The job market seems pretty grim, these days.
After a huge spike in the unemployment rate due to COVID-19, the official numbers are coming back down. The bad news? It’s largely because “labor force participation” is at its lowest level since 1976.
In other words, fewer people are “unemployed” because they’ve given up looking for work.
If you’re smart, you might consider that it’s time for a change. You could go back to college, but 41% of recent college graduates have jobs they could’ve gotten without a college degree. A better investment might be training for a job that requires less schooling, pays well, and will be in demand when your training is done.
Below, you’ll find 10 jobs with above-average income, a good projected growth rate, and no 4-year degree requirement.
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
Median Salary (2019): $41,500/yr or $19.95/hr (check your state)
Projected Growth by 2029: Much higher than average (19%)
Source: Salary.com and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) job profile
Job Description
Administrative medical assistants handle the day-to-day logistical tasks that keep a medical facility running smoothly.
The duties depend on the size and nature of your employer, but they may include answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, checking patients in, updating and compiling medical records, processing insurance payments, maintaining the office and its supplies, and managing accounts payable/receivable.
Administrative medical assistants are employed in clinics, hospitals, private practices – not just those of physicians, but also chiropractors, physical therapists, and others.
Training/Education Requirements
Most states don’t require certification for medical administrative assistants, but many employers will prefer to hire certified candidates. In other words, you may find it easier to get a job if you already have certification.
The right medical administrative assistant training program can help prepare you to pass the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam, which is the widely accepted certification standard for administrative assistant positions. Training length varies but is typically 1-2 years.
Certified Fitness Trainers and Instructors
Median Salary (2019): $40,390/yr or $19.42/hr (check your state)
Projected Growth by 2029: Much faster than average (15%)
Source: BLS job profile
Job Description
Fitness trainers and instructors lead, teach, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, which may include cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and stretching.
They ensure clients use correct technique, take steps to minimize injuries, and adapt programs to improve fitness according to a client’s needs. They may also provide information or resources about nutrition and weight control.
This includes group fitness instructors who lead aerobic, stretching, or muscle conditioning classes, specialized fitness instructors who teach specific conditioning methods like yoga or Pilates, and personal fitness trainers who customize exercise for individuals or small groups.
Training/Education Requirements
Training and education requirements vary by specialty and employer, but many employers prefer to hire fitness trainers and instructors who are certified.
Programs approved by the National Committee for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) are widely accepted by employers, including ACE, ACSM, and NASM certifications, among others. These training programs typically take months, not years.
Certification exams test you on human physiology, proper exercise techniques, and the ability to assess a client’s fitness level and develop an appropriate exercise program.
In many cases, you will also be required to complete CPR and other emergency first aid training.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Median Salary (2019): $36,151/yr or $17.38/hr (check your state)
Projected Growth by 2029: Much faster than average (19%)
Source: Salary.com and BLS job profile
Job Description
Common duties of a clinical medical assistant include recording patient history, measuring vital signs, assisting doctors with exams, scheduling appointments, preparing basic lab tests, and sterilizing medical instruments.
Depending on state law, you may also give patients injections or medications, prepare them for x-rays, or draw blood. Some clinical medical assistants specialize in a particular type of medical practice.
Most clinical medical assistants work in doctor’s offices, but some work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, or chiropractors. Most work full-time, but hours vary by the type of facility.
Training/Education Requirements
Most clinical medical assistants earn a certification before they start work, though some get on-the-job training. In most states, this is a matter of employers’ preference rather than law.
There are multiple certification programs available, so do a little research on what is preferred in your area. However, the National Healthcare Association (NHA)’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program is widely accepted. It usually takes a year to earn your CCMA, but may take up to two years.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Median Salary (2019): $52,860/yr or $25.41/hr (check your state)
Projected Growth by 2029: Much faster than average (13%)
Source: BLS job profile
Job Description
Industrial machinery mechanics, sometimes called maintenance machinists, repair and maintain factory equipment and other industrial machinery. That includes conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment.
Proactive maintenance may include running basic diagnostics, cleaning and lubricating equipment, and adjusting or calibrating machinery to optimal specifications. Most machines are now run by computers, so computer diagnostics are increasingly important.
Mechanics also troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment and take equipment apart to repair or replace worn, broken, or malfunctioning parts. After repairs, they must perform tests and run initial batches to make sure the problem is resolved.
Working with industrial machinery can be dangerous, so mechanics need to keep up with safety training and use personal protective equipment.
You can expect to work full-time during regular business hours, but you also may be on call at other times or work night/weekend shifts. Overtime is common.
Training/Education Requirements
Some industrial machinery mechanics learn through on-the-job training offered by an employer or equipment manufacturer, sometimes supplemented by online coursework. Others choose to complete a 2-year associate degree in industrial maintenance instead.
Either way, you’ll need to learn about welding, hydraulics, pneumatics, lubrication, shop mathematics, blueprint reading, electronics, computer programming, and more.
Electrician
Median Salary (2019): $56,180/yr or $27.01/hr (check your state)
Projected Growth by 2029: Faster than average (8%)
Source: BLS job profile
Job Description
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power in homes and businesses, as well as communications, lighting, and control systems. Some consult with equipment specialists like elevator installers and HVAC workers on the electrical aspects of those systems.
Electricians may work for a large company or government as part of a team, but most work as contractors.
Electricians need to work in tight spaces and spend long periods of time standing and kneeling. You may be exposed to dust, fumes, loud noises, and spend time working outside regardless of weather. You may also need to work at significant heights.
Additionally, working with electricity is dangerous and potentially fatal. It requires constant precautionary behavior and uncomfortable protective gear.
Training/Education Requirements
Electricians need to be licensed in most states, which means passing a certification exam. You can acquire the necessary training through technical school, an apprenticeship, or some combination.
For electricians, an apprenticeship can be 4-5 years long, but keep in mind you’ll be earning money during that time.
Check your local laws and look for schools, unions, and professional associations that provide training programs.
Certified Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
Median Salary (2019): $42,630/yr or $20.50/hr (check your state)
Projected Growth by 2029: Faster than average (8%)
Source: BLS job profile
Job Description
Medical records technicians, also called health information technicians, organize and manage health information data to ensure both accuracy and security of medical records.
One specialization of health information work focuses on coding and categorizing patient information for the purpose of billing and insurance claims. This specialty is calling medical billing and coding, and job titles might include medical biller, medical coder, claims examiner, or similar.
Medical billing and coding specialists may work for private health care practices, clinics, insurance companies, government agencies, and other health care facilities. You’ll spend most of your time on a computer. Some jobs may let you work from home.
Training/Education Requirements
You typically need to complete a certificate program to become a billing and coding specialist – employers either require certification or expect you to earn it after being hired.
It takes about 6 months to earn the right certification. You’ll learn medical terminology, health data requirements and standards, classification and coding systems, and more.
Dental Assistant
Median Salary (2019): $40,080/yr or $19.27/hr (check your state)
Projected Growth by 2029: Faster than Average (7%)
Source: BLS job profile
Job Description
Dental assistants perform basic patient care, recordkeeping, and administrative tasks in dentist’s offices. Duties vary, but their patient responsibilities are generally more limited than those of dental hygienists.
As a dental assistant, you’ll spend most of your day working closely with patients and dentists. That may include scheduling appointments, handling billing and payment, preparing patients, work areas, and instruments, and helping the dentist during a procedure. In some states, dental assistants are allowed to perform lab tasks, take x-rays, and polish teeth.
Training/Education Requirements
Some states require you to complete an accredited program to become a dental assistant. Even when a dental assistant training program isn’t required by law, many employers will give hiring preference to candidates who have completed one.
These programs include both classroom and lab work. Some also include some experience in a real dental practice. Dental assistant programs vary in length from 9 months to 2 years.
Plumber
Median Salary (2019): $44,160/yr or $26.52/hr (check your state)
Projected Growth by 2029: Average (4%)
Source: BLS job profile
Job Description
Plumbers install and repair water and/or gas piping systems in homes and businesses, as well as plumbing fixtures like toilets, sinks, tubs, and appliances. Some plumbers also work with septic systems.
Aside from the actual labor of plumbing, plumbers need to be able to prepare cost estimates for clients, follow building codes, and read blueprints.
Plumbing work requires physical strength, mobility, and dexterity. You’ll often need to lift heavy materials, climb ladders, and work in tight spaces. You’ll probably need to travel to different worksites every day and may need to work outdoors, regardless of weather. Emergencies make night and weekend work common.
Training/Education Requirements
Like electricians, most states require plumbers to be licensed in order to work independently. Licensing requirements vary, but typically involve some amount of hands-on experience and certification exam.
You can earn the necessary experience and knowledge through vocational/technical school, a 4- or 5-year (paid) apprenticeship, or some combination. Check your local requirements, then look at any unions, trade associations, businesses, or schools that offer relevant programs.
Construction Equipment Operator
Median Salary (2019): $48,160/yr or $23.16/hr (check your state)
Projected Growth by 2029: Average (4%)
Source: BLS job profile
Job Description
Construction involves a lot of complicated and heavy machinery, and the operators that drive, maneuver, or control this machinery are specialists within the construction industry.
Construction equipment operators typically work with one or more types of power equipment, including bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, forklifts, and more.
Training/Education Requirements
Many construction equipment operators learn on the job, starting with light equipment under the supervision of an experienced operator then graduating to heavier equipment. An existing understanding of auto mechanics can be helpful because workers often handle the maintenance of their own equipment.
Others attend vocational school or complete a 3- or 4-year (paid) apprenticeship offered by a union or contractor association. These programs can give you a leg up in finding a job.
In many cases, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license (CDL). In some states or cities, you’ll need a special license to operate heavy equipment.
And like all construction personnel, you’ll need to keep up with the required OSHA safety training.
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Median Salary (2019): $33,950/yr or $16.32/hr (check your state)
Projected Growth by 2029: Average (4%)
Source: BLS job profile
Job Description
Pharmacy technicians work under pharmacists, handling the daily tasks of filling prescriptions. That includes collecting information from customers or health professionals, measuring amounts of medication, packaging, and labeling, organizing inventory, processing payments and insurance claims, and other customer service tasks. You can expect to be on your feet most of the time.
Most work in pharmacies and drug stores. In 2019, around 17% of pharmacy technicians worked in hospitals. These jobs have stricter hiring requirements, but they also pay the best.
You can expect a full-time schedule as a certified pharmacy technician, but hours vary because pharmacies often have long hours.
Training/Education Requirements
The requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician depend on your location and employer, so do a little research for the regulations and preferences where you live.
Employers will generally prefer to hire candidates who have already been through a pharmacy technician certification program and passed either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam or the NHA’s Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). These training programs take up to 2 years.
Bottom Line
The jobs that are “in demand” when you start a 4-year degree may be out of demand by graduation. Betting on a career with a shorter training period is a much better bet.
Even better, in a mid-pandemic world? Pick a career you can train for online, from a trusted training provider whose fees haven’t been set for a classroom. We’ve been providing vocational distance learning for over 40 years, about 20 of them online. You’ll graduate career-ready and our course fees won’t break the bank.
Plus, if you’re a military spouse, our programs are eligible for MyCAA scholarships and other DOD financial assistance. You’ll get training on the government’s dime, and your new career will be “portable” from post to post.
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