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

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Showing 337–360 of 381 careers · Page 15 of 16

  • 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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  • Synthetic Fiber Extrusion Operator

    Operate equipment that extrudes synthetic filaments or fibers for textile production. Monitor feed material, process conditions, and fiber quality while maintaining production records.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $46,350/yr median

    Growth: 3.3% projected decline (2025–2035)

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and employer process training are typical. Textile fundamentals can build background knowledge; polymer handling, extrusion equipment, and quality procedures require supervised instruction.

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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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  • 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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  • Textile Dyeing Machine Operator

    Operate equipment that bleaches, dyes, or treats textiles. Prepare materials and processing conditions, monitor cycles, check color and finish, and follow chemical and equipment-safety procedures.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $38,180/yr median

    Growth: 12.5% projected decline (2025–2035)

    Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma and short-term employer training. Technical textile courses can support learning in wet processing, dyeing, finishing, and safe chemical handling.

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  • Textile Knitting / Weaving Machine Operator

    Set up and operate knitting or weaving equipment to produce fabric. Monitor yarn feed and machine performance, adjust settings, and inspect fabric for defects and specification differences.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $39,530/yr median

    Growth: 13.7% projected decline (2025–2035)

    Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma and short-term employer training. Textile courses can build understanding of yarns, fabric structures, machine setup, and quality checks.

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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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  • Tire Builder

    Assemble rubber, fabric, bead, and other components into tires using production equipment. Check component placement and dimensions and follow process and safety instructions.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $57,390/yr median

    Growth: 0.8% projected growth (2025–2035)

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and employer production training are typical. Manufacturing safety and quality courses can support entry; tire-building equipment and processes require employer instruction.

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  • Title Examiner / Abstractor / Searcher

    Research public records and legal documents to confirm property ownership, liens, restrictions, and title status. Summarize findings and prepare information for real-estate transactions.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $58,650/yr median

    Growth: 2% growth (2025–2035), slower than average

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; title, real-estate, or paralegal courses can help.

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  • Tool & Die Maker

    Build, repair, and refine precision tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and molds used in manufacturing. Read technical drawings and use machine tools and measuring equipment.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $64,050/yr median

    Growth: 9% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease

    Typical career path: Typically a postsecondary nondegree machining program plus long-term on-the-job training or an apprenticeship.

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  • Tool Sharpener / Grinder

    Grind, sharpen, and finish cutting tools, saws, or similar workpieces. Select grinding methods, control edge geometry, inspect results, and maintain safe machine operation.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $50,060/yr median

    Growth: 6.8% projected decline (2025–2035)

    Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma and moderate-term hands-on training. Learn grinding equipment, abrasives, measurement, tool geometry, and safe handling procedures.

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  • Tour Guide / Escort

    Lead individuals and groups through historic sites, attractions, cities, museums, natural areas, and travel destinations. Explain points of interest, manage schedules, answer questions, and promote visitor safety.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $38,120/yr median

    Growth: 6% growth (2025–2035), faster than average

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term training are typical. Training covers destination knowledge, presentation, group management, safety, and customer service.

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  • Traffic Technician

    Collect and analyze traffic data, inspect signals and signs, prepare diagrams and reports, and support transportation engineers with traffic-control, roadway-safety, and construction studies.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $59,090/yr median

    Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; technical coursework or traffic-signal certification can help.

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  • Transportation Inspector

    Inspect transportation vehicles, equipment, operations, and records to verify compliance with safety regulations. Examine aircraft, rail equipment, commercial vehicles, cargo systems, or other transportation operations and document violations or required corrections.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $92,100/yr median

    Growth: 2% growth (2025–2035), slower than average

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term training are typical. Some roles require transportation experience, government training, or certification.

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