Explore Careers

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

Showing 217–240 of 261 careers · Page 10 of 11

Sheet Metal Worker
Fabricate, install, and maintain sheet metal products used in heating, ventilation, roofing, architectural, and industrial systems. Measure and cut metal, operate forming equipment, assemble ductwork, and install components on job sites.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $61,800/yr median
Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical; construction sheet metal workers commonly learn through apprenticeship, while manufacturing workers may train on the job or at a technical school
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Ship Captain / Mate / Pilot
Direct and navigate commercial vessels, supervise crews, plan routes, oversee cargo and passenger safety, maintain logs, and ensure compliance with maritime laws.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $92,460/yr median
Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: A postsecondary nondegree maritime program, qualifying sea service, and the appropriate U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential are typical
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Ship Engineer
Operate, maintain, and repair engines, generators, pumps, electrical systems, and other machinery aboard ships. Monitor performance, supervise engine-room work, and keep maintenance records.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $109,530/yr median
Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: Typically a postsecondary maritime program and related experience; a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential is required for many roles.
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Shipping, Receiving & Inventory Clerk
Verify incoming and outgoing shipments, prepare labels and documents, inspect goods, update inventory records, resolve discrepancies, and coordinate with warehouse and transportation teams.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $45,260/yr median
Growth: 8% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training are typical
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Skincare Specialist / Esthetician
Provide facial and body skin treatments, evaluate client skin needs, cleanse and exfoliate skin, apply products or treatments, recommend skincare routines, maintain sanitary equipment, and provide customer service in salons, spas, or medical-office settings.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $45,330/yr median
Growth: 9% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average
Typical career path: Complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program and pass the required state licensing examination
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Small Engine Mechanic
Diagnose, maintain, and repair engines and related systems in motorcycles, boats, lawn and garden equipment, and other small-engine machines. Perform tune-ups, replace components, test operation, and explain repairs to customers.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $49,710/yr median
Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: A high school diploma or equivalent is common; many mechanics complete a postsecondary small-engine or powersports program and then build competency through on-the-job training
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Social & Human Service Assistant
Help clients obtain benefits and community services, complete applications, coordinate appointments, maintain case records, and support social workers or other care professionals.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $45,930/yr median
Growth: 7% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training are typical; employers may prefer relevant certificates or experience
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Solar Panel Installer
Install, assemble, and maintain solar photovoltaic systems on rooftops and other structures while following electrical and jobsite safety procedures.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $51,860/yr median
Growth: 42% growth (2024–2034), much faster than average
Typical career path: Solar installers typically need a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training lasting up to a year. Some take technical-school or community-college courses before entering the field.
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Sound Engineering Technician
Set up and operate microphones, mixers, recording systems, speakers, and other audio equipment for concerts, podcasts, film, television, theater, sporting events, and recorded productions. Monitor sound quality, troubleshoot equipment, and edit or mix audio.
Education Requirements Vary
Salary: $73,130/yr median
Growth: 1% growth (2025–2035), slower than average
Typical career path: Education varies from a high school diploma to a postsecondary nondegree program or associate degree; hands-on equipment experience and on-the-job training are important
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Sports Official / Referee
Enforce rules and judge play during games or competitions, inspect equipment and facilities, track time or scores, communicate decisions, and help protect participant safety.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $40,710/yr median
Growth: 5% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term training are typical; registration, sport-specific instruction, or association certification may be required
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Stationary Engineer / Boiler Operator
Operate and maintain boilers, engines, generators, pumps, compressors, and other mechanical systems that provide heat, power, or utilities for large buildings and industrial facilities. Monitor gauges, test equipment, make adjustments, and perform preventive maintenance.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $78,620/yr median
Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is required; workers are trained on the job or through apprenticeship, and local licenses or employer competency exams are often required
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Structural Iron & Steel Worker
Install and connect steel beams, columns, girders, and other structural components; unload and position materials, follow plans, bolt or weld connections, and work safely at height.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $62,780/yr median
Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and an apprenticeship are typical
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Structural Metal Fabricator / Fitter
Lay out, cut, shape, and assemble steel plates, beams, and structural components from drawings and templates. Fit parts for welding or fastening and verify dimensions.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $51,330/yr median
Growth: 6% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma plus moderate-term on-the-job training is typical; welding or fabrication courses can help.
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Subway & Streetcar Operator
Operate subway trains, elevated trains, or streetcars along scheduled routes; observe signals, communicate with dispatchers, assist passengers, and respond to service or safety issues.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $86,380/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
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Surgical Technologist
Prepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, arrange surgical instruments, help prepare patients, pass instruments and supplies during procedures, and maintain a sterile field before, during, and after surgery.
Education Requirements Vary
Salary: $64,650/yr median
Growth: 5% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: Typically requires a postsecondary certificate or associate degree from a surgical technology program; employers may prefer certification and some states regulate the occupation
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Surveying & Mapping Technician
Measure and map land, property boundaries, construction sites, and geographic features using field instruments, GPS equipment, data collectors, and mapping software.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $54,240/yr median
Growth: 6% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; surveying coursework or certification can support advancement
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Tailor / Dressmaker
Alter, repair, and create clothing by measuring clients, fitting garments, cutting fabric, sewing by hand or machine, pressing finished pieces, and advising on construction or fit.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $41,640/yr median
Growth: 9% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: No formal educational credential is typically required; moderate-term on-the-job training is common, and apparel-construction courses can develop technical skills
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Tax Preparer
Prepare and review tax returns for individuals or small businesses, organize financial information, calculate deductions and credits, explain filing requirements, and submit forms electronically.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $54,920/yr median
Growth: 5% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; paid federal return preparers generally need an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number
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Taxi Driver / Chauffeur
Transport passengers safely to requested destinations using taxis, limousines, rideshare vehicles, or other passenger vehicles. Plan routes, assist customers, collect fares, maintain trip records, and keep vehicles clean and ready for service.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $42,100/yr median
Growth: 12% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average
Typical career path: No formal credential is typically required. Drivers need the appropriate license and must meet local, state, employer, or platform requirements.
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Teacher Assistant / Paraprofessional
Work with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and instruction, reinforce lessons, assist small groups, and help supervise classrooms.
Education Requirements Vary
Salary: $35,240/yr median
Growth: 1% decline (2024–2034), projected to decrease
Typical career path: Teacher assistants typically complete at least 2 years of college coursework. Requirements vary by district and program, and some positions may use approved assessment pathways.
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Telecommunications Technician
Install, maintain, and repair internet, telephone, radio, fiber, and other telecommunications equipment and infrastructure. Test circuits and cabling, troubleshoot service problems, configure equipment, and work at customer or network sites.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $66,200/yr median
Growth: 3% decline (2025–2035), declining employment
Typical career path: At least a high school diploma or equivalent is typical; employers may prefer a certificate or associate degree, and technicians receive on-the-job training
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Terrazzo Worker / Finisher
Install decorative terrazzo surfaces by preparing bases, mixing and placing aggregate, embedding dividers, and grinding and polishing floors, stairs, and other surfaces.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $76,170/yr median
Growth: 13% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma or equivalent and a paid apprenticeship are typical.
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Theatrical Makeup Artist
Design and apply makeup that changes or enhances performers' appearance for stage, film, television, photography, and special events, including character and special-effects work.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $97,150/yr median
Growth: 6% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: Typically a postsecondary cosmetology or theatrical-makeup program; state cosmetology licensing may apply depending on the work performed.
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Tile & Stone Setter
Install ceramic tile, stone, marble, and similar materials on floors, walls, countertops, and other surfaces. Prepare installation areas, measure layouts, cut materials, apply adhesives or mortar, and finish joints with grout.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $55,690/yr median
Growth: 10% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average
Typical career path: No formal credential is typically required. Long-term training or an apprenticeship develops tile, stone, mortar, layout, and finishing skills.
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