Explore Careers

Career paths that value skills over a four-year degree.

Showing 1–24 of 381 careers · Page 1 of 16

Account Executive
Manage qualified sales opportunities, conduct customer discovery, present or demonstrate solutions, prepare proposals, negotiate pricing and contract terms, close business, maintain forecasts, and coordinate the customer handoff after a sale.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $69,990/yr median
Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: A high school diploma or equivalent can provide an entry path, although prior sales experience and a record of meeting targets are commonly expected; some employers prefer a college degree, but strong sales performance may substitute
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Actor
Portray characters for stage, screen, voice, or commercial productions. Prepare auditions, rehearse scenes, and work with directors and other performers. Work can be intermittent; the hourly median does not imply year-round employment.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $29.05/hr median
Growth: 0% projected growth (2025–2035)
Typical career path: Build performance skills through classes, rehearsal, and auditions. A college degree is not a universal entry requirement, but selection is competitive and some employers prefer formal study.
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Adhesive Bonding Machine Operator
Operate machines that apply adhesives or bond materials into products. Prepare surfaces and materials, monitor application settings, and check bond quality.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $46,460/yr median
Growth: 1.3% projected growth (2025–2035)
Typical career path: A high school diploma and employer training are typical. Materials courses can build background knowledge; equipment-specific instruction and chemical-safety procedures are essential.
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Adult Enrichment Instructor
Teach nonacademic community or private classes in hobbies, crafts, practical skills, or other enrichment subjects. Plan activities, demonstrate techniques, give feedback, and adapt instruction to adult learners.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $46,800/yr median
Growth: 3.5% projected growth (2025–2035)
Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma plus demonstrated skill in the subject taught. Teaching or facilitation training can help; program requirements differ and some employers prefer additional education.
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Advertising Sales Agent
Sell advertising space, time, and digital campaign opportunities to businesses and organizations. Find prospective clients, explain advertising options, prepare proposals, negotiate agreements, and maintain customer accounts.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $64,820/yr median
Growth: 7% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training can provide entry. Sales ability and digital-advertising knowledge may substitute for a degree.
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Aerospace Engineering Technician
Install, operate, and maintain equipment used to develop, test, produce, and sustain aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and related systems.
Associate Degree Typically Needed
Salary: $82,890/yr median
Growth: 12% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average
Typical career path: Typically an associate degree in aerospace or engineering technology; some defense-related roles require eligibility for a security clearance.
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Agricultural Equipment Operator
Operate tractors, harvesting machines, and other farm equipment to plant, cultivate, or harvest crops. Inspect equipment, adjust settings, and follow field and machinery-safety procedures.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $41,730/yr median
Growth: 8.6% projected growth (2025–2035)
Typical career path: Formal college education is not typically required. Learn through supervised equipment operation and employer training; driving, age, and equipment-specific safety requirements may apply.
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Agricultural Technician
Support agricultural research and production by collecting field samples, operating laboratory and farm equipment, recording results, and helping test crops, soil, feed, or animal products.
Associate Degree Typically Needed
Salary: $49,630/yr median
Growth: 5% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: Typically an associate degree in agricultural science, biology, or a related field, followed by moderate-term on-the-job training.
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Air Traffic Controller
Coordinate aircraft movements on the ground and in controlled airspace, issue takeoff and landing instructions, monitor radar, communicate hazards, and keep aircraft safely separated.
Associate Degree Typically Needed
Salary: $148,080/yr median
Growth: 2% growth (2025–2035), slower than average
Typical career path: An associate degree is the typical entry education; candidates must meet FAA eligibility requirements and complete long-term academy and on-the-job training
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Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor
Supervise teams that load, unload, secure, and handle aircraft cargo. Coordinate work assignments and equipment, check loading requirements, and help maintain safe and timely ramp operations.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $58,170/yr median
Growth: 9.2% projected growth (2025–2035)
Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma plus related cargo-handling experience. Complete employer aviation-security, loading, equipment, and supervisory training; this is generally an advancement role.
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Aircraft Fueling Technician
Fuel aircraft using approved procedures, check fuel handling equipment, verify product and quantity instructions, and follow ramp, fire-prevention, spill-response, and quality-control practices. Salary and outlook figures use the broader BLS aircraft service attendants occupation; pay for this specialized role may differ.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $40,450/yr median
Growth: 5.6% projected growth (2025–2035)
Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma and employer ground-service training. Learn the specific aircraft-fueling and equipment procedures, meet airport-access requirements, and complete applicable safety training.
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Aircraft Mechanic
Inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft engines, airframes, mechanical systems, and components. Follow detailed maintenance procedures, diagnose faults, replace or repair parts, and document work to meet aviation safety standards.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $79,870/yr median
Growth: 5% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: FAA-approved aviation maintenance program, typically 18–24 months, or qualifying on-the-job or military experience; FAA mechanic certification is commonly required
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Aircraft Structure Assembler
Assemble new aircraft structures and related systems from production drawings. Fit, drill, rivet, and secure components, check dimensions, and document work under manufacturing quality controls.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $65,380/yr median
Growth: 5.6% projected decline (2025–2035)
Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma and moderate-term employer manufacturing training. Technical coursework in drawings, assembly, and quality helps; manufacturing assembly is a different path from licensed aircraft maintenance.
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Airfield Operations Specialist
Inspect runways and airfield facilities, coordinate airport operations, monitor weather and hazards, support emergency responses, and help ensure compliance with aviation safety rules.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $56,850/yr median
Growth: 8% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical, followed by long-term on-the-job training; airport operations courses or credentials may help
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Ambulance Driver / Attendant
Drive an ambulance and help transport patients or equipment under the direction of authorized clinical staff. Follow dispatch, vehicle safety, and local service procedures without exceeding the role assigned.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $35,450/yr median
Growth: 1.3% projected decline (2025–2035)
Typical career path: A high school diploma and service-specific training are typical. Driver authorization, screening, CPR, and emergency-vehicle training may be required. Many services require EMT credentials; this driving role does not authorize EMT or paramedic treatment.
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Amusement Ride Operator
Operate amusement rides or attractions, explain rules, check restraints and loading, monitor operation, and respond to safety concerns while helping guests use the attraction safely. Salary and outlook figures use the broader BLS amusement/recreation attendants occupation; pay for this specialized role may differ.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $32,150/yr median
Growth: 3.7% projected growth (2025–2035)
Typical career path: Formal college education is not typically required. Complete employer ride-specific and safety training; minimum age and task restrictions depend on the attraction and jurisdiction.
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Animal Breeder
Select breeding animals, maintain pedigree and reproductive records, monitor animal care, and coordinate breeding activities to produce desired traits while following welfare and biosecurity practices.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $51,130/yr median
Growth: 3% projected growth (2025–2035)
Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma plus practical animal-husbandry knowledge and supervised experience. Species-specific training and applicable welfare, business, or breeding rules are important.
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Animal Control Officer
Respond to reports involving stray, dangerous, injured, or neglected animals; enforce animal ordinances, capture and transport animals, investigate complaints, and educate the public.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $45,660/yr median
Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; state or local training requirements vary
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Animal Trainer
Teach animals to respond to commands, modify behavior, perform tasks, or interact safely with people. Observe behavior, develop training plans, track progress, and work with owners or handlers to reinforce training techniques.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $39,990/yr median
Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical for many animal training roles; most trainers develop skills through hands-on experience, mentoring, vocational courses, and on-the-job training
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Apparel Patternmaker
Develop and adjust garment patterns and size grades for apparel production. Interpret designs, check fit and dimensions, and prepare patterns using manual or computerized methods.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $62,750/yr median
Growth: 15% projected decline (2025–2035)
Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma plus practical patternmaking skills and moderate-term job training. Nondegree apparel and patternmaking courses and a portfolio can help; employer preferences vary.
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Audio / Video Technician
Set up and operate microphones, displays, cameras, playback systems, and other audiovisual equipment for meetings and live productions. Check signal paths, monitor shows, and troubleshoot equipment during events.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $58,100/yr median
Growth: 3.9% projected growth (2025–2035)
Typical career path: A postsecondary nondegree award is typical, although employers vary. AV courses, technical practice, and supervised production experience help build operating skills; some positions prefer an associate degree.
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Audiovisual Equipment Installer & Repairer
Install, configure, maintain, and repair audio, video, projection, display, conferencing, and control systems in homes, offices, schools, venues, and other facilities. Test connections, diagnose faults, and replace or adjust components.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $52,600/yr median
Growth: 5% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: A postsecondary nondegree award is typical; short-term on-the-job training is common, and industry certifications can demonstrate skills with professional audiovisual systems
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Auto Damage Insurance Appraiser
Inspect damaged vehicles, document collision losses, and estimate repair costs for insurers or appraisal businesses. Review repair methods and discuss estimates with repair facilities.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $78,240/yr median
Growth: 8.7% projected decline (2025–2035)
Typical career path: A postsecondary nondegree award in auto damage appraisal or related technical preparation is typical. Insurance procedures, estimating systems, and state adjuster or appraiser licensing requirements vary.
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Auto Glass Installer / Repairer
Remove and replace damaged vehicle windows or repair suitable glass damage. Prepare bonding surfaces, install glass safely, and follow procedures for vehicles with integrated sensors.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $47,630/yr median
Growth: 5.7% projected growth (2025–2035)
Typical career path: A high school diploma and supervised auto-glass training are typical. Learn adhesive systems, safe installation, and applicable recalibration procedures; advanced tasks may require additional training.
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