A P and an F designed to look like an open book and resemble a graduation cap

5 Careers That Do Not Require a Degree

Regardless of your career field of choice, there are high-growth career options that don't require a Bachelor's Degree available in several industries. Learn which job industries are in need of skilled professionals and how you can get the training required to accomplish your career goals here.

Penn Foster blog author icon.

Penn Foster

Skilled trades are in demand, and the need for trained professionals in a variety of industries is expected to grow over the next few years. If you are trying to decide on a career path that is right for you but aren’t sure of what the future holds for certain positions, we’ve got you covered. Here are five career paths with high-growth rates projected for the next few years that can help you make a decision when it comes to entering the workforce, switching careers, or pursuing additional training within your industry:

  • Electricians. As homes and business require more wiring, the need for electricians trained to install the necessary components is rising. Electrician jobs are expected to grow at the much-faster-than-average rate of 14% by 2024, and the median salary for electricians is $51,110. 
  • Dental assistants. Over the next eight years, dental assistant jobs are expected to grow 18%, which is considered much faster than the average job growth rate. As ongoing research continues to support the need for proper oral health, more professionals are needed to help support dentists provide preventive dental services. 
  • HVAC technicians. HVAC technicians work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings including homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, and factories. HVAC technician jobs are projected to grow 14% by 2024, with a median salary of $44,630.
  • Opticians. An aging population and an increase in chronic diseases both call for the need for more skilled professionals in eyecare. Optician jobs are expected to grow at a much-faster-than-average rate of 24% in the next eight years, making this the fastest growing career on our list of high-growth careers. 
  • Veterinary technicians. Veterinary technician jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 19% due to an increase in veterinarians calling on trained animal care professionals to help assist in general lab work. Veterinary technicians work in private clinics, laboratories, or animal hospitals, and are usually required to have earned their Veterinary Technician Associate Degree. 

Whether you are looking to enter the workforce for the first time or looking to make the jump to a new career, there are plenty of options for high-growth jobs in industries from healthcare and animal care to construction and engineering. Use the guide above to help you find a career with a positive job outlook, or explore more career paths to find the right fit for your skillset.

Popular Posts