Top 20 Jobs That Don't Require A College Degree

• By Business Insider

By Aimee Groth

In a tough economy where just about half of graduates are landing jobs in their fields, there's been a lot of debate lately about the value of a college degree.

Careercast.com put together a list of the top 20 jobs that don't require a college degree, ranked by average starting salary, income growth and employment growth. Income growth refers to percentage of growth from starting earnings to the top level; and employment growth refers to the projected increase in number of jobs through 2020 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Here's the list:


1. Dental Hygienist

• Average Starting Salary: $45,000
• Income Growth: 109%
• Employment Growth: 37.70%

2. Online Sales Manager

• Average Starting Salary: $40,000
• Income Growth: 255%
• Employment Growth: 25.00%

3. Web Developer

• Average Starting Salary: $43,000
• Income Growth: 179%
• Employment Growth: 21.70%

4. Medical Secretary

• Average Starting Salary: $21,000
• Income Growth: 114%
• Employment Growth: 41.30%

5. Paralegal Assistant

• Average Starting Salary: $29,000
• Income Growth: 159%
• Employment Growth: 18.30%

6. Stenographer / Court Reporter

• Average Starting Salary: $26,000
• Income Growth: 250%
• Employment Growth: 14.10%

7. Heating / Refrigeration Mechanic

• Average Starting Salary: $26,000
• Income Growth: 158%
• Employment Growth: 33.70%

8. Surveyor

• Average Starting Salary: $31,000
• Income Growth: 190%
• Employment Growth: 25.40%

9. Executive Assistant

• Average Starting Salary: $29,000
• Income Growth: 131%
• Employment Growth: 12.60%

10. Insurance Agent

• Average Starting Salary: $26,000
• Income Growth: 342%
• Employment Growth: 21.90%

11. Industrial Machine Repairer

• Average Starting Salary: $30,000
• Income Growth: 127%
• Employment Growth: 21.60 %

12. Cosmetologist

• Average Starting Salary: $16,000
• Income Growth: 163%
• Employment Growth: 15.70%

13. Hair Stylist

• Average Starting Salary: $16,000
• Income Growth: 163%
• Employment Growth: 15.70%

14. Tax Examiner / Collector

• Average Starting Salary: $30,000
• Income Growth: 207%
• Employment Growth: 7.30%

15. Sales Representative - Wholesale

• Average Starting Salary: $27,000
• Income Growth: 304%
• Employment Growth: 15.60%

16. Construction Machinery Operator

• Average Starting Salary: $26,000
• Income Growth: 173%
• Employment Growth: 23.50%

17. Electrical Technician

• Average Starting Salary: $34,000
• Income Growth: 138%
• Employment Growth: 1.90%

18. Architectural Drafter

• Average Starting Salary: $30,000
• Income Growth: 140%
• Employment Growth: 3.20

19. Teacher's Aide

• Average Starting Salary: $17,000
• Income Growth: 112%
• Employment Growth: 14.80%

20. Sewage Plant Operator

• Average Starting Salary: $25,000
• Income Growth: 156%
• Employment Growth: 11.60%