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

Showing 121–144 of 261 careers · Page 6 of 11

  • Industrial Coating Machine Operator

    Set up and operate machines that apply paint, lacquer, powder, adhesive, or other coatings to manufactured products. Adjust equipment, prepare materials, and inspect finish quality.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $48,250/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.

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  • Industrial Engineering Technician

    Help improve manufacturing and service processes by collecting data, timing operations, studying workflows, preparing layouts, documenting procedures, and assisting engineers with productivity, quality, and cost improvements.

    Education Requirements Vary

    Salary: $66,120/yr median

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

    Typical career path: Typically requires an associate degree or postsecondary certificate from a community college, technical institute, or vocational-technical school

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  • Industrial Machinery Mechanic

    Maintain and repair factory equipment, production machinery, conveyors, robotic systems, and other industrial equipment. Use technical manuals and diagnostic tools to find problems, replace parts, align equipment, and prevent breakdowns.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $64,520/yr median

    Growth: 18% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent; typically a year or more of on-the-job training, with technical programs and apprenticeships also available

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  • Insulation Worker

    Install insulating materials in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. Measure, cut, and fit insulation around walls, pipes, ducts, equipment, and other structures to control temperature, noise, and energy loss.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $51,330/yr median

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

    Typical career path: Requirements vary by specialty. Most workers learn on the job, while mechanical insulation workers commonly complete an apprenticeship.

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  • Insurance Policy Processing Clerk

    Review insurance applications and claims forms, verify information, update policy records, calculate adjustments, and communicate with customers, agents, or claims staff.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $49,230/yr median

    Growth: 2% 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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  • Insurance Sales Agent

    Help individuals and businesses choose insurance policies, explain coverage and costs, prepare applications, maintain client accounts, and develop new business. Agents may sell life, health, property, casualty, or other insurance products.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $62,280/yr median

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

    Typical career path: High school diploma is the typical entry-level education, although some employers prefer additional education; agents must meet state insurance licensing requirements and usually receive on-the-job sales and product training

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  • IT Support Specialist

    Provide technical help to computer users by diagnosing problems, setting up or repairing equipment, and helping users work with hardware, software, and connected systems.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $60,340/yr median

    Growth: 4% decline (2024–2034), projected to decrease

    Typical career path: Computer user support roles may accept a high school diploma plus relevant IT knowledge and certifications, although some employers prefer candidates with college coursework.

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  • Jeweler / Precious Metal Worker

    Design, fabricate, size, polish, and repair jewelry; set stones, solder metal, inspect finished pieces, estimate repairs, and use precision hand tools and equipment.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $52,540/yr median

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

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and long-term on-the-job training are typical; trade-school or gemological coursework can develop specialized skills

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  • Landscaping & Groundskeeping Worker

    Install and maintain lawns, gardens, trees, walkways, and outdoor spaces by planting, mowing, trimming, mulching, watering, and operating landscaping equipment.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $39,150/yr median

    Growth: 5% growth (2025–2035), faster than average

    Typical career path: No formal educational credential is typically required; short-term on-the-job training is common, and pesticide work may require state certification

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  • Legal Secretary / Administrative Assistant

    Prepare and organize legal documents, maintain case files and calendars, communicate with clients and courts, and support attorneys with filing, scheduling, and research tasks.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $55,570/yr median

    Growth: 5% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; legal-office certificate programs can improve entry prospects.

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  • Library Technician

    Help operate library systems and services by cataloging and processing materials, assisting patrons, maintaining databases, supporting programs, and supervising routine circulation work.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $44,580/yr median

    Growth: 6% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease

    Typical career path: Typically a postsecondary library-technology certificate; some employers prefer an associate degree.

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  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse

    Provide basic nursing care under the direction of registered nurses, physicians, and other licensed clinicians. Monitor patients, take vital signs, provide routine treatments, assist with daily care, document information, and communicate changes in condition.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $64,400/yr median

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

    Typical career path: Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, typically about 1 year, then pass the NCLEX-PN and meet state licensure requirements

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  • Lifeguard / Ski Patrol

    Monitor pools, beaches, slopes, or recreation areas; enforce safety rules, recognize hazards, perform rescues, give first aid, and respond to emergencies.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $33,580/yr median

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

    Typical career path: No formal educational credential is typically required; short-term training and role-specific rescue, CPR, and first-aid certification are common

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  • Light Truck Delivery Driver

    Pick up, transport, and deliver packages, supplies, food, or other goods using vans and light trucks. Plan or follow delivery routes, load and unload cargo, obtain signatures or proof of delivery, and provide customer service.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $44,860/yr median

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

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical, although some opportunities do not require one; workers generally need a valid driver's license and receive one month or less of on-the-job training

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  • Lighting Technician

    Install, focus, program, operate, and maintain lighting systems for concerts, theater, film, television, and live events. Follow production cues and electrical and rigging safety procedures.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $68,060/yr median

    Growth: 5% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease

    Typical career path: Typically a postsecondary certificate or technical program plus short-term on-the-job training.

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  • Loan Interviewer / Clerk

    Interview loan applicants, collect and verify financial documents, explain application requirements, check forms for completeness, request missing information, maintain records, and assist loan officers with processing applications.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $50,020/yr median

    Growth: 2% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and short-term training are typical. Training covers loan documents, application systems, customer communication, privacy, and lender procedures.

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  • Locksmith / Safe Repairer

    Install, adjust, open, and repair locks, safes, access-control hardware, and keys; diagnose security problems and advise customers on locking systems.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $51,320/yr median

    Growth: 12% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and long-term on-the-job training are typical; some jurisdictions require licensing

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  • Lodging Manager

    Manage hotels, motels, resorts, and other lodging facilities. Supervise staff, address guest needs, coordinate housekeeping and maintenance, manage reservations and budgets, and help keep the property efficient and profitable.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $69,250/yr median

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

    Typical career path: One typical route is a high school diploma plus several years of lodging experience; certificate or associate programs in hotel management are alternative routes

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  • Machinist

    Set up and operate machine tools such as lathes, mills, grinders, and CNC equipment to produce precision metal parts. Read technical drawings, measure finished parts, adjust machines, and troubleshoot production issues.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $58,750/yr median

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

    Typical career path: High school diploma is typical; machinists usually receive on-the-job training and may also learn through apprenticeship, vocational school, or community/technical college programs

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  • Manicurist / Nail Technician

    Clean, shape, and beautify fingernails and toenails; apply polish, gels, or artificial nails; maintain sanitary tools and work areas; recommend nail-care services; and provide customer service in salons, spas, or independent businesses.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $35,760/yr median

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

    Typical career path: Complete a state-approved cosmetology or nail-technician program and pass the required state examination for licensure

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  • Manufactured Building / Mobile Home Installer

    Move, place, level, anchor, connect, and finish manufactured homes or modular building sections. Coordinate utility hookups, weather sealing, skirting, and site safety.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $45,990/yr median

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

    Typical career path: A high school diploma or equivalent plus short-term on-the-job training is typical; state licensing or manufacturer credentials may be required.

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  • Massage Therapist

    Use hands-on techniques to manipulate muscles and soft tissues, help clients relieve pain or tension, improve relaxation and mobility, and support wellness goals. Review client needs, maintain treatment records, and follow professional safety practices.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $58,450/yr median

    Growth: 15% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average

    Typical career path: Typically complete a postsecondary massage therapy program that combines classroom and hands-on training; most states regulate massage therapy and require licensure or certification

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  • Mechanical Engineering Technician

    Build, test, troubleshoot, and document mechanical devices and manufacturing systems. Prepare layouts, collect performance data, and assist with prototypes and production improvements.

    Associate Degree Typically Needed

    Salary: $74,510/yr median

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

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

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  • Mechatronics Technician

    Install, test, maintain, and troubleshoot automated mechanical and electronic systems used in manufacturing and other technical environments. Work with sensors, motors, controls, robotics, and computerized production equipment.

    Education Requirements Vary

    Salary: $73,900/yr median

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

    Typical career path: Typically requires an associate degree or postsecondary certificate in mechatronics, electro-mechanical technology, automation, or a related technical field

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