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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 32 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
Production

Sewing Machine Operators

2025 median pay
$36,670
Entry credential
No formal educational credential
2025–2035 growth
-15.1%
Annual openings
9,800

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

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Personal Care and Service

Recreation Workers

2025 median pay
$36,560
Entry credential
High school diploma or equivalent
2025–2035 growth
4.3%
Annual openings
67,000

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

Compare this career
Production

Sewers, Hand

2025 median pay
$36,480
Entry credential
No formal educational credential
2025–2035 growth
-12%
Annual openings
600

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

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Transportation and Logistics

Packers and Packagers, Hand

2025 median pay
$36,280
Entry credential
No formal educational credential
2025–2035 growth
-5%
Annual openings
61,800

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

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Food Service

Cooks, Short Order

2025 median pay
$35,880
Entry credential
No formal educational credential
2025–2035 growth
-5.2%
Annual openings
17,400

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

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Transportation and Logistics

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment

2025 median pay
$35,830
Entry credential
No formal educational credential
2025–2035 growth
3.9%
Annual openings
51,500

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

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Personal Care and Service

Manicurists and Pedicurists

2025 median pay
$35,760
Entry credential
Postsecondary nondegree award
2025–2035 growth
9.2%
Annual openings
21,900

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

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Personal Care and Service

Funeral Attendants

2025 median pay
$35,680
Entry credential
High school diploma or equivalent
2025–2035 growth
2.6%
Annual openings
5,400

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.