25 Best Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree

You don’t need a college degree to have a rewarding career.

By Maryalene LaPonsie

No degree? No problem.

If you’d rather not spend years in college, there are plenty of job opportunities for those without a degree. These include positions open to those with only a high school diploma as well as careers that require some postsecondary education and training.

Keep reading to see the 25 top jobs for those without a college degree, according to our 100 Best Jobs ranking. All occupational data comes from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 25. Maintenance and Repair Worker

Median salary: $40,850
Unemployment rate: 7.7%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 117,000

General maintenance and repair workers typically learn their skills on the job. They may complete a variety of basic repair tasks on equipment, utility systems, flooring and more.

Learn more about maintenance and repair workers.

24. Flight Attendant

Median salary: $59,050
Unemployment rate: 22.1%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 31,100

As an occupation hard hit by the pandemic, jobs for flight attendants are expected to bounce back during the upcoming decade. These workers have a perfect position for anyone who loves to travel. They assist airline passengers as well as conduct preflight inspections and respond to any emergency situations that may arise.

Learn more about flight attendants.

23. Community Health Worker

Median salary: $42,000
Unemployment rate: 3.1%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 13,500

Community health workers promote health and wellness and may be involved in community-wide outreach or focus on specific groups such as families or college students. The BLS estimates this career will see 21% employment growth between 2020 and 2030, and a high school diploma may be the only educational requirement for many positions.

Learn more about community health workers.

22. Taxi Driver

Median salary: $32,320
Unemployment rate: 26%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 180,600

Taxi drivers may need a state or municipal license in addition to a driver’s license. However, once they have that, they can get to work offering rides to people who need a lift to appointments, shopping, jobs and more. It’s a job that has high unemployment now but is expected to see significant growth in the years to come.

Learn more about taxi drivers.

21. Medical Secretary

Median salary: $37,350
Unemployment rate: 4.9%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 64,900

You don’t need an education in health care to work as a medical secretary. These professionals may answer phones, check in patients and manage supplies in medical offices or similar settings.

Learn more about medical secretaries.

20. Ophthalmic Medical Technician

Median salary: $37,940
Unemployment rate: 4.9%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 8,700

Anyone who’s been to the eye doctor is likely familiar with the work of ophthalmic medical technicians. They administer vision tests, apply eye drops and measure eye pressure, among other things.

Learn more about ophthalmic medical technicians.

19. Bartender

Median salary: $24,960
Unemployment rate: 30.7%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 159,900

Bartenders mix cocktails and serve drinks in restaurants and lounges across the country. There are no formal education requirements for this job, but bartenders may take classes to help them understand government regulations, learn how to mix drinks and improve their skills.

Learn more about bartenders.

18. Firefighter

Median salary: $52,500
Unemployment rate: 1.9%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 26,900

Firefighters generally need to pass written and physical exams before they can start working, but there is no degree requirement. On the job, these professionals respond to emergency calls, prepare incident reports and maintain equipment.

Learn more about firefighters.

17. Delivery Truck Driver

Median salary: $37,050
Unemployment rate: 7.4%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 101,100

Ordering online was the preferred shopping method for many people even before the pandemic hit, and delivery truck drivers are the professionals who make sure packages arrive safely. You don’t need a degree for this occupation, but you will need a good driving record and some on-the-job training.

Learn more about delivery truck drivers.

16. Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Median salary: $46,470
Unemployment rate: N/A
Expected new job openings by 2030: 6,100

Solar photovoltaic installers are technicians who assemble and maintain solar panels that create renewable energy. They may work on residential or commercial properties, and they have one of the best construction jobs, according to U.S. News Best Jobs rankings.

Learn more about solar photovoltaic installers.

15. Restaurant Cook

Median salary: $28,800
Unemployment rate: 16.4%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 563,500

Foodies may find being a restaurant cook is the right job for them. These workers are needed in establishments catering to a variety of tastes and cuisines, and cooks may be self-taught or go through a training program.

Learn more about restaurant cooks.

14. Security Guard

Median salary: $31,050
Unemployment rate: 7.7%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 154,200

Security guards can find employment in a variety of settings. They may be employed to screen passengers for transit services, watch over customers and employees during business hours or secure buildings and warehouses after hours.

Learn more about security guards.

13. Actor

Median salary: $43,760
Unemployment rate: N/A
Expected new job openings by 2030: 16,700

You don’t have to be on the Hollywood A-list to make a living as an actor. Professionals are needed for commercials, web productions, training videos and more. A formal education isn’t required to act, but some do pursue an education in the arts before launching their career.

Learn more about actors.

12. Electrician

Median salary: $56,900
Unemployment rate: 6.2%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 66,100

Electricians don’t need degrees, but they do have to complete extensive training as an apprentice before they can be licensed to work independently. Licensed workers install and maintain electrical systems in businesses and residences.

Learn more about electricians.

11. Insurance Sales Agent

Median salary: $52,180
Unemployment rate: 4.2%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 35,500

Although insurance sales agents typically need to be licensed by their state, a college degree isn’t required. These workers may sell a variety of insurance products or specialize in a certain area such as life, property or health coverage.

Learn more about insurance sales agents.

10. Computer Support Specialist

Median salary: $52,690
Unemployment rate: 5%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 58,000

Tech-savvy people may find that jobs as computer support specialists are right for them. These workers help troubleshoot technology problems such as difficulty logging into a system or malfunctioning software. They may assist others via phone, chat, email or face-to-face.

Learn more about computer support specialists.

9. Medical Assistant

Median salary: $35,850
Unemployment rate: 5.8%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 132,600

Medical assistants don’t need a degree to do their job, which includes measuring vital signs, gathering patient data and maintaining records. This is a career option that has traditionally been marked by low unemployment and significant growth.

Learn more about medical assistants.

8. Landscaper and Groundskeeper

Median salary: $31,730
Unemployment rate: 2.9%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 85,000

Working as a landscaper or groundskeeper can be a good option for those who want an active job that lets them be outside. Grounds maintenance workers may mow lawns, plant flowerbeds and trim hedges, among other duties.

Learn more about landscapers and groundskeepers.

7. Massage Therapist

Median salary: $43,620
Unemployment rate: 17.6%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 46,500

Massage therapy can be used for a variety of reasons, such as to promote relaxation or heal from an injury. While postsecondary training is required to become a massage therapist, these workers don’t need a degree.

Learn more about massage therapists.

6. Recreation and Fitness Worker

Median salary: $31,250
Unemployment rate: 17.6%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 179,500

From leading group classes to working with clients one-on-one, recreation and fitness workers have an engaging and dynamic career. While a degree isn’t needed, professional certification through an industry group may expand job opportunities. This is another career that suffered from high unemployment during the pandemic but is projected to have impressive future growth, per the BLS.

Learn more about recreation and fitness workers.

5. Wind Turbine Technician

Median salary: $56,230
Unemployment rate: N/A
Expected new job openings by 2030: 4,700

Technical schools offer training for the wind turbine technicians who are responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing turbines that provide renewable energy. Windtechs may also learn their trade via on-the-job training.

Learn more about wind turbine technicians.

4. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse

Median salary: $48,820
Unemployment rate: 3.8%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 63,800

Depending on the state, these professionals are known as either licensed practical nurses or licensed vocational nurses. They usually have a postsecondary certificate or diploma and perform basic patient care duties.

Learn more about licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.

2. Personal Care Aide (Tie)

Median salary: $27,080
Unemployment rate: 7.4%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 1,129,900

Job opportunities for personal care aides are expected to be plentiful in the years to come as the country’s population ages and people need help staying in their homes. Personal care aides may provide companionship as well as assist with daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning.

Learn more about personal care aides.

2. Home Health Aide (Tie)

Median salary: $27,080
Unemployment rate: 6.9%
Expected new job openings by 2029: 1,129,900

Home health aides provide essential services to senior and those with chronic conditions or disabilities. They may measure vital signs, monitor medication usage and help with activities of daily living such as bathing and eating.

Learn more about home health aides.

1. Patrol Officer

Median salary: $65,540
Unemployment rate: 0.8%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 48,600

With low unemployment and high wages, patrol officers have a top job for those without a college degree. They may direct traffic, patrol areas and investigate crashes after completing a training academy.

Learn more about patrol officers.

FlexJobs Identifies 12 Companies With 4-Day Workweeks That Hire Remote Workers

 

Between the pandemic, the desire for more work-life balance, and the need for more flexibility, employers and employees are rethinking not only physical in-office requirements, but also the standard five-day workweek. In fact, given the increased productivity and worker satisfaction associated with 4-Day Workweeks, more companies are trialing the concept and others have already adopted it for good.

With remote work now more normalized, and an emerging trend of the 32-hour week, many job seekers may be seeking a new ideal work arrangement: four-day workweeks from their home office. To support job seekers that want to work from home for only four days a week, FlexJobs has identified 12 companies with four-day workweeks that also hire remote workers.

“In today’s changing work landscape, it’s no surprise shorter workweeks are getting so much attention,” said Brie Reynolds, Career Development Manager at FlexJobs. “One of our social media polls revealed that the overwhelming majority supported the idea, specifying that they would prefer Friday or Monday off, although many opted for a mid week break with Wednesday off, instead. When we think about the future of work, this sentiment signals the importance of healthy work-life balance and the role job flexibility plays in achieving it,” Reynolds concluded.

One survey of people aged 22 to 35 who quit their jobs found that 32 percent would have stayed at their old job had they been offered a 4-Day Workweeks. The same survey also found that 80 percent of all respondents support a four-day workweek.

A second survey found even more support for the four-day workweek. Of the 1,000 respondents:

• 95.4% want a four-day workweek
• 90% believe the five-day workweek is outdated
• 97% think they’d be more productive working four days per week
• 98% believe their mental health would improve

And to get a four-day workweek, people said they’d give up:

• Unlimited paid time off (38%)
• Free company-provided healthcare (43%)
• An eight-hour day by working two additional hours per day (58%)
• Their current job (74%)

 

The 12 companies below currently follow or plan to offer shorter workweeks, and are hiring or recently hired for remote roles in the FlexJobs database. More details on each company’s workweek policy and examples of recent job postings are also included. By highlighting these companies, FlexJobs hopes to provide remote job seekers with a strong starting point in their career search, and inspire other organizations to embrace more flexible work arrangements as well.

1. Basecamp

• Seasonal four-day workweek offered since May 2008

Recent remote job postings:

• Controller
• Recruiter

2. Bolt

• Offering four-day workweek since September 2021

Recent remote job postings:

• Vice President, Product Marketing
• Social Media Specialist

3. Buffer

• Offering four-day workweek since May 2020

Recent remote job postings:

• Talent Acquisition and Onboarding Manager
• Senior Product Marketing Manager

4. DNSFilter

• Rotating four-day workweek offered since October 2021

Recent remote job postings:

• Digital Marketing Specialist
• Sales Operations Manager

5. G2i

• Bi-weekly four-day workweeks; Experimenting with permanent 4-day work week

Recent remote job postings:

• Account Manager
• React-Redux Engineer

6. GooseChase

• Following four-day workweek since June 2021

Recent remote job postings:

• Head of People
• Senior Full Stack Engineer

7. Kickstarter (starting 2022)

• Plans to trial a 4-Day Workweeks in 2022

Recent remote job postings:

• Director of People
• Senior Product Counsel

8. Nectafy

• Offering four-day workweek since February 2020

Recent remote job postings:

• Growth Content Editor
• Business Development Representative

9. Panasonic

• Optional 4-Day Workweeks offered since January 2022

Recent remote job postings:

• Marketing Manager
• Staff Accountant

10. Praytell

• Trialing four-day workweek since October 2021

Recent remote job postings:

• Creative Director – Creative Strategy
• Designer

11. thredUP

• Offering four-day workweek since 2021

Recent remote job postings:

• VP of People Operations and Total Rewards
• Revenue Manager – Deal Desk

12. Uncharted

• Seasonal four-day workweek offered since June 2020

Recent remote job postings:

• Marketing Associate
• Program Manager

For candidates pursuing remote positions at companies offering shorter workweeks, FlexJobs’ Career Coaching team has shared their top tips and expert advice for a more successful job search.

1. Research the Right Companies
Due to the growing interest in shorter workweeks, more companies may soon make the shift and begin announcing their own plans. It’s important that job seekers stay in the loop as much as possible. Try to keep tabs on the running list of companies that offer a shortened workweek through online resources like Bolt’s Conscious Culture Initiative and this growing list from BuildRemote.

If a job seeker is interested in a particular company, they should head to the website’s Career page, search for open listings, and sign up for alerts via email for new job postings. While a company may not have anything available that’s a fit right now, there’s a good chance a great opportunity could be posted in the future.

2. Search & Save Keywords
In addition to checking on company pages, job seekers can also make use of keyword searches. However, it’s highly important to search for the correct keywords with quotation marks to effectively find the right job listings. Job seekers should also create a few variations of their keyword search, and set up alerts to be notified whenever new positions that match these terms are posted. Some examples of search terms include:

• “Four day work week”
• “4 day workweek”
• “Compressed workweek”
• “Short work week”
• “Reduced hours”
• “32 hour workweek”

3. Highlight Previous Experience & Skills
For anyone specifically going after remote jobs with a shorter workweek, it’s imperative to tailor job applications accordingly. Include any details about any related experience with a reduced workweek and highlight it either next to the job title or in a bullet point on the resume. This can include any type of shortened workweek schedule, whether it’s working flexible hours, a reduced number of hours, or something similar.

If a job seeker doesn’t have this experience, our career coaches recommend highlighting the specific skills that would make an applicant an excellent fit, such as great time and task management, the ability to prioritize and deprioritize, written and verbal communication, organization, and productivity.

10 Humanitarian Jobs That Make a Difference in the World

 

Monster can show you how to make a living helping others. See our comprehensive list of humanitarian jobs and find out how to qualify.

Dillon Price, Monster Contributor

For many who provide humanitarian aid, there is no greater reward than making a difference in peoples’ lives while earning a living. There are countless people and communities around the world that rely on humanitarian aid to recover from natural disasters, escape conflicts, address hazardous living conditions, and break free from poverty.

Humanitarian jobs are available in many different fields and at many different organizations. What they all have in common is the goal of saving and improving lives while helping communities become more resilient to future crises.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some humanitarian jobs are in high demand. For example, social worker jobs are expected to increase by 12% and health education specialists by 17% over the next ten years.

Are you ready to lend a helping hand to those in need? Monster’s outlines 10 humanitarian jobs where you can make a difference.

10 Humanitarian Jobs

1. Social Worker

What you’d do: Choosing a career as a social worker is a great way to fight for social justice and improve and enrich the lives of others. You would assess the needs of people and communities in poverty or other crisis situations and help to provide financial, mental, and emotional support.

What you’d need: Many social workers hold a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW), but having a master’s degree in social work (MSW) can help expand your opportunities. All states require social workers to obtain a license. Nonclinical social workers are required to be licensed or certified in most states. Check out this sample resume for a social worker.

What you’d make: Medical and clinical social workers typically make $58,915 per year. Family, school, and general social workers earn a median yearly salary of $51,376.

Find social work jobs on Monster.

2. Environmental Engineer

What you’d do: From pollution to climate change, environmental hazards endanger countless communities, especially in underdeveloped nations. Humanitarian jobs in environmental engineering solve problems with pollution, public health, and recycling. They also strive to address climate change, sustainability, and unsafe living conditions.

What you’d need: To become an environmental engineer, you would need at least an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field.

What you’d make: The median annual salary for environmental engineers is $71,957.

Find environmental engineer jobs on Monster.

3. Nurse

What you’d do: Natural disasters and other crises have a profound impact on peoples’ health. As a registered nurse, you would provide care and health education to patients and communities. Other day-to-day tasks in humanitarian nursing jobs include assessing patients’ conditions, recording patients’ medical histories, and administering treatments and medications.

What you’d need: Nurses usually have a bachelor’s or associate degree in nursing. Licensure is required to become a nurse and can be obtained by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Check out this sample resume for a registered nurse.

What you’d make: Registered nurses typically earn an hourly wage between $25.50 and $47.60.

Find nursing jobs on Monster.

4. Health Education Specialist

What you’d do: Poverty and poor environmental conditions are just a couple of crises that affect public health. As a health education specialist, you would assess the health needs of communities and develop educational programs that promote wellness.

What you’d need: Health education specialists often hold a bachelor’s degree in health education, health promotion, or a related field.

What you’d make: Health education specialists earn a median annual salary of $43,410.

Find certified health education specialist jobs on Monster.

5. Nutritionist

What you’d do: Malnutrition is prevalent in impoverished communities and impacts the cognitive and physical development of children. Nutritionists manage disease and promote health through food and nutrition. They also assess clients’ nutritional needs and develop healthy meal plans.

What you’d need: You need at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related program of study to become a nutritionist. Depending on which state you live in, you may need to be licensed or certified.

What you’d make: The median yearly salary for nutritionists is $56,824.

Find nutritionist jobs on Monster.

6. Civil Engineer

What you’d do: When you choose a career as a civil engineer, you address crumbling or underdeveloped infrastructures. Civil engineers design and carry out infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and sewage systems. This creates a safer, more economically viable environment for people living in impoverished communities.

What you’d need: To become a civil engineer, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction, civil engineering technologies, or a related program accredited by ABET. Check out this sample resume for an entry-level civil engineer.

What you’d make: The median salary for civil engineers is $79,080 per year.

Find civil engineering jobs on Monster.

7. Military Personnel

What you’d do: Military personnel includes people enlisted in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard, and Coast Guard. Humanitarian aid jobs in the military are often carried out domestically and abroad to help with natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises. The military offers plenty of entry-level humanitarian jobs that can lead to greater opportunities in the future.

What you’d need: To enlist in the military, you must be at least 17 years old, be a U.S. citizen, and meet certain physical requirements. Age limits vary from 27 to 39 years old, depending on the military branch.

What you’d make: Military pay varies by rank, job assignments, and whether a mission is domestic or abroad.

Find military jobs on Monster.

8. Immigration Attorney

What you’d do: Want to help immigrants and refugees build a better life? Consider going into the field of immigration law. Immigration attorneys are responsible for protecting the legal rights of immigrants and helping them gain U.S. citizenship. They help immigrants complete visa applications, represent them in administrative courts, and inform them of their legal rights.

What you’d need: You must complete a law degree accredited by the American Bar Association after obtaining an undergraduate degree. Once you’ve completed law school, you must pass your state’s bar exam. Check out this sample resume for an attorney.

What you’d make: Attorneys make a median salary of $86,505 per year.

Find attorney jobs on Monster.

9. Urban Planner

What you’d do: Proper land development and use is vital for improving the job opportunities and daily lives of people in impoverished and highly populated areas. Urban planners create land use plans that develop and revitalize infrastructure.

What you’d need: Most positions in urban planning require at least a master’s degree in an urban or regional planning program accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board.

What you’d make: The annual salary for urban planners ranges from $31,757 to $86,784.

Find urban planner jobs on Monster.

10. Emergency Management Director

What you’d do: Emergency management is one of the most critical humanitarian jobs for preventing serious harm to people and communities. Emergency management directors create plans and procedures to respond to natural disasters. They also assess potential hazards and develop emergency plans and procedures to reduce the toll of a natural disaster.

What you’d need: First you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, security, protective services, or a related area of study. You may need to obtain certification after being hired, depending on which state you live in.

What you’d make: Emergency management directors earn a median salary of $61,664 per year.

Find emergency management jobs on Monster.