Do you need a college degree to hit the job market? Maybe not. College isn't for everyone, but skipping out on a degree doesn't mean missing out on a high-paying job. Our list of the Best Jobs Without a College Degree includes careers for those with a high school diploma or associate degree. Some jobs that don't require a degree do require apprenticeship training or certificate completion before starting, while others may allow you to dive right in and learn on the job. Find the right career path for you and see the best jobs that don't require a degree.
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What is the best career fit for me? Take our assessment now.
Finding your dream job starts with knowing what makes you the way you are.
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- Home Health Aide
#1 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree (tie)
Home health aides are trained to assist individuals with diabetes, chronic illness or cognitive impairment with the daily activities many people take for granted. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS1,159,500MEDIAN SALARY$25,280EDUCATION NEEDEDHigh School - Personal Care Aide
#1 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree (tie)
Compassion is the top asset for those interested in being a personal care aide. These professionals assist people with physical and mental disabilities and chronic illness and perform non-medical daily tasks. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS1,159,500MEDIAN SALARY$25,280EDUCATION NEEDEDHigh School - Wind Turbine Technician
#3 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Generating electricity through wind turbines is becoming more prevalent. Wind turbine technicians typically learn the trade at a technical school, and they work outside repairing, maintaining, and installing wind turbines. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS4,300MEDIAN SALARY$52,910EDUCATION NEEDEDPostsecondary non-degree - Phlebotomist
#4 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Phlebotomists work in labs, doctors’ offices, and blood donor centers where they draw blood, ensuring it’s done properly. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS22,800MEDIAN SALARY$35,510EDUCATION NEEDEDPostsecondary non-degree - Massage Therapist
#5 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Nothing is as relaxing as a good massage. But massage therapists aren’t just responsible for helping people luxuriate or relieve stress. They also provide relief from painful medical conditions, heal injuries and improve circulation. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS34,400MEDIAN SALARY$42,820EDUCATION NEEDEDPostsecondary non-degree - Landscaper and Groundskeeper
#6 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Landscapers plant trees, shrubs, and flowers; fertilize plants; and construct outdoor walkways, patios, and fences to surround their handiwork. Groundskeepers might also garden and plant, but they also paint fences, clean swimming pools, shovel snow, and handle refuse removal. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS119,900MEDIAN SALARY$30,440EDUCATION NEEDEDNot required - Medical Assistant
#7 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
During most medical exams, a physician or specialist isn’t the only person you’ll see. A medical assistant measures your vital signs, administers injections or medications, and schedules appointments. These professionals also prepare blood samples for lab tests, record your patient history and enter your information in your medical records. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS139,200MEDIAN SALARY$34,800EDUCATION NEEDEDPostsecondary non-degree - Flight Attendant
#8 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Flight attendants are the members of the flight crew that passengers probably interact with the most. They ensure passengers are comfortable, and they must be prepared to respond to safety issues that may arise during the flight. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS21,100MEDIAN SALARY$56,640EDUCATION NEEDEDHigh School - Physical Therapist Aide
#9 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Physical therapist aides support physical therapists, professionals who assist injured or ill people with movement and pain. Aides set up treatment areas and therapy equipment, assist patients as they move to and from therapy areas, and perform clerical duties. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS10,800MEDIAN SALARY$27,000EDUCATION NEEDEDHigh School - Nail Technician
#10 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
No day at the spa is complete without a mani-pedi, and a good one requires the work of a skilled nail technician. These professionals clean, trim and shape your nails, remove dead skin and calluses on your feet, massage your hands and paint your nails. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS29,900MEDIAN SALARY$25,770EDUCATION NEEDEDPostsecondary non-degree - Esthetician and Skincare Specialist
#11 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Estheticians and skin care specialists deal with many aspects of skincare, using treatments that include waxing, cleansing, exfoliating and even applying makeup. The duties of an executive assistant can be far more involved than those of an administrative assistant. Executive assistants complete important office management tasks and prepare and analyze reports. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS13,100MEDIAN SALARY$34,090EDUCATION NEEDEDPostsecondary non-degree - Taxi Driver
#12 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
With the barriers to enter this profession low and the onset of taxi-hailing phone apps, this is a great part-time and full-time profession for those with a good sense of direction and a clean driving record. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS94,400MEDIAN SALARY$31,340EDUCATION NEEDEDNot required - Exterminator
#13 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
From cockroaches and termites to rodents and birds, exterminators remove animals, insects, and other creatures from homes and other buildings. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS7,500MEDIAN SALARY$37,330EDUCATION NEEDEDHigh School - Dental Assistant
#14 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Dental assistants prepare patients for treatments and teeth cleanings, sterilize instruments and assist dentists during procedures. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS23,400MEDIAN SALARY$40,080EDUCATION NEEDEDPostsecondary non-degree - Ophthalmic Medical Technician
#15 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Ophthalmic medical technicians often train on the job to perform the first part of a patient’s eye examination. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS8,500MEDIAN SALARY$36,940EDUCATION NEEDEDPostsecondary non-degree - Maintenance and Repair Worker
#16 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
If it needs fixing, the resident maintenance and repair worker is likely the person to call. These workers maintain and repair machines, mechanical equipment, electrical switches, and outlets in buildings. They are also responsible for ordering supplies and keeping detailed work records. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS63,000MEDIAN SALARY$39,080EDUCATION NEEDEDHigh School - Plumber
#17 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
This profession goes beyond troubleshooting problems when pipes or water fixtures are broken. Plumbers also plan and develop blueprints for new structures or those being refurbished. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS20,900MEDIAN SALARY$55,160EDUCATION NEEDEDHigh School - Restaurant Cook
#18 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
A restaurant cook must learn cooking techniques and food preparation safety either before he or she starts or while on the job. The best jobs will be at upscale restaurants for those cooks who can plan and prepare more complex dishes. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS327,300MEDIAN SALARY$27,790EDUCATION NEEDEDNot required - Recreation and Fitness Worker
#19 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
The scope and tasks of recreation and fitness workers vary from yoga instructors to camp counselors, however, one common trait is the love of working with people. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS99,100MEDIAN SALARY$30,490EDUCATION NEEDEDHigh School - Insurance Sales Agent
#20 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Insurance sales agents are the go-to source for the different insurance policies that are available. These agents typically contact potential customers in order to sell various insurance types. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS27,500MEDIAN SALARY$50,940EDUCATION NEEDEDHigh School - Firefighter
#21 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Firefighters today do more than extinguish blazes. They respond to all types of emergencies, including motor vehicle accidents and medical incidents, and many departments require their firefighters to be emergency medical technicians as well. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS20,300MEDIAN SALARY$50,850EDUCATION NEEDEDPostsecondary non-degree - Patrol Officer
#22 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
A patrol officer’s duty is to protect and serve, whether it is in the community or filing reports in the office. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS39,100MEDIAN SALARY$63,150EDUCATION NEEDEDHigh School - Bus Driver
#23 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
While driving a bus is a major responsibility in itself, bus drivers also collect fares, announce stops and stick to a strict route schedule. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS20,800MEDIAN SALARY$43,030EDUCATION NEEDEDHigh School - Medical Records Technician
#24 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Medical records technicians are extremely detail-oriented professionals who use information from medical records to assign diagnosis and procedure codes. Their work is essential for patients’ reimbursement claims, research, and tracking and monitoring disease patterns. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS29,000MEDIAN SALARY$42,630EDUCATION NEEDEDPostsecondary non-degree - Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse
#25 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Basic medical care is essential and licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses provide this care under the guidance of registered nurses and doctors. Duties include monitoring patients’ health, offering basic patient care and comfort, discussing the care provided with patients, and reporting patients’ health status and concerns to the appropriate nurses and doctors. READ MORE
PROJECTED JOBS65,700MEDIAN SALARY$47,480EDUCATION NEEDEDPostsecondary non-degree