Are you on a crossroads of figuring out what job you would enjoy, but aren’t keen on investing four years in university? There are new kinds of jobs which prioritize skills over education and work experience.
Nowadays, it isn’t necessary to graduate from a university to be able to get a good job. “New collar jobs,” or otherwise known as “middle skill jobs” are those that require specialty skills without requiring a four-year college education, or even previous work experience.
To be able to acquire these specialty skills, one would need to go through vocation training, enroll in a certificate program, work in an apprenticeship, or take a two-year degree program.
Source:https://www.forbes.com/
There are a variety of industries that need skill-based jobs such as healthcare, information technology (IT) and manufacturing corporations. State governments, hospitals, schools, IT companies and other companies have began prioritizing employees that hold the right skills, instead of the right degree. A number of international companies even offer training programs for fresh graduates, which are similar to apprenticeships.
Here is a list of new collar jobs that don’t require a college degree, offer competitive salaries, and are in demand. Read the descriptions so you can decide which one would be right for your career.
1. Pharmacy Technician
These technicians assist pharmacists who dispense medication to customers. They can work in drug stores, or hospitals and private practices.
Pharmacy technicians learn through on-the-job trainings, so a four-year degree is not necessary. Vocational and technical schools also offer programs in this field, which can be completed in less than a year. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the average salary for this job in 2017 was $31,750 a year.
2. Computer Programmer
Computer programmers write and test codes for computer programs and applications. Knowledge of Java, C++, and other computer languages is a must to work in this field. They could work in computer systems design companies, software corporations, or in financial offices. Because all the work is done on a computer, programmers have flexible schedules and can telecommute.
To be a computer programmer, one can get an associate’s degree, or have an apprenticeship in coding. There are also a lot of certifications for extensive knowledge in computer programming which would raise the probability of getting hired.
According to the Department of Labor’s Occupational Handbook, the median pay for this job in 2017 was $82,240 a year.
3. Database Manager
Also known as a database administrator, these people store and organize data with a special software. They make sure the data is secure and only available to the people allowed to access it. Data managers can work in a variety of industries that need computer system designs and support.
While, technically holding this career often requires a college degree in management information systems, some companies have started looking for database managers who have a high knowledge of database languages like Structures Query Language (SQL).
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, this job is in demand with an average salary of $87,020 a year, back in 2017.
4. Computer Support Specialist
This specialist assists people and offices with computer equipment and software. They can help other IT employees in organizing programs, and help non-IT users with installation and configuring computer programs. This job can be done online, over the phone, or face to face.
This job does not need a college degree, but a high computer knowledge, communication and people skills. There are IT courses and certificate programs that are available to pursue this career.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the average pay for this job back in 2017 was $52,810.
5. Computer Security Analyst
Also known as an information security analyst who helps create programs to protect and secure an organization’s computer and network systems. A bachelor in Computer Science or Information Systems is often needed for this career, however, some companies nowadays just require vast knowledge and skills with computer science, IT programming and IT security over a university degree.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a computer security analyst had an average yearly salary of $95,510 in 2017.
6. Network and Computer Systems Administrator
This job requires installation and operation of computer systems for companies. Every corporate industry has their own network and computer system that needs to be uniquely designed, so these administrators can find jobs in every field from IT, to education and finance.
Job openings for this field require a post secondary certificate and a high level of computer skills.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median pay per year in 2017 was $81,100.
7. Service Delivery Analyst
A service delivery analyst mainly studies how services are being delivered, how they can be improved while giving clients high-quality service. They use a certain software in order to track the quality and efficiency of experience their program gives the users. To work in this field, strong computer skills is a necessity.
Most companies that hire this position require at least three years job experience in the industry and knowledge of the service delivery software they company has chosen to use.
According to Glassdoor, the median pay for this job position was $62,456 per year, back in 2017.
8. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
A diagnostic medical sonographer is more popularly known as an ultrasound technician. They work assisting physicians with ultrasound images for patients. Medical sonographers can find jobs in hospitals, medical centers, clinics, private doctor’s offices and laboratories. While a bachelor in sonography is available, there are various associate’s degrees and one-year certificate programs that can be done to work in this field.
As this career is gaining popularity, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, diagnostic medical sonographers earned an average of $65,620 a year in 2017.
9. Radiologic Technician
Radiologic technicians or radiographers perform x-rays and assist in other diagnostic imaging on patients. similar to the medical sonographers, they also work in hospitals and private doctor’s offices, laboratories and clinics and do image evaluations for the physicians.
Radiologic technicians need to have an associate’s degree in MRI or radiologic technology to work in this field. These courses take between 18 months to two years to complete. There are also other certificate programs available, some of which only take one year.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, radiologic technicians had an average yearly salary of $60,070 in 2017.
10. Tool-and-Die Maker
Tool-and-die makers are machinists that install and operate machine-controlled tools which are needed to produce tools that will be used in manufacturing processes. The best way to have this career is to learn through apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, technical colleges or on-the-job trainings. For jobs that require usage of computer-controlled machinery, the tool-and-die maker has to have experience in IT.
This position is one of the highest paid in the manufacturing industry. According the the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median pay per year in 2017 was $44,110.
What job would most likely suit you?
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