Careers Without a Required Four-Year Degree

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

12 careers

Real Estate Agents help people buy, sell, and rent properties.

$52,000/yrAssociate/Bachelor's (common) | Licensing for some roles (Series exams, etc.) | Certifi…↗ Steady

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

$72,280/yrAssociate/Bachelor’s (common) | Licensing for some roles (Series exams, etc.) | Certifi…↗ Steady

Didn’t know it existed

Real Estate Developers identify, acquire, and develop properties for residential, commercial, or mixed-use purposes.

$105,000/yrAssociate/Bachelor's (common) | Licensing for some roles (Series exams, etc.) | Certifi…↗ Steady

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

$63,130/yrHigh school diploma (many entry roles) | Associate or Bachelor's (management) | Profess…↗ Steady

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

$65,420/yrBachelor's in Business, Finance, or related field | MBA or professional certification (…↗ Steady

Didn’t know it existed

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

$68,800/yrSelf-taught + portfolio and certifications | Bachelor's in Computer Science, IT, or rel…↑ Above Average

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

$74,180/yrAssociate/Bachelor’s (common) | Licensing for some roles (Series exams, etc.) | Certifi…→ Limited Growth

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

$76,400/yrBachelor's in Business, Finance, or related field | MBA or professional certification (…↗ Steady

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

$63,490/yrHigh school portfolio + training | Certificate or Associate in Design (common) | Bachel…↗ Steady

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

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

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

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

🎓 Careers Without a Required Four-Year Degree