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

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Showing 265–288 of 321 careers · Page 12 of 14

  • Security Guard

    Protect people, property, and facilities by controlling access, patrolling assigned areas, monitoring alarms or cameras, writing reports, and responding to incidents.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $38,020/yr median

    Growth: 1% growth (2025–2035), slower than average

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical; most states require registration, licensing, or approved training.

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  • Semiconductor Processing Technician

    Operate and monitor specialized equipment used to manufacture semiconductor wafers and electronic components. Maintain clean production environments, inspect materials, record process data, troubleshoot equipment, and follow precise quality procedures.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $51,430/yr median

    Growth: 8% growth (2025–2035), faster than average

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term training are typical. Technical courses in semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, or automation can help.

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  • Septic & Sewer Service Technician

    Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, and drains; operate pumps and jetting equipment, locate blockages, inspect systems, and handle waste using protective procedures.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $49,880/yr median

    Growth: 8% growth (2025–2035), faster than average

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; local licensing or confined-space training may apply

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  • 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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  • Shoe / Leather Repairer

    Repair shoes and other leather goods by replacing worn components, restoring seams or surfaces, shaping materials, and using appropriate adhesives, stitching, and finishing methods.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $37,800/yr median

    Growth: 6.5% projected decline (2025–2035)

    Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma and moderate-term hands-on training with an experienced repairer. Learn leather materials, repair tools, adhesives, fitting, and safe work practices.

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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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  • Sportsbook Ticket Writer

    Accept and record permitted sports wagers, issue tickets, verify transaction details, calculate or process payouts, and answer questions using the sportsbook's approved systems and procedures.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $34,980/yr median

    Growth: 1.8% projected growth (2025–2035)

    Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma and short-term employer training. State gaming registration or licensing, age limits, and background requirements may apply.

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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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  • Survey Interviewer

    Conduct structured interviews or surveys by phone, in person, or through approved systems. Explain questions neutrally, record responses accurately, and protect respondent information.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $45,920/yr median

    Growth: 10.4% projected decline (2025–2035)

    Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma and short-term employer training in survey scripts, data recording, confidentiality, and interviewing procedures.

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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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  • Tank Car / Truck / Ship Loader

    Transfer bulk materials into or out of tank cars, trucks, or ships using loading equipment, hoses, and valves. Check connections, quantities, records, and required handling and safety procedures.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $58,870/yr median

    Growth: 2.8% projected growth (2025–2035)

    Typical career path: College education is not typically required. Learn through employer loading and equipment training. Workers handling regulated hazardous materials also need applicable hazmat and function-specific training.

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