Discover Best Entry Level Jobs Without a Degree

You are looking for a job, but you do not have the qualifications to get an advanced position. You are trying to find entry-level jobs, but they require a college degree. Do you just give up? No! There are plenty of great opportunities out there that don’t require you to earn your degree first. Have a look at this list of the 12 best entry-level jobs without a degree and see if any sound like the one for you!

Here is a list of the 12 best entry-level jobs without a degree:

  • Flight attendant
  • Restaurant Server
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Medical Assistant
  • Hospitality Worker
  • Landscaper/Gardener
  • Massage therapist
  • Office Clerk
  • Security Guard
  • Taxi Driver/Uber Driver/Lift Operator
  • Housekeeping Attendant
  • Plumber

We compiled this list of jobs that pay good without a degree after conducting a survey on jobs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Most of the jobs listed here will require minimal on-site training for efficiency. Moreover, the on-site training will help you acquire hands-on skills on the different tools you will be handling at work.

Flight Attendant

well-paying entry-level jobs without a degree
A flight attendant

To become a flight attendant, you don’t need a college degree. However, to get into this job you need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

The training for this profession takes place in between one to six weeks which is divided between the theory part and the practice part.

Upon receipt of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, you will start enjoying a continued employment contingent.

Median Salary: $59,050

Salary Range (10th to 90th Percentile): $30,930 to $84,790

The chances of getting employed in this entry-level job without a degree are high based on the job growth outlook. The profession is expected to incur a 17% increase in the number of available positions. There is an increase in air demand as many people use air transport for their businesses and tourism.

Finally, being a flight attendant does not require intensive training. You will receive comprehensive training from your employer after you have been hired. Your airline company is the one who is responsible for providing this training which usually takes about six weeks before you start with your onboard duties.

In addition, it also provides career advancement opportunities if you want to be promoted as a senior flight attendant.

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Restaurant Server (Waters and Waitresses)

You don’t need a college degree to become a restaurant server. In fact, no formal education is required for those who want to become waitresses and waiters. However, it’s worth it having at least a high school certificate to have a competitive advantage.

You will undergo 3 to 6 weeks of on-the-job training. However, the duration of training may vary depending on the state and the requirements for responsible serving.

Median Salary: $23,740

Customer Service Representative

Customer service representatives are the first point of contact for customers. They provide information about products and services, handle complaints or resolve issues with billing, sales orders etc.

You will be trained on how to use different programs related to customer service. It’s best if you have some kind of experience in call centre operations but it isn’t necessary as you will undergo a one-month training on the job.

Median Salary: $30,020

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants help physicians and nurses by screening patients, taking vital signs of the patient etc.

This job doesn’t require a college degree. However, you will need a high school certificate or GED certificate. These are the certificates that will facilitate your on-job training in phlebotomy (blood donation), CPR and First Aid before getting hired.

Median Salary: $40,950

Hospitality Worker

Hospitality workers are the first people to greet visitors and guests. They work in hotels, restaurants or other eateries where they help set tables for meals etc.

This job does not require a college degree but you will need some experience working as an assistant server before applying for this position. These qualifications are easily attained by becoming an intern at a restaurant or hotel through which you can get your foot in the door.

Median Salary: $20,800

Landscaper/Gardener

best entry level jobs without a degree
Landscaping Tools

Gardening is among the best entry-level jobs without a degree. If you have good people skills and love working outdoors, this might be your dream job. In most states, there are no formal education requirements for landscaping and gardening.

On-the-job training is compulsory. Remember, you will be dealing with landscaping machines that are sharp. An accident may occur at any time if you are not well-trained on how to handle these equipment. Therefore the training is meant to equip you with these tools.

Median Salary: $32,220

Massage Therapist

If massage therapy sounds like a career path to pursue then all you will require is a license from your state to get started. A college degree is not needed for a person to become a massage therapist. However, your creativity with how you handle clients will take you far in this career.

You will need a high school diploma or GED and some on-the-job training before getting hired by a spa, clinic, hotel or health club.

Median Salary: $39,480

Office Clerk

Office clerk is one of the best entry-level jobs without a degree.

The job market for office clerks is expected to grow by six per cent according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

You will get short-term on-the-job training before starting off as an office clerk.

Median Salary: $35,330 per year.

Security Guard

A security guard job only needs a high school diploma or its equivalent.

The job market for security guards is expected to grow by 15 per cent.

You will get on-the-job training before getting hired as a security guard.

Median Salary: $31,080 per year.

Taxi Driver

Becoming a taxi driver will require a taxi driver’s license and commercial insurance.

The job market for taxi drivers is expected to grow by 25 per cent.

Most employers provide on-the-job training to equip their drivers with relevant taxi driving knowledge and customer satisfaction.

Median Salary: $34,670 per year.

Housekeeping Attendant

A high school diploma is the only requirement to becoming a housekeeping attendant.

Most employers provide on-the-job training before you start working as a housekeeper, teaching cleaning techniques and guest service skills.

Median Salary: $28,220

Plumber

Jobs that does not require a college degree
Plumbing Tools

To become a plumber, you just need a high school diploma or its equivalent. In other categories, you may be required to have welding certification and coursework on system design, safety, and tool use.

You will receive on-the-job training with paid apprenticeships.

Median Salary: $56,330

Factors to Consider when Choosing an Entry-level Job

Many factors come into play when choosing an entry-level job. You want to get a job that will suit your requirements and interests. If you get into a job that does not suit you, chances are that you will not deliver as expected. In the end, you may resign or get fired. Therefore, here are the factors you should consider when choosing an entry-level job:

  • The availability of job
  • Your interest and passion
  • Talent and strength
  • Stability of the company
  • Your education level
  • Compensation plan
  • Your personality
  • How to achieve your long-term job goals

Wrapping Up

Although education is important when it comes to securing a job, not all jobs require a college degree. From this list of the best entry-level jobs without a degree, we hope you have identified one or two jobs that suit you.

From here, you can move on to the search for jobs that suit you best.