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Although the common assumption is that you need at least an associate or a bachelor's degree to earn a decent wage, there are exceptions to the rule. Although a secondary degree is required in many fields of business, science, and health, there are also dozens of careers that you can begin straight out of high school or with minimal training, such as a certificate program at a vocational school or an on-the-job apprenticeship.

Although you can enter these fields with little training, most will still require you to learn as you go or work toward a degree while you work. You might wonder where the value is in that route. Many businesses will pay for their employees to continue their education in a related field, so if you plan on earning a degree you may be able to earn and get some of your college paid for while you work!

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The ROI Discussion

ROI, or "return on investment," measures how long it takes for your college degree to pay for itself. STEM degrees often lead to high-paying jobs but can also result in significant student debt. As a result, it may take years—sometimes a decade—to fully see a return on your investment.

Entry-level jobs requiring no degree may seem appealing, but it's essential to research carefully. For example, an engineer might start at $55,000 annually, but with student loan debt averaging over $30,000, repayment could take 10–30 years. However, mid-career engineers typically earn around $90,000, proving their degree can offer a strong ROI over time.

A no-degree job like an electrician apprentice may start at $42,000, with licensed electricians earning around $55,000 and top earners making $70,000. While this offers solid pay without student debt, STEM degree holders may out-earn electricians in the long term, even after repaying loans.

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On the Job Training and Experience

Some careers allow for growth through on-the-job training. For instance, McDonald's promotes from within, with managers earning $39,000–$46,000 and opportunities for higher roles. Similarly, starting as a parts cashier or nail technician can lead to positions like office manager or salon owner.

Research your career path before committing. Check the BLS website for job demand, growth prospects, and related roles. For example, if aiming for McDonald's management, explore training requirements and consider adding business or sales courses to your plan.

Check job boards to see if your skills are in demand locally and meet position requirements. Even with training or experience, lacking a degree or apprenticeship opportunities can limit your chances.

Careers You Can Enter with Little to No Schooling

Many career fields don’t require a college degree—some need a certificate, while others value experience over formal education. For instance, in-home caregivers, earning around $30,000 annually, often qualify through personal caregiving experience. Similarly, auto mechanics, carpenters, and builders can secure well-paying jobs by demonstrating their skills without formal training.

The field of IT is far ranging and still growing; certain IT areas such as cyber security are growing so fast there is a critical lack of, and need for, professionals. As this is an area that can be self-taught or learned independently, if you choose to focus on cyber security your job outlook will be excellent.

Beauty care is a flexible field requiring minimal training. You can become a makeup artist in six months or complete a beauty school program in 6–24 months. With experience and added business skills, you could even open your own salon or spa within a few years.

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Best-paying Jobs That Don't Require a Degree

Many careers are available which only require completion of a certificate program. Although trade schools are the most common source for earning a certificate, many community colleges also offer programs that around a year in length. A certificate program is often the fastest way to enter a career field, but you should keep in mind that you'll most likely need more education or on-the-job training in order to advance in your field of choice. Cosmetology is an excellent example of a vocational school field; you might choose to take a program to learn makeup or massage therapy in order to enter the work field in general and then continue learning other aspects of the industry in order to expand your client services. Likewise, earning an electrician certificate or a plumbing certificate may be the key to landing an apprenticeship position in the field but you'll have to continue learning on the job in order to qualify as a licensed electrician or licensed plumber.

Here are examples of careers that can be entered with little formal training; keep in mind you'll most likely qualify for entry-level jobs that will pay considerably less than the average wage listed:

  • Website Developer

    Average Salary: $59,200

    A web development certificate will train you in the basics of the field such as:

    • Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
    • Amazon Web Services (AWS Certified Developer)
    • PMP Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
    • Certified Web Development Professional
    • Zend Certified PHP Engineer
    • Microsoft Developer Certifications
  • Computer Programmer

    Average Salary: $62,700

    If you're a self-taught programmer, you may still be able to find employment in the field. Many employers will hire those without a bachelor’s degree if they demonstrate an equivalent number of years (four) of experience. Earning certification in specific software, or completing a certificate program, will demonstrate your expertise.

  • Graphic Designer

    Average Salary: $44,700

    A certificate program in graphic design may be enough to land a position in tech support or as an assistant; graphic design requires an extensive skill set as well as fluency in software or techniques such as:

    • Adobe Creative Suite
    • Animation
    • Coding
    • Mobile Development
    • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Brick Mason

    Average Salary: $50,200

    Brick masons can opt for a two- to four-semester certificate program to learn the basic skills such as bricklaying, pointing, and reading diagrams and blueprints; some apprenticeship time will likely be required as well.

  • Carpenter

    Average Salary: $48,300

    Most carpenters learn through a three- to four-year apprenticeship, but a certification program may shorten the time frame to become a master carpenter or an expert in a specific area of carpentry.

  • Construction Worker

    Average Salary: $42,200

    Although no formal education above a high school diploma is required for construction work, your employer may require you to complete specific training to qualify for certain work. Some areas such as working with hazardous materials requires special licensure.

  • Electrician

    Average Salary: $56,300

    Although electricians are required to complete an apprenticeship, it may be difficult to find one; a certificate program will teach you the basic skills you'll need and up your chances of landing an apprenticeship.

  • Plumber

    Average Salary: $53,100

    A plumbing certificate course will take one or two years, most likely followed by an apprenticeship. Learning from an apprenticeship alone will take up to five years, so you may be able to shorten your learning curve with the right program.

  • HVAC Technician

    Average Salary: $46,300

    An accredited HVAC certificate program will take six months to two years; you'll most likely also need to work as an apprentice until you qualify to take EPA certification exams.

  • Automotive or Diesel Mechanic

    Average Salary: $48,200

    Although you can become a self-taught mechanic, many states require certification in one or more of eight specialty areas. There's a good chance you can earn one or more certifications and complete others while employed in the field.

  • Aircraft Mechanic

    Average Salary: $51,400

    Aircraft mechanics are required to hold A&P certification, which typically takes around two years of training (1900 hours) to earn at an accredited FAA-approved trade or vocational school.

  • Welder

    Average Salary: $47,000

    Although you may find employment based on your welding skills alone, most employers prefer to hire those with a welding certificate, which takes seven months or more. If you have welding skill, you may be able to work while earning your certificate.

  • Firefighter

    Average Salary: $52,800

    It is mandatory for all firefighters to be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); EMT requirements vary by state. Note that roughly two-thirds of fire departments are volunteer staffed.

  • Police Officer

    Average Salary: $51,600

    Most police academies are around five months long and are the equivalent of a certificate program. It's important to note that most larger police departments now prefer to hire those with a college degree but may hire with a caveat that you will earn your diploma within a set amount of time.

  • Commercial Diver

    Average Salary: $60,000

    Although the only requirement to enter the field of professional diving is a diving physical and scuba certification, to become a commercial diver you'll need to take an advanced certification course that takes around two months. More extensive training will take a year or more and will open many more job opportunities.

  • Commercial Pilot

    Average Salary: $75,100

    To become a commercial pilot, you'll need to complete a minimum of 250 flight hours, which includes 50 hours of cross-country flying, 100 hours of in-command time, and 10 hours of instrument training.

  • Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic

    Average Salary: $32,300

    An EMT or paramedic must be licensed, and the requirements vary by state. Generally, a certificate program will take between 120 to 150 hours and prepare you to take the state licensing exam, which you must then pass.

  • Medical Imaging Assistant

    Average Salary: $31,200

    Although certification is not required, most employers require at least CPR certification, which varies by state. A certificate program in medical imaging will take under a year and will train you in medical terminology, giving you an advantage over untrained competitors.

  • Medical Coder

    Average Salary: $41,900

    A medical coding certificate can be completed in as few as four months; for a better chance at employment you should plan to earn national certification in one or more specific areas such as

    • Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)
    • Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)
    • Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P)
    • Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)
  • In-Home Care Giver

    Average Salary: $30,000

    Although there is no certificate or program requirement specific to in-home care, you should at least have CPR certification. Becoming certified by the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) requires 75 hours of training and will boost your employment possibilities.

  • Dental Assistant

    Average Salary: $34,100

    Requirements to become a dental assistant vary by state; a certificate program will last from one to two years and qualify you to take national certification exams.

  • Real Estate Agent

    Average Salary: $47,800

    Each state sets its own requirements for real estate licensure; training requirements can vary from 60 to 125 hours before you are eligible to sit for the state exam. Note that realtors are paid by commission and it may take some time for you to build a clientele and begin earning an income.

  • General Salesperson

    Average Salary: $44,000

    Becoming a salesperson requires no formal training. That being said, a certificate program will help you land a higher paying position as it demonstrates your knowledge base. National certifications are available and will advance your chances of employment.

  • Writer

    Average Salary: $49,500

    Although there are no formal educational requirements to become a writer, most who work full-time in the field have some formal education in English, Writing, Journalism, and similar fields. Coursework in related areas will give you a chance to begin building a portfolio, which may help you compete with degreed job applicants.

  • Commercial Truck Driver

    Average Salary: $48,300

    Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Commercial truck drivers usually have a high school diploma and attend a professional truck driving school. These long haul truck drivers are crucial in the supply chain process and are required to have a commercial drivers license (CDL).

Whether you're just trying to pay the bills, or you're looking for a full-time, lifelong career, it's good to know you have options outside a four-year degree program. If you're considering one of these career fields, you should look at current employment openings in your area to gauge whether this is a viable choice where you currently live. While you may find a lucrative career that can be learned in a year, it won't help you if every employer requires a Bachelor degree before granting an interview, so research your area of interest thoroughly before you commit to an alternative job training route.

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