Every year, a new group of graduates enters the job market. Many are looking to gain key skills and start their careers.
For many people, the path to success includes going to college, and often graduate school. But the rising cost of education makes pursuing a traditional four-year or graduate degree difficult or impossible for some.
So, how can you land a job (or change careers) if your educational options are limited? Here are 20 jobs that only require a high school degree, on-the-job training, work experience, or a combination of the three:
1. Electrical power-line installers and repairers:
install, maintain or repair the power lines that move electricity. They identify defective devices, voltage regulators, transformers and switches.*
Starting hourly earnings: $31.00
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Long-term
2. Reinforcing iron and rebar workers:
use reinforcing steel (rebar), cables and rods to support concrete components of buildings, bridges, roads and other structures.
Starting hourly earnings: $25.00
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Apprenticeship
3. Millwrights:
install, maintain and disassemble industrial machines. They perform repairs that include replacing worn or defective parts of machines.
Starting hourly earnings: $25.00
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Apprenticeship
4. Industrial machinery mechanics:
maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery and packaging equipment.
Starting hourly earnings: $24.75
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Long-term
5. Mechanical insulation workers:
apply insulation to equipment, pipes or ductwork in businesses, factories and many other types of buildings.
Starting hourly earnings: $24.00
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Apprenticeship
6. Wellhead pumpers:
tend, control or operate power-driven, stationary or portable pumps and manifold systems to transfer gases, oil, other liquids, slurries or powdered materials to and from various vessels and processes.
Starting hourly earnings: $23.00
Work experience required: Less than 5 years
Typical on-the-job-training: Moderate-term
7. Community health workers:
discuss health concerns with community members, educate people about the importance and availability of healthcare services, such as cancer screenings.
Starting hourly earnings: $19.00
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Short-term
8. Dispensing opticians:
help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists. They also help customers decide which eyeglass frames or contact lenses to buy.
Starting hourly earnings: $17.00
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Long-term
9. Bicycle repairers:
repair and service bicycles.
Starting hourly earnings: $13.00
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Moderate-term
10. Physical therapist aides:
clean treatment areas and set up therapy equipment, wash linens, help patients move to or from a therapy area and do clerical tasks.
Starting hourly earnings: $13.00
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Short-term
11. Residential advisors:
coordinate activities in resident facilities in secondary and college dormitories, group homes or similar establishments, and order supplies and determine need for maintenance, repairs and furnishings.
Starting hourly earnings: $13.00
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Short-term
12. Ambulance drivers and attendants:
(except emergency medical technicians) drive ambulance or assist ambulance driver in transporting sick, injured or convalescent persons.
Starting hourly earnings: $15.25
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Moderate-term
13. Restaurant cooks:
prepare a wide selection of dishes and cook most orders individually. Some restaurant cooks may order supplies, set menu prices and plan the daily menu.
Starting hourly earnings: $11.00
Work experience required: Less than 5 years
Typical on-the-job-training: Moderate-term
14. Food service managers:
are responsible for the daily operation of restaurants and other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages. They direct staff to ensure that customers are satisfied with their dining experience.
Starting hourly earnings: $25.00
Work experience required: Less than 5 years
Typical on-the-job-training: None
15. Lodging managers:
ensure that guests on vacation or business travel have a pleasant experience at a hotel, motel or other types of establishments with accommodations.
Starting hourly earnings: $27.00
Work experience required: Less than 5 years
Typical on-the-job-training: None
16. Property, real estate and community association managers:
take care of the many aspects of residential, commercial or industrial properties. They make sure the property is well maintained, has a nice appearance, operates smoothly and preserves its resale value.
Starting hourly earnings: $32.00
Work experience required: Less than 5 years
Typical on-the-job-training: None
17. Social and human service assistants:
provide client services, including support for families, in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation and social work.
Starting hourly earnings: $15.00
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Short-term
18. Pharmacy technicians:
help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.
Starting hourly earnings: $15.00
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Moderate-term
19. Orderlies:
assist patients with moving about the facility, clean equipment and facilities, change linens and stock supplies.
Starting hourly earnings: $13.00
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Short-term
20. Insurance sales agents:
contact potential customers and sell one or more types of insurance. Insurance sales agents explain various insurance policies and help clients choose plans that suit them.
Starting hourly earnings: $31.00
Work experience required: None
Typical on-the-job-training: Moderate-term