Explore Careers

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

Showing 169–192 of 261 careers · Page 8 of 11

Paralegal / Legal Assistant
Support attorneys by researching laws and records, organizing case files, drafting routine legal documents, preparing materials for hearings or closings, communicating with clients, and managing deadlines and documentation.
Education Requirements Vary
Salary: $62,890/yr median
Growth: 0% change (2025–2035), little or no change
Typical career path: An associate degree or postsecondary certificate in paralegal studies is typical; some employers also consider candidates with a high school diploma and relevant legal experience
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Paramedic
Provide advanced emergency medical care to critically ill or injured patients, including advanced life support, medication administration, airway management, cardiac monitoring, and patient transport.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $60,600/yr median
Growth: 6% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: Typically become an EMT first, then complete a postsecondary paramedic program and meet state licensure requirements; National Registry certification is commonly part of the pathway
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Parking Enforcement Worker
Patrol assigned areas, check meters and posted restrictions, issue parking citations, arrange vehicle towing when authorized, answer public questions, and document violations.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $46,730/yr median
Growth: 1% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training are typical; local civil-service or driver requirements may apply
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Parts Salesperson
Sell replacement parts and equipment in automotive, machinery, repair-shop, or parts-store settings. Identify the correct parts, explain product features, check inventory, prepare orders, process payments, and help customers find suitable alternatives.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $38,630/yr median
Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: No formal credential is typically required. Moderate-term training covers parts catalogs, inventory systems, equipment, customer service, and sales procedures.
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Payroll & Timekeeping Clerk
Compile employee work hours, calculate wages and deductions, process payroll, update employee records, issue payments, prepare reports, and help resolve questions involving timekeeping, compensation, and payroll taxes.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $58,260/yr median
Growth: 16% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term training are typical. Training covers payroll systems, deductions, wage calculations, tax records, and confidentiality.
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Personal Trainer
Lead and motivate individuals or groups through exercise programs, demonstrate safe techniques, and help clients work toward fitness goals.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $46,180/yr median
Growth: 12% growth (2024–2034), much faster than average
Typical career path: Entry requirements vary by specialty. A high school diploma is common, and employers often prefer recognized fitness certification; CPR/AED credentials may also be expected.
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Pest Control Technician
Inspect homes, businesses, and outdoor areas for insects, rodents, and other pests. Select and apply control methods, place traps or treatments, explain prevention steps to customers, document service, and follow pesticide safety rules.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $45,250/yr median
Growth: 6% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: High school diploma is typical; technicians receive on-the-job training and must meet state licensing requirements for pest-control work
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Pesticide Handler / Applicator
Mix and apply pesticides, herbicides, and related treatments to crops, lawns, trees, or structures; calibrate equipment, maintain records, and follow environmental and worker-safety rules.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $46,340/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; state applicator certification is generally required for restricted-use pesticides
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Petroleum Pump System Operator
Operate pumps, manifolds, and processing equipment in refineries or terminals; monitor gauges, test product flow, adjust controls, and document operations and safety checks.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $96,710/yr median
Growth: 2% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical
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Pharmacy Technician
Help pharmacists prepare and dispense prescription medications, enter patient and insurance information, measure and package medications, maintain inventory, process payments, and support pharmacy operations.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $45,750/yr median
Growth: 6% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical; technicians may learn on the job or complete a pharmacy technology program, and most states regulate the occupation through registration, education, or examination requirements
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Phlebotomist
Draw blood from patients for medical tests, transfusions, research, or donations while labeling and handling samples safely and accurately.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $43,660/yr median
Growth: 6% growth (2024–2034), faster than average
Typical career path: Phlebotomists typically complete a postsecondary certificate program that takes less than a year. Some enter with a high school diploma and employer training; certification is often preferred.
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Photographer
Create professional images for people, businesses, events, products, news, and other clients. Photographers combine technical camera skills, editing, creativity, and client service, and many work independently or freelance.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $20.44/hr median
Growth: 2% growth (2024–2034), slower than average
Typical career path: High school diploma is typical; build camera and editing skills through classes, certificates, practice, assisting experienced photographers, and a strong portfolio
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Physical Therapist Aide
Support physical therapy clinics by preparing treatment areas and equipment, helping patients move safely, cleaning therapy spaces, handling routine clerical tasks, and assisting therapists and physical therapist assistants with nonclinical support duties.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $35,240/yr median
Growth: 4% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical; physical therapist aides usually learn through on-the-job training
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Physical Therapist Assistant
Work under a physical therapist to help patients regain movement, manage pain, and recover from injuries or illness. Guide exercises, use therapeutic techniques and equipment, track progress, and report changes to the physical therapist.
Associate Degree Typically Needed
Salary: $68,380/yr median
Growth: 23% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average
Typical career path: Associate degree from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant program; state licensure or certification and the NPTE are typically required
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Pile Driver Operator
Operate pile-driving equipment to place steel, concrete, or timber supports for foundations, bridges, docks, and other structures. Inspect equipment, align piles, and follow load and safety signals.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $73,300/yr median
Growth: 6% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; employers may require heavy-equipment experience or union training.
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Pipelayer
Lay and connect pipes for water, sewer, drainage, and utility systems. Grade trenches, position pipe, seal joints, test lines, and work around excavation and heavy equipment.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $49,000/yr median
Growth: 3% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: No formal credential is typically required; short-term on-the-job training is common, and safety or equipment certifications may be required.
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Plasterer / Stucco Mason
Apply plaster, stucco, and related finishes to walls, ceilings, and building exteriors. Prepare surfaces, mix materials, form decorative details, and repair damaged finishes.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $57,660/yr median
Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: No formal credential is typically required; workers learn through long-term on-the-job training or an apprenticeship.
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Plumber
Install and repair piping, fixtures, and systems that carry water, gas, steam, and waste in homes, businesses, and other buildings.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $62,970/yr median
Growth: 4% growth (2024–2034), average growth
Typical career path: Most plumbers learn through an apprenticeship that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Some attend vocational school first, and most states require licensing.
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Police Officer
Patrol communities, respond to calls for service, enforce laws, investigate incidents, prepare reports, make arrests when necessary, assist people in emergencies, and testify in court.
Education Requirements Vary
Salary: $76,210/yr median
Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: Entry requirements range from a high school diploma to college coursework depending on the agency; most officers must graduate from an agency training academy and complete on-the-job training
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Postal Mail Carrier
Sort and deliver letters and packages along an assigned route, collect outgoing mail, obtain signatures, answer customer questions, and operate postal vehicles safely.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $60,550/yr median
Growth: 0% growth (2025–2035), little or no change
Typical career path: No formal educational credential is typically required; applicants must meet U.S. Postal Service requirements and complete short-term on-the-job training
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Power Plant Operator
Control and monitor equipment that generates electricity, adjust power output, inspect systems, record readings, troubleshoot operating problems, and coordinate safe startup and shutdown procedures.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $102,040/yr median
Growth: 5% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and long-term on-the-job training are typical; some roles require operator licensing or industry credentials
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Powerhouse, Substation & Relay Repairer
Inspect, test, maintain, and repair electrical equipment used in power generation and distribution, including relays, substations, switchgear, and control systems. Diagnose electrical faults and keep critical grid equipment operating safely.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $103,020/yr median
Growth: 10% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average
Typical career path: At least a high school education is typical, followed by substantial technical preparation through postsecondary coursework, apprenticeships, employer training, or related electrical experience
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Preschool Teacher
Educate and care for children younger than age 5, using play, stories, routines, and activities to build early language, social, motor, and learning skills.
Associate Degree Typically Needed
Salary: $37,120/yr median
Growth: 4% growth (2024–2034), average growth
Typical career path: Preschool teachers typically need at least an associate degree, but requirements vary by setting and state. Public-school preschool positions generally require a bachelor's degree.
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Printing Press Operator
Set up and operate printing presses that produce books, packaging, labels, newspapers, promotional materials, and other printed products. Load materials, adjust press settings, monitor color and print quality, and perform routine maintenance.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $45,780/yr median
Growth: 9% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term training are typical. Printing technology, digital production, and color-management courses can help.
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