11 jobs that do not require a diploma
Get the best start from your career at any level of education.
It was that a university degree was considered your gold ticket to career success . Today, certain practical factors will largely end this enthusiasm. In particular, the astronomical cost of a four -year degree, the high burden of student debt, inequitable access to education and a rapidly evolving labor market have all questioned the value of higher education . Although a university degree can always open doors to higher wages and better job stability, experts say that there are many jobs that do not require a diploma.
By taking an alternative path to employment - for example, by registering in a technical school, by completing training during the job or by seeking shorter certificate programs in your areas of interest - you can master All the skills you need to land your dream job.
"Although university degrees may have defined who was" educated "and which was" potential "in the past, we see the priorities of CEOs change - and for a good reason," said David Blake , founder and CEO of the learning and update platform Degrees . "Focusing on diplomas or any other formal education in recruitment does not recognize other ways of learning, limiting our ability to see the potential of people.
"We also see that looking at formal education as a means of competence includes implicit prejudices and limits the" swimming pool "of available people", he explains. "Update or reskilling is the great equalizer, reducing Biases and access to education for professional development and commercial success. "
Wondering how to get an enriching career without a formal education beyond a secondary school diploma? These are the 11 best jobs that do not require a diploma and what to expect the role, according to employment experts and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Is it possible to find a job without a diploma?
In the past, the best paid and most fulfilling careers were reserved for those who hold a university diploma. However, university admissions Culminated in 2010 And have regularly declined since. The figures dropped at an even faster pace when the pandemic struck in 2020.
In response, many job managers now adopt a different approach to candidates screening. In today's labor market, "skills, experience and certifications can often prevail over formal education, in particular on the labor market in today's evolution which requires knowledge digital and street intelligence, "explains Caitlin Wehniainen , business development director at On rental , an endowment agency belonging to leading women serving customers in the United States in the United States
"Many industries recognize the importance of practical knowledge and the ability to effectively perform tasks," said Wehniainen . "Online courses, certifications and practical experience can open doors to well -paid careers and made."
The hiring expert notes that the emphasis is on the effective communication of these skills, in particular in the absence of more formal education references. Although it is certainly possible to find a good job without a baccalaureate, you may need to put a little more legs to demonstrate that you are up to it.
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4 well -remunerated jobs that do not require a diploma
There are several well -paid jobs that do not require a university diploma. These exist in various fields, although technology tends to announce some of the most paid jobs available.
Cybersecurity analyst
Work experience required: Under 5
Entry -level education required: Grade in secondary school, coding of Bootcamp certification
Projected number of new jobs by 2032: 53 200
Median salary: $ 120,360
A lot Cybersecurity analysts have university degrees, but experts say that it is an area in which a four -year diploma tends to be optional if you are ready to take more targeted certification courses.
"Although this position varies considerably according to industry and by the company, knowledge of computers and computer systems is an essential function for this position," said Brett Shively , Managing Director at ACI learning . "The certifications offer targeted training designed to instill skills in very specific areas that employers have strong demand.
Authorized nurse
Work experience required: None
Entry -level education required: Diploma of two -year -old partner in nursing
Projected number of new jobs by 2032: 177,400
Average salary: $ 86,070
Nursing roles are vital for the community and can be difficult but fulfilling. In order to become a authorized nurse , you will have to finish a two-year-old nursing partner diploma (DNA) and go for the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your nursing license. In this role, you serve as a front -line medical worker, performing patient patients in a range of health environments, including hospitals, doctor's firms, ambulatory health programs, healthcare establishments at home or nursing homes.
Experts point out that this area has regularly had many available job offers, which can result in major employment security.
Wind turbine
Work experience required: None
Entry -level education required: Non-degree post-secondary
Projected number of new jobs by 2032: 4,950
Median salary: $ 61,770
Wind turbines Help engineers and ironwork build new wind turbines and conduct routine maintenance on the mechanical equipment used in wind farms. This is physically demanding work because wind farmers are required to climb scales, often hundreds of feet high, generally with trailer tools and equipment.
However, without any necessary university degree and planned growth of 45% in the field during the next decade, this could be a promising profession for anyone until the task.
SDEILLET worker or manufacturer
Work experience required: Learning
Entry -level education required: Baccalaureate
Projected number of new jobs by 2032: 0
Median salary: $ 58,780
Experts say that various professions offer great career opportunities to people without a diploma. Manufacturing and trades, such as sheet metal , can flourish in a life career with a place for skills and salary growth.
"Qualified work careers offer flexibility to find the type of work and industry that corresponds to his personality and his lifestyle," explains Dale Crawford , executive director at Steel tube institute . "Something that most people do not realize about the trades is that you are paid to go to school through your learning. Once hired, school services to these jobs make it very possible to get up in management roles if this direction is interesting. "
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4 low stress jobs that do not require a diploma
Finding a job that seems low stress is to find a position that suits you. However, there are some common factors that tend to refuse the intensity of your workload. "Stress is relative, but for many, low stress jobs are often those that have a singular orientation with a predictable schedule," explains Winans Better life.
Medical assistant
Work experience required: None
Entry -level education required: Post -secondary price without degree
Projected number of new jobs by 2032: 105 900
Median salary: $ 42,000
Medical assistants Perform tasks that help medical offices are going well, such as patient maintenance, recording their medical history, medical data management, etc. Many work directly with patients, helping doctors to the intake of patients, verifying vital signs such as weight and blood pressure, helping patient exams and administration of injections or drugs as allowed by the laws of State, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics Notes.
Food preparation
Work experience required: None
Entry -level education required: None
Projected number of new jobs by 2032: -44,000
Median salary: $ 32,420
Work in a restaurant, a cafeteria or a grocery store like a food preparation Another low stress work is open to individuals without a university degree. This role is often available for part -time, making it a good option for anyone with limited availability, and you will have great opportunities to develop your skills thanks to training during employment.
Customer service representative
Work experience required: None
Entry -level education required: Baccalaureate
Projected number of new jobs by 2032: -149 145
Average salary: $ 39,680
Customer Service representatives Can also make a constant salary operating in a range of environments, including stores, call centers, hospitals, etc.
Lauren Winans , CEO and main HR consultant for Higher advantages , says it is an excellent option that is generally accompanied by a lot of flexibility. "Many companies hire representatives from a distance from customer service without requiring a diploma," she said Better life.
"Many customer service roles can be at low stress, especially those that are distant. They generally involve helping customers by phone or online, emphasizing problems solving and supplying the supply of 'Information, "explains Wehniainen.
Data entry clerk or information
Work experience required: None
Entry -level education required: Baccalaureate
Projected number of new jobs by 2032: -55.304
Median salary: $ 40,540
If you are organized, oriented towards detail and have basic IT skills, data entry It could be a good choice for you.
"The data entry work is often simple and can be carried out remotely. They involve entering data in systems and ensuring precision, which makes them ideal for those looking for roles with low stress," said Wehniainen.
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3 distant work that does not require a diploma
The pandemic revealed how much flexibility is desirable for workers, including the possibility of working at home. Although fewer remote jobs are available now than during the cutting edge pandemic, many companies still offer a combination of work in person and remotely.
Digital marketer or social media specialist
Work experience required: None
Entry -level education required: Baccalaureate
Projected number of new jobs by 2032: Unknown
Average salary: $ 56,770
Digital marketing specialists and Social media managers Can play an important role for businesses, help them create brands and extend their awareness.
"Digital marketing is another lucrative field where practical skills and experience can prevail over a diploma," says Wehniainen. "With the knowledge of referencing, social media management and content creation, digital marketing specialists can gain substantial income. Various online courses and certifications can help develop the necessary skills. Having knowledge of several Social platforms, like Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, Threads, X, and more are critical. "
Wehniainen adds that the management of social media accounts for companies can be carried out entirely remotely. "This role consists in creating content, engaging with subscribers and analyzing performance measures, relying more on creativity and experience than formal education," she says.
IT support specialist
Work experience required: None
Entry -level education required: Grade in high school, coding of the Bootcamp certificate
Projected number of new jobs by 2032: 49,200
Median salary: $ 60,810
In recent years, the rapidly evolving computer landscape has opened alternative routes to a successful career to specialize .
"The prevalence of online learning platforms, bootcamps coding and certification programs has created accessible avenues for the acquisition of skills. These programs focus on teaching practical skills required in the industry, allowing It is up to individuals to quickly acquire expertise in specific fields, "notes Shivley.
"With certifications like ACCOUNE A + and COMPTIA Network +, individuals can enter the computer field and progress towards well -remunerated roles," accepts Wehniainen. "IT support specialists help down technical problems and provide solutions, often from a distance ... It is more than probably where individuals start their careers before moving on to an engineer or administrator role."
Virtual assistant
Work experience required: None
Entry -level education required: Baccalaureate
Projected number of new jobs by 2032: -332,600
Median salary: $ 46,010
Administrative assistant roles have always been a promising career prospect for people without university degrees. However, the recent change towards remote positions as virtual assistant made the domain more attractive for some who need additional flexibility in work.
"Virtual assistants provide administrative support to companies and entrepreneurs from a distant location. Tasks can range from appointment to management of emails, and solid organizational skills are essential," explains Wehniainen.
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Conclusion
Even if you do not have a university degree, it is not necessary to despair of your job prospects. There are still many opportunities available for people with a secondary school diploma, especially if you are ready to work on alternative certificates, to complete an apprenticeship or accept a position that offers training being underway job.
It can also help you extend your job search to a wider range of types of work. For example, technical transactions and manufacturing areas maintain this country on the move and should not be considered as a lower value for office jobs and business scale, notes Crawford. "The growing generation should know that there are choices beyond either to go to university or to join the concert economy," he said.
Once you have found a job that speaks to you - tripping all the right boxes, from salary to the alignment of skills and lifestyle - to highlight all your achievements, your practical experience and passion for the field. Once you have obtained this recall for an interview or try, it's time to go to work and show them what you can do.