Explore Careers

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

Showing 49–72 of 261 careers · Page 3 of 11

Construction & Building Inspector
Inspect buildings, roads, utilities, and construction work for compliance with codes, plans, specifications, zoning rules, and contract requirements. Document findings and follow up on corrections.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $74,690/yr median
Growth: 0% growth (2025–2035), little or no change
Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma plus several years of construction-trade experience and moderate-term training; many jurisdictions require certification or licensing.
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Construction Equipment Operator
Operate heavy machinery such as excavators, loaders, bulldozers, graders, and paving equipment on construction and infrastructure projects. Inspect equipment, follow site plans and safety procedures, and perform basic maintenance.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $59,600/yr median
Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical; workers commonly learn on the job, through apprenticeship, or through vocational heavy-equipment training
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Construction Laborer
Prepare and clean construction sites, load and move building materials, build or dismantle temporary structures, dig and compact earth, operate hand and power tools, and assist skilled tradesworkers with construction tasks.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $47,120/yr median
Growth: 7% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: No formal educational credential is typically required; workers usually learn through short-term on-the-job training, and employers may require OSHA-compliant safety training
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Control & Valve Technician
Install, inspect, calibrate, maintain, and repair valves, regulators, actuators, and control systems used in water, gas, steam, and industrial processes.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $74,340/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; instrumentation training can strengthen job readiness
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Correctional Officer / Jailer
Maintain security in correctional facilities, supervise people in custody, conduct searches and counts, enforce rules, escort individuals, document incidents, and respond to emergencies.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $58,940/yr median
Growth: 7% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term academy and on-the-job training are typical; federal or local requirements may be higher
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Correspondence Clerk
Read incoming requests, gather account or case information, and prepare written responses for customers, agencies, or organizations. Maintain records, route complex issues, and verify that replies follow policy.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $46,800/yr median
Growth: 6% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical; office software and business-writing courses can help.
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Cosmetologist
Provide hair and other personal appearance services, consult with clients, maintain tools and work areas, and recommend styles or treatments.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $35,420/yr median
Growth: 6% growth (2024–2034), faster than average
Typical career path: Cosmetologists typically complete a state-approved cosmetology program and must pass the required state licensing exam. Training-hour and renewal requirements vary by state.
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Costume Attendant
Select, fit, organize, maintain, and repair costumes used in theater, film, television, and live entertainment. Help performers change costumes, track wardrobe pieces, and prepare garments for performances.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $50,400/yr median
Growth: 6% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: A high school diploma and short-term training are typical. Training covers wardrobe organization, garment care, fitting, alterations, inventory, and production procedures.
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Counter & Rental Sales Representative
Help customers rent equipment, vehicles, tools, or other products and arrange repair or service orders. Explain available options, recommend suitable products, calculate charges, prepare agreements, accept payments, and maintain transaction records.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $41,300/yr median
Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: No formal credential is typically required. Short-term training covers rental agreements, equipment use, pricing, payments, safety, and customer service.
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Court / Municipal / License Clerk
Prepare and maintain court or government records, process permits and licenses, collect fees, answer public questions, schedule proceedings, and provide administrative support to local agencies.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $48,700/yr median
Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and long-term on-the-job training are typical; court or government administration courses can support advancement
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Court Reporter
Create word-for-word transcripts of legal proceedings, depositions, meetings, and other events using stenotype, voice-writing, or digital reporting technology. Review transcripts for accuracy and may provide realtime captioning.
Education Requirements Vary
Salary: $72,420/yr median
Growth: 0% change (2025–2035), little or no change
Typical career path: Many court reporters complete a postsecondary certificate or associate program; legal court reporters may also need state licensure or professional certification depending on where they work
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Crane & Tower Operator
Control cranes and tower equipment to lift and position heavy materials, inspect machinery and rigging, follow hand or radio signals, and maintain safe load limits.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $68,080/yr median
Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent, related work experience, and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; certification may be required by employer or jurisdiction
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Credit Authorizer / Checker
Review credit applications and account information, verify financial and personal data, obtain credit reports, evaluate information against company standards, authorize routine credit requests, and document decisions.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $50,080/yr median
Growth: 7% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term training are typical. Training covers credit policies, financial records, verification, privacy, and applicable regulations.
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Crop, Nursery & Greenhouse Worker
Plant, cultivate, irrigate, prune, harvest, grade, and pack crops or nursery products; tend greenhouse plants and maintain tools and growing areas.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $35,660/yr median
Growth: 2% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: No formal educational credential is typically required; short-term on-the-job training is common
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Crossing Guard / Flagger
Direct pedestrians or vehicles through school crossings, roadwork areas, events, and other controlled locations. Monitor traffic conditions, use signs or signals, communicate hazards, and help people cross safely.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $38,100/yr median
Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: No formal credential is typically required. Short-term training covers traffic direction, signaling, emergency procedures, work-zone safety, and local rules.
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Customer Service Representative
Help customers obtain information, place orders, update accounts, resolve complaints, process returns or payments, and understand products and services. Record interactions and coordinate solutions with other departments.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $44,770/yr median
Growth: 5% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training are typical. Training covers products, communication systems, and problem resolution.
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Cybersecurity Analyst
Monitor computer systems and networks for security risks, investigate incidents, and help organizations protect data and technology from cyberattacks.
Education Requirements Vary
Salary: $124,910/yr median
Growth: 29% growth (2024–2034), much faster than average
Typical career path: A bachelor's degree and related IT experience are typical, but BLS notes that some workers enter with a high school diploma plus relevant industry training and certifications.
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Data Entry Keyer
Enter, update, and verify information in databases, spreadsheets, and business systems. Compare data with source documents, correct errors, organize electronic records, and protect confidential or sensitive information.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $41,340/yr median
Growth: 26% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma and short-term training are typical. Training covers databases, data standards, record verification, confidentiality, and quality control.
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Dental Assistant
Prepare patients and treatment rooms, sterilize instruments, assist dentists during procedures, take or process dental images where permitted, maintain records, schedule appointments, and explain routine care instructions.
Education Requirements Vary
Salary: $48,070/yr median
Growth: 7% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average
Typical career path: Requirements vary by state; many assistants complete a postsecondary dental-assisting program, while some states allow entry through high school education plus on-the-job training
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Dental Hygienist
Examine patients for signs of oral disease, clean teeth, provide preventive dental care, and teach patients how to maintain good oral health.
Associate Degree Typically Needed
Salary: $94,260/yr median
Growth: 7% growth (2024–2034), much faster than average
Typical career path: Dental hygienists typically complete an associate degree in dental hygiene; programs commonly take about 3 years. Every state requires dental hygienists to be licensed.
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Dental Laboratory Technician
Create and repair crowns, bridges, dentures, orthodontic appliances, and other dental products from prescriptions and impressions supplied by dentists. Shape, mold, polish, and finish materials using hand tools, digital systems, and laboratory equipment.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $49,610/yr median
Growth: 6% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term training are typical. Dental laboratory programs and voluntary certification can develop specialized skills.
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Desktop Publisher
Use page-layout, graphics, and publishing software to format text and images for digital and print publications. Prepare layouts, adjust typography and images, check files for errors, and produce publication-ready documents.
Associate Degree Typically Needed
Salary: $55,290/yr median
Growth: 14% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: An associate degree is typical, although certificate-based design and publishing training can also build the software and production skills employers need; short-term on-the-job training is common
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Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Use ultrasound equipment to create images that help physicians diagnose medical conditions. Prepare patients, position equipment, capture diagnostic images, review image quality, and communicate findings to the healthcare team.
Education Requirements Vary
Salary: $96,590/yr median
Growth: 14% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average
Typical career path: Typically an associate degree or postsecondary certificate in diagnostic medical sonography; professional certification or state licensure may be required or preferred
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Dialysis Technician
Operate hemodialysis equipment, prepare treatment stations, monitor patients during treatment, document readings, and follow infection-control procedures under clinical supervision.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $50,290/yr median
Growth: 6% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma plus an approved dialysis training program; federal rules require certification within a specified period after employment.
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