Explore Careers

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

Showing 1–19 of 19 careers · Page 1 of 1

Coil Winder / Electrical Component Finisher
Wind wire coils for electrical components, apply insulating or finishing materials, operate winding equipment, and check dimensions and electrical specifications during production.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $48,220/yr median
Growth: 4% projected decline (2025–2035)
Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma and moderate-term employer training in winding equipment, electrical-component production, measurement, and quality procedures.
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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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Electronics Assembler
Assemble electrical, electronic, or electromechanical products using drawings and work instructions. Install components, prepare connections, use production tools, and check completed assemblies.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $45,850/yr median
Growth: 5% projected growth (2025–2035)
Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma and moderate-term employer training. Production, electronics, soldering, and quality courses can help; specialized tasks may require employer-approved qualifications.
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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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Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Inspect, maintain, and repair construction, mining, agricultural, and other mobile heavy equipment. Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and computerized-system problems and replace or rebuild worn components.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $65,510/yr median
Growth: 7% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average
Typical career path: High school diploma or equivalent is typical; long-term on-the-job training is common, and some employers prefer graduates of diesel, heavy-equipment, or mobile-equipment technology programs
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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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Neurodiagnostic Technologist
Record electrical activity in the brain, nerves, and muscles using EEG and related equipment. Prepare patients, monitor tests, recognize artifacts, and provide results for physician review.
Education Requirements Vary
Salary: $50,290/yr median
Growth: 6% growth (2025–2035), faster than average
Typical career path: Typically a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in neurodiagnostic technology; professional credentialing is often preferred.
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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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Radio / Cellular Tower Technician
Install, test, and maintain radio and wireless communications equipment at tower or other field sites. Diagnose signal problems and work with antennas, lines, and associated electronics.
Education Requirements Vary
Salary: $63,520/yr median
Growth: 1.2% projected growth (2025–2035)
Typical career path: Requirements vary by assignment. The broader BLS radio and tower equipment occupation typically uses an associate degree, while some field tower routes use high school education plus specialist training. Climbing, rescue, RF safety, and employer qualifications remain essential.
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Railway Signal Technician
Install, test, inspect, and repair railroad signals, crossing warning systems, and related control equipment. Follow railway rules and document work that supports safe train movements.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $92,460/yr median
Growth: 1.8% projected growth (2025–2035)
Typical career path: A high school diploma and employer signal training are typical. Electrical study or a signal apprenticeship may be a route; hiring screening, travel, and driving or CDL requirements can apply.
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Recreational Vehicle Service Technician
Inspect and repair the living-area systems of recreational vehicles, including appliances, plumbing, electrical components, and body fittings. Diagnose problems and document service work.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $52,000/yr median
Growth: 9.7% projected growth (2025–2035)
Typical career path: Typically a high school diploma and long-term hands-on training. RV-specific technical courses and certification can help; follow applicable safety and licensing rules for the tasks performed.
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Ship Engineer
Operate, maintain, and repair engines, generators, pumps, electrical systems, and other machinery aboard ships. Monitor performance, supervise engine-room work, and keep maintenance records.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $109,530/yr median
Growth: 3% growth (2025–2035), about as fast as average
Typical career path: Typically a postsecondary maritime program and related experience; a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential is required for many roles.
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Solar Panel Installer
Install, assemble, and maintain solar photovoltaic systems on rooftops and other structures while following electrical and jobsite safety procedures.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $51,860/yr median
Growth: 42% growth (2024–2034), much faster than average
Typical career path: Solar installers typically need a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training lasting up to a year. Some take technical-school or community-college courses before entering the field.
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Vending & Amusement Machine Repairer
Install, stock, inspect, troubleshoot, and repair vending machines, arcade games, kiosks, and similar coin- or card-operated equipment. Test electrical and mechanical components and collect service records.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $47,450/yr median
Growth: 3% decline (2025–2035), projected to decrease
Typical career path: A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical; electronics or small-equipment repair courses can help.
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Wind Turbine Technician
Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair wind turbines and their mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems. Climb towers, perform scheduled maintenance, diagnose faults, replace components, and document service work.
No College Degree Required
Salary: $64,120/yr median
Growth: 30% growth (2025–2035), much faster than average
Typical career path: Typically a postsecondary nondegree award from a technical school, followed by substantial employer-provided on-the-job training; safety training and climbing qualifications are common
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