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

Showing 73–96 of 261 careers · Page 4 of 11

  • Diesel Service Technician

    Inspect, maintain, and repair diesel engines and systems in trucks, buses, and other heavy vehicles. Diagnose mechanical and electronic problems, perform preventive maintenance, replace worn components, and use computerized diagnostic equipment.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $61,770/yr median

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

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is a common entry route; many technicians learn on the job, while employers may prefer postsecondary diesel technology training and industry certification

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  • Dietetic Technician

    Help plan and prepare nutrition programs and meals, collect dietary information, educate clients, monitor food-service operations, and work under the supervision of registered dietitian nutritionists.

    Associate Degree Typically Needed

    Salary: $37,640/yr median

    Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average

    Typical career path: An associate degree is the typical entry education; the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered credential may be preferred

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  • Dispatcher (Non-Emergency)

    Coordinate drivers, service crews, vehicles, or deliveries by radio, phone, and software. Assign work, monitor schedules and locations, update customers, and respond to delays.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $50,340/yr median

    Growth: 1% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical.

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  • Drafter

    Create detailed technical drawings and plans from designs supplied by engineers, architects, and designers. Use CAD and BIM software, calculate dimensions, revise drawings, and prepare documentation used for construction or manufacturing.

    Education Requirements Vary

    Salary: $68,090/yr median

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

    Typical career path: Typically complete a postsecondary drafting program at a community college or technical school; programs may lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree

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  • Drywall & Ceiling Tile Installer

    Measure, cut, fit, and fasten drywall panels and ceiling tiles inside residential and commercial buildings. Prepare framing surfaces, create openings for fixtures, and finish installations so walls and ceilings are ready for final treatment.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $58,930/yr median

    Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average

    Typical career path: No formal credential is typically required. Moderate-term training or an apprenticeship develops drywall and ceiling-tile installation skills.

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  • Electric Motor / Power Tool Repairer

    Diagnose, rewind, rebuild, and repair electric motors, generators, power tools, and related equipment. Test electrical components, replace parts, and verify safe operation.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $56,210/yr median

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

    Typical career path: A high school diploma, related mechanical or electrical experience, and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical.

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  • Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technician

    Help engineers design, build, test, troubleshoot, and maintain electrical and electronic equipment and systems. Assemble prototypes, perform measurements, use test instruments, document results, and support production or field installations.

    Associate Degree Typically Needed

    Salary: $78,190/yr median

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

    Typical career path: An associate degree in electrical or electronic engineering technology is typical

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  • Electrical Power-Line Installer/Repairer

    Install, maintain, and repair the high-voltage power lines and equipment that carry electricity from generating facilities and substations to homes and businesses. Work may involve climbing poles or towers and responding to outages.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $95,320/yr median

    Growth: 10% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent; technical instruction plus extensive on-the-job training, often through an apprenticeship

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  • Electrician

    Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $62,350/yr median

    Growth: 9% growth (2024–2034), much faster than average

    Typical career path: Most electricians learn through a paid apprenticeship that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training. Some begin at a technical school, and most states require licensing.

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  • Electroplating Machine Operator

    Set up and operate equipment that cleans, plates, anodizes, or coats metal and plastic parts. Mix solutions, control electrical current, inspect surfaces, and follow chemical-safety procedures.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $43,960/yr median

    Growth: 10% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical.

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  • Elevator & Escalator Installer/Repairer

    Install, maintain, modernize, and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and related control systems. Diagnose mechanical and electrical problems, replace worn components, and keep equipment operating safely.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $109,910/yr median

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

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent; nearly all workers learn through a paid apprenticeship, and most states require licensing

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  • Eligibility Interviewer / Government Programs

    Interview applicants and review records to determine eligibility for public benefits and services. Explain requirements, verify documentation, calculate benefits, and update case files.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $54,210/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; government hiring requirements vary.

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  • Emergency Dispatcher / 911 Telecommunicator

    Answer emergency calls, determine location and type of assistance needed, dispatch police, fire, or medical units, provide instructions, monitor responders, and document incidents.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $53,040/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; state or agency certification may be required

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  • Emergency Medical Technician

    Assess sick or injured patients, provide basic emergency medical care, stabilize patients, and transport them safely to medical facilities. Work as part of an ambulance or emergency-response team and document patient care.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $44,470/yr median

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

    Typical career path: Typically complete a postsecondary EMT education program and meet state licensure requirements; many states use or recognize National Registry EMT certification

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  • Endoscopy Technician

    Prepare procedure rooms and endoscopic equipment, assist clinical teams during procedures, transport patients, and clean, disinfect, test, and store instruments safely.

    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 employer training or a postsecondary endoscopy or sterile-processing program; certification may be preferred.

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  • Environmental Engineering Technician

    Help develop and operate systems that prevent, control, or clean up environmental hazards. Collect samples, inspect facilities, maintain equipment, and document compliance work.

    Associate Degree Typically Needed

    Salary: $59,920/yr median

    Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average

    Typical career path: Typically an associate degree in environmental engineering technology or a related field.

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  • Environmental Science & Protection Technician

    Collect air, soil, water, and hazardous-material samples; inspect workplaces or public sites; operate monitoring equipment; and document environmental or health risks.

    Associate Degree Typically Needed

    Salary: $55,090/yr median

    Growth: 7% growth (2025–2035), faster than average

    Typical career path: Typically an associate degree in environmental science, public health, or a related field; some positions require state or employer certifications.

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  • Executive Administrative Assistant

    Manage schedules, meetings, travel, records, correspondence, and information flow for executives or leadership teams. Prepare reports and coordinate priorities across departments.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $76,590/yr median

    Growth: 0% growth (2025–2035), little or no change

    Typical career path: A high school diploma plus related office experience is typical; many workers advance from other administrative roles.

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  • Explosives Worker / Blaster

    Place, connect, and safely detonate explosives for mining, quarrying, construction, demolition, and related operations. Inspect blast areas, calculate material requirements, follow safety procedures, and maintain detailed handling records.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $61,390/yr median

    Growth: 0% growth (2025–2035), little or no change

    Typical career path: A high school diploma, related experience, and long-term training are typical. Licensing and safety-certification requirements vary by location.

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  • Farmer / Rancher / Agricultural Manager

    Plan and manage crop, livestock, dairy, or other agricultural operations; oversee workers, equipment, finances, production schedules, purchasing, and sales.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $89,900/yr median

    Growth: 3% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent plus 5 years or more of related agricultural experience is typical; business and production courses can help

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  • Fence Erector

    Install and repair fences, gates, guardrails, and related barriers for homes, businesses, farms, and public spaces. Measure property lines, dig post holes, set supports, and assemble wood, metal, vinyl, or wire fencing.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $47,980/yr median

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

    Typical career path: No formal credential is typically required. Moderate-term training covers layout, digging, material handling, installation, and jobsite safety.

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  • Fire Inspector / Investigator

    Inspect buildings and fire-protection systems, identify code violations and hazards, investigate fire origins, review plans, document findings, and educate property owners about prevention.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $75,920/yr median

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

    Typical career path: A postsecondary nondegree award, 5 years or more of related experience, and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; certification requirements vary

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  • Firefighter

    Respond to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, hazardous-material incidents, and other public-safety calls. Operate firefighting equipment, provide emergency assistance, inspect equipment, participate in drills, and help protect people and property.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $59,280/yr median

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

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical; most firefighters complete fire academy training, and emergency medical training or EMT certification is commonly required by state or local departments

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  • Flight Attendant

    Keep airline passengers safe and comfortable before, during, and after flights. Conduct safety checks and demonstrations, assist passengers, respond to in-flight emergencies, serve food and beverages, and coordinate with the flight crew.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $63,580/yr median

    Growth: 9% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average

    Typical career path: Employers typically provide initial flight-attendant training after hire; successful completion of an FAA-approved airline training program leads to the required FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency

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