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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 21 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
Office and Administration

Meter Readers, Utilities

2025 median pay
$48,150
Entry credential
High school diploma or equivalent
2025–2035 growth
-10.5%
Annual openings
1,400

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

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Production

Foundry Mold and Coremakers

2025 median pay
$48,110
Entry credential
High school diploma or equivalent
2025–2035 growth
-23%
Annual openings
800

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

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Healthcare Support

Dental Assistants

2025 median pay
$48,070
Entry credential
Postsecondary nondegree award
2025–2035 growth
7.4%
Annual openings
53,000

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

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Production

Medical Appliance Technicians

2025 median pay
$48,030
Entry credential
High school diploma or equivalent
2025–2035 growth
3.5%
Annual openings
1,300

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

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Construction and Trades

Fence Erectors

2025 median pay
$47,980
Entry credential
No formal educational credential
2025–2035 growth
5.6%
Annual openings
2,500

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

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Food Service

Cooks, Private Household

2025 median pay
$47,940
Entry credential
Postsecondary nondegree award + related experience
2025–2035 growth
5.1%
Annual openings
5,000

Prior related experience: less than 5 years.

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Transportation and Logistics

Bus Drivers, School

2025 median pay
$47,920
Entry credential
High school diploma or equivalent
2025–2035 growth
0.7%
Annual openings
56,500

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

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Construction and Trades

Helpers--Extraction Workers

2025 median pay
$47,730
Entry credential
High school diploma or equivalent
2025–2035 growth
1.7%
Annual openings
700

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

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