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Careers Without a Required Four-Year Degree

Paths you can start through certificates, apprenticeships, or on the job.

65 careers

Construction managers

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$106,980/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↑ Above Average

Cost estimators

Good fit if you …enjoy working with people and solving problems.

$73,400/yrBachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or business | Professional c…→ Limited Growth

Construction and building inspectors

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$72,120/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↓ Declining

Civil engineers

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$89,940/yrCertificate or Associate degree | Bachelor's degree in related field | Master's or adva…↗ Steady

Architectural and civil drafters

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$64,280/yrCertificate or Associate degree | Bachelor's degree in related field | Master's or adva…↗ Steady
Didn’t know it existed

Surveyors

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$68,250/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …→ Limited Growth

Carpenters

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$59,310/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Electricians

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$62,350/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↑ Above Average

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$62,970/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Brickmasons and blockmasons

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$60,800/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operators drive and control large construction machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and lo…

$52,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

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

Tile and stone setters

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$52,240/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↑ Above Average

Construction laborers

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$46,730/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Helpers--roofers

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$40,590/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Helpers--carpenters

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$41,600/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Helpers, construction trades, all other

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$40,760/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Drywall and ceiling tile installers

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$58,140/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Plasterers and stucco masons

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$56,020/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Painters, construction and maintenance

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$48,660/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Helpers--electricians

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$39,890/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)→ Limited Growth

Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$46,020/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↓ Declining

Stonemasons

Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).

$51,990/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↓ Declining

Boilermakers

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$68,140/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …→ Limited Growth

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$97,860/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady

Earth drillers, except oil and gas

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$59,600/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …→ Limited Growth

Highway maintenance workers

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$43,910/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady

Maintenance and repair workers, general

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$44,560/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady

Maintenance workers, machinery

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$60,500/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↓ Declining

Mechanical door repairers

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$51,050/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↑ Above Average

Solar panel installers

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$47,670/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …⇧ Strong

Restoration specialists

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 …↗ Steady

Weatherization technicians

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$44,100/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↑ Above Average

Scaffold erectors

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$42,800/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady

Concrete finishers

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$48,400/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady

Tower climbers and technicians

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$46,900/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady

Fire sprinkler installers

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$61,200/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady

Building envelope specialists

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$56,700/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady

Demolition workers

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$43,100/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …→ Limited Growth

Formwork carpenters

Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.

$51,800/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady

Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall

Good fit if you …enjoy working with people and solving problems.

$49,250/yrHigh school diploma + on-the-job training | Apprenticeship (common) | Trade school cert…↗ Steady

Elevator Installer

Elevator Installers assemble, install, and replace elevators, escalators, and other lifting equipment in buildings.

$98,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↑ Above Average

Elevator Inspector

Elevator Inspectors examine elevators, escalators, and other vertical transportation systems to ensure they meet safety…

$72,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Fiber Optic Technician

Fiber Optic Technicians install, maintain, and repair fiber optic cable systems that carry data for internet, phone, an…

$58,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)⇧ Strong

General Contractor

General Contractors oversee construction projects from start to finish, managing subcontractors, schedules, and budgets.

$72,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Solar Technician

Solar Technicians install, maintain, and repair solar panel systems on residential and commercial buildings.

$48,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)⇧ Strong

CNC Machinist

CNC Machinists set up and operate computer-controlled machines to cut, shape, and finish metal and plastic parts with e…

$48,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Tool & Die Maker

Tool and Die Makers construct precision tools, dies, and molds used in manufacturing to cut, shape, and form metal and …

$55,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)→ Limited Growth

Roofing Contractor

Roofing Contractors install, repair, and replace roofs on residential and commercial buildings.

$48,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Fire Alarm Technician

Fire Alarm Technicians install, program, test, and maintain fire alarm and detection systems in buildings.

$52,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↑ Above Average

Telecommunications Technician

Telecommunications Technicians install, maintain, and repair telephone, internet, and cable systems.

$62,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)→ Limited Growth

Home Inspector

Home Inspectors examine residential properties to assess their condition and identify potential problems before purchas…

$62,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Appliance Repair Technician

Appliance Repair Technicians diagnose and fix problems with household appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers…

$45,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady

Utility Technician

Utility Technicians install, maintain, and repair utility infrastructure including water, gas, and sewer systems.

$55,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady