In the market for a job where you can make a good living without a college degree? CareerBuilder published a new hot list that might just be for you. This list is for you if you are looking for a job that:
- pays ~$20 or more per hour
- has grown over the last five years
- is projected to grow over the next five years
- doesn’t require a college degree
“The path to success is different for everyone,” said Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder and co-author of The Talent Equation. “You can build a lucrative career through apprenticeships, post-secondary certificates or on-the-job training. There is significant demand for workers in everything from skilled trades to technology and health-related fields, and you can get your foot in the door without a formal degree.”
The following includes historical and projected growth rates and average hourly earnings for in-demand occupations. It also provides the typical entry-level education requirement, though this may vary depending on the employer.
Occupation | Growth in Jobs 2013-2017 | Total No. | Total No. 2022 | Growth in 2018-2022 | Average | Required Education |
Electricians | 68,668 11% | 705,858 | 743,451 | 37,592 5% | $26.33 | High School Diploma & Apprenticeship |
Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters | 63,161 15% | 498,239 | 525,038 | 26,799 5% | $25.76 | High School Diploma & Apprenticeship |
Computer User Support Specialists | 63,822 10% | 713,398 | 761,801 | 48,402 7% | $25.50 | Some College |
Industrial Machinery Mechanics | 28,601 9% | 361,122 | 390,328 | 29,206 8% | $24.87 | High School Diploma & On-the-Job Training |
Surgical Technologists | 8,691 9% | 112,614 | 120,104 | 7,490 7% | $22.68 | Postsecondary Non-degree Award |
Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 49,487 17% | 354,366 | 375,649 | 21,283 6% | $22.39 | Postsecondary Non-degree Award & On-the-Job Training |
Chefs and Head Cooks | 17,585 13% | 159,547 | 169,488 | 9,941 6% | $21.54 | High School Diploma & On-the-Job Training |
Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors | 41,224 14% | 333,923 | 354,473 | 20,550 6% | $20.23 | High School Diploma & On-the-Job Training |
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians | 14,617 7% | 216,651 | 231,394 | 14,743 7% | $19.96 | Postsecondary Non-degree Award |
Self-Enrichment Education Teachers | 38,145 11% | 404,029 | 436,063 | 32,034 8% | $19.91 | High School Diploma |
Projections based on Emsi’s Occupation Data, 2018.
