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Careers you can get without a degree

Looking to launch a career without a degree? Some employers accept candidates with experience over formal education credentials. Discover information on careers without degrees.

By: Matt Whittle, Edited by: Rebecca Munday

Published: October 14, 2025

Are you looking to save time and money by entering the workforce without attending college? You can pursue many careers without a degree, though you may need to develop your skills through experience and other alternate pathways instead.

Learn which careers you can pursue without a degree, including salary information, job growth projections, and career descriptions, along with step-by-step directions to landing a job without graduating from college.

7 careers you can get without a degree

Many fields offer jobs that don't require degrees. The following section compares seven careers you can pursue without going to college, including salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Real estate agent

These professionals act as liaisons during the home-buying and home-selling process. They work with brokers to help list homes, attract potential buyers, and present properties to various clients. Real estate agents handle documentation relating to leases and closing statements, which requires careful attention to detail. States require real estate agents to hold licensure via passing an exam, which candidates typically prepare for with real estate courses. You can build real estate expertise with executive education courses.

Median annual salary (May 2024): $58,960

Projected job growth (2024–34): +3%

Food service manager

Food service managers oversee restaurants and bars, ensuring that each element of the experience meets customer expectations. They may handle hiring employees, manage budgets, communicate with customers, and inspect properties. Most of these managers work their way up, starting as waiters and/or cooks before advancing to manager status.

Median annual salary (May 2024): $65,310

Projected job growth (2024–34): +6%

Lodging manager

These managers supervise staff and operations at motels, hotels, and other businesses in the hospitality industry. They manage budgets, train and hire employees, respond to patrons' questions, and ensure the cleanliness of rooms and shared spaces. Though some lodging managers have associate and/or bachelor's degrees, you can still pursue this career without a degree by working your way up within the lodging business.

Median annual salary (May 2024): $68,130

Projected job growth (2024–34): +3%

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs create or invest in goods, services, and/or businesses. Though a business degree can help you build the necessary skills to launch and run an organization, plenty of people without degrees have started successful businesses, including Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Henry Ford.

Learn how to become an entrepreneur by enrolling in an edX course in entrepreneurship.

Administrative assistant

Administrative assistants ensure that businesses run smoothly by completing tasks like scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, dispersing memos, and preparing presentations. This role can act as a stepping stone to other positions within a company, making it an ideal starting point for many professionals.

Median annual salary (May 2024): $47,460

Projected job growth (2024–34): 0%

Copywriter

These professionals write content for various audiences, including website copy, advertisements, and social media posts. Many employers require copywriters to have a bachelor's degree in English or a related subject, but others may prioritize experience and proven skill over formal education credentials. You can learn copywriting and gain writing samples to add to your portfolio by enrolling in a course on edX.

Median annual salary (May 2024): $72,270

Projected job growth (2024–34): +4%

Farmer

Farmers use various types of equipment to ensure successful crop production and livestock management. Depending on their specific role, they may need to handle budgets for supplies and facilities and keep records. Farmers may also need to interface with customers and buyers.

Median annual salary (May 2024): $87,980

Projected job growth (2024–34): -1%

How to start a career without a degree

Having an end goal in mind as you consider your professional journey can help you to chart a course for success. Consider the following steps as you research available careers that don't require a degree.

  1. Explore your interests: Take stock of your interests, and research roles that align with your personal goals. You could consider creating a list or chatting with friends or family about your decision. Having a centralized place to compare jobs that connect to your interests is a great starting place.
  2. Identify the skills you have and the skills you need: Create a list of your hard and soft skills for a holistic sense of your abilities. Without a degree, you'll need to demonstrate these skills on a CV to bolster your chances with potential employers. If you need to develop hard skills, consider completing a class or certificate program, then list these abilities on your résumé.
  3. Build your knowledge through courses or certificate programs: An online course can help you develop specific skills and knowledge without having to commit to a full degree program, saving you money and time. Professional certificate programs combine a series of courses. Whatever option you choose, you can include these credentials on your CV to boost your chances of employment.
  4. Gain experience: Depending on the role you're interested in, the kind of experience you will need to build will vary. But proof of relevant, real-world work can go a long way toward convincing potential employers that you are adequately prepared for a job. In some cases, you can build experience on your own (such as an aspiring web developer building websites for friends and family). In other instances, you can seek internships to receive on-the-job training in actual work settings (such as by acting as a welder's apprentice).

Frequently asked questions about careers without degrees

What job pays the most without a degree?

In 2019, the U.S. Career Institute ranked commercial airline pilots as the top earners among roles that do not require a degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals earned a median annual salary of $122,670 in 2024.

What career can you start without a degree?

You can start many careers without a degree. However, many professions require you to enroll in trade school (plumber, HVAC tech, electrician) or gain relevant experience some other way (web developer).

What is the fastest trade to learn?

Trades that you can begin working in quickly include HVAC maintenance, plumbing, and electrical.

What is the least stressful job you can get without a degree?

It depends. What is stressful to one person may not necessarily be stressful to another. However, some lower-stress roles that allow for a lot of alone time include florist, mailcarrier, and welder.

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