ChooseField
ChooseField guide

Careers without a four-year degree

These careers have a documented route below a bachelor's degree. Some require years of apprenticeship, licensing, or experience in another occupation. A degree alternative does not establish a quick route into the job.

This filter excludes careers whose prior experience requirements are unknown. Education, training, licensing, and employer requirements still apply.

414 careers · Sorted by median pay · Page 10 of 35

Best careers in this collection

Balanced ranking: 40% pay, 30% projected growth, 30% annual openings. Check the work and entry route for fit.

See the full ranking and methodology
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Medical Equipment Repairers

2025 median pay
$61,660
Entry credential
Associate's degree
2025–2035 growth
12.6%
Annual openings
8,200

No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.

Compare this career
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

HVAC Technician

2025 median pay
$61,010
Entry credential
Postsecondary nondegree award
2025–2035 growth
10.9%
Annual openings
40,600

No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.

Compare this career
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

2025 median pay
$60,850
Entry credential
High school diploma or equivalent
2025–2035 growth
-1.9%
Annual openings
4,400

No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.

Compare this career
Construction and Trades

Carpenters

2025 median pay
$60,580
Entry credential
High school diploma or equivalent + apprenticeship
2025–2035 growth
3.9%
Annual openings
62,800

No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.

Compare this career
Office and Administration

Postal Service Mail Carriers

2025 median pay
$60,550
Entry credential
No formal educational credential
2025–2035 growth
-0.3%
Annual openings
19,600

No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.

Compare this career
Science

Chemical Technicians

2025 median pay
$60,390
Entry credential
Associate's degree
2025–2035 growth
4.9%
Annual openings
7,600

No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.

Compare this career
Jump to a page

Annual openings include growth and replacement hiring. Open a career guide for source dates, training details, and occupation-specific evidence.