10+ Jobs that do not Require a Degree in 2026; there are plenty of jobs out there that don’t demand a four-year college degree yet still offer solid career growth and good earning potential.
No matter your education level, these roles give you the chance to learn on the job, since they value practical skills more than formal qualifications. Sure, having a degree can be helpful, but it also takes years to complete and requires a lot of money in tuition.
- Read also; How to apply for a job
In this article, we’re going to explore career options you can step into right after high school, paths that don’t require a college degree to get started but can still lead to a stable and rewarding future.
10+ Jobs that do not Require a Degree in 2026
If you are a high school graduate that desires to go directly into the labour market without first going to college, these are some of the most promising career opportunities for you.
1. Data entry clerk
- National Average Salary – $40,389 per year
Data entry clerks are mainly responsible for taking information, usually a mix of numbers and letters, and entering it into a company’s system using a computer. The information they work with can come from all kinds of places: handwritten notes, voice recordings, online forms, and so on. You don’t need any special certificate or degree for this kind of job; what really matters is being comfortable with a computer, typing quickly, and being disciplined with your work. In many cases, the more data you’re able to input, the more you get paid, so consistency and focus really count.
2. Marketing representative
- National Average Salary – $50,764 per year
A marketing representative’s job is basically to get people to notice and understand the products or services a company offers. They work hand-in-hand with the sales and product teams to figure out things like the right pricing, the best way to present each product, and which marketing channels will actually reach the customers they want. Just like sales roles, employers usually care more about your communication skills, confidence, and real-world marketing or sales experience than whether you have a specific degree.
3. Administrative assistant
- National Average Salary – $40,052 per year
An administrative assistant basically keeps things running smoothly by handling a wide range of supportive tasks for an office or team. This can involve putting reports together, doing light research, talking with clients or customers, and helping set up meetings, trainings, or seminars. Depending on the job, you might support the whole company, a specific department, or even just one executive. Most roles only ask for a high school diploma, but strong organization, good communication, and the ability to multitask are what really make someone stand out.
4. Appliance technician
- National Average Salary – $53,148 per year
When home or office appliances like air conditioners, heaters, or ventilation systems break down, it’s the HVAC technicians who handle the repairs. They work on heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems, things almost every building relies on, so the demand for this job isn’t going away anytime soon. To get started, you don’t need a college degree; an apprenticeship or a basic post-secondary training program is usually enough.
5. Copywriter
- National Average Salary – $58,458 per year
Copywriters craft the words you see in ads, brochures, emails, billboards, online campaigns, and pretty much any material designed to promote a company, product, or service. Their goal is to deliver useful, engaging information that grabs the attention of current and potential customers while keeping the company’s image positive. You don’t need a formal degree to become a copywriter; what really matters is strong writing skills and a good understanding of the company and its offerings.
6. Diver
- National Average Salary – $52,252 per year
Scuba divers do all kinds of work underwater. They might repair or inspect structures, take photos, study marine plants and animals, run experiments, and more. The great thing is, becoming a commercial diver doesn’t take years of school, training usually only takes a few months, so you can start working pretty quickly.
7. Coder
- National Average Salary – $52,746 per year
The job of a coder is all about building websites, designing web pages, or creating other digital content for companies or clients. While many people go the college route, there are plenty of online courses that teach you how to code from scratch. Coders can either work for a company or take on freelance projects independently.
8. Electrician
- National Average Salary – $53,980 per year
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, offices, and factories. Their work is essential, and demand is only expected to grow in the coming years, making it a career with solid job prospects.
9. Customer Service Representative
- National Average Salary – $60,276 per year
Customer service reps are the people who handle questions, complaints, and general communication with customers. A big part of the job is making sure people have a good experience with the company, whether that’s by providing helpful information or solving issues. Patience, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn about the company and its products are more important than a degree.
10. Carpenter
- National Average Salary – $54,052 per year
Carpenters build, fix, and install wooden structures, whether indoors or outdoors. You don’t need a college degree to get started, but formal apprenticeships usually include technical training and thousands of hours of on-the-job practice. It’s hands-on work that can turn into a long-lasting career.
11. Postal-service mail carrier
- National Average Salary – $65,266 per year
Mail carriers sort letters and packages, then deliver them to homes and businesses. You don’t need a degree or prior experience, and the training is fairly short. Besides decent pay, the role comes with strong job security, which makes it a solid choice for anyone looking for stability.
12. Sales representative
- National Average Salary – $69,403 per year
A sales representative’s main job is to sell a company’s products or services to potential customers. This usually involves promoting what the company offers, finding new clients, and convincing them to buy through presentations and other sales techniques. While a degree can help, what really makes a salesperson successful are soft skills, good communication, a strong work ethic, and a bit of charisma go a long way in this role.
13. Driver
- National Average Salary – $57,916 per year
A driver is someone hired to transport people or goods from one place to another. Most drivers work for restaurants, hotels, or delivery services. Besides getting passengers or packages to their destinations safely, drivers often take care of basic vehicle maintenance and make sure to communicate politely and professionally with customers.
14. Commercial pilot
- National Average Salary – $59,486 per year
Commercial pilots fly planes or helicopters for a range of purposes, cargo, passengers, tours, or training. You don’t need a college degree to get started; the key requirement is a private pilot certificate, which can typically be earned within a year. It’s a challenging but exciting career for those who love flying.
15. Real estate agent
- National Average Salary – $96,972 per year
Real estate agents act as the middle ground between buyers and sellers, or landlords and tenants, when a property is being sold or rented. Some focus on residential homes, while others deal more with office buildings, warehouses, or even land. Their main strength is knowing the local market well enough to understand what each side wants and guide both parties toward a fair deal. Most agents earn through commissions, and aside from a high school diploma, the rest really comes down to skill, market knowledge, and persistence.
