Automotive service technicians and mechanics
Good fit if you …enjoy working with people and solving problems.
$46,880/yrHigh school diploma + trade school or apprenticeship | ASE certification (automotive) |…→ Limited Growth
← Back to Automotive
Careers Without a Required Four-Year Degree
Paths you can start through certificates, apprenticeships, or on the job.
Collision repair technicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$46,200/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Diesel Mechanic
Diesel Mechanics diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines and vehicles including trucks, buses, construction equip…
$52,000/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↗ Steady
Tire repairers and changers
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$37,120/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↗ Steady
Mechanical engineers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$96,310/yrSelf-taught + portfolio and certifications | Bachelor's in Computer Science, IT, or rel…⇧ Strong
Industrial engineers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$96,350/yrSelf-taught + portfolio and certifications | Bachelor's in Computer Science, IT, or rel…⇧ Strong
Commercial and industrial designers
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$79,450/yrHigh school portfolio + training | Certificate or Associate in Design (common) | Bachel…↗ Steady
Materials engineers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$101,060/yrCertificate or Associate degree | Bachelor's degree in related field | Master's or adva…↑ Above Average
Electrical engineers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$101,780/yrSelf-taught + portfolio and certifications | Bachelor's in Computer Science, IT, or rel…↑ Above Average
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$47,010/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Robotics engineers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$102,400/yrCertificate or Associate degree | Bachelor's degree in related field | Master's or adva…⇧ Strong
Quality assurance engineers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$82,100/yrCertificate or Associate degree | Bachelor's degree in related field | Master's or adva…↗ Steady
Additive manufacturing engineers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$92,100/yrCertificate or Associate degree | Bachelor's degree in related field | Master's or adva…⇧ Strong
Retail salespersons
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$34,580/yrPortfolio + experience matters | Associate/Bachelor’s in Marketing/Business (common) | …↓ Declining
Sales managers
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$138,060/yrPortfolio + experience matters | Associate/Bachelor’s in Marketing/Business (common) | …↗ Steady
General and operations managers
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$102,950/yrAssociate/Bachelor’s (common) | Certifications (CAPM/PMP, Lean—optional) | On-the-job g…↗ Steady
Medical equipment repairers
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$62,630/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↑ Above Average
Recreational vehicle service technicians
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$50,540/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↑ Above Average
Semiconductor processing technicians
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$51,180/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↑ Above Average
Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$64,190/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↑ Above Average
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$82,730/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↗ Steady
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$54,950/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↗ Steady
Motor vehicle operators, all other
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$36,260/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↗ Steady
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$63,980/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↗ Steady
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$100,940/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↗ Steady
Motorcycle mechanics
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$47,200/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↗ Steady
Industrial machinery mechanics
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$58,500/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …⇧ Strong
Machinists
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$50,810/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Tool and die makers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$55,630/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …→ Limited Growth
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$47,060/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↓ Declining
Computer numerically controlled tool operators
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$49,970/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↓ Declining
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$65,670/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↑ Above Average
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$61,680/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↓ Declining
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$49,920/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Industrial truck and tractor operators
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$46,390/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …→ Limited Growth
Sailors and marine oilers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$49,610/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …→ Limited Growth
Rail transportation workers, all other
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$49,330/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$65,480/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …→ Limited Growth
Railroad conductors and yardmasters
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$74,080/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …→ Limited Growth
Airfield operations specialists
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$56,750/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$85,540/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …→ Limited Growth
Taxi drivers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$36,220/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↑ Above Average
Fiberglass laminators and fabricators
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$45,760/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Electric vehicle technicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$56,800/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …⇧ Strong
Marine mechanics and boat engine specialists
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$48,200/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Aviation maintenance technicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$72,400/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Hydraulic systems technicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$58,100/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Precision instrument repairers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$52,300/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …→ Limited Growth
Forklift and warehouse equipment mechanics
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$49,800/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Pneumatic systems technicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$54,200/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Robotics maintenance technicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$62,400/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …⇧ Strong
Diesel exhaust and emissions technicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$51,100/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Marine engine mechanics
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$48,600/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Bicycle mechanics
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$36,800/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↑ Above Average
CNC setup operators
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$45,200/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Forklift mechanics
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$52,100/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Hydraulic systems specialists
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$56,800/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Powertrain engineers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$82,400/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↑ Above Average
Bicycle repairers
Good fit if you …enjoy working with people and solving problems.
$34,900/yrHigh school diploma + trade school or apprenticeship | ASE certification (automotive) |…↗ Steady
Locksmiths and safe repairers
Good fit if you …enjoy working with people and solving problems.
$46,570/yrHigh school diploma + trade school or apprenticeship | ASE certification (automotive) |…↑ Above Average
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Industrial Maintenance Technicians repair and maintain machinery and equipment in manufacturing and production faciliti…
$58,000/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↑ Above Average
Mechatronics Technician
Mechatronics Technicians work at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and computer systems.
$62,000/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…⇧ Strong
Instrumentation Technician
Instrumentation Technicians install, calibrate, and maintain the instruments and control systems used in manufacturing,…
$65,000/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↑ Above Average
Auto Technician
Auto Technicians diagnose and repair problems with cars, trucks, and other passenger vehicles.
$46,000/yrCertificate/Associate in Automotive/Mechanical tech | Manufacturer training | ASE certi…↗ Steady