Explore Careers

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

Showing 25–48 of 261 careers · Page 2 of 11

Bridge & Lock Tender
Operate movable bridges, canal locks, and related equipment so vessels and roadway traffic can pass safely. Monitor approaching traffic, communicate with vessel operators, control signals and machinery, and inspect operating systems.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $57,700/yr median
Growth: 2% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma and short-term training are typical. Employers may require mechanical aptitude, safety instruction, or a valid driver license.
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Broadcast Technician
Set up, operate, monitor, and maintain equipment that carries radio, television, streaming, and studio signals. Control audio and video quality, switch feeds, and troubleshoot technical problems.
Education Requirements Vary
Salary: $59,570/yr median
Growth: 3% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: Typically an associate degree or postsecondary broadcast-technology program, plus short-term on-the-job training.
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Brokerage Clerk
Process securities transactions and account records for brokerage firms. Verify trade details, prepare documents, respond to account questions, and reconcile financial data.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $65,750/yr median
Growth: 8% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; some roles require securities-industry exams or registration.
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Bus Driver
Transport passengers safely on school, city-transit, charter, or intercity routes. Inspect the vehicle, follow schedules and traffic laws, assist passengers, maintain trip records, and respond appropriately to roadway or passenger emergencies.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $49,390/yr median
Growth: 2% growth (2025–2035), slower than average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical; drivers need a commercial driver's license with the appropriate passenger or school-bus endorsements and may earn it during employer-provided training
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Business Development Representative (BDR)
Identify new markets and target accounts, perform outbound prospecting by phone, email, and social channels, introduce products or services, develop early prospect relationships, and create qualified opportunities for the sales pipeline.
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 and on-the-job training can provide entry. Prospecting results, communication, and CRM skills may substitute for college experience.
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Butcher / Meat Cutter
Cut, trim, debone, grind, and package meat for retail or food-service use; operate knives and processing equipment, advise customers, manage displays, and follow sanitation rules.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $40,140/yr median
Growth: 2% growth (2025–2035), slower than average
Typical career path: No formal educational credential is typically required; moderate-term on-the-job training is common
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Calibration Technician
Inspect, test, adjust, and document precision measuring instruments so they produce accurate results in manufacturing, laboratories, healthcare, and other technical settings.
Associate Degree Typically Needed
Salary: $67,820/yr median
Growth: 5% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: Typically an associate degree in engineering technology, electronics, or a related field; employer and industry certifications may be preferred.
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Cardiovascular Technologist / Technician
Perform tests and procedures that help physicians diagnose and treat heart and blood-vessel conditions. Prepare patients, operate imaging or monitoring equipment, and record results.
Education Requirements Vary
Salary: $74,310/yr median
Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: Typically an associate degree or postsecondary certificate in cardiovascular technology; credentialing and licensing requirements vary.
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Cargo & Freight Agent
Arrange and track shipments by air, rail, road, or sea; prepare shipping documents, calculate charges, coordinate pickups and deliveries, and communicate with carriers and customers.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $52,260/yr median
Growth: 6% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training are typical; logistics or cargo coursework can improve job readiness
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Carpenter
Build, install, and repair frameworks, structures, fixtures, and building components made from wood and other materials. Read plans, measure and cut materials, install doors and cabinetry, and work on residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $60,580/yr median
Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical; carpenters usually learn on the job and through paid apprenticeships
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Carpet Installer
Measure rooms, prepare subfloors, cut and fit carpet and padding, secure seams and edges, and finish installations in homes and commercial buildings.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $50,340/yr median
Growth: 16% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: No formal credential is typically required; short-term on-the-job training is common.
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Chef / Head Cook
Lead food preparation in restaurants, hotels, and other kitchens. Chefs and head cooks plan menus, supervise kitchen staff, maintain quality and sanitation standards, and often advance after gaining experience as cooks or line cooks.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $60,990/yr median
Growth: 7% growth (2024–2034), much faster than average
Typical career path: High school diploma plus kitchen experience is typical; many start as cooks or line cooks and advance through experience, apprenticeship, or optional culinary training
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Chemical Equipment Operator
Operate and monitor equipment that controls chemical reactions or changes materials during manufacturing. Adjust temperatures, pressures, flows, and processing times; collect samples; record readings; and follow strict safety procedures.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $58,040/yr median
Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term training are typical. Chemistry, industrial technology, process operations, or safety courses can help.
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Chemical Technician
Set up laboratory equipment, prepare solutions, run chemical tests, monitor production processes, and record findings for research, manufacturing, environmental, or quality-control work.
Associate Degree Typically Needed
Salary: $60,390/yr median
Growth: 5% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: Typically an associate degree in applied science or chemical technology, followed by moderate-term on-the-job training.
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Childcare Worker
Care for children, supervise daily routines, organize activities and play, support early development, and help maintain a safe environment.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $32,050/yr median
Growth: 3% decline (2024–2034), projected to decrease
Typical career path: Education and training requirements vary by setting, state, and employer, ranging from no formal education to early-childhood certification. CPR, first aid, or other training may be required.
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Civil Engineering Technician
Help engineers plan, design, inspect, and document roads, bridges, utilities, land-development projects, and other infrastructure using field measurements and technical drawings.
Associate Degree Typically Needed
Salary: $64,950/yr median
Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: Typically an associate degree in civil engineering technology or a related field.
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Claims Adjuster
Investigate insurance claims, inspect property damage, interview claimants and witnesses, review records and policy coverage, estimate losses, and help determine whether and how much an insurer should pay.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $78,000/yr median
Growth: 6% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma or equivalent is typical for many entry-level claims adjuster, examiner, or investigator roles, although some positions require additional education, industry experience, or state licensing
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CNC Tool Programmer
Create and refine programs that direct CNC machines to cut and shape parts. Interpret drawings, choose tooling and cutting paths, test programs, and improve accuracy and cycle time.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $68,120/yr median
Growth: 6% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: Typically a postsecondary machining or CNC certificate plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
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Commercial Diver
Work underwater to inspect, install, maintain, or repair structures and equipment; use surface-supplied air, diving tools, cameras, welding equipment, and strict safety procedures.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $72,990/yr median
Growth: 5% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: A postsecondary nondegree commercial-diving program and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; employers commonly require diving and safety credentials
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Commercial Pilot
Fly airplanes or helicopters for charter flights, aerial tours, medical transport, crop services, photography, or other operations; inspect aircraft, plan routes, monitor weather, and communicate with air traffic control.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $123,220/yr median
Growth: 5% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: Postsecondary flight training and the appropriate FAA pilot certificates are typical; commercial pilots also complete moderate-term on-the-job training
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Commercial Truck Driver
Operate heavy trucks and tractor-trailers to transport freight locally or over long distances while following safety, inspection, and delivery requirements.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $57,440/yr median
Growth: 4% growth (2024–2034), average growth
Typical career path: Drivers usually have a high school diploma and complete professional truck-driver training. A CDL is required, and first-time Class A or B applicants must complete approved entry-level training.
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Community Health Worker
Help people access healthcare and social services, provide health education, conduct outreach, connect clients with resources, collect community health information, and help reduce barriers between communities and care providers.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $51,850/yr median
Growth: 13% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average
Typical career path: High school diploma is typically required; some employers prefer postsecondary education, workers usually complete brief on-the-job training, and some states require certification
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Concierge
Help hotel guests, residents, or clients arrange transportation, restaurant reservations, entertainment, tours, appointments, and other services. Provide local recommendations and resolve special requests.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $38,950/yr median
Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term training are typical. Training covers local services, reservation tools, hospitality standards, and problem resolution.
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Concrete Finisher
Place, level, smooth, and finish poured concrete for foundations, sidewalks, roads, floors, walls, and other structures. Use hand and power tools to shape surfaces, create joints, apply treatments, and repair damaged concrete.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $57,020/yr median
Growth: 2% growth (2025–2035), slower than average
Typical career path: No formal credential is typically required. Moderate-term training or an apprenticeship develops concrete placement and finishing skills.
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