictures. They work in hospitals, medical practices, laboratories, and outpatient care centers.
Most radiology technicians have a degree in magnetic resonance imaging or radiological technology. These programs usually last between 18 months and two years. There are also certification programs that take a year or two to complete.
This job has an above-average fast job growth. Radiology technicians earn an average of $73,410 (2023) per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Service Delivery Analyst
A service delivery analyst ensures that customers receive high-quality service. The job involves explaining how the services are provided and how they can be improved. Software is typically used to track the quality and effectiveness of the user experience. Although the requirements for jobs as a service analyst vary by industry, the analyst generally requires good computer skills.
Service delivery analyst positions require industry experience of at least three years and knowledge of service delivery software that the company needs. However, the job does not usually require a four-year college degree.
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a service analyst is $ 54,733.
More New Collar Jobs
Here is a list of new-collar jobs, including those described above. The list is sorted by industries. Browse the list and check if there is a new job for you
- New-Collar Healthcare Jobs
- Cardiovascular Technician
- Cardiovascular Technologist
- Dental Hygienist
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Medical Records and Health Information Technician
- Occupational Health/Safety Specialist
- Occupational Therapy Aide
- Pharmacy Technician
- Physical Therapy Aide
- Radiologic Technician
- Radiologic Technologists
- Respiratory Therapists
- Surgical Technologist
- New-Collar IT Jobs
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Cloud Administrator
- Computer Network Architect
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Security Analyst
- Computer Support Specialist
- Computer Systems Engineer
- Cybersecurity Architect
- Database Administrators
- Information Security Analyst
- Network Administrator
- Network Support
- Service Delivery Analyst
- Server Technician
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- Software Quality Assurance Analyst
- Software Quality Assurance Tester
- Systems Support
- Technical Sales Assistant
- New-Collar Manufacturing Jobs
- Blender/Mixer Operator
- CAD Drafter
- Chemical Operator
- CNC Operator
- CNC Programmer
- Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operator
- Electrical/Electronics Repairer
- Industrial Engineering Technician and Electromechanical
- Grinder/Sharpener
- Machinist
- Manufacturing Machine Operator
- Manufacturing Production Technician
- Moulding/Casting Worker
- Plant Operator
- Printing Press Operator
- Production Supervisor
- Quality Control Inspector
- Security Manager
- Tool-and-Die Maker
- Warehouse Supervisor
- Water Treatment Specialist
- Manufacturing Machine Operator
- Manufacturing Production Technician
- Press Brake Operator
- Water Treatment Specialist
- Welder/Solderer
The new collar jobs above can be acquired without a college degree as many other jobs would require. All you need is the right skill and commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jobs That Don’t Require A College Degree
Are there well-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree?
There are lots of jobs with good paying salaries but requires no college degree. Skilled-based jobs can be found in a variety of industries. They are particularly common in services, healthcare, information technology (IT), and manufacturing.
What industries typically hire without a degree?
Many industries employ workers based on skills and experience rather than rely on college qualifications. In the healthcare industry, medical assistants, certified nursing assistants, and phlebotomists can secure jobs without a four-year college degree. Web developers, IT support specialists, and cyber security analysts can all get jobs in tech, while the transportation industry will employ truck drivers, logistics coordinators, and delivery drivers, without asking for a college degree.
What certifications or training can help me get a good job without a degree?
Many job positions require certifications or specialized training instead of a degree from an accredited college or university. For example, CompTIA, Cisco (CCNA), AWS, and Microsoft are acceptable IT certifications for jobs. In healthcare, emergency medical technician (EMT) and certified nursing assistant (CAN) are also certifications for job positions.
What job pays the most without a college degree?
Here are the best-paying jobs that require no four-year college degree
Nuclear medicine technologist, MRI technologist, radiation therapist
real estate agent, physical therapist assistant, aircraft mechanic, and occupational therapy assistant (OTA).
What is the shortest career to study?
These are some career paths you can complete in just two years of training. Civil engineering, massage therapist, paramedic/EMT, radiology technician, and licensed practical nurse.
