Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Four-Year Degree
You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to earn a strong living.
Data-driven lists
Best Careers Lists
Ranked lists built from official BLS pay and growth data for the 709 careers we profile.
Jobs That Pay $60K+ Without a Bachelor’s Degree
Every career on this list has a national median wage of at least $60,000 per year and does not typically require a four-year degree.
Fastest Careers to Train For (6 Months or Less)
Need to start earning soon? These careers can usually be entered with six months of training or less, sometimes just a few weeks, through a short certificate, licensing course or on-the-job training..
Fastest-Growing Careers Over the Next Decade
These careers have the highest projected employment growth among the careers we profile, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Careers With the Most Job Openings Each Year
Openings come from new jobs and from replacing workers who retire or switch careers.
Best Entry-Level Healthcare Jobs
These healthcare careers can be started with a certificate or short program rather than a long degree.
Highest-Paying Trade Jobs
Skilled trades and technical repair careers are some of the best-paying options for people who like hands-on work.
Jobs With Paid On-the-Job Training or Apprenticeships
In these careers, much of the learning happens on the job, through an apprenticeship or months of supervised training, so you earn a paycheck while you build skills..
Careers for People Who Want to Help Others
If making a direct difference in people’s lives matters to you, these careers put helping at the center of the work: caring for patients, protecting communities or solving people’s problems, and none typically requires a four-year degree..
Best Hands-On Jobs for People Who Like to Build and Fix
Not built for a desk? These careers keep your hands busy (building, repairing, operating equipment or caring for people) and none typically requires a four-year degree..
Best Outdoor Jobs
These careers spend much or most of the workday outside, on job sites, roads, rooftops, utility lines and wind farms.
Good Jobs for Introverts
Introverts often do their best work with focus time and fewer interruptions.
Remote-Friendly Careers
These careers commonly offer remote or hybrid options, especially after a few years of experience.
Best Careers for Career Changers
Switching careers is easier when training is short and your existing skills transfer.