Set aside at least four years of your life, spend thousands of dollars, and then work hard to find your first job. That's the blueprint many Americans follow, and while it makes sense for some people, it isn't right for everyone. Striving for a conventional career might not be your cup of tea, and that's okay.
Luckily, there's good news. If you're hoping to land a job right out of high school, even if you're not working toward a degree, you have options.
Some of the fastest-growing jobs that don't require a degree include:
However, don't expect to just get one of these jobs overnight. There is a level of training that must be satisfied. Some of these positions require on-the-job training, while others require certification. We outline specifics and provide some tips on finding a job in each one of these disciplines below.
We all think we know how our computers work, but when they break, we need an expert to walk us through potential solutions. That's what computer support specialists do, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we're going to need 6% more of them by 2031.
If you're hoping to work for a big company like Apple, you'll need a bachelor's degree, but many small mom-and-pop computer repair shops aren't picky. If you know computers and are good with people, you could land the job quickly.
You could augment your high school education with online certification courses. For example, you could take an evening class and learn all about Microsoft platforms. Some employers require you to hold a certificate in any product you hope to help customers fix, so you can prove you know what you're doing, but not all of them do.
Plan to take as many computer classes as possible in high school, and make sure you geek out with your computer, mobile phone, and tablet in your spare time. That way, you'll be fully prepared if you're asked to demonstrate your skills on the spot.
The BLS says the average salary for a computer support specialist is $57,910 per year. Do well, and you might enter a management role with more responsibilities and higher pay.
If you love helping people and tinkering around with computers, this is a great career choice, but remember that there are people who own — and break — these devices. You'll work with them when they are angry, nervous, or both. Your people skills must be top-notch.
You'll also spend long hours both staring at and typing into computers. That can strain your eyes, your fingers, and your arms.
A great haircut makes everyone feel better. As a hair care professional, you'll make the styling magic happen, and you don't need a college degree to get started.
The BLS says the need for these professionals will grow 11% by 2031, and that's much faster than average. You'll do your work in:
Your average annual salary will hover at about $29,000, per the BLS, but don't disregard the power of tips. Do an exceptional job, and your clients will reward you with extra cash at the end of the appointment. If you work for an upscale facility, your tip margin could be generous.
Before you can whip out your scissors and start cutting hair, you'll need to complete a state-approved cosmetology program and pass a licensing exam. With that work completed, you'll cut, shampoo, perm, curl, and dry hair like a pro. If you move from one state to another, you might need to sit for a new exam. That's a major drawback involved with this career.
You may also face hazards at work, including:
Hairstylists have the opportunity to express their creativity, and their work helps people look good and feel better about themselves. That's an opportunity you might not want to miss despite the aforementioned hazards above.
Homeowners tired of sweltering through the summer, or shivering through the winter, hire technicians to either install or replace their heating and air conditioning units. As a technician, you'll do that technical work.
The demand for these heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) experts is rising due to climate change. Our summers are warmer than they have ever been, while some winters seem to stretch on forever. Older units might not be up to the task, and new ones offer enhanced power with increased energy efficiencies. The BLS says 40,100 openings for mechanics and installers specializing in these units are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.
To get started in this field, you'll need:
It can take several years for you to walk through all of these steps, but as you prepare, you can work as a paid apprentice under the supervision of an expert. You'll gain valuable on-the-job experience as you learn everything about heating elements and air conditioning.
When you're done with your education, you can expect to make close to $50,000 per year, says the BLS.
This is a very physical career that involves a lot of bending, stooping, and pushing. You're at risk of injury if you don't stay in shape during your off hours. You'll also do quite a bit of your work outside, which means being comfortable in the rain, snow, and blazing sun.
Nurses perform a critical role in any health care organization. They perform screening tests, offer medical treatments, and ease discomfort. There are many other tasks patients need help with that nurses just can't always get to. That's what you'll do as a nursing assistant: you'll take on all the things patients need that nurses can't do.
Nursing assistants help with:
You'll work in a hospital or nursing home as a nursing assistant, and the BLS says average annual salaries land at over $30,000 per year. As the population ages, we'll need more and more people like this to help care for our seniors.
You will need some education to start. You might need to learn how to use lifting equipment, measure blood pressure, or spot the signs of a stroke. All of your lessons will help you pass a state licensure exam. Facilities in desperate need of workers hold classes to help you prepare for that test, and they'll pay you for the time you spend engrossed in study.
This is a physical job. You'll be on your feet all day long, and some of your work can be a little unpleasant. No one dreams of working with bedpans all day long, but you'll have a career that truly helps people in need, and at the end of each day, you'll know you made someone else feel better. Your job satisfaction could be remarkable.
What happens when water doesn't go where it's supposed to? What happens when no water emerges when we turn on the taps? Plumbers are lifesavers in these situations, and we're quick to call them when needed.
You could choose a career as a plumber. While you don't need a college degree to get started, you will need to spend several years amassing on-the-job experience.
According to the BLS, most plumbers get the job through apprenticeships. They agree to work for several years with low pay alongside a master plumber. You'll pay your dues during this stage of your career, as you'll tote, heave, push, and pull for someone who makes more money than you do. Each day you clock in is another day you'll learn something new, and these experiences can be used in your future career.
When you have several years of experience, you can sit for your state's licensure exam. Then, you'll be qualified to work on plumbing systems in homes, offices, factories, and more.
Among the pros for this position:
There are cons for this position, including:
You've decided that college isn't the right step for you. But just because you're not heading to school now doesn't mean you can never go in the future. Holding down a well-paying and secure job could help you pay your tuition fees, and that could mean you graduate with a smaller debt burden. Following this trajectory could be an incredibly smart decision.
Your work also helps you build up references. You'll need those people to speak up for you when applying for your dream job. If they can speak to skills that translate to any job — such as determination or customer service — you could be well positioned to land the perfect job in a year or two.
The key is to balance the demands of work with the demands of school. To do that, you might need to cut back on your class load, so you're not biting off more than you can chew.
At joblist, we collect job listings from all across the country. You can search by title and see where most jobs are located. This could be the big push you need to start packing your bags for your next big adventure.
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