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

Showing 193–216 of 261 careers · Page 9 of 11

  • Private Detective / Investigator

    Gather information for clients by researching records, conducting interviews and surveillance, verifying facts, investigating fraud or misconduct, documenting findings, and preparing reports that may be used in legal or business matters.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $51,220/yr median

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

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent plus several years of related work experience is typical; most states require private detectives and investigators to be licensed

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  • Procurement Clerk

    Prepare purchase orders, track deliveries, verify quantities and prices, maintain vendor and inventory records, communicate with suppliers, resolve order discrepancies, and support an organization's purchasing activities.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $50,580/yr median

    Growth: 8% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term training are typical. Training covers purchasing systems, vendor records, inventory, pricing, and order documentation.

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  • Product Demonstrator / Brand Ambassador

    Promote products at stores, events, trade shows, and other locations. Demonstrate product features, answer questions, distribute samples or promotional materials, gather customer feedback, and encourage purchases.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $39,320/yr median

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

    Typical career path: No formal credential is typically required. Short-term training covers product knowledge, demonstrations, customer interaction, promotional messaging, and sales.

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  • Property Manager

    Oversee residential, commercial, or community properties. Coordinate leasing, maintenance, vendors, budgets, resident or owner communications, inspections, and compliance while keeping properties operating effectively.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $69,990/yr median

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

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent combined with several years of related work experience is a typical entry route; some states require a real-estate or property-management license

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  • Psychiatric Technician

    Provide direct care to people with mental health conditions or developmental disabilities. Observe behavior, help with daily activities, support therapeutic programs, take vital signs, document patient status, and work under the direction of nurses or other clinical staff.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $45,130/yr median

    Growth: 22% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average

    Typical career path: Typically requires a postsecondary certificate; some states require psychiatric technicians to be licensed, and new technicians also receive on-the-job training

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  • Quality Control Inspector

    Inspect, test, measure, and evaluate manufactured products and materials to confirm that they meet specifications. Use gauges and testing equipment, document defects, analyze samples, and communicate quality problems to production teams.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $48,570/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. Courses in quality inspection, measurement, manufacturing, or process improvement can help.

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  • Radiation Therapist

    Deliver prescribed radiation treatments to patients with cancer and other diseases. Position patients, operate treatment equipment, verify plans, and monitor safety and response.

    Associate Degree Typically Needed

    Salary: $105,310/yr median

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

    Typical career path: Typically an associate degree in radiation therapy; most states and employers require certification or licensing.

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  • Radiologic Technologist

    Perform x-rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations that help physicians diagnose injuries and medical conditions. Position patients, operate imaging equipment, follow radiation-safety procedures, evaluate image quality, and maintain patient records.

    Associate Degree Typically Needed

    Salary: $80,110/yr median

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

    Typical career path: Typically an associate degree in radiologic technology; most states require licensure or certification, and employers commonly require or prefer professional certification

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  • Railroad Worker

    Operate trains and rail-yard equipment, coordinate switching and coupling, inspect cars and trackside equipment, communicate movement instructions, and help move passengers or freight safely across the rail network.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $78,820/yr median

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

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical, followed by several months of employer-provided on-the-job training; some roles require federal certification

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  • Real Estate Agent

    Help clients buy, sell, and rent property by finding listings, showing homes, preparing offers, and guiding transactions through closing.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $56,320/yr median

    Growth: 3% growth (2024–2034), average growth

    Typical career path: Real estate sales agents typically need a high school diploma, complete state-required prelicensing education, and pass a licensing exam. Requirements vary by state.

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  • Recreation Worker

    Lead arts, sports, games, outdoor activities, and community programs; organize schedules and equipment, explain rules, encourage participation, and monitor safety.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $36,560/yr median

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

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training are typical; CPR, first aid, or recreation credentials may be preferred

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  • Refuse & Recycling Collector

    Collect household, commercial, or recyclable materials along assigned routes; operate lifting equipment, load vehicles, follow traffic and safety procedures, and deliver materials to disposal or processing sites.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $49,690/yr median

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

    Typical career path: No formal educational credential is typically required; short-term on-the-job training is common and a commercial driver license may be required

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  • Respiratory Therapist

    Evaluate and treat people who have breathing or cardiopulmonary problems. Perform diagnostic tests, administer oxygen and respiratory treatments, manage ventilators, and monitor patients in hospitals and other care settings.

    Associate Degree Typically Needed

    Salary: $82,280/yr median

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

    Typical career path: Typically an associate degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program; most states require licensure and employers commonly expect an NBRC credential

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  • Retail Sales Supervisor

    Direct and support retail sales employees. Assign work, train staff, monitor sales performance, resolve customer concerns, manage inventory and displays, enforce store procedures, and help the team meet sales and service goals.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $48,520/yr median

    Growth: 4% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and retail experience are typical. Many supervisors advance from sales or customer-service roles through strong performance and leadership.

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  • Retail Salesperson

    Help customers select and purchase merchandise in retail stores. Explain product features, answer questions, demonstrate products, process purchases, arrange displays, and help customers resolve problems or returns.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $35,410/yr median

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

    Typical career path: No formal credential is typically required. Short-term training covers customer service, product knowledge, sales techniques, store procedures, and payments.

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  • Rigger

    Select, inspect, and attach cables, chains, slings, and lifting equipment so cranes and hoists can move heavy loads safely. Calculate load balance, signal operators, and secure materials.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $62,640/yr median

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

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; recognized rigger and signalperson certification is often preferred.

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  • Roofer

    Install, repair, and replace roofs using shingles, membranes, metal, and other roofing systems. Inspect surfaces, remove damaged materials, install weatherproof layers, seal joints, and work safely at height.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $55,440/yr median

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

    Typical career path: There are typically no formal education requirements; most roofers learn on the job, while some enter through an apprenticeship

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  • Route Sales Representative

    Drive an assigned route to deliver and sell products to established customers while developing new business. Load and unload products, recommend merchandise, take orders, stock displays, collect payments, maintain records, and build customer relationships.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $38,770/yr median

    Growth: 8% growth (2025–2035), faster than average

    Typical career path: A high school diploma, valid driver license, and clean driving record are typically required. Short-term training covers products, sales, service, and safe driving.

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  • Sailor / Marine Oiler

    Work aboard commercial vessels handling lines and cargo, standing watch, cleaning and maintaining decks and machinery, assisting engineers, and supporting safe vessel operations in ports and at sea.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $51,520/yr median

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

    Typical career path: There are no formal education requirements for many entry-level sailor and marine oiler roles; workers usually need U.S. Coast Guard credentials and learn through shipboard training or approved programs

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  • Sales Development Representative (SDR)

    Research potential customers, respond to or review leads, conduct initial outreach, determine whether prospects are a good fit, document conversations in a CRM, and schedule qualified meetings for account executives.

    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. Communication, CRM, and prospecting skills may substitute for college experience.

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  • Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installer

    Install, program, test, maintain, and repair security, access-control, and fire-alarm systems. Run wiring, connect sensors and control panels, troubleshoot faults, explain systems to customers, and make sure installations meet applicable codes.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $60,070/yr median

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

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical; installers usually receive moderate-term on-the-job training, and state or local licensing plus manufacturer or industry certifications may apply

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  • Security Guard

    Protect people, property, and facilities by controlling access, patrolling assigned areas, monitoring alarms or cameras, writing reports, and responding to incidents.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $38,020/yr median

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

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical; most states require registration, licensing, or approved training.

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  • Semiconductor Processing Technician

    Operate and monitor specialized equipment used to manufacture semiconductor wafers and electronic components. Maintain clean production environments, inspect materials, record process data, troubleshoot equipment, and follow precise quality procedures.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $51,430/yr median

    Growth: 8% growth (2025–2035), faster than average

    Typical career path: A high school diploma and moderate-term training are typical. Technical courses in semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, or automation can help.

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  • Septic & Sewer Service Technician

    Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, and drains; operate pumps and jetting equipment, locate blockages, inspect systems, and handle waste using protective procedures.

    No College Degree Required

    Salary: $49,880/yr median

    Growth: 8% growth (2025–2035), faster than average

    Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training are typical; local licensing or confined-space training may apply

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