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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 5 of 35
Public Safety
- 2025 median pay
- $76,210
- Entry credential
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 2025–2035 growth
- 3.5%
- Annual openings
- 51,500
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerPublic Safety
- 2025 median pay
- $75,920
- Entry credential
- Postsecondary nondegree award + related experience
- 2025–2035 growth
- 4.2%
- Annual openings
- 1,600
Prior related experience: 5 years or more.
Compare this careerConstruction and Trades
- 2025 median pay
- $74,690
- Entry credential
- High school diploma or equivalent + related experience
- 2025–2035 growth
- 0%
- Annual openings
- 14,800
Prior related experience: 5 years or more.
Compare this careerEngineering and Architecture
- 2025 median pay
- $74,510
- Entry credential
- Associate's degree
- 2025–2035 growth
- 1.3%
- Annual openings
- 3,100
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerConstruction and Trades
- 2025 median pay
- $74,500
- Entry credential
- No formal educational credential
- 2025–2035 growth
- -15.8%
- Annual openings
- 400
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerProduction
- 2025 median pay
- $74,450
- Entry credential
- High school diploma or equivalent + related experience
- 2025–2035 growth
- 1.8%
- Annual openings
- 61,000
Prior related experience: less than 5 years.
Compare this careerInstallation, Maintenance, and Repair
- 2025 median pay
- $74,340
- Entry credential
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 2025–2035 growth
- 4.3%
- Annual openings
- 3,600
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerHealthcare
- 2025 median pay
- $74,310
- Entry credential
- Associate's degree
- 2025–2035 growth
- 3.7%
- Annual openings
- 3,400
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerInstallation, Maintenance, and Repair
- 2025 median pay
- $74,090
- Entry credential
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- 2025–2035 growth
- 0.3%
- Annual openings
- 4,700
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerEngineering and Architecture
- 2025 median pay
- $73,900
- Entry credential
- Associate's degree
- 2025–2035 growth
- 2.6%
- Annual openings
- 1,400
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerConstruction and Trades
- 2025 median pay
- $73,300
- Entry credential
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 2025–2035 growth
- -5.7%
- Annual openings
- 200
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerSales
- 2025 median pay
- $73,220
- Entry credential
- High school diploma or equivalent + related experience
- 2025–2035 growth
- 0.8%
- Annual openings
- 7,800
Prior related experience: less than 5 years.
Compare this careerAnnual openings include growth and replacement hiring. Open a career guide for source dates, training details, and occupation-specific evidence.